by The Evolving World of Pixar Storytelling
Pixar Animation Studios has long been celebrated for its groundbreaking original stories, captivating audiences worldwide with innovative narratives and deep emotional connections. For years, the studio seemed to approach sequels with caution, often waiting a decade or more before revisiting beloved characters and worlds. This dedication to fresh, original content truly set Pixar apart in the bustling animation industry.
However, the landscape is shifting! With the recent triumph of Inside Out 2 and exciting confirmed projects like Toy Story 5 and Coco 2, it’s clear that sequels are becoming a more significant part of Pixar’s future. This isn’t just a random change; it’s a strategic move reflecting broader industry trends and a smart response to how audiences consume entertainment today.
While some Pixar masterpieces like WALL-E and Up feel complete as standalone films, many other gems in their vault hold incredible, untapped potential for compelling sequels. These aren’t just about making more money; they’re about enriching beloved worlds, evolving cherished characters, and exploring new themes that resonate with today’s viewers. Join us as we dive into seven overlooked Pixar movies that are perfectly poised for genuinely worthwhile sequels, exploring their original impact, current relevance, and the rich narrative possibilities that could shape Pixar’s next chapter in animated storytelling.
Pixar’s Strategic Shift: Why More Sequels Now?
You might be wondering, why the sudden embrace of sequels from a studio once so committed to originality? Pixar’s journey from a champion of original animation to one increasingly focused on sequels is a fascinating story of artistic vision meeting market realities.
A Legacy of Originality: Pixar’s Early Days
In its early years, Pixar was synonymous with originality. Co-founder Ed Catmull even suggested that sequels felt like “creative bankruptcy,” a sentiment that guided the studio’s focus on innovation. This philosophy, championed by figures like John Lasseter and Steve Jobs, led to an “unprecedented string of creative and commercial triumphs” that defined Pixar’s unique identity. For instance, after Finding Nemo‘s massive success in 2003, director Andrew Stanton chose to develop WALL-E instead of an immediate sequel, a testament to their creative-first approach.
The Big Pivot: Navigating New Waters
The entertainment world changed dramatically after 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic led to several original Pixar films, including Soul, Luca, and Turning Red, being released directly to Disney+. While necessary at the time, this inadvertently “trained audiences to watch our movies on Disney+,” impacting Pixar’s theatrical box office performance.
In response, Disney CEO Bob Iger has advocated for investing “more heavily in the brands that have already proven successful” across all Disney divisions, a clear signal for Pixar’s direction. Pete Docter, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer, has openly stated that sequels are “necessary for ‘financial safety'”. Pixar President Jim Morris further detailed this new strategy: aiming for three movies every two years, with “every other title a sequel or spinoff and the rest standalone concepts or potential seeds for new franchises”. This structured plan shows a long-term commitment to integrating sequels into their animated film industry output.
A key element of this strategy is a focus on “mass appeal.” Docter explained this means moving away from more “autobiographical and personal” films like Luca or Turning Red towards “the best possible and most relatable films” that resonate with a wider audience. The phenomenal success of Inside Out 2, which became the highest-grossing film of 2024 with over $1.7 billion worldwide, strongly validates this approach.
Upcoming Pixar Projects
Pixar’s commitment to this dual strategy is evident in its confirmed upcoming slate:
- Elio, an original film, is set for 2025.
- Hoppers, another original concept, is scheduled for March 6, 2026.
- Toy Story 5 is confirmed for June 19, 2026, continuing their longest-running franchise.
- Coco 2 is in development for 2029, with original directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning.
- Incredibles 3 is also confirmed, with Brad Bird expected to return.
The Value of This Strategic Shift for Entertainment Trends
This shift in Pixar’s production strategy is a direct, pragmatic response to the financial challenges faced by recent original films and the broader entertainment market’s increasing reliance on established intellectual property. It’s a declared business strategy aimed at revitalizing the studio’s reputation and bringing audiences back to theaters. Prioritizing theatrical releases for sequels, especially after the pandemic-era direct-to-streaming model, is a clear attempt to “unring the bell” and encourage families to return to cinemas.
