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10 Greatest Quotes in Pixar Movies, Ranked

2025-12-01 22:30
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10 Greatest Quotes in Pixar Movies, Ranked

Iconic lines from movies like Ratatouille, Up, and Wall-E have become a part of our cultural vocabulary, cementing Pixar's place as a cinematic titan.

The 10 Greatest Quotes in Pixar Movies, Ranked Anton Ego (Peter O'Toole) enters a flashback of his childhood after eating ratatouille in 'Ratatouille' (2007). Anton Ego (Peter O'Toole) enters a flashback of his childhood after eating ratatouille in 'Ratatouille' (2007).Image via Pixar Animation Studios 4 By  Tyler B. Searle Published 1 minute ago Born with Autism (formerly classified as Asperger syndrome), Tyler B. Searle has been obsessed with storytelling since he was old enough to speak. He gravitated towards fairy tales, mythology, the fantasy genre, and animated movies and shows aimed at family audiences. When not writing, Tyler enjoys watching more cartoons and reading fantasy books in his home in Ontario, Canada. Sign in to your Collider account follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

For a good stretch of time, Pixar was the undisputed king of animated films in the West. Beginning life as a spin-off of Lucasfilm in the late 1970s, they branched off into a separate company with the help of Steve Jobs and began working on innovative new techniques involving computer animation. In 1995, they released the first CGI animated film, Toy Story, which proved to be the first of many major hits from the studio, spawning one of the most beloved animated film franchises of all time.

Though their more recent movies are hit-and-miss, Pixar's golden age was defined by mature storytelling, using universal themes and timeless characters to delight and tug at the heartstrings of children and adults alike. This approach naturally resulted in a library's worth of iconic quotes that have stuck with audiences all these years, either for their profound meaning, their comedic value, or both. This list will rank the best quotes from Pixar movies, a testament to the studio's rich cinematic legacy.

10 "Take her to the moon for me, OK."

Bing Bong fades away in 'Inside Out'. Bing Bong fades away in 'Inside Out'.Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Inside Out saw Pixar take on the Herculean task of trying to turn abstract thoughts and concepts like emotions, memory, and the experiences that shape our personalities, into three-dimensional characters that we could connect with. They pulled it off spectacularly, with audiences left sobbing as they connected with the difficulties felt by Riley Andersen (Kaitlyn Dias) and her emotions as they tried to make sense of the messy complexities of life. No scene better encapsulates this than the sacrifice of Riley's imaginary friend, Bing Bong (Richard Kind), and his final words to Joy (Amy Poehler).

One of the major themes of the film is that there is no going back in life, and sometimes, people and experiences will fade from your memory. While it's sad to lose things you once loved, pieces of them remain and help to shape us into our current selves. This philosophy is captured in Bing Bong's words, as he passes on his wish to Joy, and helps her ensure Riley doesn't spiral into depression and lose her sense of wonder.

9 "This is water. I want the ocean."

Dorothea Williams talks to Joe Gardner Dorothea Williams talks to Joe GardnerImage via Pixar Animation Studios

Soul is arguably Pixar's highest concept film to date, with its story revolving around death, determinism, and one's purpose in life. One of its strongest moments in a thematic sense comes when the protagonist, Joe (Jamie Foxx), finally fulfills his ambition to play Jazz professionally after years of teaching music part-time. When the event doesn't offer him the fulfillment he expected, saxophonist Dorothea Williams (Angela Bassett) tells him a story of a young fish who wanted to find the ocean, only to disbelieve an older fish who told him he was already in it.

When we work towards a particular goal, it's very easy to become so focused on it that the goal becomes impossible to achieve. We create this idealized version of what it must be like and how excited we'll be when we reach it, but the reality is that things are usually not as grand in the real world, though it does not take away from the achievements or their value. It's better to temper expectations and not lose sight of what is around you, because sometimes, the thing you are seeking might be closer than you think.

8 "And when everyone's super, no one will be."

An animated man pointing his lazer finger at someone Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Before the rise of the MCU and DCU, The Incredibles stood out as an ambitious take on the superhero genre by asking interesting questions like how superheroes would live mundane lives or go through midlife crises. It also had a rather fascinating villain in Syndrome (Jason Lee), whose plan was far-reaching beyond just killing superheroes. As he explains to Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), his ultimate goal is that once he has proven that he can be a hero without powers, he'll sell his inventions to the world.

