For fans of Pixar, spotting John Ratzenberger in a film is as much of a tradition as the hidden “A113” or the Pizza Planet truck. Dubbed Pixar’s “good luck charm,” Ratzenberger’s distinct voice has graced a ton of Pixar films from Toy Story (1995) to Inside Out 2 (2024)- 24 of them, lending an extra spark to each character he portrays. In each movie, his characters bring humor, warmth, or wit—qualities that have become synonymous with Pixar’s storytelling. Here, we celebrate Ratzenberger’s legacy by listing all of his Pixar roles, proving why he’s earned his title as the studio’s lucky mascot.
Pixar Movies John Ratzenberger Has Appeared In
1. Toy Story (1995) – Hamm
John Ratzenberger’s Pixar journey began with Toy Story, where he voiced Hamm, the sarcastic pink piggy bank. Hamm quickly became a fan favorite with his clever quips and slightly cynical attitude. Alongside Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang, Hamm played a major role in Pixar’s debut success and set the stage for Ratzenberger’s continued involvement in Pixar’s films.
2. A Bug’s Life (1998) – P.T. Flea
Ratzenberger took on the role of P.T. Flea, a fast-talking circus ringmaster, in Pixar’s second feature film. P.T. is responsible for recruiting the insect “warriors” who help Flik defend his colony. His character’s over-the-top personality and comedic timing added flair to the ensemble cast, solidifying Ratzenberger’s versatility in bringing Pixar’s characters to life.
3. Toy Story 2 (1999) – Hamm
When Toy Story returned for its first sequel, so did Hamm. In Toy Story 2, Ratzenberger reprised his role, delivering even more humorous lines as Hamm joined the team on a mission to rescue Woody. Hamm’s interactions with the other toys, especially Mr. Potato Head and Rex, brought a familiar charm to the adventure.
4. Monsters, Inc. (2001) – The Abominable Snowman
In Monsters, Inc., Ratzenberger voiced the Abominable Snowman, an exiled monster who encounters Sulley and Mike in the human world. His character was friendly and welcoming, contrasting with his intimidating appearance. Ratzenberger’s playful voice work gave the Abominable Snowman a memorable, quirky personality.
5. Finding Nemo (2003) – School of Moonfish
In Finding Nemo, Ratzenberger took on a less conventional role as the voice of a school of moonfish. These fish entertain Dory and Marlin by forming various shapes, offering directions to help them navigate the ocean. Though it was a smaller role, the moonfish’s humorous interactions with Dory added a light-hearted moment in the otherwise high-stakes adventure.
6. The Incredibles (2004) – The Underminer
Ratzenberger took on the role of a villain in The Incredibles as The Underminer, a mole-like supervillain who declares war on peace and happiness just as the movie closes. His character’s brief appearance teased a future conflict for the superhero family, leaving fans eager for more.
7. Cars (2006) – Mack
In Cars, Ratzenberger voiced Mack, a friendly and reliable truck who transports Lightning McQueen to his races. Mack’s loyalty and dedication to Lightning is a major part of the storyline, showing the importance of friendship and support. Ratzenberger brought warmth and relatability to Mack, making him a beloved character.
8. Ratatouille (2007) – Mustafa the Waiter
In Ratatouille, Ratzenberger took on a supporting role as Mustafa, a waiter at Gusteau’s restaurant. Although his part was smaller, Ratzenberger’s voice gave Mustafa a humorous and slightly anxious demeanor as he tries to keep up with the hectic kitchen demands, adding to the movie’s charm and authenticity.
9. WALL-E (2008) – John
In WALL-E, Ratzenberger voiced John, one of the human passengers aboard the spaceship Axiom. John’s character undergoes a significant transformation, waking up from a passive, screen-centered life to re-engage with the world around him. Ratzenberger’s performance was a great fit for John’s optimistic rediscovery of life.
10. Up (2009) – Construction Foreman Tom
In Up, Ratzenberger lent his voice to Construction Foreman Tom, who tries to convince Carl Fredricksen to sell his house to a development company. Though his role was brief, Ratzenberger’s portrayal of Tom perfectly captured the pushy, matter-of-fact nature of the character.
