With Hoppers Set For Release, These 6 Pixar Movies Still Define Family And Connection Today
Pixar’s heartfelt films prove family isn’t just blood, rather it’s love, trust, and growing together.
Disney Pixar has always been known for its feel-good films, showcasing the beauty of friendship, love, and found family. In that sense, it seems to draw from real life with all its sweet and spicy moments. Even if you have the perfect friend group on paper, god knows it wasn’t easy to get there. Disney Pixar’s Hoppers, another heartfelt film that uses the animal kingdom to put across real human emotions, is all set to release soon.
In the same vein, let’s take a look at the best films by the Disney studio that teach one that all kinds of families are important and valid.
1. Finding Nemo (2003)
When Marvin’s son, Nemo goes to school for the first time, he is terrified that the young clownfish won’t be able to stay safe. Things happen, and as the story progresses, Marvin learns to trust others, makes friends, and most importantly, lets Nemo grow into his own person…. well, fish. A true Pixar classic, we keep returning to this one.
2. Toy Story (1995)
For a movie that’s almost 30 years old, Toy Story is remarkably fresh. It spawned a franchise, and many critics rightfully rank it number one on their list of favourite Disney Pixar films. Woody discovers that his owner, Andy, has bought a new Buzz Lightyear toy. Feeling like he’s being replaced, he strives to drive the new toy away. Along the way, however, he discovers that just because your best friend makes ones, they don’t value you any less. And just maybe, you might bond with them too!
The toy box is overflowing with fun! Happy 25th anniversary to Toy Story, first released on this day in 1995. #ToyStory25 pic.twitter.com/fnVC74vW9a
— Pixar (@Pixar) November 22, 2020
3. Inside Out (2015)
When Riley suddenly moves to San Francisco, her whole life is thrown into chaos. Her emotions attempt to regulate themselves. In personifying them as anthropomorphic creatures, Inside Out teaches kids (and adults) that visualising emotions makes them easier to process. And yeah, you need not be happy all the time. It is one of the most conceptually sound movies to come of Pixar in recent years.
4. Up (2009)
With one of the most memorable yet emotional opening sequences in film, Up starts strong. Young Russell befriends the crotchety Carl Fredricksen and promises to help him achieve his late wife’s dream. An unlikely friendship develops, with Carl learning how to love again. Also, haven’t we all wanted to fly away from our responsibilities and settle near a waterfall at some point? This one hits all the right spots.
5. Coco (2017)
When it came out in 2017, Coco made all of us ‘Un Poco Loco’ with its gorgeous visuals, touching story, and lasting message. Miguel accidentally ends up in the Land of the Dead and must rely on his great-great-grandfather to get out. When we’re younger, we think it’s cool to emulate cultures other than our own. Coco says to understand other cultures, you must first learn the importance of your own.
“This isn’t a dream, then. You’re all really out there…” Coco is magical from #ImaginationToAnimation! pic.twitter.com/KdBYg8dM4m
— Disney (@Disney) September 21, 2020
6. Elemental (2023)
Ever experienced that uncomfortable feeling of being the only one who looks like you in a room full of people? By showing humanoid creatures with elemental characteristics, Elemental explores the very human tendency to seek connection in unlikely places. The film also cleverly comments on family, togetherness, and that sometimes you can find part of your tribe outside of family. Very adorable indeed.
If you’ve enjoyed watching any of these Disney Pixar films, chances are you’ll enjoy the upcoming Hoppers. Set to release on March 6, 2026, the film explores similar themes with that bit of Pixar magic!
Also Read: Elemental Review: Pixar’s Fire and Water Chemical Romance Is Cute, Warm, And Makes Tears Flow!
First Published: February 24, 2026 3:22 PM
