It’s no secret that any children’s film worth its salt contains undertones that cater to adult audiences as well. Pixar films defy genre because instead of pandering to a specific demographic, they focus on one essential thing — story. Pixar prides itself on creating the best stories possible, resulting in films that speak to the very human condition, transcending age.
While every Pixar film is unique, collectively they tend to include stories of extreme bravery and vulnerability. Characters embark on adventures that force them to grow and adapt, making their tales relevant, inspirational, and reflective of crucial life lessons. Here are some lines you may (or may not) remember and why they matter.
“You Must Not Let Anyone Define Your Limits Because of Where You Come from. Your Only Limit is Your Soul.”
In Ratatouille, world-renowned Chef Gusteau shares the notion that “Anyone can cook.” These words from the culinary idol become a beacon of hope and driving force for the playful rodent protagonist, Remy.
Remy’s love for cooking and his superb palate prepare him for his inevitable chef’s hat, yet it is his determination and singular belief that he is enough that gets him there. Remy’s perseverance to not limit himself allows him to push past the naysayers and other obstacles he encounters.
Lesson: You can do anything if you set your mind to it. Anything is possible.
“That Might Sound Boring, but I Think the Boring Stuff is the Stuff I Remember the Most.”
In Up, Russell shares an anecdote about his father with the lovable elderly curmudgeon, Carl. His sentiment may seem overly self-aware but it holds immense meaning as it shows that Russell values the small, everyday moments in life.
The irony of this statement is that he has one of the grandest adventures of his life with Carl, full of foreign terrain, creatures, and unlikely foes. But as extravagant as their unintended journey is, Up also shows us that adventure can be found and cherished in the smallest moments in life.
Lesson: You can find adventure in the little things.
“I don’t want to survive. I want to live!”
In WALL-E, Earth has become a giant landfill and humans have retreated to space, becoming sedentary, bloated organisms aboard a giant spacecraft. The ship’s leader, Captain McCrea, utters this line when he realizes that they must return to Earth after plant life is found. He finally sees that functioning day-to-day as mindless consumers devoid of meaningful interactions is not living.
Conversely, robot protagonist WALL-E has a constant awareness of what he lacks in his life via his watching of old Hollywood musicals. When fellow robot, Eve, enters his life, WALL-E finally has a chance to attain true partnership.
Lesson: People are meant to share and experience their lives with others, giving it meaning.
“I Never Look Back, Darling. It Distracts Me From the Now.”
In The Incredibles, this may seem like a throwaway line from the fabulous Edna Mode — but is any line from her a throwaway? In the film, Edna is talking about how she must create a new costume design for Mr. Incredible, yet the sentiment reads much deeper.
Living in the past or future never works because it robs people of being fully present. People evolve and change so we must embrace it with fervor the way Edna does. This is probably why this fierce cookie is a fan favorite.
Lesson: You must live in the present to fully live.
“Yeah. It’s Sad.”
In Inside Out, audiences meet Riley and her many colorful emotions who guide her every day. Nearly every emotion, especially Joy, gets to sit in the driver’s seat of Riley’s mind — everyone except Sadness. At this moment, Sadness acknowledges the grief of Riley’s imaginary friend Bing Bong by listening to him and allowing him to express his own sadness so he can move past it.
There is such an emphasis in society to “be happy” all the time that sometimes people forget it’s ok to be sad or angry sometimes and we ignore what’s actually going on inside ourselves.
Lesson: All emotions have a place and importance in life. Embrace them.
“I Can’t Stop Andy from Growing up. But I Wouldn’t Miss it for the World.”
Woody realizes in the climactic moment in Toy Story 2 that instead of going rogue, he is meant to be a toy in Andy’s room with all of his friends. After all, the greatest joy a toy can have is experiencing the love of a child, and Woody chooses to spend his life with those he loves. This line may resonant especially with parents who often want to savor the precious moments with their children when they are young.
Lesson: You can’t prevent the inevitable from happening, but you can choose your experience in life and enjoy the ride.
Whether it is a toy, a robot, a car, or a rat, Pixar manages to infuse its characters with so much humanity that audiences often forget that they are not human. We can theorize to the moon about why these films resonate, but ultimately, Pixar movies are a celebration of what it means to truly be alive.
And that’s something to get excited about…“To infinity and beyond!”