11. Toy Story 3 (2010) – Hamm
Ratzenberger reprised his role as Hamm for Toy Story 3, adding more layers to the beloved piggy bank character as he and the other toys navigate a dramatic escape from Sunnyside Daycare. His quick wit and resourcefulness shone through in this third installment, demonstrating Hamm’s enduring appeal.
12. Cars 2 (2011) – Mack
Ratzenberger returned as Mack in Cars 2, continuing his role as Lightning McQueen’s dependable transport and friend. Mack’s dedication and loyalty were once again on display as he followed Lightning around the world, supporting him through various racing challenges.
13. Brave (2012) – Gordon the Guard
In Brave, Ratzenberger voiced Gordon, one of the guards in King Fergus’ castle. Though his part was brief, Ratzenberger’s Scottish accent fit right into the medieval Scottish setting, contributing to the film’s authenticity.
14. Monsters University (2013) – The Abominable Snowman
Ratzenberger reprised his role as the Abominable Snowman in Monsters University, Pixar’s prequel to Monsters, Inc. This time, fans got a glimpse of his character’s life before his exile, with Ratzenberger’s voice work once again adding humor to the monster’s backstory.
15. Inside Out (2015) – Fritz
In Inside Out, Ratzenberger voiced Fritz, a friendly worker inside Riley’s mind who fixes the “Headquarters” control panel after Joy and Sadness accidentally cause some chaos. Fritz’s calm demeanor and helpful nature made him a likable addition to the story.
16. The Good Dinosaur (2015) – Earl the Velociraptor
In The Good Dinosaur, Ratzenberger voiced Earl, a scruffy velociraptor who works with a group of “rustler” dinosaurs. Although the role was brief, his gruff portrayal of Earl added a tough, comedic edge to the scene.
17. Finding Dory (2016) – Bill the Crab
In Finding Dory, Ratzenberger took on the role of Bill the Crab, a cranky crustacean who is briefly annoyed by Dory’s antics. His short but funny performance as Bill added humor to the underwater adventure.
18. Cars 3 (2017) – Mack
Ratzenberger returned as Mack in Cars 3, supporting Lightning McQueen as he navigates the challenges of aging in a sport filled with younger racers. Mack’s enduring loyalty and encouragement made him an integral part of the story once again.
19. Coco (2017) – Juan Ortodoncia
In Coco, Ratzenberger voiced Juan Ortodoncia, a skeleton character in the Land of the Dead who’s seen in a humorous exchange over dental work. His brief appearance was a fun Easter egg for fans who recognize his voice.
20. Incredibles 2 (2018) – The Underminer
Ratzenberger reprised his role as The Underminer in Incredibles 2, picking up where the first film left off. Though his character’s fate remains unresolved, his explosive entrance adds excitement to the film’s opening scene.
21. Toy Story 4 (2019) – Hamm
In Toy Story 4, Ratzenberger once again voiced Hamm, who brings his signature wit and humor to Woody’s latest adventure. Even in this final installment, Hamm remains a constant source of laughs.
22. Onward (2020) – Fenwick
Ratzenberger voiced Fenwick, a construction worker, in Onward, maintaining his record of appearing in every Pixar film.
23. Soul (2020) – Unnamed Subway Passenger
In Soul, Ratzenberger made a subtle image cameo as a passenger on the subway.
24. Inside Out 2 (2024) – Fritz
In Inside Out 2, Ratzenberger reprised his role as Fritz, the maintenance worker inside Riley’s mind, who returns to fix some new challenges in the emotional control center. With his usual mix of humor and practicality, Fritz helps the emotions keep things in check as Riley faces the ups and downs of her teenage years. Ratzenberger’s performance once again brings a touch of levity and wisdom to the character, making Fritz’s return a delightful Easter egg for Pixar fans.
I should note that the tradition of John Ratzenberger appearing in literally every Pixar film seemingly came to an end in 2021 when he was not included in Luca. Since then he has also been omitted from Turning Red, Lightyear and Elemental, but as noted above, made his return in Inside Out 2. At the risk of stating the obvious, the movies he didn’t appear in were some of Pixar’s least successful, so maybe there is something to the whole “Good Luck Charm” thing after all….
