Pixar Animation Studios is celebrated globally for its groundbreaking computer-generated imagery (CGI) and emotionally captivating storytelling. Since pioneering CGI in the 1980s and releasing the iconic Toy Story, Pixar has partnered with Disney to craft numerous beloved films. Despite its reputation for success, Pixar is not immune to box office bombs. This article explores every Pixar box office bomb, ranked, shedding light on the financial missteps and creative risks that have shaped the modern era of Pixar.
Lightyear (2022): A Stunning Visual Flop
In 2022, Lightyear marked one of Pixar’s most financially disappointing releases. Positioned as a spin-off in the Toy Story universe, the film explores the origins of Buzz Lightyear on a thrilling space mission. Visually, Lightyear dazzles with Pixar’s signature graphics, yet its story felt familiar and predictable, lacking the moral depth fans expect.
Despite some positive aspects like inclusive LGBTQ+ representation, Lightyear failed to resonate widely at the box office. With a $200 million budget against a gross of $220 million, it resulted in an estimated loss of over $100 million, making it Pixar’s most significant financial flop to date.
The Good Dinosaur (2015): Originality Meets Commercial Challenge
The Good Dinosaur was Pixar’s first theatrical box office bomb, released in 2015. It presented a unique twist on prehistoric times, focusing on a timid dinosaur and his unlikely friendship with a caveboy. The film showcased Pixar’s evolving artistic style with stunning visuals and imaginative character design.
While financially it earned $100 million more than its budget, this wasn’t sufficient to cover extensive promotional and distribution costs, ultimately making it a commercial failure. Nevertheless, it stands out for its originality and respectable storytelling, proving that even Pixar’s bombs can embody creative ambition.
Elio (2025): Struggling Without Franchise Support
Elio, released in 2025, lacked the safety net of a famous franchise, which significantly impacted its box office performance. The story follows a space-obsessed boy accidentally mistaken as Earth’s leader, launching him into unexpected adventures. Despite its heartfelt narrative and appeal for both children and adults, Pixar’s inconsistent support and major changes during production weakened its market reach.
With a budget near $200 million but earning only around $150 million, Elio had Pixar’s worst opening weekend ever and became another notable financial disappointment, reflecting the difficulties of launching original concepts post-pandemic.
Turning Red (2022): Creativity Impacted by Pandemic Release
Turning Red is among Pixar’s most daring and imaginative works, focusing on a teenage girl who transforms into a giant red panda when emotionally overwhelmed. The film addresses puberty with humor and sensitivity, targeting pre-teens but effectively resonating across ages.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic severely limited its theatrical release, especially in the U.S., pushing it mainly to Disney+. This restricted exposure led to a modest box office of $21 million but followers have since appreciated its originality and relatable themes, cementing Turning Red as a unique entry in Pixar’s catalog.
Luca (2021): The Pandemic’s Hidden Gem
Released during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic era, Luca explores themes of friendship and acceptance through the story of a young sea monster discovering life on land. While it did not have a wide theatrical release, it garnered critical acclaim and became a sleeper hit on Disney+, where it accumulated billions of viewing hours.
Though it underperformed commercially with a limited box office impact, Luca is recognized as a visually picturesque and simple yet effective narrative, marking one of Pixar’s notable, albeit unconventional, successes of the early 2020s.
Onward (2020): Underrated yet Undermined
Onward premiered just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, telling the heartfelt tale of two elf brothers on a quest to reconnect with their late father. Despite blending classical fantasy with innovative visuals and deeper themes, the film suffered from a depressed theatrical market, grossing just $140 million.
The true appreciation for Onward emerged after its transition to Disney+, where it garnered a strong fan base and critical acknowledgment for rich world-building and emotional depth—hallmarks reminiscent of Pixar’s early masterpieces.
Soul (2020): Critical Acclaim with Commercial Challenges
Arguably one of Pixar’s finest films, Soul follows a middle school band teacher’s metaphysical journey in the afterlife, exploring themes of purpose and self-discovery. Notably, it features Pixar’s first Black lead character, a milestone in diversity and representation.
Despite unanimous praise for its ambitious storytelling and emotional depth, Soul‘s initial release was limited and streamed primarily on Disney+, leading to modest theatrical revenues in 2024 that couldn’t fully offset production costs. Nonetheless, it remains a significant and impactful entry in Pixar’s filmography.
Conclusion
While Pixar’s box office bombs might highlight moments where the studio struggled financially, they also underscore its commitment to originality, diversity, and storytelling innovation. From early experiments like The Good Dinosaur to post-pandemic challenges seen in Elio and Turning Red, these films reveal the complexities of modern film production and distribution.
Pixar’s legacy combines dazzling visuals with heartfelt stories, and even its failures contribute to its creative evolution. Whether you love their successes or are curious about their misses, these box office bombs offer valuable insights into the challenges of cinema today. Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more at keeperfacts.com.
