Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

As someone who grew up watching Pixar movies and played video games all through my childhood, I must say that Knack seems like it could be a fitting addition to Pixar’s roster of films. The underdog hero trope is one that resonates with many, and Knack’s transformation from a small artifact to a mighty warrior fits the bill perfectly.


People born and brought up from the 1990s onwards generally have a level of recognition and fondness towards Pixar films.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at Pixar’s enchanting collection of animated masterpieces. They’ve had me laughing until my sides ached, shedding tears like raindrops, and even pondering life’s deeper questions – all about myself!

Developing a video game requiring the same meticulous craftsmanship as Pixar’s productions is certainly an immense task, without a doubt. It might be this challenge that leads to many of the Pixar movie-based games appearing somewhat undercooked.

As a devoted admirer, I must admit that although Pixar may not actively delve into the gaming world, there’s an array of games out there that undeniably capture some of the magical essence that makes Pixar movies resonate so deeply within us.

10 Luigi’s Mansion 3

Delightfully Spooky

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

Out of the three Luigi’s Mansion games, the third one definitely resembles a Pixar film the most.

The first Luigi’s Mansion is a bit too claustrophobic, while the second game is too light on the story.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 boasts a diverse, visually appealing setting to traverse, is filled with eccentric personalities, and offers numerous comedic slapstick moments for amusement.

It’s admittedly not the most emotionally-complex story, but it’s got the aesthetic down at least.

9 Kena: Bridge Of Spirits

All The Ingredients Of A Pixar Classic

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

Kena: Bridge of Spirits has just about everything you’d expect to find in a classic Pixar film.

The story features a youthful character venturing through different realms, while an enigmatic, destructive influence threatens to disrupt the harmony of the universe.

What’s particularly noteworthy is that it features adorable and commercially appealing companions called the Rot, who are Kena’s small friends.

Regardless of whether you’re drawn to the narrative or visuals, it’s hard to argue that a Pixar movie lacks charm without its lovable character Olaf to boost merchandise sales.

8 The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker

Cartoony, With An Emotional Center

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

Just about any game in the Legend of Zelda series would probably make a good animated film.

Regarding games with a visual style similar to Pixar’s, without a doubt, The Wind Waker takes the lead.

The game Wind Waker is brimming with character, providing a wealth of visually humorous elements alongside the familiar gameplay mechanics of Zelda.

Despite being filled with playful elements, the game also offers solemn and peaceful interludes that provide an effective balance to the humor.

7 It Takes Two

A Wild Premise Full Of Poignant Moments

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

One of the big charm points of some Pixar films is their ability to convey more mature and sensitive topics.

Up springs to mind as an example of this, covering the uncomfortable truth of losing loved ones.

Divorce serves as an illustration of a delicate, awkward subject, and the movie “It Takes Two” handles it with a comparable dash of charm and whimsy reminiscent of a common Pixar production.

Some parts of “It Takes Two” could potentially be too intense for younger viewers. You can easily identify those segments.

6 Ori And The Blind Forest

Guaranteed To Tug Your Heartstrings

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

“Pixar movies have a knack for stirring our emotions deeply, and it’s hard not to feel tearful during the incinerator scene in Toy Story 3.

Among games that evoke a similar emotional depth, it’s hard to overlook Ori and the Blind Forest as a standout choice.

This game is set in a colorful, verdant fantasy world with plenty of art to show off.

From the very start, the early moments of the tale, especially Ori’s bond with Naru, are so poignant they may bring tears to your eyes.

5 Rayman 2: The Great Escape

A Colorful World Under Existential Threat

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

The unique and quirky characteristics of the Rayman series, including its distinctive art style and imaginative environments, offer a chance to infuse it with the enchanting storytelling that Pixar is known for.

Out of all the Rayman games, though, Rayman 2 definitely has the most Pixar-like feel.

The primary reason for this situation stems largely from the grim state of Rayman’s realm within the narrative, where innocent beings are incarcerated and territories are besieged by pirates.

It’s hard to find a more fitting moment for an extraordinary tale than when the familiar world around us faces an existential crisis from an alien force.

4 Knack

A Little Guy Makes It Big

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

In a Pixar movie, the ideal protagonist tends to be an underestimated one. This character may not appear remarkable initially, but they blossom and demonstrate their true potential by the conclusion of the story.

Without a doubt, Knack exudes those specific feelings, as the main character starts off minuscule, barely reaching their knees at the beginning of the tale, yet they eventually grow into a hero by the story’s conclusion.

As an added bonus, the game’s credits features Knack dancing to How You Like Me Now? by The Heavy.

A children’s computer-generated (CG) film isn’t complete without its characters dancing during the end credits, regardless if it’s from Pixar, DreamWorks, or Illumination.

3 Journey

Similar To Pixar’s Famous Shorts

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

Besides its feature-length films, Pixar is also well known for producing animated shorts.

These brief shorts are capable of evoking laughter or tears from viewers, despite their limited running time and minimal dialogue.

If you’re seeking a game that promotes deep thinking without any dialog, Journey fits the description perfectly.

Through nothing but animation and music, Journey offers a comparable level of emotional push to most of Pixar’s shorts.

2 The Maw

A Classic Buddy Adventure

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

One common formula seen throughout many of Pixar’s films is the buddy adventure.

Movies such as Onward, Up, Zootopia, and Toy Story predominantly concentrate on a pair of central characters, developing both their actions and personalities.

There’s odd couple friction, maybe an argument, a reconciliation, and a good time is had by all.

If you want an old-school buddy adventure, 2009’s The Maw has got the vibe down.

Place a resilient, short-statured extraterrestrial character alongside a quirky, endearing creature with numerous teeth, and you’re setting off on a classic eccentric journey that’s just been baked up.

1 Kingdom Hearts 3

Is This Cheating?

Games That Feel Like Pixar Movies

Okay, we’re definitely cheating a little bit by including this on the list, but can you blame us?

In a nutshell, Kingdom Hearts 3 features the presence of characters hailing from popular Pixar movies such as Frozen, Tangled, Big Hero 6, Toy Story, and Wreck-It Ralph.

Regardless of the presence of Pixar appearances, the overall feel of the Kingdom Hearts series is reminiscent of Pixar’s style.

A group of talented young individuals with extraordinary magical abilities are traversing through worlds that were once merely dreams, battling against a cataclysmic peril to the very existence.

If the complex themes of light, darkness, and emotions were made more accessible, the story could lend itself perfectly to a Pixar animated movie adaptation.

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2024-11-01 23:09