Monsters, Inc.

In Monstropolis, Sulley the gentle giant and his jokey sidekick Mike Wazowski are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the city's scream processing plant. Their days mix careful routine with big showmanship as they collect the nightly energy harvested from children's screams to power the city. When a curious human girl named Boo slips into their world through a door, the factory's polished routine goes haywire. Sulley is reluctant to abandon Boo, while Mike worries about a bureaucratic meltdown if the truth behind their world gets out. They must hide Boo, get her back through the door, and avoid capture by a few wary colleagues. Its inventive mix of humor and heart started a wave of new fans worldwide.

Released in 2001 by Pixar, directed by Pete Docter with development credited to Jill Culton, Jeff Pidgeon and Ralph Eggleston. It features the voices of John Goodman and Billy Crystal.

At the Oscars it won Best Original Song for If I Didn't Have You, with Randy Newman delivering a catchy performance. The win highlighted the film's humor and warmth and helped cement Monsters, Inc. as a standout among animated features of its era.

Monsters, Inc. left a lasting mark with its memorable duo and Boo's endearing presence. The notion that laughter can power a city became a defining idea for the franchise, shaping toys, rides and countless references in popular culture. Its characters and humor influenced later Pixar films and became a touchstone.

Critics praised its witty humor and emotional core, applauding Pixar for balancing laughs with genuine moments of friendship and empathy. It explores themes of fear, teamwork and the value of seeing others not as threats but as friends. Audiences responded warmly to the film and its hopeful message about humanity.