This is a list of my top ten favorite Pixar shorts. After seeing "Finding Dory" and its short, "Piper," I began to compile a list in my head of my favorite short films. I have excluded any shorts that were based on a Pixar original film from my consideration for the purposes of this list (e.g. Toy Story Toons, Cars Toons, Zack-Zack Attack).
10. "Knick Knack" (1989), shown with "Finding Nemo"
This Pixar short introduces us to a host of souvenir-like trinkets on a shelf, including a snowman trapped in a snow globe. While the trapped snowman tirelessly tries to escape his glass prison in an attempt to introduce himself to a bikini-wearing knick knack, an a cappella tune from Bobby McFerrin provides a soothing toe-tapper for the audience and the rest of the souvenirs. This short was originally released in 1989 at an animation show and then re-released with "Finding Nemo" in 2003.
9. "Lifted" (2006), debuted with "Ratatouille"
This short is reminiscent of an awkward driving test that everyone goes through with the DMV. The young alien's abduction skills are being tested with a stern assessor watching silently with his clipboard.
8. "Geri’s Game" (1997), debuted with "A Bug’s Life"
"Geri's Game" is the most memorable and nostalgic short for me. This is the animation that I distinctly remember from my childhood. As a child, I'm not sure I understood that Geri was playing himself in chess, but I still found it very interesting.
7. "The Blue Umbrella" (2013), debuted with "Monsters University"
This pixar short is yet another example of an imaginative take on everyday, simple objects. While covering their owners from rain, two colored umbrella's meet and fall in love.
6. "Boundin’" (2003), debuted with "The Incredibles"
"Boundin'" doesn't seem to fit into the typical Pixar theme with its dialogue and narration. It is definitely not as sophisticated or subtle as Pixar's other shorts, but it is high on my list due to its simple message of perseverance through adversity.
5. "Presto" (2008), debuted with "Wall-E"
This is probably the funniest Pixar short ever made. A magician's rabbit gets the best of its owner time and time again just to eat a carrot.
4. "Day & Night" (2010), debuted with "Toy Story 3"
Perhaps the most unique and intriguing Pixar short, "Day & Night" is an example of anthropomorphism because it gives human characteristics and qualities to daytime and nighttime. They struggle to understand each other and quarrel when they first meet. This short speaks to the nature of human-beings to dislike that which is new or different from themselves.
3. "Lava" (2014), shown with "Inside Out"
"Lava" is my third favorite Pixar short because of its pensive melody mingled with a catchy ukulele tune. This short takes place over millions of years with a melancholy, yet singing, volcano who is lowering into the sea. He is lonely and wishes he had someone to love. It's also a favorite because of its happy and loving ending. "I lava you."
2. "La Luna" (2011), debuted with "Brave"
1. "One Man Band" (2005), debuted with "Cars"
My favorite Pixar short is also scored by Michael Giacchino, but not in the same way as "La Luna." Two renaissance musicians face off to earn the coin of a small girl. This short is simple, yet comedic; smart, but not cerebral.Honorable mentions:
"Tin Toy" (1998), shown with "Toy Story 2" in 1999
"Partly Cloudy" (2009), debuted with "Up"
"For the Birds" (2000), debuted with "Monsters, Inc."
