Anyone who grew up in the 90s or later has a special place in their heart for Pixar movies. 🎬 These animated classics made us laugh, cry, and think deeply about life. Creating a video game with that same level of magic and care is a huge task, which is why direct movie adaptations often fall short. But while Pixar doesn't make games, many amazing games out there capture that same special spark—the heart, the humor, and the unforgettable adventures. Here are 10 games that feel like they could be the next great Pixar film!
10. Luigi’s Mansion 3
Delightfully Spooky 👻
Out of all the spooky adventures, the third one is the most Pixar-like! The first game felt a bit cramped, and the second was light on story. But Luigi’s Mansion 3? It's a visual treat! You explore a creatively diverse hotel, meet tons of wacky ghosts, and enjoy plenty of silly gags and pratfalls. 😂 The story isn't super complex emotionally, but the charming, cartoonish aesthetic is pure Pixar perfection. It’s a spooky-fun adventure for everyone.
9. Kena: Bridge of Spirits
All The Ingredients Of A Pixar Classic ✨
This game has everything you'd want in a Pixar film. A young, brave protagonist exploring a beautiful world thrown out of balance by a mysterious corrupting force. And let's not forget the most important part: incredibly cute, marketable mascots! 🧸 Kena's little spirit companions, the Rot, are just as adorable as any Olaf or Bing Bong. Even if you're here for the stunning animation and heartfelt story, you can't deny the merch potential is strong with this one!
8. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Cartoony, With An Emotional Center ⛵
Almost any Zelda game would make a great animated movie. But for that true Pixar vibe, The Wind Waker takes the crown! 🏆 This game is bursting with personality, offering loads of visual humor on top of the classic adventure formula. Yet, it's also filled with surprisingly somber and quiet moments that provide a beautiful contrast. It’s a perfect balance of silly fun and deep, emotional weight—just like the best Pixar stories.
7. It Takes Two
A Wild Premise Full Of Poignant Moments 💔
One of Pixar's greatest strengths is tackling mature, sensitive topics with heart and whimsy. Think of Up and its exploration of loss. It Takes Two does the same with the difficult subject of divorce. 👨👩👧 It presents this heavy theme with a fantastic level of flair, creativity, and cooperative gameplay. Just a heads-up, though—some scenes might be a bit intense for younger kids. But for everyone else, it’s a brilliantly poignant and imaginative adventure.
6. Ori and the Blind Forest
Guaranteed To Tug Your Heartstrings 😭
If there's one thing Pixar masters, it's making us cry. Toy Story 3's incinerator scene, anyone? 😢 Ori and the Blind Forest has that same incredible heartstring-tugging power. Set in a lush, breathtakingly beautiful fantasy world, the story grabs you immediately. The bond between Ori and their guardian, Naru, is established so beautifully that you'll be reaching for tissues within the first few minutes. It's a visually stunning and emotionally powerful journey.
5. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
A Colorful World Under Existential Threat 🏴☠️
The Rayman series has always had that wacky, inventive visual style perfect for animation. Among them, Rayman 2: The Great Escape feels the most like a Pixar epic. Why? Because the stakes are high! The world is under siege by evil pirates, and innocents are imprisoned. 🚨 There's no better setup for a heroic, epic story than a beloved world facing an existential threat. It's a classic tale of good vs. evil with a uniquely charming coat of paint.
4. Knack
A Little Guy Makes It Big 💪
Pixar loves an unlikely hero—someone small who grows into greatness. That's Knack's story in a nutshell! He starts the game barely knee-high but grows into a colossal hero by the end. And as a fantastic Pixar-style cherry on top? The credits feature Knack dancing to How You Like Me Now? by The Heavy. 🕺 It's not a proper CG adventure without a fun end-credits dance sequence! This game perfectly captures that underdog-to-champion spirit.
3. Journey
Similar To Pixar’s Famous Shorts 🌅
Beyond its feature films, Pixar is famous for its profound, wordless animated shorts. Journey is the video game equivalent. This short, contemplative experience tells a powerful story without a single line of dialogue. Through breathtaking animation and a moving musical score, it evokes a spectrum of emotions—awe, loneliness, companionship, and triumph. It proves that a powerful story doesn't need words, just like the best Pixar shorts.
2. The Maw
A Classic Buddy Adventure 👽🤝🦠
The buddy adventure is a classic Pixar formula! Think Up, Toy Story, or Onward. The Maw from 2009 has this vibe down perfectly. 🎒 It pairs a stubby, stranded alien named Frank with an ugly-cute, all-consuming blob named Maw. Together, they embark on a kooky, heartwarming journey across an alien planet. It's all about odd-couple friction, friendship, and wild escapades—a recipe for a delightful Pixar-style film.
1. Kingdom Hearts 3
Is This Cheating? 🤔
Okay, maybe this is a little bit of cheating... but can you blame us? 😉 Kingdom Hearts 3 literally has characters from Pixar films like Toy Story, Frozen, and Big Hero 6! But even beyond the cameos, the series' core has always felt Pixar-esque. It's about young heroes wielding incredible power, traveling to dreamlike worlds, and fighting against darkness to protect all that is good. If the story of hearts and darkness were a bit simpler, it would be perfect for a Pixar adaptation. It's the ultimate crossover of gaming and animated magic!