12 Pixar Jokes That Are Completely for Grown-Ups

      Here are 12 hilarious Pixar jokes clearly intended for parents and grandparents, rather than kids.

      Mia and Tia (Cars, 2006)

      Mia and Tia showcase their headlights in Cars. Pixar. – Credit: C/O

      It’s straightforward: the twin Mazda Miatas who literally flash their lights at Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) at the start of Cars are groupies.

      When Lightning vanishes, they start to hang around the terrible Chick Hicks.

      So they’re not just groupies, but those with really poor taste.

      The Toy Story Casting Couch (Toy Story 2, 1999)

      An unhappy old prospector pulls a Weinstein move. Pixar – Credit: C/O

      Someone at Pixar seems to have an affinity for twins.

      A "blooper reel" featured during the end credits of Toy Story 2 was edited in the #MeToo era to scrap a joke in which the sleazy prospector Stinky Pete (voiced by Kelsey Grammar) approaches two twin Barbies — and takes one’s hand — while suggesting, “I’m sure I could get you a part in Toy Story 3.”

      Barbie, of course, ended up starring in one of the highest-grossing movies ever. Stinky Pete, not so much.

      No Bears in San Francisco (Inside Out, 2015)

      The cast of Inside Out delivers a joke that functions on multiple levels. Pixar – Credit: C/O

      Inside Out, which explores all the emotions within a young girl’s mind as her family relocates to the Bay Area, includes a character asserting, “There are no bears in San Francisco.”

      Another character adds, “I saw a really hairy guy. He looked like a bear.”

      Sally’s Lower Back Tattoo (Cars, 2006)

      Cars delivers a joke that also pops up in another Owen Wilson film from 2005. Pixar – Credit: C/O

      Lightning McQueen realizes his love interest, a Porsche Carrera named Sally, has a wild streak when he notices her rear pinstriping — the car equivalent of a lower-back tattoo.

      While one might disagree on the significance of lower back tattoos, the joke was prevalent enough at the time of Cars’ release that it also appeared in a different Owen Wilson film, 2005’s The Wedding Crashers.

      Hostile Takeover Bank (Cars, 2006)

      A clever joke in Cars. Pixar – Credit: C/O

      Not all Pixar jokes for adults are risqué.

      Cars features a clever piece of social commentary by naming HTB — or Hostile Takeover Bank — as the sponsor of Lightning McQueen’s biggest rival, the aforementioned Chick Hicks. He’s known for being a poor sport and will go to any lengths to seize a lead. Or a bank, we assume.

      This is our favorite joke in Cars — and we truly love Cars.

      Buzz Lightyear’s Erect Wings (Toy Story 2, 1999)

      An astounding joke in Toy Story 2. Pixar – Credit: C/O

      Wow. When Buzz Lightyear is so, um, captivated by cowgirl Jessie’s stunts that his wings shoot up in excitement.

      This is one of those Pixar jokes that is so absurd and well-executed that it’s impossible to be offended by it.

      Proctology (Cars, 2006)

      Cars visits the doctor. Pixar – Credit: C/O

      Cars is both a heartwarming children’s film and a gentle reflection on aging, with all that entails.

      While many kids’ movies resort to bathroom humor, Cars includes a different kind of joke regarding bodily functions.

      In one of the more poignant moments in the franchise, Lightning McQueen interrupts the sheriff (Michael Wallis) during the car equivalent of a proctology exam, thanks to Doc Hudson (Paul Newman).

      12-Step Sharks Meeting (Finding Nemo, 2003)

      A group of sharks attempts to accept the things they cannot alter in Finding Nemo. Pixar – Credit: C/O

      12-step programs similar to AA meetings are a staple in dramas, ranging from Fight Club to 28 Days.

      However, they are not commonly found in children’s films, except for Finding Nemo, where Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) accidentally stumbles into a gathering where a group of sharks, led by Bruce (Barry Humphries), attempt to manage their murderous instincts.

      In a dark twist, the sharks relapse during the meeting.

      Laser Envy (Toy Story, 1995)

      Don Rickles portrays Mr. Potato Head in Toy Story. Pixar – Credit: C/O

      When Woody (Tom Hanks) appears envious of Buzz Lightyear’s superior weaponry, Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles) jokes that he has “laser envy.”

      See also: Pixar jokes for Freudians.

      Life’s a Beach (Cars 3, 2017)

      Lightning and friends relaxing on the beach.