15 Major Differences Between Disney And Pixar Movies

Published July 23, 2023, 9:50 a.m. by Naomi Charles

In 2006, after a slew of successful animated films (Toy Story, The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Finding Nemo), Disney purchased Pixar studios which then went under the “Disney Umbrella.” Before they got bought out, it was pretty clear what the difference between Pixar and Disney was. And guess what, that still seems to be true despite being absorbed by such a large company with such a huge legacy. Pixar Studios is now owned by Disney, but you just know deep down they’re still different right? The characters still look different. The stories are still very distinct. The villains are more villainous. Or maybe they’re less villainous? And that one Pixar character actually looks like my own Aunt Cass!

Encanto is just so Disney. Onward is just so Pixar. How can such a distinct style persist within an already existing animation studio?

Are you Turning Red trying to figure out why? Luca no further than TheThingsAnimated for solace. You’re not alone, we agree, and we’ve worked hard using string, photos, and bobby pins covering our WALL-E to connect the dots. The answer isn’t Lightyears away, we’ve got 15 reasons right here that Disney and Pixar are different.

Unlike your cousin Bruno, we’re going to talk about your favorite Disney scenes, your favorite Pixar characters, your favorite Disney songs, and your favorite Pixar voice actors from Pixar and Disney’s long and excellent history of animated films. So get a big bucket of popcorn, defrost a Frozen II pizza, and enjoy!