Top 10 Action Scenes in Pixar Movies
#10: The Riveras vs Ernesto de la Cruz “Coco” (2017)
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The climactic scenes of this colorful film see Miguel and the deceased members of the Rivera family pursue Ernesto de la Cruz. The famed musician has the only picture of his friend Héctor, whom he murdered. The only way to save Hector's afterlife is to show that picture to his daughter, Coco, who is the last one to remember him. The family members fight security guards, while Héctor’s wife performs a dueling song with Ernesto to get the picture. Eventually, the family exposes Ernesto’s crimes to his fans and he is fittingly defeated by getting thrown into a bell – just like when he died in life. There’s music, drama, some fighting, and plenty more to this exciting scene.
#9: Getting Back to Headquarters “Inside Out” (2015)
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Joy and Sadness spend most of this film trying to return to the headquarters that controls the emotions of little girl Riley. However, just when they’re in sight of their goal, everything begins falling apart. Even the duo is in pieces when Sadness leaves Joy, despairing that she only makes everything worse. Joy chases after Sadness, and, using various aspects of Riley’s imagination, is able to concoct a way to not only retrieve Sadness, but also return to HQ – mostly. They still need help from Disgust, who uses Anger’s head as an improvised blowtorch. The whole sequence is off-the-walls nuts, while also ratcheting up the stakes for all the characters involved.
#8: Jack-Jack vs Raccoon “Incredibles 2” (2018)
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The youngest child of the Parr family, Jack-Jack is a baby with a multitude of superpowers. When he catches a raccoon rooting through the garbage, the infant crawls into action to stop the “masked” thief. The fight between the two combatants is hilarious, as each time the raccoon manages to wriggle out of Jack-Jack’s attacks, the baby unveils a new superpower. True this superpowered sequel has a lot of great action scenes, and a baby fighting a raccoon may not be high stakes in comparison. Still, it’s easily one of the most fun and entertaining scenes in the film, thanks to Jack-Jack’s many powers and infectious joy.
#7: Paris Chase “Ratatouille” (2007)
Remy the rat learns from documents he finds in Chef Skinner’s office that his friend Alfredo Linguini is the son of his hero Auguste Gusteau, and the rightful owner of his restaurant. When Skinner catches Remy, the rodent snatches the documents and makes a break for it. Skinner proceeds to chase Remy through the streets of Paris and along the Seine river. The scene feels like a live-action chase scene, with its energetic music and several close calls. Finally, Remy hops onto a boat and manages to make a clean getaway, while Skinner ends up all wet. This sequence will have you savoring it like your favorite dish every time you watch it.
#6: Bruce is Loose “Finding Nemo” (2003)
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Early on in their adventures, Marlin and Dory find themselves guests at a support group for would-be vegetarian sharks. Unfortunately, things take a violent turn after Dory gets a nosebleed. The shark group’s leader, Bruce, goes into a frenzy and chases them through a crashed submarine. All the while his friends try in vain to stop him. Dory and Marlin eventually manage to reach a torpedo tube, which launches its payload into a nearby minefield, causing an explosive chain reaction. Bruce makes for a terrifying threat, and the constant comedic interjections by Dory and Bruce’s buddies are an excellent “garnish” to the pulse pounding thrills.
#5: Escaping the Dogs “Up” (2009)
When disgraced adventurer Charles Muntz realizes that his guests have the bird he’s been hunting, Carl Frederickson and Russell realize just how ruthless his need for vindication is. Muntz deploys his canine force against them, and the old man and the boy have to make a quick exit. The ensuing chase takes them through a cave and over some standing rocks, which is made difficult as they’re towing Carl’s house with them. Luckily, they’re able to turn it into an advantage, and use the floating structure to escape over a ravine. The scene plays out like any good adventure scene, with falling rocks, swinging ropes, and a palpable sense of danger. And, of course, a heroic moment for Dug.
#4: Mor’du Fight “Brave” (2012)
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The conflict of this film reaches its peak, when the protagonist Merida’s father Fergus has captured his wife, Elinor, unaware that she has been turned into a bear. Although Merida is unsuccessful in convincing him of the truth, the argument is quickly rendered moot. Another human trapped in bear form, Mor’du, attacks the group. With Merida in danger, Elinor breaks free of her bonds and battles the other bear in a vicious fight. While Mor’du is bigger and more fearsome, a crack in a nearby stone allows Elinor to bring it crashing down on her foe. This battle of the bears feels incredibly visceral and it’s one of Pixar’s darkest action moments.
#3: The Incinerator “Toy Story 3” (2010)
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Woody and Andy’s toys go through a lot of adventures, both real and make believe. In their attempt to escape a tyrannical daycare, they end up at a dump. The gang find themselves on a conveyor belt, along with their tormentor Lotso. They’re forced to avoid a shredder with creative use of a magnet. Then Lotso betrays them after saving himself. Lastly, they’re faced with a grim, seemingly inevitable death in the incinerator at the end of the line. Fortunately, they’re saved at the last minute. That said, the toys had to face the real possibility of their destruction here. It’s a scene that examines deep themes on mortality, while also providing excitement and even a few laughs.
#2: Dashing Across the Island “The Incredibles” (2004)
“The Incredibles” has some of Pixar’s most “incredible” action scenes. While Mr. Incredible’s battle with the Omnidroid was also a contender, we’re selecting a moment from his son, Dash. Pursued across an island by goons, Dash is able to explore his superspeed for the first time and does so with all the energy of a kid in a life-or-death situation. Each beat of Dash’s chase, from the sprint through the jungle, to the aerial battle, to his run across water feels distinct and a ton of fun. Perfectly paced and a joy to watch, Dash’s dash across the island leaves us breathless no matter how much we watch it. Before we get to our top picks, here are a few honorable mentions: Robot Chase, “WALL-E” (2008) Eve & WALL-E Must Escape the Ship Chasing the Moving Van, “Toy Story” (1995) Flying or Falling – Either Way, This Scene Has Style! Bike Race/Fight, “Luca” (2021) It’s Two Types of Action Scene in One! Slaying a School, “Onward” (2020) Their School Becomes a Dragon & Their Mom Has to Slay It – How is This REAL?! Lightning Crashes, “Cars 3” (2017) The Slow-Mo & Graphic Imagery Make This a Heart Stopping Moment
#1: The Door Chase “Monsters, Inc.” (2001)
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“Monsters, Inc.” is fairly low key – for as much as a movie about monsters scaring children to use as a power supply can be low key. But its climax is peak Pixar excitement. While trying to return the girl they’ve nicknamed Boo through her closet door, Mike and Sully are pursued by their nemesis Randall on the conveyor belt of closet doors at their company. The trio jumps between doors like they’re on the most dangerous high speed roller coaster ever. They also go into them, hopping all over the real world too. Randall makes for a clever and scary villain, and his final defeat is very satisfying. With its unique setting and high stakes, there’s no other action scene quite like this one.