Monsters University

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1:04

Monsters University

G

Released Jun 21, 2013

1h 42m

Kids & Family

Comedy

Fantasy

Adventure

Animation

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Popcornmeter

80%

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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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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Michael

Monsters Inc was much better

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/02/25

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Rohaan P

It's a really good story on how Mike and Sully became best friends.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/06/25

Full Review

Its abe S

I have no idea why this movie is considered mediocre, its a good prequel! A great prequel actually! On my Pixar tier list of gets S tier!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Funny in 1 hour and 42 minutes!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $268,500,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/20/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Didn't watch this when it first came out, but saw it recently on Disney+ with my 4-year old. She thoroughly loved the crazy monster designs on display, whilst I enjoyed the more emotional beats of the story. Mostly predictable and a little clichéd, but there's a reason why these underdog tales keep getting retold, they offer a feel-good time that isn't always available in the real world. That having been said, the fact that the film chooses to show Mike's journey to become a scarer, something that we ultimately know he won't achieve, does add a little intensity to the proceedings. There are, of course, the inevitable call backs to the original Monsters Inc. but these either serve the story or are "background" enough that they don't interfere with proceedings. (aside from Randal's appearance, which mostly seemed there just because he was a cool character) Worth a watch if you (or your child) are a fan of the original. Just accept that it is a prequel which falls into all the usual trappings.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/12/25

Full Review

Pedro Henrique C

This may be one of Pixar's weakest films, it's very boring and slow at times, it's 1h 43m long but feels like two hours.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/17/25

Full Review

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Dan Scanlon

Director

Billy Crystal

Mike Wazowski

John Goodman

Sulley

Steve Buscemi

Randy Boggs

Helen Mirren

Dean Hardscrabble

Peter Sohn

Scott "Squishy" Squibbles

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Monsters University: 'It All Began Here' Trailer

1:04

Monsters University: Final Trailer

2:30

Monsters University: Trailer 3

2:34

Monsters University: Trailer 2

2:23

Monsters University: 'Pony' Teaser

1:08

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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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