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Monsters University

Loved the vibe? Here are ten films that hit similar notes—with match scores, reasons to watch, and where to stream in the US.

Monsters University poster

Why people love it

People revisit Monsters University for the same reason it broke through in 2013: clear stakes, memorable faces, and a family rhythm that doesn't stall in the middle. Dan Scanlon keeps the ensemble pointed in one direction. The animation and family blend is the engine: it lets the film shift registers without feeling like two different movies stitched together.

animationfamilyrewatchable

Runtime 1h 44m · ★ 7.0

Your 10 recommendations

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  1. 96match

    1.Monsters, Inc. (2001)

    7.8 · Animation · Comedy · Family · 1h 32m

    Why you'll love it

    Monsters, Inc. (2001) is the natural next step after Monsters University: same animation DNA, different perspective. The funny streak and family elevate it well above a simple genre exercise.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  2. 94match

    2.Toy Story 3 (2010)

    7.8 · Animation · Family · Comedy · 1h 42m

    Why you'll love it

    Fans of Monsters University who respond to its animation will find Toy Story 3 (2010) immediately familiar. Both films share a family sensibility without ever feeling like carbon copies of each other.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  3. 92match

    3.Luca (2021)

    7.8 · Animation · Comedy · Fantasy · 1h 35m

    Why you'll love it

    There's a reason Monsters University fans keep landing on Luca (2021) — the animation is unmistakably related even when the plots diverge. Both films operate on the same emotional frequency, especially in their third acts.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    • YouTube(Buy)
    • Fandango At Home(Buy)
    + Save for later
  4. 90match

    4.Coraline (2009)

    7.9 · Animation · Family · Fantasy · 1h 40m

    Why you'll love it

    Coraline draws from the same animation well as Monsters University, channeling family in ways that feel unmistakably related. The 2009 film makes a natural companion watch — similar in spirit but distinctly its own.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Spectrum On Demand(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  5. 88match

    5.The Good Dinosaur (2015)

    6.7 · Adventure · Animation · Family · 1h 33m

    Why you'll love it

    The Good Dinosaur (2015) captures the animation appeal of Monsters University without simply imitating it. The family streak running through both films is what puts The Good Dinosaur at the top of any "if you liked…" shortlist.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later
  6. 86match

    6.Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (2022)

    7.0 · Animation · Comedy · Family · 1h 32m

    Why you'll love it

    The animation appeal of Monsters University — that funny edge, the family — translates cleanly into Hotel Transylvania: Transformania (2022). Different setting, same essential satisfaction.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Prime Video
    • Amazon Prime Video with Ads
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Spectrum On Demand(Rent)
    + Save for later
  7. 84match

    7.Transformers One (2024)

    8.0 · Animation · Science Fiction · Adventure · 1h 44m

    Why you'll love it

    The filmmakers behind Transformers One (2024) clearly understood what makes animation work — the same quality that keeps Monsters University rewatchable. Expect the same uplifting rhythm, executed with a fresh angle.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Prime Video
    • fuboTV
    • MGM+ Amazon Channel
    • Paramount Plus Premium
    • Paramount Plus Essential
    • Paramount+ Amazon Channel
    • Philo
    • Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
    + Save for later
  8. 82match

    8.An American Tail (1986)

    6.7 · Animation · Comedy · Adventure · 1h 20m

    Why you'll love it

    An American Tail (1986) is the kind of film Monsters University fans discover and immediately send to their group chat. The animation overlap is real, but it's the funny emotional pull that seals the recommendation.

    Watch on

    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    • Google Play Movies(Buy)
    + Save for later
  9. 80match

    9.Nimona (2023)

    7.9 · Animation · Family · Action · 1h 39m

    Why you'll love it

    Nimona shares Monsters University's gift for animation — the 2023 film delivers family without overstaying its welcome. Consider it required viewing once you've finished rewatching your first pick.

    Watch on

    • Netflix
    • Netflix Standard with Ads
    + Save for later
  10. 78match

    10.Kronk's New Groove (2005)

    6.4 · Animation · Comedy · Family · 1h 15m

    Why you'll love it

    Much of what makes Monsters University compelling — the animation, the family — shows up in Kronk's New Groove (2005) in a slightly different form. Both films understand that funny storytelling works best when it trusts the audience.

    Watch on

    • Disney Plus
    • Amazon Video(Rent)
    • Apple TV Store(Rent)
    • Google Play Movies(Rent)
    • YouTube(Rent)
    • Fandango At Home(Rent)
    • Amazon Video(Buy)
    • Apple TV Store(Buy)
    + Save for later

FAQ

What should I watch after Monsters University?
Try Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 3, Luca—each shares DNA with Monsters University while changing the setting enough to feel fresh.
What genre is Monsters University?
Monsters University (2013) is best described as Animation, Family. Stores and algorithms use different labels, but that mix is what fans actually recognize on a rewatch.
Is Monsters University part of a franchise?
Yes—it's part of the "Monsters, Inc. Collection" storyline. You can enjoy it standalone, but sequels and tie-ins build on characters and continuity established here.

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