5 Pixar Plot Twists That Are Absolute Jaw-Droppers Up To This Day

Pixar films may be aimed at children, but even adults can't resist their captivating stories.

From the beloved Toy Story franchise to the tear-jerking Coco, Pixar Animation Studio has consistently delivered memorable stories and engaging characters.

One of the main things that sets Pixar apart from Disney films is its ability to surprise the audience with staggering plot twists and turns. Here are 5 of the most unexpected plot twists in Pixar films that even adult viewers didn't see coming.

5. Stinky Pete Was Never Trapped In The Toy Box

In Toy Story 2, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang find themselves in the company of a cowgirl doll named Jessie and a prospector puppet named Stinky Pete.

In the most unexpected twist of the plot, Stinky Pete turns out to have been deceiving the others all along, as he is revealed to be able to escape from his toy box.

His betrayal was a significant surprise, as the trope of the kind character who becomes a villain was not so common at the time.

4. Lightning McQueen Doesn't Finish First

By subverting the expected outcome of Lightning McQueen winning the final race, Cars 3 managed to deliver its most impactful twist.

Throughout the film, Lightning's determination to prove his worth and stay in the race has been a central theme. That's why when he voluntarily stepped aside and let Cruz take his place, it was an unexpectedly satisfying moment to watch.

3. Bing Bong's Sacrifice

Audiences immediately connect with Bing Bong's playful and lovable personality from the moment he is introduced as Riley's quirky and beloved imaginary friend in Inside Out.

However, this bond didn't last long as, in a heartbreaking twist, Bing Bong realized that in order for Riley to move forward, he had to sacrifice himself.

This unexpected turn of events shocked the hell out of us and had us on the edge of our seats in awe.

2. Andy Gives All His Toys to Bonnie

Stinky Pete was not the only surprise the Toy Story franchise had in store for its fans. In the third installment of the beloved story, just when audiences thought all the bad stuff was behind them, the final scene hit them right in the gut.

In the most heartbreaking scene, we watch as Andy says goodbye to his favorite toys, including his beloved cowboy Woody.

1. Mike & Sully Get The Boot

We never saw this one coming. Monsters University explores the backstory of Monsters Inc.'s main characters, Sully and Mike, and how their friendship began.

The audience is used to the fact that even after a total disaster, the main characters always come out on top. But not in this case.

The fact that Mike and Sully are thrown out of the titular university and instead end up working in the Monsters Inc. mailroom is one of the most unexpected things that has ever happened in a Pixar film.