A criminally underrated prequel that was better than it had any right to be, Monsters University is far more than a stellar college comedy with monsters learning how to scare humans.

| Mar 1, 2024

Although not wholly original or as monumental as some of Pixar’s other work, it’s a film that embraces the studio’s drive for timeless, universally appealing animation.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 2, 2022

Lacks the substantial level of unbridled creativity and emotional punch found in its predecessor.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 3, 2020

Randy Newman's original music gives the film a heartfelt yet fun aura.

| Original Score: 3.0/4.0 | Sep 17, 2020

What follows is a perfectly pleasant pile of shenanigans that never once outstays its welcome.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 24, 2020

Straight "A's" across the board, it's time to matriculate in Monsters University!

| Nov 27, 2019

The excellent storytelling and pathos Pixar is so celebrated for is missing - and the film suffers as a result.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Nov 25, 2019

It is the kid friendly equivalent of a frat comedy, albeit with the genuine heart of a coming of age buddy pic.

| Jul 30, 2019

An amusing prequel to 2001's Monsters, Inc.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 20, 2019

A decent enough way to pass the time, but it pales in comparison to the modern classics that Pixar has delivered before.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jun 8, 2019

Overall, Monsters University is a very pleasant Pixar movie and one... that subverts traditional narrative quite a bit for the kind of story it is telling.

| Original Score: B- | Apr 19, 2019

The latest from Pixar is a charming endeavor that's sure to please children while sprinkling in just enough to keep the adults interested as well.

| Original Score: B | Apr 10, 2019

Monsters University's diverse and eclectic menagerie of monstrosities will certainly entertain younger audiences, whilst parents and older viewers will still find the odd subtle adult joke here and there.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 26, 2019

The main reason I think the film works is that it sends out a harsh but necessary lesson for kids.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Nov 1, 2018

With no shortage of exceptional talent, this movie will satisfy any Pixar fan. Though it may not knock their M.U. emblazoned hats off.

| Oct 25, 2018

The film has a good script and some great set pieces, as well as the usual selection of monsters that look like people you know.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 9, 2018

It feels like a good Disney movie. It doesn't have that magical spark that we've seen in previous Pixar movies, but it's not bad. It's enjoyable.

| Mar 5, 2018

Monsters University doesn't keep the faith, laying the creatures on thick and fast. It's not that the new crowd aren't fun, but they're a distraction

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 1, 2017

This is the ingenuity and warmth we love in Pixar movies, and long may it remain.

| Jun 28, 2016

Mike and Sully went to college; both "scare majors." But Sully's a talented, no-work-ethic scare-scion, and little Mike's an overachiever with no scare-ability. Teamwork!

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 19, 2016