Pixar has mastered the art of storytelling, creating worlds and characters that stay with us long after the credits roll. While some of their films have received worthy sequels, many incredible stories remain unfinished, leaving fans wondering what happens next. As we look toward 2025, the potential for new Pixar sequels has never been more exciting. From unexplored corners of established universes to characters whose journeys feel incomplete, these films deserve a second chapter that builds on their magic while taking us somewhere new.
The studio has proven with hits like Toy Story 2 and Inside Out 2 that they can create sequels that honor and enhance their predecessors. With Pixar’s storytelling prowess and technological advancements, 2025 could be the perfect time to revisit some of their most beloved worlds. Let’s explore the top 10 Pixar films desperately calling for a sequel, examining why these stories deserve continuation and what exciting directions they might take.
1. Coco (2017)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
Coco took us on an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Dead, introducing us to Miguel’s musical heritage and his extended family both living and deceased. The film’s emotional depth, stunning visuals, and rich cultural celebration made it an instant classic. However, the story only scratched the surface of this magical world’s potential.
A sequel could explore how Miguel balances his musical ambitions with family responsibilities as he grows older. We could see how the Rivera family’s relationship with music evolves over time, and perhaps discover new secrets about their ancestors. The Land of the Dead offers endless storytelling possibilities with its vibrant architecture, spirit animals, and complex afterlife society.
“The Land of the Dead was so visually stunning and culturally rich that it feels like we’ve only seen a fraction of what this world has to offer.”
Potential Sequel Storyline
A Coco sequel could follow Miguel as a teenager, now an established musician facing new challenges. Perhaps he discovers another family secret that requires him to return to the Land of the Dead, this time bringing along a younger relative who doesn’t believe the stories. The film could explore deeper themes about legacy, memory, and how traditions evolve across generations while introducing new magical elements of Mexican folklore.
What other aspects of the Land of the Dead would you like to explore in a Coco sequel? Share your thoughts in the comments!
2. WALL-E (2008)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
WALL-E ended with humanity returning to a recovering Earth, but left us wondering about the enormous challenges of rebuilding civilization and restoring the planet’s ecosystem. The film’s environmental message, charming robot romance, and stunning visual storytelling make it perfect for a thoughtful sequel that explores what happens after the “happily ever after.”
The original film established a rich universe with complex themes about humanity, technology, and environmental stewardship. A sequel could show how these themes develop as humans and robots work together to rebuild, potentially facing new conflicts and challenges along the way.
Potential Sequel Storyline
A WALL-E sequel could take place several decades after the original, showing a partially restored Earth where humans and robots have created small, sustainable communities. WALL-E and EVE could be central figures in this new society, perhaps facing a new threat when a previously dormant AUTO system reactivates or when another ship of humans returns with different ideas about Earth’s future. The film could explore the delicate balance between technology and nature in rebuilding civilization.
The original WALL-E posed profound questions about humanity’s relationship with technology and our planet. A sequel could show how these questions are answered through action and cooperation.
3. Ratatouille (2007)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
Ratatouille gave us the unlikely partnership between Remy the rat chef and Linguini, culminating in the opening of a new restaurant. The film’s celebration of passion, creativity, and breaking barriers resonated with audiences of all ages. A sequel could explore how Remy and Linguini’s restaurant evolves and what new culinary adventures await.
The world of fine dining is constantly changing, offering plenty of material for a sequel that examines food trends, culinary innovation, and the ongoing challenges of a rat secretly being a master chef. The original film’s Parisian setting could expand to include other culinary capitals, broadening the scope of Remy’s gastronomic journey.
Potential Sequel Storyline
A Ratatouille sequel might follow Remy and Linguini as their restaurant gains international acclaim, perhaps leading to an opportunity to compete in a prestigious global culinary competition. This could take our characters to new locations, introduce rival chefs (both human and possibly other cooking animals), and present fresh challenges to their partnership. The film could also explore how food culture has evolved, perhaps incorporating themes about tradition versus innovation in cuisine.
What Made the Original Special
- Unique premise of a rat with culinary genius
- Beautiful animation of food preparation
- Heartfelt message about pursuing your passion
- Authentic portrayal of professional kitchen culture
Sequel Potential
- Explore new culinary frontiers and techniques
- Introduce more animal chefs with different specialties
- Examine the evolution of Remy and Linguini’s partnership
- Address challenges of maintaining success in the restaurant world
4. Soul (2020)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
Soul took us on a profound journey through the metaphysical realms of The Great Before and The Great Beyond, exploring deep questions about purpose, passion, and what makes life worth living. The film’s philosophical depth, jazz-infused storytelling, and innovative visual design created a unique entry in Pixar’s catalog that left viewers wanting more.
