5 - Up (2009)

The “Carl and Ellie montage” from the opening moments of Up should be required study in film schools everywhere. Perfection isn’t a word thrown around too much in cinema, especially in animation, but perfection is the most suitable word for this sequence. It’s funny. It’s romantic. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. It tells a complete history of a couple in a matter of moments, with no dialogue and, most importantly, it gets the audience totally invested in Carl’s quest which takes up the remainder of the film. I would have followed Carl anywhere after the first 10 minutes of this film. Pixar, once again, proved with Upthat innovative storytelling is what they do best.