Pixar Director’s “Horror” Promise Has Me Even More Convinced Elio Will Be The Studio’s Best Original Movie Since Inside Out 9 Years Ago

Elio is one of Pixar’s most highly anticipated movies in recent memory, and the promise of horror references makes me more confident than ever that it’ll be the studio’s best original project in almost a decade. After the success of Inside Out in 2015, Pixar has tried hard to find its next big original hit, but nothing has matched the film’s success. The lack of relatable and memorable stories has left the studio on a bit of a cold streak; however, Inside Out 2‘s incredible box office performance is encouraging for Elio, as are the horror comments from its director.

After Adrian Molina left the project, Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian took over directing duties, with the latter mentioning some potential horror elements. According to Empire’s Ultimate 2025 Preview, Sharafian took inspiration from some classic horror films and stated, “I’m always trying to push it to be weirder and a little creepier, to ride that line of the PG movie.” Given the recent format of Pixar movies, Shi and Sharafian would have been forgiven for playing it safe, especially with Molina’s departure delaying Elio‘s release date. Instead, their new direction for the project has me convinced it will be iconic.

“Sci-Fi Horror References” Are Exactly What Pixar’s Elio Needs To Stand Out

Pixar’s Horror References Prove The Studio Is Taking Some Much-Needed Risks With Elio

Sharafian’s mentions of sci-fi horror references are exactly what Elio needs to be Pixar’s best original movie in a long time. Although there are positive elements when it comes to the studio’s recent work, there haven’t been many risks to help these projects stand out. While I personally enjoyed Elemental for its slightly unique concept, it didn’t do anything special that we haven’t already seen in other Pixar films. Therefore, the idea of Elio having some slightly darker scenes with high stakes around them makes me instantly more interested, as the directors are clearly trying to do something different.

Of course, these references are unlikely to be too intense given the intended audience, but Toy Story 3 had plenty of creepy and slightly unsettling scenes which helped it become one of Pixar’s best-ever sequels. Assuming Elio can utilize horror in a similar way, the film could become extremely memorable as the rest of the story looks mostly light-hearted. Catching audiences off guard by having some seemingly sinister moments when Elio first meets the aliens could add a sense of jeopardy that is quickly defused after their more wholesome nature is revealed.

Still, if Elio manages to implement these concepts well, I’m confident it will be one of Pixar’s most interesting films in years, and I’m really optimistic about its chances of succeeding.

Elio Already Looks Like Pixar’s Best Original Movie Since Inside Out

Elio Looks Full Of Personality & Has A Truly Unique Premise

With the exception of Coco, Pixar hasn’t had an original IP gross over $500 million at the box office worldwide since 2015’s Inside Out, but Elio could finally change this. Although Coco was an all-round success, it didn’t quite reach the same heights as Inside Out, nor did it have the same sort of franchise potential. While Elio is also unlikely to get a sequel any time soon, the eye-catching premise, impressive visuals, and Pixar’s upturn in form all point toward a positive reception that may give it longevity.

2:08

Related

Pixar’s Next Movie Avoids The Big Flaw That Almost Turned Elemental Into A $200 Million Box Office Bomb

Despite Elemental’s box office comeback, its biggest flaw set it back. Pixar’s new movie easily avoids this, promising a more positive reception.

The movie’s delay could have hurt its momentum, but the recent teaser trailer indicates that Elio still has plenty of charm and personality, despite undergoing some big changes. While Pixar’s original movie plan suggested it may be looking towards sequels to carry the studio’s future, Elio could be the perfect reminder that fresh concepts still have value. So far, the marketing for the film has been strong, and with years of build-up and anticipation, audiences may be intrigued to give the movie a watch, especially as Inside Out 2 proved Pixar can still deliver high-quality projects.

While the family-friendly nature of the trailer should be enough to sell Elio to younger viewers, the teases of horror references are a good way to win over a slightly more mature audience. Therefore, if Elio continues to highlight some of its unique selling points, I’m confident it could gather some major attention and if it nails its execution, it’ll be Pixar’s best original outing in around a decade.

Pixar Needs To Get Elio Right After Mixed Receptions To Recent Original Movies

The Studio’s Best Recent Projects Have All Been Sequels

Given how long it has been since Pixar has had an overwhelmingly successful original movie, it’s important the studio doesn’t squander Elio‘s potential. Coco‘s $814 million box office alongside its strong reception from both audiences and critics make it the last big non-sequel hit for Pixar. In terms of reviews, the recent outings have still performed well all things considered, but there hasn’t been the same buzz around these projects with fewer people going to see them. Therefore, Elio doesn’t just have to be good, it has to be the type of movie that gets people talking.

Horror elements are a great place to start, but it still needs something more to ensure theaters will be packed for one of the studio’s most unique films yet. Pixar has undoubtedly been a huge part of many people’s lives which is why I want Elio to succeed so badly and recapture the magic of its earlier years. However, it still has some huge obstacles in its way, and viewers’ lack of interest in recent originals is at the top of the list, but I’m hopeful Elio can overcome this and become a classic animated movie in the process.

Source: Empire

Elio is a film directed by Adrian Molina, centered on a young boy who is mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador at an interplanetary organization. Unprepared for the role, Elio must navigate interactions with diverse alien species and face challenges in the quest to understand his true identity.

Director

Adrian Molina

Release Date

June 13, 2025

Character(s)

Elio Solis , Aunt Olga , Lord Grigon , Ambassador Questa