Inside Out

Riley, an 11 year old kid, is uprooted when her family relocates to a new city, and inside her head five core emotions scramble to steer her through the upheaval. Joy leads the group, backed by Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness, each one trying to keep Riley bright and balanced during a stressful time. When Joy and Sadness are separated from the others, the remaining emotions falter, and the girl is left with a mix of nerves and longing. The two missing emotions must find their way back to Riley by maneuvering through memory and experience, while learning about what really matters to her. Its setup invites families to talk about feelings together. It stays hopeful and cooperative for families.

Released in 2015 by Pixar, the film was directed by Pete Docter with Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley among the writers, drawing on original concepts rather than preexisting source material. It features a strong voice cast and vibrant animation throughout.

Inside Out helped redefine what animated family films can ask of an audience. It sparked conversations about emotional awareness in kids and adults alike, turning a child's inner life into a public talking point. The five emotion characters became instantly recognizable icons. Its concept also sparked classroom discussions.

Critics praised its originality and emotional depth, noting how it blends humor with serious ideas about growing up and adjusting to change. The film explores memory, identity, and resilience, inviting families to talk openly about feelings while staying entertaining. Its humor stays accessible to both children and grown ups.

Inside Out won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 2016 ceremony, acknowledging its inventive take on mental life and family dynamics. The film also gathered praise from critics for craftsmanship and emotional clarity, reinforcing Pixar's reputation for audience accessible storytelling.