Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Kernel Score: 89% · 19,536 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family
Released: 2001-11-01
Runtime: 92 minutes
Is Monsters, Inc. worth watching?
Must-watch. Monsters, Inc. makes its premise, a world powered by children's screams, both funny and sweet. Sulley and Mike are a great pair, and the finale is lively and clever.
Watch it if you
- like Pixar's inventive worlds
- enjoy buddy comedies
- want a film all ages can enjoy
Skip it if you
- want something more grown-up than a kids' comedy
- dislike silly cartoon humour
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Monsters, Inc.
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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.
Monsters, Inc. parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that Monsters, Inc. is a G-rated animated comedy with only mild scares and standout messages about friendship and protecting a child.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Mild, comedic peril and some monsters that may briefly frighten very young viewers, but nothing graphic.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Monsters, Inc.
If you liked Monsters, Inc., these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Toy Story (1995) — 96%: Pixar's original buddy comedy
- Inside Out (2015) — 89%: Pixar film with a clever invented world
- Big Hero 6 (2014) — 88%: Funny, heartfelt friendship between a boy and a creature
- Ratatouille (2007) — 89%: Warm, funny kitchen comedy with an unlikely pair
- Up (2009) — 87%: Funny and deeply moving adventure
- Monsters University (2013) — 80%: Prequel set in the same world
Director
Cast
- John Goodman as Sullivan (voice)
- Billy Crystal as Mike (voice)
- Mary Gibbs as Boo (voice)
- Steve Buscemi as Randall (voice)
- James Coburn as Waternoose (voice)
- Jennifer Tilly as Celia (voice)
- Bob Peterson as Roz (voice)
- John Ratzenberger as Yeti (voice)
- Frank Oz as Jeff Fungus (voice)
- Daniel Gerson as Needleman / Smitty (voice)
Monsters, Inc. FAQ
Is Monsters, Inc. worth watching?
Must-watch. Monsters, Inc. makes its premise, a world powered by children's screams, both funny and sweet. Sulley and Mike are a great pair, and the finale is lively and clever.
Where can I watch Monsters, Inc.?
In the US you can stream Monsters, Inc. on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Monsters, Inc. OK for kids?
Monsters, Inc. is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Monsters, Inc. is a G-rated animated comedy with only mild scares and standout messages about friendship and protecting a child.
What movies are like Monsters, Inc.?
If you liked Monsters, Inc., try Toy Story, Inside Out, Big Hero 6 and Ratatouille.