9 Pixar Quotes That Quietly Raised a Generation

Apart from the amazing characters, stories, and groundbreaking animation, Pixar is also known for its funny and inspiring quotes (I think).

There is a high degree of love and care put into each Pixar movie’s writing, which makes their animation work like magic, and not the other way around. Between adventurous fish and animated robots, Pixar has always quietly slipped in some iconic quotes that we were too young to understand deeply.

These quotes have influenced not only kids but people of all ages. So we have compiled a list of nine iconic Pixar quotes that’ll bring a contemplative smile to your face.

Let’s dig in.

9 Iconic Pixar Quotes Guiding Us Through Life

1. “Nothing’s more important than family.” - Coco (2017)

'Coco' (2017)Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

After pursuing his love for music by traveling through the Land of the Dead, Miguel Rivera (Anthony Gonzalez) finally realizes the profound importance of family and utters these words in an effort to reunite with his estranged family.

We often look down upon our family’s silent sacrifices. Personal achievements become more important than love and bonds with our own. But in reality, those sacrifices and untold deeds are the things that let us dream in the now. Miguel learns it by directly meeting his ancestors and discovers that family comes before anything.

2. “Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.” - Ratatouille (2007)

'Ratatouille' (2007)Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Watching Ratatouille as a kid, Anton Ego, the renowned food critic, gave me anxiety even though I wasn’t the one cooking for him. After tasting Alfredo’s (Lou Romano) ratatouille, Ego, who is extremely hard to move, has a spiritual awakening, taking him back to his mom’s memories.

This line was his review of the restaurant, which clearly meant that even though not everyone can be a great artist, great art transcends social class and can come from unknown corners of the world. The potential exists everywhere, and the fact that Remy, the rat (Patton Oswalt), cooks the best food in the kitchen is a perfect embodiment of the statement.

3. “Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one.” - Up (2009)

'Up' (2009)Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Carl (Ed Asner) and Ellie’s life together unfolds in a montage that ends with Ellie passing away. It is one of the most heartbreaking Pixar moments by far.

In the movie, Carl discovers his wife Ellie’s final words in “Our Adventure Book,” stating, “Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one!” Her words echo in the old man’s head and push him to stop dwelling on grief and find new joys in the world—to make space for new experiences.

Because even after a loss, life goes on, and one should move with it, meaning it is never too late in life to start fresh.

4. “I never look back, darling. It distracts me from the now.” - The Incredibles (2004)

'The Incredibles' (2004)Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

Words of wisdom by cool and eccentric auntie, Edna Mode (Brad Bird), who designs futuristic supersuits for superheroes.

While Bob (Craig T. Nelson) is clearly stuck reminiscing about his past superhero days, Edna refuses to give in to nostalgia. She knows that it’s the speed bump that will slow her momentum in the present, which presents new opportunities to only those who come for it. This line holds a universal value.

Moreover, it even reminds me of what Master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim) from Kung Fu Panda had said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.”

5. “I don’t want to survive. I want to live.” - WALL-E (2008)

'WALL-E' (2008)Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Upon discovering that Earth is habitable again, Captain B. McCrea, captain of the starship Axiom, rebels against AUTO and returns to his home. He doesn’t want to live an automated and inauthentic life.

He was just expressing his desire, which turned out to be one of the most humane quotes in Pixar films. To be human is to live the struggle, make choices, and belong. Without a sense of agency, the will to live collapses and no comfort or safety net is enough.

6. “To infinity and beyond.” - Toy Story (1995)

'Toy Story' (1995)Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

Although Woody (Tom Hanks) is the star of the Toy Story franchise, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) has arguably received as much love, if not more, from fans—thanks to his most famous catchphrase, “To infinity and beyond.” The phrase is not only said by Buzz, but is also referenced by other characters, notably Woody.

It has evolved throughout the franchise—originally, the phrase was a call to adventure, which made us feel like exploring the unknown. But over time, it also reflected the depth of Woody and Buzz’s friendship. You can’t help but feel inspired by Buzz’s phrase because it reminds us, humans, of our limitless potential.

7. “I read somewhere that an empty room is an opportunity.” - Inside Out (2015)

'Inside Out' (2015)Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Inside Out has numerous iconic quotes, but this line is full of opportunity. Joy (Amy Poehler), the primary emotional guide of Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), utters these words while filling Riley’s imagination of what could be when she stands in her new, daunting and empty room.

The line tells us that it’s all about shifting perspectives. While a blank page can be scary to write upon, it’s full of possibilities for stories at the same time.

From kids to adults, change is something that induces mixed feelings inside us, but it’s a chance to build something new, something you have always wished for.

8. “Just keep swimming.” - Finding Nemo (2003)

'Finding Nemo' (2003)Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

We should all follow Dory’s cheerful motto, “Just keep swimming.” It reminds us to keep moving even when tasks seem impossible.

When Marlin (Albert Brooks) is desperate after losing the only clue to find his son, Dory casually fills him with her optimism. Her words turn into a song as she grabs Marlin and swims away.

The deeper meaning stretches far beyond just optimism or words of encouragement. It underlines that one shouldn’t wait for courage; it comes to those who take action. And in the ocean, the dark water they are swimming in is itself a metaphor for taking steps through adversity.

9. “Sometimes, you gotta get through your fear to see the beauty on the other side.” - The Good Dinosaur (2015)

'The Good Dinosaur' (2015)Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

When I first saw Poppa Henry (Jeffrey Wright) gently pushing his son Arlo (Raymond Ochoa) for a short walk alone at night, it reminded me of the memories my dad and I shared. That’s how much grounded emotion Disney had captured in The Good Dinosaur.

What Poppa Henry means is that avoidance is the enemy of growth. The entire movie is about Arlo’s journey through the wilderness, how he meets his friend Spot (Jack Bright), and discovers himself on the way, all of which exists on the other side of fear.

Summing Up

One way or another, Pixar movies have influenced an entire generation (myself included) by their animation as well as their iconic lines. These writers deserve praise and a pay hike for making our childhood awesome.

Which line resonates with you a bit more than the others? Let us know in the comments.