Pixar didn’t just make animated movies; it reshaped the entire genre. Since the groundbreaking debut of Toy Story in 1995, the studio’s films have raked in over $15 billion worldwide, according to CNN Business, marrying technical wizardry with gut-punch emotional beats. But behind the shimmering visuals is a high-stakes game.
Every release is a gamble, with budgets that sometimes soar into hundreds of millions. Some pay off spectacularly, fueling Disney’s merchandising machine. Others? Well, they leave accountants breaking into a cold sweat. Let’s revisit Pixar’s 11 box-office powerhouses and the five films that proved even Pixar can miss the mark.
Measuring Profit-Heroes and Villains at the Box Office
A big box-office haul doesn’t always mean big profit. As Variety has noted, studios typically receive less than half of a film’s reported gross after theater cuts and distribution fees. According to The Hollywood Reporter, ancillary revenue streams—especially merchandising—can sometimes eclipse theatrical returns entirely. This was shown by Pixar’s Cars, which earned about $462 million in theaters but generated more than $8 billion in merchandise sales in the years that followed.
On the flip side, as analyst Matthew Belloni explained, it’s possible for a film to gross hundreds of millions and still lose money once marketing costs and revenue splits are factored in. Sometimes it’s a beloved sequel, sometimes an ambitious original, and sometimes, it’s just a mystery why audiences didn’t show up. Either way, the numbers tell a story, one that’s about much more than ticket stubs
1. Inside Out 2—Breaking All Records (2024)
Pixar’s latest crown jewel isn’t just a sequel, it’s a global juggernaut. Inside Out 2 stormed into theaters in 2024 and refused to leave, pulling nearly $653 million in North America alone by February 2025. That’s more than even Incredibles 2 managed. It exceeded $1.25 billion worldwide, proving Riley’s emotions still run the show.
Critics praised its heart and humor, fans watched it twice (sometimes three times), and merch sales from plush Joys to Anxiety mugs flew off shelves. This wasn’t just a win for Pixar in a post-pandemic box-office slump. It was a masterclass in how to own the summer.
2. Incredibles 2—Superhero Surge (2018)
Fourteen years after the Parr family first saved the day, audiences were more than ready for round two. Incredibles 2 burst into cinemas in 2018 with a jaw-dropping $608.6 million domestic haul and more than $1.2 billion worldwide. The film blended superhero spectacle with relatable family chaos, appealing to kids, parents, and everyone in between.
Baby Jack-Jack’s antics became an instant meme factory, while Elastigirl’s expanded role drew praise. Add in Disney’s merchandising might, and it became clear that this wasn’t just a long-awaited sequel; it was a reminder that Pixar could still flex its box-office muscles like no other.
3. Toy Story 3—Franchise Zenith (2010)
By the time Toy Story 3 rolled around, audiences had grown up alongside Woody, Buzz, and the gang. The film didn’t just ride a nostalgia wave; it crafted a deeply emotional farewell that left adults sobbing into their popcorn.
That heart, paired with Pixar’s signature humor, translated into over $1.07 billion in global earnings on a $200 million budget. It also revitalized the toy aisle, as parents who once played with Buzz and Woody bought them for their own kids. Financially and culturally, it was a perfect storm proving that sometimes, a trilogy really can stick the landing.
4. Finding Dory—Sequel Success (2016)
Pixar struck gold again with Finding Dory, which swam into theaters on a tide of anticipation. The heartwarming story of everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang reeled in $486 million domestically and over $1 billion worldwide. Ellen DeGeneres’ return as Dory delivered the laughs, but the film’s themes of family and belonging kept audiences hooked.
Disney’s merch division went wild, flooding stores with plush sea creatures, lunchboxes, and fish tank decorations. In a year crowded with sequels, Finding Dory proved that Pixar can still pull up box-office treasure when it dives deep.
