Monsters, Inc. movies in order
Monsters Inc. Marathon

View Monsters, Inc. movies in order

Page Last Modified:

4 December 2025

Most Recent Release:

Monsters University - 2013

Total Runtime:

196 Minutes

Total Items:

2

Average User Score:

(7.5)

Monsters, Inc. movies in order

Planning a Pixar night can be a delightful challenge. Do you start with Monsters Inc. or kick things off with Monsters University? No worries, we've got you covered. Watching the Monsters Inc. series in chronological order not only enhances the storytelling experience but also adds layers of nostalgia and context. Whether you're shedding tears with Mike and Sulley for the umpteenth time or discovering the scream canisters anew, this marathon promises a heartwarming journey to Monstropolis. So grab your popcorn, slip into your MU hoodie (we know you have one), and join us for the ultimate Monsters Inc. movie marathon. Get ready to laugh, scream, and everything in between.

196 Minutes 2 Movies
  1. Monsters University Backdrop 1
    Monsters University Movie 104 min. 2013
    A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University — when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.
    USER SCORE 7
  2. Monsters, Inc. Backdrop 2
    Monsters, Inc. Movie 92 min. 2001
    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.
    USER SCORE 8

Start with Monsters University:

This is where it all begins. Monsters University, directed by Dan Scanlon and released by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, takes us back to the college days of Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan. Before they became the iconic duo at the Monsters Inc. factory, they were rivals on campus. Expect rivalry, scare games, the OK fraternity (Oozma Kappa!), and tough lessons from Dean Hardscrabble, voiced by Helen Mirren.

This film is a comedic gem with a warm heart. It offers a glimpse into the origins of their friendship. If you're a fan of Pixar classics, you'll appreciate the detailed animation and inside jokes that resonate if you're familiar with the franchise. It's college life with tentacles, scales, and CDA rules. Bonus points if you recognize Nathan Fillion's voice as Johnny Worthington, the quintessential frat-boy antagonist.

Then Comes Monsters Inc.:

After Monsters University, it's time for the classic that started it all: Monsters Inc., directed by Pete Docter in 2001. This film showcases Pixar at its finest, with a brilliant concept fear as an energy source, scream canisters, and a door vault leading to other worlds alongside hilarious characters and a heartwarming story.

Mike, voiced by Billy Crystal, and Sulley, voiced by John Goodman, are now top scarers at the Monsters Inc. factory. But when a human child named Boo, voiced by Mary Gibbs, accidentally enters Monstropolis, chaos ensues. The film is both funny and touching. From Randall Boggs, the ever-creepy Steve Buscemi, to Roz's iconic line, "I'm watching you, Wazowski," this film is packed with memorable moments.

Watching this after Monsters University brings everything together. The friendship between Mike and Sulley feels more genuine, their dynamics are clearer, and even their work routine gains depth. This film is the emotional core of the franchise, and the door scene remains legendary.

End with Monsters at Work:

If you thought the story ended with two films, think again. The Monsters Inc. timeline continues with the Monsters at Work series on Disney+. This series picks up right after the events of Monsters Inc., showcasing the transition from scream to laughter energy in the factory, leading to a new wave of chaos.

We follow Tylor Tuskmon, a young scare graduate who must learn to make people laugh instead of scare them. Meanwhile, familiar faces like Mike and Sulley now run the show, with plenty of Easter eggs for longtime fans. The series blends workplace comedy with Pixar magic, making it the perfect finale to your marathon. Ever wondered if the Child Detection Agency (CDA) had bureaucratic issues? Now you know.

Plus, the episodes are short, so you can easily binge them as an epilogue to your movie night. Turn off the lights, snuggle into your blanket, and let the monster madness continue.

Why This Order Works:

Watching the Monsters Inc. franchise in chronological order starting with Monsters University, followed by Monsters Inc., and concluding with Monsters at Work offers the best character arc. You witness Mike and Sulley's evolution from awkward rivals to best friends, and how they transform the monster world together. The story flows smoothly, and the world-building feels richer.

Moreover, it's just more fun. You'll spot visual callbacks, catch jokes you missed before, and appreciate the evolution of Pixar's animation style. From the classic look of the first film to the polished visuals of the series, you see how the franchise grows with its audience. This marathon is not only nostalgic but also refreshingly new.

Tips for Your Monsters Inc. Movie Marathon:

Plan well you're watching two films and a series, so make it a full evening event or spread it over a weekend. Start on Friday with Monsters University, enjoy Monsters Inc. on Saturday with your favorite snacks (scream cheese chips, anyone?), and wrap up on Sunday with a few episodes of Monsters at Work.

Play a fun Pixar playlist during breaks, offer prizes for spotting the most Easter eggs, or create a Monstropolis bingo (tip: squares like "Roz appears," "Mike makes a joke about his eye," "Randall sneaks"). And if you want to go all out: MU merch, CDA hats, or even a door on your wall will complete the experience.

Explore More in the Pixar Universe:

If you're still craving more Pixar magic after this monster marathon, delve into the theories connecting the different films. There are hints that Monstropolis is set in the distant future and that the doors enable time travel. Or explore Pixar Easter eggs, like the obligatory A113 or the Pizza Planet truck, which also appear in these films.

And if you're completely hooked, there are Monsters Inc. video games that take you back to the scare floor, plus numerous YouTube videos exploring the lore of this animated monster comedy. The world of Mike and Sulley is larger than you think a marathon is just the beginning.

So, are you ready to open the door to your next binge? Because one thing is certain: in this universe, behind every door lies a new surprise.