Pixar’s Best 2020s Movie Isn’t Inside Out 2, Despite $1.7 Billion Box Office

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Pixar has had a turbulent six years. After theaters largely shut down in 2020, its films moved to Disney+, but even setting aside distribution challenges, the studio’s recent output has been surprisingly uneven. Pixar was once known for consistently creating popular and well-loved movies, but releases like Onward, Lightyear, and Elio signal a less predictable pattern in the 2020s.

Despite recent challenges, Pixar has still achieved major successes. Soul received widespread critical praise, Elemental helped revive box office numbers, and Inside Out 2 was a massive hit, earning around $1.7 billion. Remarkably, the sequel matched the quality of the beloved 2015 original.

There’s no doubt that Inside Out 2 is a fantastic film. It’s deeply moving, incredibly creative, and portrays anxiety in a way that feels very real. However, while it’s excellent, it’s not quite the best Pixar movie of the 2020s.

Why Turning Red Is Pixar’s Best Movie From The Past 6 Years

Domee Shi’s 2022 film, Turning Red, didn’t get as much attention as other Pixar movies, partly because it debuted on Disney+. It also stood out from typical Pixar films. Instead of asking ‘what if an object had feelings?’, Turning Red offers a funny and vibrant look at the challenges of puberty and growing up. It’s similar to Inside Out, but this time, the story focuses on the kid experiencing those changes.

Turning Red takes Pixar in a new direction with its fantastical elements and modern pop soundtrack – things you wouldn’t usually see in their films. This makes it feel exceptionally original, and that’s where it stands out compared to Inside Out 2. While Inside Out 2 is a good movie, it largely retreads familiar ground from the first film. Even with an older Riley, it feels like more of the same, while Turning Red delivers a completely fresh and unique experience.

What makes Turning Red truly special isn’t just its originality. Like all great Pixar films, it powerfully tugs at your heartstrings, especially through Mei’s friendships as she struggles with the embarrassment of her red panda secret. The film beautifully explores themes of identity – both Mei’s family history and the life she’s creating for herself – in a way that resonates with viewers from all backgrounds. Plus, with Mei’s fantastical transformation and the rich mythology behind it, Turning Red adds a touch of mystery, magic, and even a few monsters to the mix.

The film’s connection to the past beautifully contrasts with Mei’s modern experiences, especially her passion for the boy band 4Town, and this is what truly makes Turning Red* special. With music by the acclaimed Ludwig Göransson and original songs by Billie Eilish, the film boasts a powerful soundtrack that sets it apart from typical Pixar movies.

Everything about Turning Red—the memorable characters, beautiful animation, incredible music, and unique blend of themes—comes together to create a truly amazing film.

2025’s Biggest Animated Movie Proves Turning Red Deserved Better

Many people felt Pixar’s Turning Red didn’t get the recognition it deserved, but the 2025 animated film KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix proved how a movie can truly resonate with audiences. It quickly became a global sensation, breaking records and capturing the public’s imagination.

Although KPop Demon Hunters rightfully received a lot of praise, fans of Turning Red might have felt a sense of déjà vu. Both films feature a character hiding a supernatural transformation – Rumi’s demon form and Mei’s red panda – and cleverly blend contemporary music with traditional folklore. Ultimately, both stories center on close friendships helping individuals conquer personal challenges.

While Pixar created something with a similar idea, it’s unfair that their project didn’t become as popular as KPop Demon Hunters. KPop Demon Hunters stood out with its broader range of music, bright neon style, and connection to the K-Pop community, ultimately achieving a cultural impact that Pixar’s version, released earlier, unfortunately missed out on.

Looking back, the positive reception of KPop Demon Hunters really shows just how good Turning Red was – even better than Pixar’s already huge success, Inside Out 2. This suggests that Domee Shi’s film is actually Pixar’s strongest movie of the last ten years, despite not getting as much recognition when it first came out.

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2026-01-16 01:00