Pixar is notorious for taking their audience on an emotional roller coaster ride throughout the entirety of their films. What makes the animators behind Pixar films especially talented at achieving this is that they somehow find a way to make their characters, conflicts, and story lines so relatable in non-conventional ways. As someone who has seen every Pixar movie there is more times than I can count, I can still say that their movies still have me reaching for the box of tissues even after re-watching them over and over again.
7. Brave
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As someone who has always had a rocky relationship with my own mother, watching the same story play out in Brave definitely struck a chord. We watch Merida learn the importance of mending a broken mother-daughter relationship, and can't help but have the urge to call our own mothers right after the movie to remind them just how much we really do love them.
6. Monsters, Inc.
While I do love Monsters University, I really wish that Pixar had decided to make a sequel instead of a prequel to Monsters, Inc. We watch as Sully develops an inseparable and paternal bond with Boo throughout the movie, and while saying goodbye is never easy, it is definitely not any easier to watch.
5. Finding Nemo
Pixar really likes to punch us in the stomach right at the beginning of their movies. While the movie opens with a the tragic backstory about love and loss, Finding Nemo carries this theme throughout the movie and turns it around in a way that the audience learns to let go of the past and just keep swimming.
4. Toy Story 3
The pure fact that I watched Toy Story 3 for the first time as I too was about to move away to college is what gets me every time I watch this movie. I, like Andy and many other college students, got choked up moving out for the first time on my own, and the story of everlasting friendship despite the barriers of adulthood is a bittersweet reminder for any movie-goer.
3. Up
I don’t think that anyone is surprised to see Up high on this list. The opening story that follows two people throughout a lifetime of love and hardship is a sure ticket to bring on the waterworks. However, the overall theme advocating the importance of the simple pleasures in life and the value of finding family in friendship will touch anyone with a heart not made of stone.
2. The Good Dinosaur
Since The Good Dinosaur is still in theaters, I won’t elaborate on what makes Pixar’s newest release tug at our heartstrings. But a word of advice: ladies, be sure to wear waterproof mascara.
1. Inside Out
It’s not surprising that a movie about emotions is sure to bring out every single one in audience members. I definitely sobbed through the entirety of Inside Out to the point where several of my friends had to check to make sure I was still breathing. We watch Riley struggle to adjust to moving to a new city through the eyes of her emotions, and this unique perspective of common early teenage depression is guaranteed to bring you to tears. Also, RIP Bing Bong.
Pixar movies always seem to work a little extra magic when it comes to making their audience cry. As someone who has always been a little too overly emotional and cries about almost everything, I can’t wait to see the plethora of new projects that are just around the corner.
