Overview
A heartwarming tale of friendship and rivalry unfolds in the world of monsters.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- energetic
- warm
- family movie night
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics broadly found it an entertaining, well-acted, visually polished Pixar prequel, though less emotionally resonant than Monsters, Inc.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story follows Mike and Sully during their university years before they become inseparable colleagues.
University life, fraternity-style groups, training activities, and the Scare Games organize the characters' rivalry and growth.
Ambitious, disciplined Mike and confident, naturally gifted Sully begin as adversaries before learning to cooperate.
The Pixar production turns dormitories, classrooms, campus groups, and professional training into colorful monster-specific environments.
Films like Monsters University, and why
Monsters, Inc.
shared animated comedy, university setting, friendship themes, and ensemble competition
Toy Story 3
shared Pixar humor, colorful fantasy world-building, and emotionally warm friendship story
Zootopia
shared coming-of-age comedy, school rivalry, mismatched partners, and uplifting teamwork
Movie Details
- Director
- Dan Scanlon
- Release Date
- 2013-06-19
- Runtime
- 104 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (11565)
Cast
- Billy Crystal
- John Goodman
- Steve Buscemi
- Helen Mirren
- Peter Sohn
- Joel Murray
- Sean Hayes
- Dave Foley
- Charlie Day
- Alfred Molina
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Monsters University about?
- At a monster university, an ambitious underdog and a gifted rival turn campus competition into an unlikely lifelong friendship.
- What is Monsters University like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Monsters University as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Monsters University violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Monsters University.
- What did critics think of Monsters University?
- Critics broadly found it an entertaining, well-acted, visually polished Pixar prequel, though less emotionally resonant than Monsters, Inc.
- Which films are like Monsters University?
- Films with a similar feel include Monsters, Inc., Toy Story 3, and Zootopia.
- How long is Monsters University?
- Monsters University runs 104 minutes.
- Where can I watch Monsters University?
- In United States, Monsters University streams on Disney Plus.
