Top 10 Most Relatable Pixar Movie Moments
#10: Babysitting “Monsters, Inc.” (2001)
Have you ever found yourself in charge of a little one and had no idea what to do? Don't worry, you're not alone. In Pixar's 2001 animated movie, Mike and Sulley from Monsters Inc. find themselves in the exact same situation. The duo reluctantly become Boo's babysitters despite their initial fear of her. They stumble through the basics of childcare, notably trying to cheer up the upset two-year-old, keep her entertained, and get her to bed. Eventually, they get the hang of it. Through their experience, the monsters develop an endearing friendship with Boo, particularly Sulley. The movie shows us how rewarding taking care of a kid can be, and how meaningful connections can develop despite differences in age and, in this case, species.
#9: Winning & Losing “Cars” (2006)
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Anyone who’s lost a competition, failed a test, or missed an opportunity that they thought was in the bag can relate to this Pixar moment. In life, we all go through things that knock us down a peg or two, and that's exactly what happens to Lightning McQueen. The overly confident race car agrees to race against Doc Hudson, but ends up making a fool of himself when he tries to take a fast turn on a dirt road and drives off the track. It's a humbling experience, but he needs to go through it to eventually reframe his standards. Lightning ultimately realizes that winning isn't the ultimate measure of success, which is a lesson we all learn at some point in our lives.
#8: Core Memories “Inside Out” (2015)
Pixar’s 2015 film nails its depiction of the human psyche. Although the concept of personified emotions living in our heads and storing our memories is kind of wild, it also feels accurate. As the movie imagines it, most memories are kept in little glass spheres and dispersed throughout the psyche, while significant ones establish different aspects of a person’s personality. Many of us can recall important moments from our pasts which helped form who we are. They often correspond with big life events, like moving to a new city or achieving a goal, and are typically associated with an emotion or two. These moments have a lasting impact on how we act and think, which is shown in the film.
#7: Overprotective Parenting “Finding Nemo” (2003) Not all parents are as overprotective as Marlin initially is, but most can probably relate to his natural instinct to keep Nemo safe. After losing his wife and most of their eggs, the clownfish becomes extremely cautious, and it’s reflected in his parenting style. As a father, he develops strict, although well intended, rules for his son. Of course, his boundaries ultimately end up pushing Nemo away and into danger. Eventually, Marlin comes to realize and accept that it’s impossible to protect his child from everything. His emotional journey speaks to the challenges that many parents face trying to strike a balance between protecting their kids and fostering their independence.
#6: University Life “Monsters University” (2013)
If you're someone who's been to (or is currently in) college, or spent a lot of time around universities, you'll probably find Sulley and Mike's experiences at MU relatable. Like many young adults, they figure out what they want to do with their lives and forge lifelong connections while getting an education. The way the movie portrays the college experience is pretty spot-on, to the point that some of the things it depicts have become clichés in college movies. It covers class, Greek life, roommates, house parties, social rivalries, and other things that are essentially par for the course on a college campus.
#5: Losing a Partner “Up” (2009)
The reason Carl and Ellie’s montage hits hard is because their love story is so real. Together, they face everyday challenges and pass many milestones. They learn that life doesn't always go according to plan, as many of us do at some point. Despite wanting children, they are unable to conceive and unfortunately, they fail to achieve their dream of traveling to Paradise Falls before Ellie passes away. Her death has a significant impact on Carl, and anyone who’s lost a partner can understand his motivations for the rest of the film. At the same time, it resonates with a lot of us when he’s finally able to work through his grief and let go in order to try something new.
#4: Being Married, Having Kids, & Working a Desk Job “The Incredibles” (2004)
Aside from the fact that they’re superheroes, the Parrs are pretty normal people. And you probably see a lot of your own life reflected in theirs. After supers are prohibited from acting, well, super, Bob and Helen settle into more typical roles in the labor force. He sits in rush hour twice a day to work at a desk as an insurance adjuster. Meanwhile, she has her hands full as a stay-at-home mom. Although their marriage is solid, it’s not without its ups and downs. They sometimes have disagreements or trouble communicating, but they always make up. Together, the couple navigate raising their angsty teen daughter, energetic son, and baby. In other words, their days look like those of many real-life families.
#3: Growing Up “Toy Story 3” (2010)
Growing up doesn’t happen in a single instant, but this moment beautifully symbolizes the process. It shows a seventeen-year-old Andy saying a bittersweet goodbye to his childhood toys. Although Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the crew brought him joy as a kid, Andy is growing into a young adult with new priorities and interests. So he decides to give his toys to someone who can fully appreciate them. At one point or another, we all hit a milestone like this one. Whether it’s seeing our childhood bedroom emptied or moving away from home, something makes us realize that we can’t go back to how it was before, when we were little. The past goes away, but we can always cherish the memories.
#2: Dealing with Loss & Grief “Coco” (2017)
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Miguel’s extended family are familiar to anyone with quirky relatives, and people with Mexican heritage may recognize the traditions depicted in this film. However, the most relatable part of the story is how it grapples with loss. Even though death is a regular part of life, it can be a pretty scary concept. The 2017 Pixar flick approaches the topic from a familial perspective and plays special attention to the ideas of heritage and legacy. It emphasizes the importance of recalling our ancestors. Whether it’s by hanging up photos, telling stories, or continuing an old tradition, we all find ways to keep the memories of deceased loved ones alive.
#1: Teen Things “Turning Red” (2022)
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Pixar films often address realistic issues, but none tackle puberty like “Turning Red”. From bodily changes to teenage relationships, it doesn’t shy away from the cringier parts of growing up. Although Meilin doesn’t start her period, menstruation is alluded to. And her newly acquired shape-shifting ability can be interpreted as an allegory for it. That’s not all, either. After her mom discovers her doodles early on, she endures a mortifying experience in front of her crush – Violet Parr knows all about that! Plus, many will recognize the heartwarming bond Mei has with her friends, and can relate to her journey with her mom. In other words, Pixar’s first full-length feature directed by a woman solo includes many moments that make audiences feel seen.