While Joe Gardner’s story reached a satisfying conclusion, the rich metaphysical universe the film established has endless potential for new stories. A sequel could explore different aspects of this universe, perhaps following 22’s experiences on Earth or introducing new characters navigating the boundary between life and the afterlife.
Potential Sequel Storyline
A Soul sequel might focus on 22’s life as a new soul on Earth, showing her discovering her spark and purpose while maintaining some awareness of her pre-Earth existence. Alternatively, it could follow Joe in his role as a mentor to his music students, perhaps discovering that one of them has a unique connection to The Great Before. The film could expand on the original’s themes while exploring new philosophical questions about consciousness, memory, and human connection.
The metaphysical world of Soul offers countless storytelling possibilities. What aspects of this universe would you like to see explored in a sequel?
5. Brave (2012)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
Brave introduced us to Merida, Pixar’s first female protagonist, in a story about family bonds, tradition, and forging your own path. The film’s Scottish setting, infused with Celtic mythology and magic, created a rich world that feels ripe for further exploration. While Merida’s relationship with her mother reached resolution, her journey as a young woman challenging conventions has only just begun.
The magical elements of the original film, including the mysterious wisps and the witch’s transformative magic, hint at a broader magical universe that could be further developed. A sequel could delve deeper into Scottish folklore while continuing Merida’s growth as a character.
Potential Sequel Storyline
A Brave sequel could follow an older Merida facing new responsibilities as she prepares to eventually lead her clan. Perhaps ancient magic begins to return to the Scottish Highlands, bringing both wonder and danger. Merida might need to unite the clans against a mythological threat, drawing on both her warrior skills and the diplomatic lessons she learned in the first film. The sequel could explore themes of leadership, legacy, and finding balance between tradition and progress.
Sequel Strengths
- Rich Scottish mythology to explore
- Strong female protagonist with room to grow
- Established magical elements to expand upon
- Beautiful Highland setting for visual storytelling
Potential Challenges
- Maintaining the original’s authentic cultural elements
- Balancing new magical elements with character development
- Creating stakes that feel meaningful after the first film
- Avoiding princess sequel tropes
6. Up (2009)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
Up gave us one of Pixar’s most emotional stories, following Carl Fredricksen’s journey from grief to finding new purpose through his friendship with Russell. The film’s blend of adventure, humor, and heart created a memorable experience that resonated deeply with audiences. While Carl’s arc reached a beautiful conclusion, there’s potential for new adventures with these beloved characters.
The world established in Up, with its talking dogs, exotic locations, and spirit of adventure, offers plenty of material for a sequel. Carl’s growth from recluse to surrogate grandfather figure could continue as he embraces life’s new adventures alongside Russell.
Potential Sequel Storyline
An Up sequel could follow Carl and Russell a few years later as they discover a new mystery connected to Charles Muntz’s explorations. Perhaps they find a map or journal suggesting other extraordinary discoveries, leading them on a new adventure that might involve Dug’s family or more of Kevin’s species. The film could explore themes of chosen family, legacy, and how adventure takes different forms throughout life’s journey.
“Adventure is out there!” remains one of Pixar’s most inspiring messages, and there’s certainly more adventure to be found with these characters.
7. Onward (2020)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
Onward created a unique modern fantasy world where magic has been forgotten in favor of technology. The story of brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot’s quest to spend one more day with their deceased father was touching and inventive, but the film only began to explore its fascinating setting. A sequel could delve deeper into this world where magic is returning.
By the end of the original film, Ian has discovered his magical abilities and the brothers have strengthened their bond. A sequel could build on this foundation, showing how magic continues to change their world and what new adventures await the Lightfoot brothers.
Potential Sequel Storyline
An Onward sequel might follow Ian as his magical abilities grow, perhaps attracting attention from ancient magical beings who have been in hiding. The return of magic to the modern world could create both wonder and conflict, as society adapts to this rediscovered power. Barley’s historical knowledge could become crucial as they navigate threats from magical history, while their mother Laurel and her police officer boyfriend Colt Bronco adjust to a world increasingly filled with the magic they never believed in.
8. The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
While The Good Dinosaur may not have achieved the same commercial success as other Pixar films, its premise of an alternate Earth where dinosaurs never went extinct offers tremendous creative potential. The film’s breathtaking landscapes and unique take on prehistoric life created a visually stunning world that deserves further exploration.
The original film followed Arlo’s journey to overcome his fears and return home, but the world it established—with dinosaurs developing agriculture and human-like societies—has barely been explored. A sequel could expand on this alternate evolutionary path, showing how dinosaur civilization continues to develop alongside early humans.
