Pixar has created a large number of lovable characters throughout the years. Many of these characters have impressed audiences with their intelligence, some even becoming shining role models to children. The intelligence of these characters is also portrayed in a realistic way, as they did not become smart overnight.
Their intelligence is born from hard work and perseverance even in the face of adversity. By studying, and trying things again even after failing a few times, people can learn a lot, especially from real-life experiences. Working hard towards a realistic goal can often pay off, and these characters show how important it is to use their heads rather than to charge into a situation recklessly.
10 A Bug's Life: Flik Is An Inventor Who Has Made A Few Mishaps
Flik is an inventor, creating multiple things in the hopes that he can benefit his colony. Like many inventors, his creations sometimes lead to unfortunate mishaps, which is why many of his inventions are written off as failures.
Flik has come up with great ideas that no one else in his colony did, including bringing bigger bugs to fight the grasshoppers, creating a makeshift bird to scare the grasshoppers, and utilizing their strength in numbers. Unfortunately, specific circumstances led to many of his great ideas ending in catastrophe.
9 WALL-E: WALL-E Lived Long Past The Others Of His Kind
WALL-E was created to clean up the Earth while the humans were away, compacting garbage and arranging it neatly. He has lived for hundreds of years in near solitude, with the exception of his little roach friend.
Unlike others of his kind, who were simple machines who were driven only by their need to perform their base function of hauling trash, WALL-E gained sentience, questioning life and even having the intelligence to take parts from others of his kind in order to extend his own lifespan.
8 Brave: Queen Elinor Can Stop A Fight Just By Walking Into A Room
Queen Elinor is the most intelligent character in the film, serving as a diplomat that keeps the peace between the four clans. Everyone turns to her for advice, and she serves as Merida's teacher so her daughter can learn all the things she needs to know in order to become a queen.
Her knowledge and poise earned her such respect that she can command the attention of an entire room by simply walking in, even when the inhabitants were in the midst of a brawl.
7 Onward: Wilden Lightfoot Could Use Magic
The world that Wilden and his family lived in originally relied on magic as a resource. However, magic was quickly abandoned for alternatives, since magic was incredibly difficult to use.
Wilden passed away, leaving his sons a wizard staff and a spell that would allow them to bring him back for a single day. This meant that he had some magical knowledge, although he primarily worked as an accountant.
6 Ratatouille: Remy Is An Incredibly Gifted Chef
Remy is an intelligent rat with a strong sense of smell, able to pick up the most subtle of scents. Using his skill, he is able to make a variety of delicious dishes once he has the opportunity to do so.
Since he could not cook by himself, he was able to puppet Alfredo Linguini by pulling at his hair. He can also understand what humans say to him. Against all odds, he was able to become a successful chef, impressing even the harshest of critics.
5 Monsters, Inc.: Mike Wazowski Was The Smartest Student In The Scare Program
Mike wanted to join Monsters, Inc. ever since he was a child. He worked and studied hard to be accepted into Monsters University, where he continued to work towards his goal of becoming a top Scarer. Thanks to his hard work, he passed his exams with flying colors and even was praised by his professor.
After getting expelled, he was still hired at Monsters, Inc., where he and Sully worked their way up the food chain, eventually becoming the best-scaring duo in the company, even if Mike didn't become a Scarer himself.
4 Cars: Doc Hudson Is A Doctor & A Judge
Doc Hudson is Radiator Springs' doctor and judge, who often offers wise advice to anyone willing to listen. In addition to this, he was one of the best-known racers, The Fabulous Hudson Hornet. He won three Piston Cups in a row and knew tricks that allowed him to win races even if he wasn't necessarily the fastest racer on the track.
He offered racing tips that were completely new to Lightning McQueen, and changed the younger racer into a kinder individual.
3 Toy Story: Woody Is A Natural Leader
Woody has been the leader of Andy's toys for years. This experience made him incredibly intelligent, coming up with plans that have saved quite a few toys. He issues instructions that are concise and easy to follow and has kept the fact that the toys are alive a secret from Andy and his family.
The only person he revealed this to was Sid, but that was for the sole purpose of saving Buzz in a successful plan that Woody thought up. Woody is also one of the few toys that escaped from the daycare when Lotso was in charge.
2 The Incredibles: Syndrome Defeated Superheroes With His Inventions
Before he even became a villain, Syndrome's intelligence made him both rich and successful. He eventually poured his resources into making weapons, with the goal of making everyone a Super. He invites several heroes to fight his Omnidroids, killing every single one that arrived before Mr. Incredible.
Whenever a hero would defeat an Omnidroid, he would create an even better one that would kill the hero. Most of them didn't suspect Syndrome's involvement until it was too late.
1 The Incredibles: Edna Mode Is A Designer Who Understands Supers
Syndrome would have been the smartest Pixar character if he had listened to Edna's warnings about capes. Edna designs costumes for Supers, and as a result, she understands their powers better than they themselves do. She created perfect outfits for the entire Parr family, even one that was surprisingly perfect for Jack-Jack before she even saw his powers.
Edna's time babysitting Jack-Jack allowed her to understand his powers and how to control them, something that his own family had yet to figure out. She always pushes herself to do better, and never fails to impress.