5. Toy Story 4—Legacy Extended (2019)
Just when we thought the toys had said their final goodbye, Toy Story 4 gave them—and us—one more adventure. The film pulled $434 million in North America and cracked the billion-dollar mark globally. Critics praised its balance of bittersweet emotion and laugh-out-loud moments, while new characters like Forky became overnight sensations.
Toy sales soared, theme parks updated their attractions, and audiences left the theater debating whether this was the end. Financially, it was anything but an ending. It was a reminder that the world shows up when Pixar opens Andy’s toy chest.
6. Finding Nemo—An Ocean of Revenue (2003)
Few films have made as big a splash as Finding Nemo. This underwater odyssey hooked audiences worldwide, pulling in nearly $940 million against a $94 million budget. The vibrant visuals and unforgettable characters became cultural icons, with “Just keep swimming” entering the lexicon.
Aquariums reported spikes in attendance, clownfish sales skyrocketed (for better or worse), and the movie’s home release was a juggernaut. More than just a hit, Finding Nemo was proof that Pixar’s storytelling magic could span oceans.
7. Up—A Soaring Surprise (2009)
A film that opens with a wordless montage that breaks your heart? Bold move. Up turned that risk into box-office gold, earning $735 million worldwide. The unlikely pairing of grumpy Carl and eager Russell delivered laughs, tears, and a sense of wonder that stuck with audiences long after the credits rolled.
Beyond ticket sales, Up was a merchandising dream, with balloons, plush Dug dogs, and grape soda pins flying off shelves. And, of course, it earned Pixar its second Best Animated Feature Oscar—proof that sometimes, heartfelt storytelling does take you higher.
8. Monsters, Inc.—Comedy Sells (2001)
Pixar proved monsters could be lovable (and marketable) with Monsters, Inc. Released in 2001, it pulled in over $528 million worldwide on a budget of under $140 million. The buddy comedy between Sulley and Mike charmed kids while sneaking in clever jokes for adults.
Merchandising was huge with fuzzy blue Sulley toys, green Mike plushies, and Halloween costumes galore. Years later, the film’s success spawned a prequel and a Disney+ spinoff. But it all started here, with two monsters, a little girl named Boo, and a box-office roar.
9. The Incredibles—New Superheroes Arrive (2004)
Before superhero movies dominated Hollywood, Pixar gave us The Incredibles, and it was an instant smash. Grossing $631 million worldwide, it blended superhero spectacle with relatable family dynamics, hitting that sweet spot for all ages. The action sequences were thrilling, the humor was sharp, and the retro-futuristic design made it feel fresh.
Merchandise flew, from action figures to Halloween costumes. Nearly 15 years later, the demand for a sequel was so strong that when it arrived, it shattered records. But the foundation was laid here with a super-powered family that audiences still can’t get enough of.
10. Ratatouille—A Gourmet Hit (2007)
A rat who cooks? On paper, it sounded risky. In execution, Ratatouille became a worldwide sensation, earning $623 million and proving Pixar’s magic works even in a French kitchen. The lush animation, witty humor, and surprisingly poignant themes resonated with audiences far beyond foodies.
It inspired cooking classes, themed merchandise, and even a Disney park ride. Critics hailed it as one of Pixar’s most artistic achievements, and audiences agreed. Sometimes, the most unexpected ingredients make the most delicious hits.
11. Coco—Global Resonance (2017)
Pixar’s Coco was more than a movie; it was a cultural event. Grossing over $800 million worldwide, it struck an especially deep chord with Latin American audiences. The film’s vibrant visuals, heartfelt story about family and legacy, and authentic celebration of Día de los Muertos earned it critical acclaim and two Oscars.
Merchandising spanned guitars, apparel, and collectibles, and the soundtrack became a hit in its own right. Coco proved that local stories, told with care, can have universal appeal and incredible box-office results.