Potential Sequel Storyline
A sequel to The Good Dinosaur could take place several years later, with Arlo now grown and his family’s farm prospering. Perhaps dinosaur societies have become more complex, with different species forming distinct cultures. The relationship between dinosaurs and humans (like Spot) could be central to the story, exploring themes of coexistence between different species. The film might follow Arlo as he becomes an ambassador between dinosaurs and the growing human tribes, navigating cultural differences and shared challenges.
The Good Dinosaur’s premise asks “What if the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs missed Earth?” A sequel could fully explore this fascinating alternate evolutionary history, showing how dinosaur and human societies might have developed together.
9. A Bug’s Life (1998)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
As one of Pixar’s earliest films, A Bug’s Life established many of the studio’s storytelling trademarks through its tale of an ant colony standing up to grasshopper bullies. The miniature world from an insect’s perspective offered unique visual opportunities and creative storytelling possibilities that still feel fresh today.
With modern animation technology, a sequel could bring this microscopic world to life with unprecedented detail and immersion. The original film’s themes of innovation, community, and standing up to oppression remain relevant and could be explored in new ways.
Potential Sequel Storyline
A sequel to A Bug’s Life could follow Flik and Princess Atta as they lead their colony into a new era of prosperity and technological advancement. Perhaps the ants begin to expand their territory, encountering new insect societies with different social structures. A threat larger than Hopper—perhaps from the human world or a new insect species—could force diverse bug communities to work together. The film could explore themes of environmental change, cooperation across differences, and the unintended consequences of innovation.
Why hasn’t A Bug’s Life received a sequel yet?
Despite its success, A Bug’s Life came out during a time when Pixar wasn’t focused on creating sequels. By the time the studio began producing more follow-up films, newer properties had taken priority. Additionally, the insect animation genre became somewhat crowded with films like Antz and Bee Movie, potentially making Pixar hesitant to return to this world.
How would modern animation technology enhance a Bug’s Life sequel?
The advancements in rendering technology, particularly for natural elements like plants, water, and environmental effects, would make the microscopic world even more immersive and detailed. Improved character animation would allow for more expressive insects and complex crowd scenes, while modern lighting techniques could create stunning visuals of sunlight filtering through grass and leaves in the insect world.
10. Turning Red (2022)
Why It Deserves a Sequel
Turning Red brought fresh energy to Pixar with its story of Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl who transforms into a giant red panda when experiencing strong emotions. The film’s exploration of puberty, family expectations, and cultural identity resonated with audiences, while its early 2000s Toronto setting and boy band enthusiasm created a distinctive atmosphere.
The coming-of-age themes of the original film naturally lend themselves to a sequel that follows Mei and her friends through the next stages of adolescence. The magical elements involving the red panda spirit offer numerous storytelling possibilities as Mei continues to navigate growing up between cultures.
Potential Sequel Storyline
A Turning Red sequel could follow Mei in high school, where the stakes of social life, academic pressure, and family expectations have increased. Perhaps Mei discovers that her red panda abilities are evolving in unexpected ways, or that other families have similar magical connections to different animals. The film could explore themes of identity, independence, and the changing nature of friendship as Mei and her friend group navigate the challenges of later adolescence while balancing their magical secret.
Character Growth
Mei’s journey from middle school to high school offers natural character development opportunities as she faces new challenges and continues to balance her Chinese heritage with Canadian upbringing.
Magical Expansion
A sequel could explore the mythology behind the red panda spirit in greater depth, potentially revealing other magical traditions and animal transformations in different cultures.
Family Dynamics
The relationship between Mei and her mother could evolve as Mei grows more independent, creating new tensions and opportunities for understanding between generations.
The Future of Pixar Sequels
Pixar has demonstrated that when approached with the same care and creativity as their original films, sequels can be just as magical and meaningful. The studio’s best follow-ups don’t simply rehash familiar territory but take beloved characters on new journeys that deepen themes and expand worlds. As we look toward 2025, any of these ten films could provide the foundation for Pixar’s next great sequel.
What makes these potential sequels so exciting is not just the chance to revisit favorite characters, but to see how Pixar’s storytelling and animation technology could bring new dimensions to these worlds. From the cultural richness of Coco to the philosophical depth of Soul, each of these films established universes with stories still waiting to be told.
As fans, we can only hope that Pixar continues to balance original stories with thoughtful sequels that honor what made us fall in love with these worlds in the first place. The studio’s commitment to emotional storytelling, visual innovation, and universal themes suggests that whatever sequels they choose to pursue will be worth the wait.
Join the Conversation
Which Pixar movie do you most want to see get a sequel? Do you have ideas for where these stories could go next? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Priyanka Pandey
Senior Research Editor · Top10Sense
Priyanka specializes in tech, consumer products, and digital trends. She combines hands-on testing, vendor interviews, and database research to create trustworthy “Top 10” rankings. Her work has been referenced by industry blogs and brand report pages.
