Best Movies like Monsters University (2013)

A Bug's Life, like Monsters University, centers on an underdog protagonist navigating an unusual community of non-humans, using animated comedy and fantasy to highlight teamwork and personal growth.

On behalf of "oppressed bugs everywhere," an inventive ant named Flik hires a troupe of warrior bugs to defend his bustling colony from a horde of freeloading grasshoppers led by the evil-minded Hopper. A Bug's Life is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 1998 with an average rating of 7.0 by 9,831 people. The movie made an estimated total of $363,258,859 in the box office.

Onward and Monsters University both blend fantasy and family-friendly animation while following unlikely duos who learn valuable lessons about their abilities and relationships in a world filled with imaginative creatures.

In a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there. Onward is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 42m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 7.6 by 6,649 people. The movie made an estimated total of $141,888,276 in the box office.

Zootopia explores an intricately built non-human society, much like Monsters University. Both films use animation to depict worlds populated by talking creatures and focus on character-driven journeys dealing with fitting in and overcoming differences.

Determined to prove herself, Officer Judy Hopps, the first bunny on Zootopia's police force, jumps at the chance to crack her first case - even if it means partnering with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery. Zootopia is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 49m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.8 by 18,347 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,025,521,689 in the box office.

The Good Dinosaur and Monsters University feature stories of friendship and perseverance within fully realized animated worlds filled with fantastical creatures, using humor and adventure to explore themes of identity and self-discovery.

An epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. The Good Dinosaur is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.7 by 6,091 people. The movie made an estimated total of $332,207,671 in the box office.

Wreck-It Ralph shares Monsters University's imaginative animated approach, focusing on likable outcasts navigating unconventional environments and ultimately forging unexpected friendships through comedic and heartfelt storytelling.

Wreck-It Ralph is the 9-foot-tall, 643-pound villain of an arcade video game named Fix-It Felix Jr., in which the game's titular hero fixes buildings that Ralph destroys. Wanting to prove he can be a good guy and not just a villain, Ralph escapes his game and lands in Hero's Duty, a first-person shooter where he helps the game's hero battle against alien invaders. He later enters Sugar Rush, a kart racing game set on tracks made of candies, cookies and other sweets. There, Ralph meets Vanellope von Schweetz who has learned that her game is faced with a dire threat that could affect the entire arcade, and one that Ralph may have inadvertently started. Wreck-It Ralph is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 41m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.4 by 13,205 people. The movie made an estimated total of $471,222,889 in the box office.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, much like Monsters University, offers family-friendly animated comedy set in a whimsical world. Both films revolve around an oddball protagonist facing challenges, learning about teamwork, and achieving personal growth.

Inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that makes clouds rain food, enabling the down-and-out citizens of Chewandswallow to feed themselves. But when the falling food reaches gargantuan proportions, Flint must scramble to avert disaster. Can he regain control of the machine and put an end to the wild weather before the town is destroyed? Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 6.7 by 6,547 people. The movie made an estimated total of $242,988,466 in the box office.

Ratatouille, similar to Monsters University, tells the story of an outsider striving to prove himself in an atypical environment. Both are animated comedies that mix fantastical elements with uplifting tales of aspiration and belonging.

Remy, a rat, possesses a palate far more refined than that of his fellow comrades. He aspires to become a chef, one who creates rather than scavenges. When fate leads him beneath one of Paris's finest restaurants, he forms an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker to pursue his culinary ambitions. As his double life unfolds, Remy must navigate the suspicions of the calculating Head Chef Skinner, the disapproval of Remy’s own colony, and the foreboding presence of renowned food critic Anton Ego, whose judgment can make or break a chef's legacy. Ratatouille is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 51m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.8 by 18,727 people. The movie made an estimated total of $623,726,000 in the box office.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse uses animation to create a vibrant alternative reality focused on growth and teamwork, echoing Monsters University's coming-of-age themes and visually inventive storytelling.

Struggling to find his place in the world while juggling school and family, Brooklyn teenager Miles Morales is unexpectedly bitten by a radioactive spider and develops unfathomable powers just like the one and only Spider-Man. While wrestling with the implications of his new abilities, Miles discovers a super collider created by the madman Wilson "Kingpin" Fisk, causing others from across the Spider-Verse to be inadvertently transported to his dimension. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 57m runtime, released in 2018 with an average rating of 8.4 by 17,550 people. The movie made an estimated total of $394,884,133 in the box office.

