Since the very beginnings of Pixar, they have consistently released quality, impactful films with few exceptions. From the very first film, Toy Story, to the newest release, Moana, each movie has had something for audiences of all ages. Pixar smashes expectations. Many people would discredit an animated film; however, it is currently surpassing the new Harry Potter spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. How does Pixar do it? Here is an assessment as to what makes Pixar movies so well-made and impactful.

The most impactful thing that Pixar does is refrain from dumbing down their content for a younger audience. They have never once shied away from such serious topics as abandonment, loneliness, or even loss of loved ones. You may remember watching Toy Story 2 for the first time and seeing the heart-wrenching scene in which Jessie’s owner abandons her, or maybe even the loss of Bing Bong in Inside Out. No doubt these may not be experiences that the young children watching the movie have had. Possibly, though it’s less likely, neither have some of the adults. No matter the audience member, they are forced to deal with whatever is happening with the characters that they have come to adore. Children learn that many negative things happen in life, but also that they can be overcome. Adults are able to empathize with or possibly even see themselves in the same situations. All audience members, young or old, are able to benefit from the from the stories that Pixar tells.

Pixar always manages to stay ahead of their game. Recent movies have had significant representation and there seems to be similar patterns in the future. Finding Dory took a brave step in including a short, yet controversial clip of a lesbian couple. The newest release, Moana, features entirely people of color. It represented a whole culture. Expanding representation of minorities may boost the morale of young people. Putting such underrepresented topics in mainstream media allows for conversation and knowledge acquisition. Because the culture in Moana is widely unknown, people are almost guaranteed to gain some sort of new perspective. This new perspective can spark conversation, or under certain circumstances even inspire action.

That, in essence, is what sets Pixar apart from others. The fact that Pixar films can inspire people is astounding. The characters, the stories, the essence of each film all create an experience for the viewer. It is easy to attach yourself to that reality. Such famous quotes as, “to infinity and beyond,” and “adventure is out there,” to lesser known quotes like, “only the fearless can be great” have become words that people live by. These movies inspire, art, poetry, music and so much more. They are the reason some friendships exist and allow the bonding of families from generation to generation. The lessons learned from Pixar far exceed the outreach of the movies themselves. There is no way to measure the complete impact this production company has made.

Pixar is a staple. Their films rival even the best movies made for more mature audiences It isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. They leave no doubt of this with their lineup of movies for the next several years. All of these films are highly anticipated and are sure to wow audiences worldwide. More than anything, they are sure to make way for many new memories, lessons, and connections.