The Dark Side—Five Major Misfires
Even Pixar’s near-mythic track record has cracks. Five films in particular—The Good Dinosaur (2015), Lightyear (2022), Elio (2025), Cars 3 (2017), and Onward (2020)—fell short at the box office despite hefty budgets and strong marketing pushes. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pixar’s name alone is no longer a guarantee of blockbuster returns. Due to marketing expenses and theater revenue splits, industry analyst Stephen Follows has shown that a film generally needs to earn two to two-and-a-half times its production budget to break even.
Some of these titles were hampered by production delays, others by mismatched audience expectations. As box-office commentators have pointed out, even modest shortfalls can result in tens of millions in losses, underscoring that in animation’s high-stakes market, there is no such thing as a guaranteed hit.
1. The Good Dinosaur—A Painful Setback (2015)
The Good Dinosaur looked gorgeous but stumbled hard financially. With a budget hovering near $200 million, it grossed only $332 million worldwide, making it one of Pixar’s weakest performers. Behind the scenes, the production faced delays, creative overhauls, and leadership shakeups.
On release, audiences were lukewarm, and reviews were mixed. While kids enjoyed the prehistoric adventure, it lacked the universal spark that makes Pixar films a cross-generational phenomenon. The result? A rare black mark on the studio’s golden résumé.
2. Lightyear—Brand Fatigue (2022)
Billed as Buzz Lightyear’s “real” origin story, Lightyear seemed like a sure thing. Despite Disney’s massive marketing campaign, the film pulled just $118 million domestically and became one of 2022’s biggest animated flops.
Fans were confused about its connection to Toy Story, reviews were mixed, and competition at the box office was fierce. The result? An estimated $100 million loss. It was a sobering lesson that even familiar brands need a crystal-clear pitch, and that nostalgia alone can’t guarantee ticket sales.
3. Elio—Pixar’s Biggest Bomb (2025)
Released with high hopes in 2025, Elio had all the hallmarks of a Pixar crowd-pleaser: a relatable young hero, stunning animation, and heartfelt themes. But the box office told a different story. Opening weekend barely hit $21 million, and the global total was $35 million against a staggering $250 million budget.
Critics were kind, but audiences were sparse. The reasons, like poor timing, weak marketing, and post-pandemic audience shifts, are still being debated, but the result was undeniable: Pixar’s worst financial performance to date.
4. Cars 3—Franchise Fatigue (2017)
Cars 3 had everything going for it on paper: a beloved franchise, polished animation, and Disney’s merchandising muscle. But audiences didn’t shift into high gear. With a $175 million budget and a $383.9 million global gross, it landed far below Pixar’s typical sequel magic.
Critics felt the story lacked the freshness of the original, and younger viewers were less enchanted by Lightning McQueen’s midlife crisis. While toy sales softened the blow, the film’s muted box-office run proved that even Pixar can’t run a franchise indefinitely without hitting a few speed bumps along the way.
5. Onward—The Pandemic Casualty (2020)
Onward was poised to be Pixar’s next heartfelt original hit until the world shut down. Released in March 2020, it barely had two weeks in theaters before COVID-19 closures swept the globe. The result? A modest $142 million worldwide against a production budget estimated at $175 million.
Reviews were strong, praising its emotional beats and brotherly quest, but its theatrical momentum evaporated overnight. While it found a second life on Disney+, the numbers marked it as one of Pixar’s least profitable outings, a reminder that timing can be just as crucial as storytelling.
The Pixar Playbook—Heart Over Hype
When Pixar wins, it’s rarely because of spectacle alone; it’s because the story reaches straight for the heart. From toys saying goodbye to a fish finding home or a rat chasing culinary glory, the biggest hits marry emotional truth with technical brilliance. The flops? They’re often beautiful to look at but fuzzy in purpose, leaving audiences unsure why they should care.
The lesson is timeless: Dazzling animation can turn heads, but heart makes them stay. As Pixar eyes its next act, one thing is certain: We won’t just watch; we’ll feel every frame.