The Lego Movie features a comedic journey of quirky characters working together in a creatively constructed world, paralleling Monsters University's imaginative setting and focus on group dynamics within a fantastical universe.

An ordinary Lego mini-figure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil Lego tyrant from conquering the universe. The Lego Movie is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.4 by 8,608 people. The movie made an estimated total of $470,759,687 in the box office.

The Mitchells vs. the Machines, like Monsters University, relies on animated comedy and family-centric storytelling, emphasizing personal challenges and growth set against a backdrop of larger-than-life obstacles.

A quirky, dysfunctional family's road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity's unlikeliest last hope. The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 50m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 7.8 by 3,432 people.

The Emperor's New Groove offers a comedic adventure in an animated world where mismatched characters form unlikely friendships, mirroring the dynamic between Mike and Sulley in Monsters University.

When the self‑absorbed Emperor Kuzco is accidentally transformed into a llama, he must rely on a humble villager to survive the jungle and reclaim his throne. The Emperor's New Groove is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 18m runtime, released in 2000 with an average rating of 7.6 by 7,391 people. The movie made an estimated total of $169,327,687 in the box office.

Shrek 2 adopts a comedic approach to fantasy animation with a cast of unconventional characters learning to accept themselves, paralleling the personal journeys and non-human world of Monsters University.

Happily ever after never seemed so far far away when a trip to meet the in-laws turns into a hilariously twisted adventure for Shrek and Fiona. With the help of ever-faithful Donkey, Shrek takes on the potion-brewing Fairy Godmother, pompous Prince Charming, and infamous ogre-killer Puss In Boots. Shrek 2 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 32m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 7.3 by 13,626 people. The movie made an estimated total of $932,542,741 in the box office.

Turning Red and Monsters University both utilize animation to explore transformation and self-acceptance within a family context, focusing on young protagonists undergoing life changes surrounded by fantastical situations.

Thirteen-year-old Mei is experiencing the awkwardness of being a teenager with a twist – when she gets too excited, she transforms into a giant red panda. Turning Red is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2022 with an average rating of 7.3 by 5,967 people. The movie made an estimated total of $21,813,358 in the box office.

Big Hero 6 brings together a group of misfits in a visually rich animated world, focusing on the development of friendships and teamwork reminiscent of Monsters University's ensemble comedic approach.

A special bond develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. Big Hero 6 is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 42m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.7 by 16,769 people. The movie made an estimated total of $657,870,525 in the box office.

Finding Nemo features protagonists navigating a colorful, animated world while learning about themselves and others, sharing Monsters University's themes of perseverance, friendship, and personal discovery.

Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to his worrisome father Marlin and a friendly but forgetful fish Dory to bring Nemo home -- meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way. Finding Nemo is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2003 with an average rating of 7.8 by 20,766 people. The movie made an estimated total of $940,335,536 in the box office.

Surf's Up delivers animated comedy through the lens of an unconventional protagonist among anthropomorphic creatures, echoing Monsters University's playful tone and focus on outsider experiences within a tight-knit community.

With a documentary crew in tow, Cody Maverick—a young surfer from Antarctica—travels to the pacific for his first professional competition. Determined to earn respect and live up to his idol, Big Z, Cody pushes himself to the limit. But all that changes when an encounter with a laid-back local forces him to rethink his values. Surf's Up is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 25m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.5 by 2,796 people. The movie made an estimated total of $149,000,000 in the box office.

How to Train Your Dragon, like Monsters University, is animated fantasy centered on a young protagonist uncovering the value of empathy and connection in a world full of unique creatures.

As the son of a Viking leader on the cusp of manhood, shy Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III faces a rite of passage: he must kill a dragon to prove his warrior mettle. But after downing a feared dragon, he realizes that he no longer wants to destroy it, and instead befriends the beast – which he names Toothless – much to the chagrin of his warrior father. How to Train Your Dragon is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 38m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.9 by 14,563 people. The movie made an estimated total of $495,141,736 in the box office.

Hotel Transylvania brings together classic monsters in a comedic animated setting, sharing Monsters University’s theme of non-human characters building friendships and confronting misunderstandings.

Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up and no humans are allowed. One special weekend, Dracula has invited all his best friends to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis's 118th birthday. For Dracula catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem but the party really starts when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and changes everything! Hotel Transylvania is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 31m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.0 by 9,282 people. The movie made an estimated total of $358,375,603 in the box office.

The Incredibles, as with Monsters University, merges animation and comedy to focus on a group dynamic, exploring themes of teamwork and self-discovery while showcasing a cast of uniquely skilled characters.

Bob Parr has given up his superhero days to log in time as an insurance adjuster and raise his three children with his formerly heroic wife in suburbia. But when he receives a mysterious assignment, it's time to get back into costume. The Incredibles is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 55m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 7.7 by 19,103 people. The movie made an estimated total of $631,442,092 in the box office.

Megamind presents a comedic exploration of identity and acceptance within an animated world, following an initially misunderstood outcast's journey similar to the arcs present in Monsters University.

After Megamind, a highly intelligent alien supervillain, defeats his long-time nemesis Metro Man, Megamind creates a new hero to fight, but must act to save the city when his "creation" becomes an even worse villain than he was. Megamind is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.0 by 7,581 people. The movie made an estimated total of $321,885,765 in the box office.

Monsters vs Aliens, sharing the animated format and non-human ensemble cast of Monsters University, centers on unusual creatures attempting to fit into society while finding strength in teamwork.

When Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49-feet-11-inches. The military jumps into action and captures Susan, secreting her away to a covert government compound. She is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of Monsters... Monsters vs Aliens is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 6.3 by 5,056 people. The movie made an estimated total of $381,509,870 in the box office.

Ron's Gone Wrong uses animation and family comedy to follow a young protagonist navigating misunderstandings amid high-tech mishaps, focusing on friendship and belonging as in Monsters University.

In a world where walking, talking, digitally connected bots have become children's best friends, an 11-year-old finds that his robot buddy doesn't quite work the same as the others do. Ron's Gone Wrong is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 7.9 by 2,040 people. The movie made an estimated total of $60,692,022 in the box office.

Soul, like Monsters University, is a Pixar animated film that weaves comedy and fantasy to explore the protagonist’s journey of self-realization within an imaginative universe populated by unusual beings.

Joe Gardner is a middle school teacher with a love for jazz music. After a successful audition at the Half Note Club, he suddenly gets into an accident that separates his soul from his body and is transported to the You Seminar, a center in which souls develop and gain passions before being transported to a newborn child. Joe must enlist help from the other souls-in-training, like 22, a soul who has spent eons in the You Seminar, in order to get back to Earth. Soul is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 41m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 8.1 by 11,586 people. The movie made an estimated total of $121,977,511 in the box office.

ParaNorman situates a young character in a fantastic animated world surrounded by supernatural elements, much like Monsters University’s monster-filled campus and its focus on overcoming differences.

In the town of Blithe Hollow, Norman Babcock can speak to the dead, but no one other than his eccentric new friend believes his ability is real. One day, Norman's eccentric uncle tells him of a ritual he must perform to protect the town from a curse cast by a witch centuries ago. ParaNorman is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 33m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.0 by 2,825 people. The movie made an estimated total of $107,307,220 in the box office.

Lilo & Stitch features unlikely friendships and personal transformation within the animated comedy genre, paralleling Monsters University’s themes in a setting filled with otherworldly creatures.

As Stitch, a runaway genetic experiment from a faraway planet, wreaks havoc on the Hawaiian Islands, he becomes the mischievous adopted alien "puppy" of an independent little girl named Lilo and learns about loyalty, friendship, and ʻohana, the Hawaiian tradition of family. Lilo & Stitch is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 25m runtime, released in 2002 with an average rating of 7.6 by 7,179 people. The movie made an estimated total of $273,144,151 in the box office.

The Peanuts Movie offers a family-friendly animated story about forming social bonds and overcoming obstacles alongside a quirky group, echoing the camaraderie and personal growth seen in Monsters University.

Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest. The Peanuts Movie is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1,820 people. The movie made an estimated total of $246,233,113 in the box office.

Storks delivers animated laughs with non-human characters in a fantastical world who learn about responsibility and teamwork, similar to the group-driven journey of Monsters University.

Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for a global internet retail giant. Junior, the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorized baby girl... Storks is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 27m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.7 by 2,547 people. The movie made an estimated total of $182,379,278 in the box office.

The Willoughbys features an animated family learning to come together despite differences, drawing a parallel to the way Monsters University’s characters grow through adversity and cooperation.

When the four Willoughby children are abandoned by their selfish parents, they must learn how to adapt their Old-Fashioned values to the contemporary world in order to create something new: The Modern Family. The Willoughbys is a movie from Canada in English, with a total 1h 32m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 7.0 by 989 people.

Flushed Away crafts an animated tale about an outsider plunged into a bizarre society, echoing Monsters University’s mix of humor, fantastical settings, and the importance of finding one’s place.

London high-society mouse, Roddy is flushed down the toilet by Sid, a common sewer rat. Hang on for a madcap adventure deep in the sewer bowels of Ratropolis, where Roddy meets the resourceful Rita, the rodent-hating Toad and his faithful thugs, Spike and Whitey. Flushed Away is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 1h 25m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.3 by 4,151 people. The movie made an estimated total of $178,120,010 in the box office.

Rise of the Guardians assembles an unlikely team of fantastical beings, much like Monsters University unites oddball characters, blending animation with themes of teamwork and personal growth.

When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world. Rise of the Guardians is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 7.4 by 7,229 people. The movie made an estimated total of $306,941,670 in the box office.

Chicken Little follows an outcast's comedic attempts to fit in and display courage within a community of anthropomorphic animals, aligning with Monsters University’s approach to outsider heroes in animation.

When the sky really is falling and sanity has flown the coop, who will rise to save the day? Together with his hysterical band of misfit friends, Chicken Little must hatch a plan to save the planet from alien invasion and prove that the world's biggest hero is a little chicken. Chicken Little is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 21m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 5.9 by 4,210 people. The movie made an estimated total of $314,400,000 in the box office.

The Secret Life of Pets reveals the hidden world of non-human characters through animation, humor, and relatable group adventures, mirroring Monsters University’s focus on unlikely friendships and challenges.

The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes. The Secret Life of Pets is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.3 by 8,591 people. The movie made an estimated total of $875,457,937 in the box office.

Arthur and the Invisibles creates an adventurous animated journey through a hidden fantasy world with vibrant non-human characters, reflecting Monsters University’s imaginative setting and exploration of belonging.

Ten-year-old Arthur, in a bid to save his grandfather's house from being demolished, goes looking for some much-fabled hidden treasure in the land of the Minimoys, tiny people living in harmony with nature. Arthur and the Invisibles is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.4 by 3,083 people. The movie made an estimated total of $108,605,609 in the box office.

Open Season uses animated comedy and fantasy to follow underdog protagonists forming bonds within the animal world, paralleling Monsters University’s focus on friendship among misfits in an unusual community.

Boog, a domesticated 900lb. Grizzly bear finds himself stranded in the woods 3 days before Open Season. Forced to rely on Elliot, a fast-talking mule deer, the two form an unlikely friendship and must quickly rally other forest animals if they are to form a rag-tag army against the hunters. Open Season is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 6.2 by 3,043 people. The movie made an estimated total of $200,811,689 in the box office.

The Book of Life offers a vibrant animated universe filled with fantastical beings and themes of identity and self-discovery, similar to the world-building and personal journeys seen in Monsters University.

The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. The Book of Life is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 35m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.5 by 2,978 people. The movie made an estimated total of $97,437,106 in the box office.

The Angry Birds Movie, like Monsters University, uses animation to tell a comedic story centered on quirky non-human characters navigating misunderstandings and learning the value of friendship.

An island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red, a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck, and the volatile Bomb have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to. The Angry Birds Movie is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 6.3 by 4,077 people. The movie made an estimated total of $349,779,543 in the box office.

Madagascar brings together a group of animated animal friends embarking on adventures outside their comfort zone, echoing Monsters University’s theme of forging connections and overcoming setbacks in a whimsical world.

Four animal friends get a taste of the wild life when they break out of captivity at the Central Park Zoo and wash ashore on the island of Madagascar. Madagascar is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 6.9 by 11,875 people. The movie made an estimated total of $542,064,525 in the box office.