Syndrome's plan mirrors a similar line said by Dash (Spencer Fox) in response to his mother saying everyone is special, which just means nobody is. While it might sound egalitarian at first, it's only a mask of uniformity, as his goal isn't about uplifting those who have no powers but rather devaluing those who have them. Thus, it's a great villain line and window into Syndrome's philosophy, as his injured pride prevents him from using his technology to truly change the world and become super himself.

7 "Put that thing back where it came from, or so help me!"

Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) scared of Boo's shadow in 'Monsters Inc.' Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman) scared of Boo's shadow in 'Monsters Inc.'Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Monster Inc. was Pixar's chance to flex its creative muscles by creating a wholly original world populated not by humans, toys, or insects, but by monsters with a wide range of shapes, sizes, and asymmetrical anatomy. The result is a phenomenal monster comedy film that balances inventive worldbuilding with hilarious jokes and a solid story about overcoming fear and corporate greed. It's got a lot of hilarious jokes, but the one that sticks the most is when Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) yells at James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) to return Boo (Mary Gibbs) to the human world.

This line is hilarious thanks to the energy Crystal puts into the delivery, and the follow-up joke where Mike and Sully have to throw off suspicion by pretending to be rehearsing for a play. It was so good that, on the DVD release, Pixar actually made a short film showcasing Mike's musical version of the film, and it's just as entertaining as it sounds. The more emotional Pixar lines are going to leave us with strong life advice, but there is also value in remembering a funny line for a quick smile to get you through the day.

6 "Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one!"

Ellie's last note for Carl Ellie's last note for CarlImage via Pixar Animation Studios

Up became the second animated film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Feature, after Beauty and the Beast, and is a solid contender for one of the best animated films ever made. The first five minutes alone were enough to call it a masterpiece, as audiences got to see the life of Carl (Jeremy Leary and Ed Asner) and Ellie Fredriksen (Elie Docter) play out from childhood until the latter's death, all without any dialogue. Yet even after her death, Ellie provides poignant emotional closure when Carl discovers the last message that she wrote for him.

Ellie's parting words are the thesis of the entire movie: do not wallow in grief; instead, find new adventures in the time you have. Carl was so fixated on keeping Ellie's memory alive that he failed to think about himself, becoming cynical and curmudgeonly rather than the fun and caring man who sold balloons to children at the zoo. Thus, his adventures in South America allow him to re-prioritize things and finally let Ellie go so that he can find that next great adventure for himself.

5 "I don't want to survive. I want to live."

Captain B McCrea smiling in WALL-E as he steers the spaceship from the bridge. Captain B McCrea smiling in WALL-E as he steers the spaceship from the bridge.Image via Pixar Animation Studios

If there is one Pixar film that showcases animation's ability to convey emotion without any dialogue, it's WALL-E. While not a silent film, WALL-E's (Ben Burtt) dialogue is kept minimalistic, and he lacks a proper face, meaning that the emotion comes from his body language and the subtle positioning of his eyes. Of course, the humans in the film have dialogue, and the best line comes from Captain B. McCrea (Jeff Garlin) of the Axiom when he stands up to AUTO (MacInTalk), the ship's rogue AI autopilot.

WALL-E is praised for its love story and strong environmentalist message, but another story at play is complacency and giving up one's autonomy for comfort. The humans of the Axiom have devolved to a point where they can't do anything without the assistance of AI—something that is all too relevant in today's age of rampant AI expansion—and are encouraged to remain in space rather than go back to Earth, even when it's proven that life can be sustained. McCrea's line highlights how these comforts might keep you functionally alive, but if you're not being challenged or experiencing and adapting to all of life's joys and hardships, is that truly living?

4 "Just keep swimming."

Marlin looking at Dori with an annoyed expression in Finding Nemo Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Finding Nemo introduced audiences to a completely realized 3D ocean environment, complete with vibrant colors, realistic water physics, and an impressive array of sea life. It also boasted a great story of a father trying to rescue his son, with a message aimed more at parents about respecting their children's independence. Finally, it features Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), one of Pixar's best characters, with her lovable personality and infectious motto.

Dory first sings her charming song when Marlin (Albert Brooks) is distraught after losing their only clue, and it helps give him the confidence to follow Dory into the dark abyss to get it back. That's what makes the quote work so well: you have to keep moving forward, even when things are rough, otherwise you'll stagnate. This philosophy is brilliantly demonstrated during the climax when Marlin recites the motto to a swarm of fish caught in a fishing net.

