Pixar's Elio — an original animated film that cost $200M+ and grossed $154M

Elio — about a boy who is mistaken for Earth's delegate to an alien alliance — went through a grueling production. It was originally directed by Adrian Molina, whose nearly complete cut was set aside after a 2023 screening to Pixar leadership; Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi took over. Former Pixar employees told The Hollywood Reporter the film ultimately cost 'well north of $200 million,' though public reports cited $150 million.

Disney released it in the United States on June 20, 2025, one week after Universal's live-action How to Train Your Dragon and while Lilo & Stitch was still in theaters. It opened to $20.8 million domestically — the worst opening weekend in Pixar's 30-year history — despite an A CinemaScore and an 81% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

It closed with roughly $73 million domestically and $154 million worldwide, against a production cost of well over $200 million. Variety called the run 'a major money loser for Disney and Pixar,' and the film became the clearest example yet of the studio's struggle to launch original (non-franchise) titles in the post-COVID theatrical market.