Skip to content
MovieCove
Monsters, Inc.

Monsters, Inc.

It's nothing personal. It's just their job.

200192 minGMidcredits score: 99th percentile of all films
Directors
Lee Unkrich, David Silverman, Pete Docter
Starring
John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi

Lovable Sulley and his wisecracking sidekick Mike Wazowski are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc., the scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. When a little girl named Boo wanders into their world, it's the monsters who are scared silly, and it's up to Sulley and Mike to keep her out of sight and get her back home.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Monsters, Inc.?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Monsters, Inc. streaming on Disney+ and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Subscription

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Monsters, Inc.?

Monsters, Inc. earns 13 badges, led by Top 1% of films and Stood the test of time.

Show 5 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Monsters, Inc. worth watching?

Monsters, Inc.'s Midcredits score is the 99th percentile of all films, from 3.7M ratings across 6 sources. 92% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

99th percentile

Better received than 99% of films

98th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)97th
Approval (how many liked it)99th

81 /100

97th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Animation98th percentile among 2000s

Critics 79 · Audience 82

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

92% liked it

99th percentile of all films

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2000s
92% rated it 7–108% rated it 1–6

Critics 96% · Audience 90%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

1 Oscars won · 3 Oscar noms · 12 wins / 38 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Music, Original Song
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Animated Feature

99th percentile

3.7M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Animation99th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 8% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$115M
Opening weekend$63M
Domestic gross$291M
Worldwide gross$580M

Returned 5.0× its budget — 97th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A colorful, imaginative animated family film about monsters who work a corporate job scaring children.

Fans praised

  • inventive door-based world and factory premise
  • heartfelt bond between Sulley and Boo
  • dynamic voice duo of Goodman and Crystal

Detractors panned

  • slapstick humor and juvenile comedy
  • thin, predictable plot lacking adult appeal
  • annoying child character behavior

What stands out

ActingDivisive88

perfectly cast Crystal and Goodman as Mike and Sulley, Buscemi's oily Randall

CharactersDivisive85

memorable duo with genuine friendship arc, Boo as adorable toddler

OriginalityDivisive85

fresh spin on closet monster concept, door portal mechanics

Emotional impactDivisive80

genuinely touching Sulley-Boo farewell and friendship themes

Effects and spectacleDivisive80

impressive fur rendering and door warehouse chase

DialogueDivisive78

witty banter between Mike and Sulley, quotable one-liners

Plot and storyDivisive70

clever premise of scream-powered city, but formulaic chase structure

HumorDivisive68

visual gags and Mike's wisecracks, but juvenile for some

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men even
  • Under-30s vs over-30s even
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Monsters, Inc. like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
JoyfulTenseTriumphant
Heaviest: late
Warm humor
Register
PlayfulWarm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its monster-world premise straight while balancing lighthearted comedy and genuine emotional warmth.
The rideThe film balances playful warmth and comedic energy with moments of chase suspense; the emotional climax peaks during the goodbye and reunion.
StructureThe story unfolds in a classic three-act structure: setup of the monster world, conflict with Boo's arrival, and resolution exposing the conspiracy and changing the industry.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you with a warm, uplifting feeling as Sulley and Boo reunite and the monster world changes for the better.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2% (this title)
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Second chance: A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeSulley, a top scarer at Monsters Inc., undergoes a personal transformation after bonding with a human child, leading to a shift from fear-based energy to laughter-based power.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% (this title) · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsFriendship · 9% of filmsTruth · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Dual lead
How it treats its themeAt its heart, the film is about the deep, loving bond between Sulley and Boo, and how that connection transforms both their worlds.
StanceThe film affirms the power of love and family bonds, showing that connection can overcome fear and transform an entire society.

The world

TimelessUrbanInstitutionalDomesticFantasy
Orchestral classicalJazzSupportive music · original score · Randy Newman
SettingMonstropolis, a monster city powered by children's screams, centered on the Monsters Inc. factory
MusicNewman's score blends playful jazz with warm orchestral themes, especially the central melody that underlines Sulley and Boo's bond.

Content guide

Is Monsters, Inc. okay for kids?

G

Monsters, Inc. is rated G. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (30/100), sexual content at minimal (9/100), language at minimal (11/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (7/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). Overall it is heavier than 44% of G-rated films.

Ratings in 31 other countries
  • UKU
  • CanadaG
  • AustraliaG
  • Germany6
  • FranceU
  • IrelandG
  • New ZealandG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • ArgentinaATP
  • BelgiumAL
  • BGA
  • CzechiaU
  • Denmark7
  • FinlandK-7
  • Hong KongI
  • HungaryKN
  • MexicoAA
  • NetherlandsAL
  • Norway9
  • PhilippinesG
  • PolandAL
  • PortugalM/6
  • ROAP
  • Russia0+
  • SingaporeG
  • SpainAPTA
  • Sweden7
  • Switzerland12
  • Taiwan普遍級
Overall
Mild · all five categories
Heavier than 8% of all filmsHeavier than 44% of G-rated films
Violence & Gore
Mild
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 41%
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
light for a G-rated film
heavier than 22%
Profanity
None / Minimal
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 43%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a G-rated film
heavier than 16%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a G-rated film
heavier than 60%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 60% of G-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Monsters, Inc. have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Monsters, Inc.?

Cast

2 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor; Daniel Gerson won the BAFTA for this film.

John Goodman
as Sullivan
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Billy Crystal
as Mike
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mary Gibbs
as Boo
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Steve Buscemi
as Randall
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
James Coburn
as Waternoose
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jennifer Tilly
as Celia
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Bob Peterson
as Roz
John Ratzenberger
as Yeti
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Frank Oz
as Fungus
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Daniel Gerson
as Needleman
BAFTA win: BAFTA Award — Best Feature Film

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Monsters, Inc?

Movies like Monsters, Inc include Monsters University (2013), Toy Story 2 (1999) and A Bug's Life (1998). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Andrew Stanton, and half are films set in a fictional world.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its subject: family bonds. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Monsters, Inc.?

2.6K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: buddy comedy. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.