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Monsters University

Play trailer 1:04 Poster for Monsters University G 2013 1h 42m Kids & Family Comedy Fantasy Adventure Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
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80% Tomatometer 200 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Ever since he was a kid monster, Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) has dreamed of becoming a Scarer. To make his dream a reality, he enrolls at Monsters University. During his first semester, he meets Sulley (John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. Sulley and Mike engage in a fierce rivalry that ultimately gets them both kicked out of MU's elite Scare Program. To make things right, Mike and Sulley -- along with a bunch of misfit monsters -- will have to learn to work together.
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Monsters University

Monsters University

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Critics Consensus

Offering Monsters, Inc. fans a return visit with beloved characters, Monsters University delivers funny and thoughtful family entertainment for viewers of any age.

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Critics Reviews

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Christy Lemire ChristyLemire.com It is essentially Revenge of the Nerds, with fur. And scales. And whatever gooey, gelatinous substance comprises the outer coating of various other oddball creatures in this crazy parallel world. Rated: 2.5/4 Aug 8, 2013 Full Review Wesley Morris Grantland Studios don't often seem to be thinking about the ideal moviegoer, just about the maximum number of moviegoers ... Pixar is no different in that regard, but even in this relatively fallow period ... it's never stopped thinking the most of us. Rated: A- Jul 26, 2013 Full Review Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard So many movies, these days, are about nerds and their market value. Dan Scanlon's prequel is the newest, but already feels old. Rated: 3/5 Jul 12, 2013 Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson It's well-performed, highly imaginative, funny at times, compelling other times, but just doesn't have that extra magic and poignancy that we are used to, and now expect, from Pixar. Rated: 3/5 Jul 20, 2025 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Although not wholly original or as monumental as some of Pixar’s other work, it’s a film that embraces the studio’s drive for timeless, universally appealing animation. Rated: 3.5/4 Sep 2, 2022 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Lacks the substantial level of unbridled creativity and emotional punch found in its predecessor. Rated: 8/10 Dec 3, 2020 Full Review Read all reviews

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Michael Monsters Inc was much better Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/02/25 Full Review Mitchell S The original is much more... original. But I actually found this one more fun and relatable. It may not have been necessary, but it sure is inspiring! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/30/25 Full Review TheMovieSearch R Monsters University is an absolutely exceptional prequel and a perfect follow-up to the beloved Pixar classic Monsters, Inc. What makes this film stand out so strongly is how it revisits the world of Monstropolis while showing us a completely different side of Mike and Sully. Instead of jumping back into their careers as scarers, the movie takes us to their college days, where the two must learn not only how to scare but also how to work together—something that doesn’t come easily at first. Billy Crystal and John Goodman once again deliver phenomenal performances as Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan. Their chemistry is electric, effortlessly carrying the heart and humor of the film. The story of how these two polar opposites become best friends is charming, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt. Pixar manages to capture all the humor and creativity of campus life while wrapping it in a heartfelt story about perseverance, self-worth, and teamwork. The film’s supporting cast also shines. Each new monster introduced—whether part of the Oozma Kappa fraternity or one of the rival teams—adds a fresh layer of fun and personality. Characters like Don, Art, Squishy, and Terri & Terry each bring something unique to the mix, creating a group that’s impossible not to root for. Even Randall’s return, showing us how he started down his darker path, feels clever and well integrated into the narrative. Visually, Monsters University is a feast for the eyes. Pixar’s attention to detail brings the monster campus to life with stunning animation, vibrant colors, and clever world-building. From the frat houses to the Scare Games, everything feels alive and filled with energy. The studio once again proves why it’s a powerhouse in animation—combining technological precision with emotional storytelling that resonates across generations. Thematically, the movie hits some important and often overlooked notes. It reminds audiences that not everyone’s path to success looks the same and that failure can be the first step toward true growth. Mike’s journey, in particular, is one of Pixar’s most relatable and human stories—about finding where you belong even when your dreams don’t unfold as planned. It’s inspiring without ever feeling heavy-handed. In the end, Monsters University stands as one of Pixar’s most underappreciated gems. It expands the Monsters, Inc. universe with heart, humor, and purpose, offering fans an unforgettable prequel that adds genuine depth to two already iconic characters. With its stellar voice acting, top-tier animation, and inspiring story, this film remains a must-watch for kids, adults, and anyone who’s ever faced the challenge of proving themselves in a world that doubts them. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/26/25 Full Review Cece R I love this movie so much! It’s a feel good movie and one of my favorite Pixar movies! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/22/25 Full Review Juju S L’idée de raconter l’histoire de la rencontre de Bob et Sully à travers leur rivalité qui se transforme peu à peu en amitié est excellente. Et au final, c’est en équipe qu’ils sont plus forts… pour finalement créer un des meilleurs duo Pixar. Big up aussi à Squishy que j’adore ! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/09/25 Full Review Vincent W Honestly prefer it over the first Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/21/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Monsters University

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Movie Info

Synopsis Ever since he was a kid monster, Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) has dreamed of becoming a Scarer. To make his dream a reality, he enrolls at Monsters University. During his first semester, he meets Sulley (John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. Sulley and Mike engage in a fierce rivalry that ultimately gets them both kicked out of MU's elite Scare Program. To make things right, Mike and Sulley -- along with a bunch of misfit monsters -- will have to learn to work together.
Director
Dan Scanlon
Producer
Kori Rae
Screenwriter
Daniel Gerson, Robert L. Baird, Dan Scanlon
Distributor
Walt Disney
Production Co
Pixar Animation Studios
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 21, 2013, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
May 13, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$268.5M
Runtime
1h 42m
Sound Mix
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, SDDS, Datasat
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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