Monsters University (2013)
Kernel Score: 80% · 11,184 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Animation, Family
Released: 2013-06-19
Runtime: 104 minutes
Is Monsters University worth watching?
Worth watching. A fun, light prequel about Mike and Sulley as rivals at college. It is not as strong as the original but has plenty of laughs and a sweet message about trying your best.
Watch it if you
- loved Monsters, Inc.
- want an easy family comedy
- enjoy campus-comedy style stories
Skip it if you
- want Pixar at its deepest
- dislike formulaic underdog stories
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Monsters University
- Stream: Disney+, Hulu
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University — when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.
Monsters University parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that Monsters University is a G-rated Pixar family comedy about friendship at a monster college, with mild bullying and rivalry themes.
- Violence & scariness: A little — Mild fantasy peril and college rivalry/hazing situations, nothing graphic; rated G.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Monsters University
If you liked Monsters University, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Monsters, Inc. (2001) — 89%: The original, with a more heartfelt and inventive story.
- Toy Story 3 (2010) — 93%: Pixar sequel with big laughs and real feeling.
- Toy Story (1995) — 96%: Pixar's first film, still funny and fresh.
- Toy Story 2 (1999) — 87%: Funny, adventurous follow-up with plenty of heart.
- Onward (2020) — 85%: Warm Pixar adventure about brothers and magic.
Director
Cast
- Billy Crystal as Mike (voice)
- John Goodman as Sullivan (voice)
- Steve Buscemi as Randy (voice)
- Helen Mirren as Dean Hardscrabble (voice)
- Peter Sohn as Squishy (voice)
- Joel Murray as Don (voice)
- Sean Hayes as Terri (voice)
- Dave Foley as Terry (voice)
- Charlie Day as Art (voice)
- Alfred Molina as Professor Knight (voice)
Monsters University FAQ
Is Monsters University worth watching?
Worth watching. A fun, light prequel about Mike and Sulley as rivals at college. It is not as strong as the original but has plenty of laughs and a sweet message about trying your best.
Where can I watch Monsters University?
In the US you can stream Monsters University on Disney+ and Hulu and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Monsters University OK for kids?
Monsters University is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Monsters University is a G-rated Pixar family comedy about friendship at a monster college, with mild bullying and rivalry themes.
What movies are like Monsters University?
If you liked Monsters University, try Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 3, Toy Story and Toy Story 2.