A surprisingly overlooked Pixar film is finally gaining recognition, even though it came out six years ago. It’s now become popular on Disney+, recently climbing to the top of the streaming charts.
Pixar’s Soul was originally planned for a 2020 theatrical release, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. Though it eventually premiered in theaters worldwide in 2024, the long wait meant many people missed seeing it on the big screen.
As a huge film buff, I always thought Soul was special – the animation was breathtaking, the story about life’s meaning was really unique, and that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross score? Incredible. It feels like it’s finally getting the recognition it deserves! I noticed this week it really took off on Disney+, actually hitting the Top 10 – specifically, number 10 as of February 7th, 2026, according to FlixPatrol. It’s so good to see people discovering – or rediscovering – it!
Just a day after its release, the movie had already climbed to eighth place on the charts. This is fantastic news for well-reviewed films that haven’t reached a wide audience, as they’re now starting to get the recognition they deserve.
One of the most notable aspects of the film was its groundbreaking choice of an African-American lead actor. The story centers on Joe Gardner, a jazz pianist who also teaches music to middle school students in New York City. Although reluctant to commit fully to his teaching job, Joe receives a life-changing opportunity when he’s invited to join the quartet of musician Dorothea Williams.
A terrible accident happens when Joe, overjoyed about something, loses focus while driving and falls into an open manhole. He slips into a deep coma, and his spirit journeys to a place called the “Great Before.” The animated film Soul features Jamie Foxx as the voice of Joe, alongside stars like Tina Fey, Graham Norton, and Angela Bassett.
Soul Is Finding Redemption Without A Sequel (And It’s A Good Thing)
Disney and Pixar often rely on remakes or sequels to keep their popular movies going. But a film like Soul – a complete, well-made story that deserved a wider audience – doesn’t really fit that pattern. It remains a unique and highly regarded film.
Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer and director of the film Soul, believes the movie didn’t reach its full potential because it was released directly to streaming instead of in theaters. He told IndieWire he was disappointed, feeling like the film was ‘dropped into the ocean’ and didn’t get the impact it deserved.
Soul is a hidden gem of a movie that wasn’t immediately popular, but is now gaining recognition more than five years after it started streaming.
Soul is available to stream on Disney+.
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2026-02-08 18:07