3 "Honey, where is my super suit?"

Frozone is frustrated that his super suit is gone Frozone is frustrated that his super suit is goneImage via Pixar Animation Studios

Samuel L. Jackson is easily one of the best and most beloved actors in the business, and he's appeared in enough films to be the second-highest-grossing actor behind Scarlett Johansson. In The Incredibles, he plays Frozone, Mr. Incredible's ice-themed best friend, who tries to act as the voice of reason when he begins longing for the glory days. When Syndrome's Omnidroid rampages through the city during the climax, Frozone's attempt to suit up leads to a hilarious exchange with his offscreen wife, Honey (Kimberly Adair Clark).

It's near impossible not to at least smile at this scene, thanks to its hilarious juxtaposition of domestic concerns with a crisis to the entire city. Jackson and Clark also put their all into the voicework, which makes their lines hit harder as the conversation becomes more heated. Not to mention, the scene is paced perfectly so that the joke doesn't overstay its welcome, and the lines remain embedded in your memories forever.

2 "Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere."

Anton Ego meets Remy the Rat in Ratatouille Anton Ego meets an important chefImage via Pixar Animation

After directing The Incredibles, Brad Bird went on to do Ratatouille, where he traded superheroes and midlife crisis for a rat named Remy (Paton Oswald) trying to overcome prejudice and become a great chef. While its impact on pop culture isn't as great as The Incredibles, the film won people over with its charming characters, delicious food, and fantastic story. The climax is widely cited as one of the best from any Pixar film, and it's all thanks to some sharp dialogue and a phenomenal performance by the late Peter O'Toole as notorious food critic Anton Ego.

The speech starts strongly by going into the role of critics in society, with particular emphasis given to the importance of defending new products, as this is where a critic is truly tested and stands to lose it all. Yet it's the ending where it truly becomes iconic, as Anton gives his take on the motto "anyone can cook," said by Remy's idol, Chef Auguste Gusteau (Brad Garrett), and of which Anton was highly critical in the past. And honestly, his version is indeed stronger, as it reflects the reality that sometimes you can try your best at a certain activity and still fail, while also acknowledging that every viewpoint has the potential to create something magnificent.

1 "To infinity and beyond!"

Buzz Lightyear holding Woody while they hover on the air in Toy Story Woody and Buzz Lightyear in Toy StoryImage via Pixar Animation Studios

Given how influential it is on the history of animation, it can be shocking to learn that Toy Story almost didn't come to be due to micromanagement and a desire for a more mean-spirited product from future DreamWorks co-founder, Jeffrey Katzenberg. Fortunately, test screenings were negative, and Pixar was able to turn things around and create the iconic buddy film that spawned a franchise. While Woody is the main star, it can be argued that Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) had a bigger impact on pop culture, especially thanks to his catchphrase.

Much like Woody and Buzz's friendship, the line "To infinity and beyond!" evolves throughout the franchise. Originally, it was a call to adventure that evoked images of exploring the unknown, but over time, it also came to symbolize the depth of Woody and Buzz's friendship and how far they would go for each other. Finally, it can be seen as Pixar's motto: they pushed the boundaries of what CGI technology could do at the time and always tried to add just a little bit more to the story and characters, which laid the foundation for today's diverse landscape of CGI films.

01438466_poster_w780.jpg Toy Story G Animation Adventure Family Comedy Release Date October 30, 1995

Cast Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik von Detten, Laurie Metcalf, R. Lee Ermey, Sarah Freeman, Penn Jillette, Jack Angel, Spencer Aste, Greg Berg, Lisa Bradley, Kendall Cunningham, Debi Derryberry, Cody Dorkin, Bill Farmer, Craig Good, Gregory Grudt, Danielle Judovits, Sam Lasseter Runtime 81 minutes Director John Lasseter Writers John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joss Whedon, Alec Sokolow, Joel Cohen, Joe Ranft, Pete Docter Genres Animation, Adventure, Family, Comedy Powered by ScreenRant logo Expand Collapse Follow Followed Like Share Facebook X WhatsApp Threads Bluesky LinkedIn Reddit Flipboard Copy link Email Close Thread Sign in to your Collider account

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