This move also acts as a calculated risk-mitigation strategy. Research indicates that movie sequels generally yield higher average box office returns and carry less financial risk compared to original films. By consistently including sequels in its release schedule, Pixar aims to build a stable financial foundation. This stability, in turn, is intended to provide the “financial safety” that allows the studio to “assume even more risk on its original endeavors”. So, it’s not about abandoning originality, but creating a more secure environment where new, potentially riskier, creative projects can still thrive.
However, this strategic pivot does have implications for Pixar’s unique brand identity. Historically, the studio was celebrated for its groundbreaking, often auteur-driven original narratives. The emphasis on “mass appeal” and a move away from “autobiographical and personal” stories, while commercially sound, could subtly alter this perception. While this approach may ensure broader audience engagement and commercial viability, it raises questions about whether Pixar will continue to produce the same kind of deeply personal, critically acclaimed originals that defined its golden age, or if it will lean more towards content that, while popular, might be perceived as more formulaic. The recent layoffs of 175 employees further underscore the significant internal pressures accompanying this strategic realignment.
Here’s a snapshot of some key Pixar films and their performance:
7 Pixar Films That Deserve a Sequel
While Pixar is already busy with new sequels, there are several other fantastic films in their library that are ripe for a return to the big screen. These movies offer rich worlds and beloved characters with plenty of room for new adventures and deeper emotional exploration.
1. Onward (2020): Expanding a Modern Fantasy World
Onward is a heartwarming road trip comedy set in a unique suburban fantasy world. It follows two elf brothers, Ian and Barley, on a magical quest to spend one last day with their deceased father. Despite its touching story and critical acclaim, Onward faced an unfortunate box office performance due to its release coinciding with the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why it deserves a sequel: The film’s world-building is incredibly rich, blending classic fantasy elements like elves, centaurs, and pixies with a modern, technology-reliant society. A sequel could delve deeper into this intriguing setting, exploring how magic is gradually returning and the societal changes it brings. Imagine Ian further developing his wizarding powers and the brothers venturing into unexplored corners of their world, perhaps even encountering new magical threats or rediscovering ancient lore. This offers immense potential for new adventures and continued character growth for Ian and Barley.
2. Ratatouille (2007): A Culinary Empire in the Making
Ratatouille is a true Pixar classic, celebrated for its gorgeous Parisian setting and the unlikely culinary partnership between Remy, a rat with a refined palate, and Linguini, a clumsy human chef. The film beautifully explores themes of passion, defying expectations, and the power of friendship.
Why it deserves a sequel: The original film concludes with Remy and Linguini successfully opening their own restaurant. A sequel could explore the challenges and triumphs of running a hidden master chef operation in the heart of Paris. What new culinary challenges would they face? Perhaps a rival chef, a skeptical food critic digging too deep, or even Remy’s own rat family seeking to expand their gastronomic horizons. The dynamic between Remy and Linguini, their shared dream, and the secret of Remy’s identity offer endless possibilities for a compelling and delicious Ratatouille 2.
3. Luca (2021): Diving Deeper into Friendship and Discovery
Luca is an underrated gem, a charming coming-of-age story set on the Italian Riviera about a young sea monster who can transform into a human on land. The film beautifully captures the magic of summer, friendship, and self-discovery. Like Onward, Luca‘s theatrical release was limited due to the pandemic, leading to a direct-to-Disney+ debut.
Why it deserves a sequel: The ending of Luca feels like a new beginning rather than a definitive finale, with Luca heading off to school with Giulia and Alberto staying behind to help Massimo. This setup is perfect for exploring how their friendship evolves despite the distance. A sequel could delve into Luca’s experiences in the human world, his continued learning, and how his unique perspective as a sea monster shapes his understanding of humanity. It could also explore more of the vibrant sea monster world, perhaps introducing new characters or uncovering ancient sea monster traditions and their interactions with the human world. Fan theories even suggest deeper connections within the Pixar universe, hinting at more to explore.
4. A Bug’s Life (1998): Environmental Themes and a Growing Colony
As Pixar’s second feature film, A Bug’s Life introduced us to the resourceful ant Flik and his quest to save his colony from oppressive grasshoppers. It was a commercial success, praised for its animation and engaging story. However, it hasn’t received a sequel in the decades since its release.
