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Look, I’ll be honest—I’m still not over the Anxiety reveal in Inside Out 2. My brain is literally still processing that masterpiece. If you’re like me and currently staring at your ceiling wondering what your own emotions are up to, you need a movie fix, stat. Whether you want more Pixar tears or just some chaotic energy, I’ve got you covered. Grab the tissues, ignore your responsibilities, and let’s get into these picks.
1. Soul (2020) — Because Life is Actually Pretty Wild
If Inside Out 2 made you think about your personality, Soul will make you question your entire existence. It’s on Disney+ and honestly, the jazz music alone is a vibe. It’s got that classic Pixar ‘I’m crying but I feel inspired’ energy. When Joe Gardner gets stuck in the Great Before, we all felt that level of ‘what am I doing with my life?’ frustration. It’s a total mood for anyone feeling a little lost right now.
2. Turning Red (2022) — The Ultimate Puberty Cringe
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Mei Lee is literally all of us. Remember being 13 and thinking your parents were the enemy while simultaneously being obsessed with a boy band? This movie is a fever dream of nostalgia. It’s currently sitting at a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. It handles the ‘my body is changing and I’m losing it’ trope so well. If you liked the chaos of Anxiety, you’ll love the giant red panda energy here.
3. The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021) — Pure Chaotic Joy
This Netflix gem is the definition of a chaotic family dynamic. It’s got that frantic, high-energy animation style that makes your brain feel like it’s vibrating. The Mitchells are the weirdest family ever, and I’m lowkey obsessed with them. It’s hilarious, it’s heart-wrenching, and it’s basically the movie equivalent of a sugar crash. If you wanted more of the ‘Riley trying to fit in’ struggle, this is your next stop.
4. Luca (2021) — Summer Vibes and Secret Identities
I am still not over the friendship between Luca and Alberto. It’s pure, it’s cute, and it’s set in the Italian Riviera, so the aesthetic is 10/10. It’s a bit more chill than the high-stakes drama of Inside Out 2, but it hits the same emotional notes about growing up and leaving your comfort zone. If you need a palate cleanser that still makes you tear up, this is it, no cap.
5. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) — Emotion Overload
Okay, hear me out. It’s not Pixar, but the emotional stakes for Miles Morales are basically the superhero version of Riley’s anxiety. The animation is literally iconic—like, I still don’t know how they made it look that good. It’s stressful, it’s beautiful, and the soundtrack is a total banger. If you liked the ‘Anxiety is driving the console’ scenes, you’ll love the pressure Miles is under here.
6. Encanto (2021) — Family Trauma But Make It Musical
We don’t talk about Bruno? Please, we talk about him every single day. Encanto is basically a masterclass in generational trauma wrapped in catchy songs that will get stuck in your head for weeks. Luisa’s ‘Surface Pressure’ song is basically the anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they had to hold everything together. It’s relatable, it’s colorful, and it’s a total emotional rollercoaster.
7. Big Hero 6 (2014) — Baymax is the Emotional Support We Need
If you need a movie that is equal parts action and ‘I’m sobbing because of a robot,’ this is the one. Baymax is the ultimate emotional support character. The way he cares for Hiro is so pure it actually hurts. It’s a classic for a reason. It deals with grief in a way that feels real but doesn’t leave you totally wrecked. Honestly, we all need a Baymax in our lives.
8. Coco (2017) — Literally Prepare to Weep
I don’t think I’ve ever met a human who didn’t cry at the end of Coco. It’s a beautiful masterpiece that explores family history and memory. It’s vibrant, it’s musical, and it’s deeply moving. If Inside Out 2 made you think about your ‘core memories,’ this movie is going to have you calling your grandma immediately. It’s just one of those movies that reminds you why we love animation so much.
9. Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2021) — Small Shell, Big Feelings
This movie is so cute it’s actually painful. Marcel is a tiny shell with a tiny voice, but he has the biggest heart. It’s a mockumentary style film that feels so intimate and real. It’s perfect if you want something that feels a bit more grounded than a big Pixar blockbuster but still hits all those emotional buttons. It’s a total hidden gem that deserves all the love.
10. Nimona (2023) — Chaos and Acceptance
Nimona is the chaotic energy we all need. She’s a shapeshifter who just wants to be herself in a world that doesn’t get her. The animation style is super unique and edgy, and the story is surprisingly deep. It’s got that ‘us against the world’ vibe that makes it so easy to root for the characters. Seriously, if you haven’t seen this on Netflix yet, what are you even doing?
11. Up (2009) — The OG Emotional Wreck
We have to talk about the classics. The first ten minutes of Up? I’m still not over it. It’s the blueprint for ‘animated movies that destroy your soul.’ If you loved the emotional depth of Inside Out 2, you have to go back to the source. It’s a beautiful story about moving on and finding new adventures, even when things feel heavy. Just keep the tissues nearby, seriously.
12. Inside Out (2015) — Just Rewatch It, Honestly
Sometimes the best movie like Inside Out 2 is the original. Watching the first one again with the context of the sequel is a totally different experience. You notice things about Joy and Sadness that you missed the first time. Plus, it’s just comforting to see the gang back at the console. It’s like a warm hug for your brain. Seriously, go rewatch it today.
FAQs
Is Inside Out 2 worth watching if I didn’t love the first one?
Absolutely. It introduces new emotions like Anxiety that feel incredibly relevant to adult life. The animation is sharper, the story is more complex, and it honestly feels like a more mature look at what’s going on inside our heads.
Where can I stream Inside Out 2 right now?
As of July 2026, Inside Out 2 is streaming exclusively on Disney+. It’s been a massive hit since its box office run, and it’s currently one of the most-watched animated titles on the platform.
Are there any other Pixar movies coming out soon?
Pixar has a few projects in development, but for now, we’re all just waiting for the next big announcement. Keep an eye on their social channels—they love dropping teasers that send the internet into a total spiral.
Okay, you are officially set for your next movie marathon. Whether you want more chaos, more tears, or just some quality animation, this list has your back. Which one are you watching first? Tell me in the comments—I need to know if you’re a ‘cry-your-eyes-out’ person or a ‘laugh-through-the-pain’ person!
