Runner up - Inside Out 2

 Oscar Tidbit: Newly released this year, the film is a frontrunner for a Best Feature Animation nomination and may very well win at the 2025 Oscars.

 Pixar’s latest release Inside Out 2, largely lives up to its expectations, even if it stumbles in a few areas. As Riley navigates the transition into her teenage years, she struggles with a profound fear of losing her old friends and the pressure to forge new connections. This journey introduces us to a range of new emotions, including embarrassment, ennui, envy, and, most significantly, anxiety.

 One standout moment is when Anxiety is introduced, listing countless potential disasters and preventive measures, only for Fear to comment, “Oh, I’m really going to like you.” This line underscores a key theme of the film: fear is the driving force behind many of our emotional responses. It’s a missed opportunity that Fear, a powerful and complementary emotion, fades into the background once again. Fear’s influence is pivotal—it fuels our insecurities about not being liked, not measuring up, and losing what we cherish, prompting other emotions to mask its impact. Unfortunately, the new emotions, while interesting, don’t leave as lasting an impression as those from the first film, with Anxiety taking center stage and others like Envy falling short.

 Despite these shortcomings, the film excels in storytelling and animation. It masterfully combines funny moments with emotional ones, showing Riley’s evolution from a confident “good person” to struggling with her identity and self-doubt “I’m not good enough” mindset—a common struggle for many. The resolution feels somewhat rushed, particularly the swift reconciliation with Riley’s friends after her dismissive behavior. However, the film offers memorable moments and a nostalgic emotion that hints at a possible setup. Despite some criticisms, the movie remains a testament to Pixar’s high standards of animation and storytelling.