Why it deserves a sequel: A new A Bug’s Life movie could have immense creative freedom due to the time passed. It could feature a time jump, focusing on an adult Dot leading the colony, or pick up with the original characters facing new threats. A compelling direction for a sequel would be to explore environmental themes, perhaps with human activity posing a new danger to the insect world, such as pollution or habitat loss. This could offer a timely and relevant narrative, showcasing the importance of insects in our ecosystem and the impact of human actions. Imagine the bugs uniting against a new, larger-scale environmental challenge, highlighting themes of cooperation and ecological balance.
5. Brave (2012): Merida’s Growth and Scottish Mythology
Brave stands out as Pixar’s only film featuring an official Disney Princess, Merida, a fiery-haired archer determined to forge her own path. The film beautifully weaves Scottish mythology and history into its narrative, exploring the complex mother-daughter bond.
Why it deserves a sequel: While the first film neatly resolves Merida’s conflict with her mother, there’s still ample room to explore Merida’s growth as a leader and a young woman. A sequel could delve deeper into the obscure magic and rich folklore of Scotland, perhaps introducing new mythical creatures or ancient challenges that test Merida’s wisdom and courage. Fan discussions suggest exploring Merida’s journey as a queen, her approach to balancing tradition with change, and even the possibility of a chosen love interest who respects her independence. This offers a chance to see Merida face new, more mature challenges, solidifying her legacy as a wise and compassionate ruler.
6. The Good Dinosaur (2015): A Chance for Redemption
The Good Dinosaur is visually stunning, showcasing breathtaking landscapes, but its story received mixed reviews. It tells the tale of Arlo, a timid Apatosaurus, and his unlikely friendship with Spot, a feral human boy.
Why it deserves a sequel: A sequel to The Good Dinosaur could be a powerful opportunity for redemption, building on the film’s compelling elements and addressing its weaknesses. The core idea of humans and dinosaurs coexisting offers a wealth of storytelling possibilities. While Arlo and Spot went their separate ways at the end of the first film, a reunion could be a poignant starting point. A sequel could focus on Arlo’s continued coming-of-age, perhaps facing new threats or exploring different parts of their world. Fan ideas include a more focused narrative, deeper exploration of the human-dinosaur dynamic, and even a shift in tone to emphasize the visual storytelling. This could truly deliver on the original film’s immense potential.
7. Monsters, Inc. (2001): A Long-Awaited Reunion
Monsters, Inc. is a beloved Pixar classic, introducing us to Sulley and Mike, two monsters whose job is to scare children to generate energy for their city, Monstropolis. The film’s emotional core lies in Sulley’s bond with the human child, Boo. While a prequel, Monsters University, was released, a direct sequel has long been desired by fans.
Why it deserves a sequel: A proper sequel to Monsters, Inc. is long overdue and could explore the monster world’s transition to laugh-based energy, which is far more powerful than screams. The most compelling plot idea, which was once in development, involves Mike and Sulley getting lost in the human world while trying to reconnect with an older Boo. This concept flips the original premise, offering immense comedic potential and a deeply emotional reunion. It could explore themes of memory, friendship, and change as Boo has grown up, potentially even forgetting Monstropolis. This would provide a powerful, character-driven story that resonates with audiences who grew up with the original film.
The Art of the Sequel: Insights for Storytelling
The discussion around Pixar’s sequels offers valuable insights into the broader world of storytelling and entertainment trends. Successful sequels often build upon the original’s strengths, expand the universe naturally, and offer compelling character development. They can also be less financially risky for studios, providing a stable foundation for future creative endeavors.
However, pitfalls exist. Sequels can fail if they simply rehash old jokes, introduce weak villains, or disregard established character arcs. The key lies in finding a fresh, meaningful story that justifies the continuation, adding depth and new perspectives rather than just more of the same. This balance between familiarity and innovation is crucial for any film franchise to thrive.
Conclusion: The Future of Animated Storytelling
The animated film industry is constantly evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing audience demands. Pixar’s strategic pivot towards a balanced slate of original films and sequels reflects a pragmatic approach to navigating this dynamic landscape. While the studio continues to deliver captivating new stories, revisiting beloved worlds offers a unique opportunity to deepen connections with audiences and explore new narrative frontiers.
The potential for these seven films to receive sequels is immense, promising fresh adventures, emotional growth, and a continued legacy of compelling storytelling. As audiences, our enthusiasm and support play a vital role in shaping the future of these beloved franchises.
What are your thoughts on which Pixar movie deserves a sequel most? Share your ideas and predictions below!
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