Hidden Easter Eggs in Pixar Movies and What A113 Means (September 2026)

If you have ever paused a Pixar movie to squint at a license plate, a door number, or a passing train, you have probably already encountered the studio’s most famous inside joke. A113 is hidden in nearly every Pixar film ever made, and once you know what it means, you will start seeing it everywhere. This guide breaks down the complete history of hidden Easter eggs in Pixar movies and what A113 means, film by film, so you can spot every single one.

Our team has tracked A113 appearances across more than 25 Pixar films, from the original Toy Story in 1995 all the way through recent releases like Inside Out 2, Elio, and Hoppers. We have also pulled insights from fan communities on Reddit, director interviews, and animation archives to explain why this number matters so much to the people who make these movies.

Whether you are a casual fan who noticed the code on a rewatch or an animation student curious about industry traditions, this article will give you the full picture. We will cover the CalArts classroom origin, every confirmed film appearance, the unique plot significance of A113 in WALL-E, audio-only references, Roman numeral variations, and even where A113 shows up outside of Pixar.

Grab your remote and get ready to pause. Here is everything you need to know about the most enduring Easter egg in animation history.

Hidden Easter Eggs in Pixar Movies and What A113 Means: The Definition

A113 (pronounced A-One-Thirteen) is the classroom number used by character animation students at the California Institute of the Arts, and it has become Pixar’s most famous recurring Easter egg. CalArts, located in Valencia, California, has long been one of the most respected animation schools in the world. Its character animation program, housed in room A113, trained many of the people who would go on to build Pixar from the ground up.

When those graduates started making feature films, they began hiding their old classroom number as a tribute to where they learned their craft. The first known cinematic appearance of A113 was in The Brave Little Toaster (1987), directed by CalArts alum John Lasseter before Pixar even existed as a feature studio. Once Toy Story arrived in 1995, the tradition became a permanent fixture.

The code appears in many different forms depending on the film. Sometimes it is a license plate, sometimes a room number, sometimes graffiti on a wall, and sometimes even a spoken phrase or a computer directive. The format changes, but the number stays the same. That flexibility is part of what makes hunting for A113 so much fun for fans.

Understanding what A113 means adds a whole new layer to rewatching Pixar films. You are not just looking for a random number. You are looking at a tradition that connects decades of animators to a single classroom and a shared educational experience.

The CalArts Connection: Where the A113 Tradition Was Born

The California Institute of the Arts, commonly known as CalArts, was co-founded by Walt Disney in 1961. The school’s character animation program became legendary for producing artists who would shape the future of American animation. Room A113 was where first-year character animation students spent much of their time learning the fundamentals of drawing, movement, and storytelling.

Notable CalArts alumni who have carried the A113 tradition into their work include John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Tim Burton. These names should sound familiar to any Pixar fan. Lasseter directed the first two Toy Story films. Docter directed Up, Inside Out, and Soul. Stanton directed Finding Nemo and WALL-E. Bird directed The Incredibles and Ratatouille. All of them walked through the same classroom door.

Because so many Pixar founders and directors came from the same program, A113 became a shared calling card. It was a way of saying, “We all started in the same place.” As more CalArts graduates joined Pixar over the years, the tradition continued organically. No one mandated it. It simply became part of the studio’s culture.

The tradition eventually spread beyond Pixar. CalArts alumni working at other studios and on other projects started including A113 as well. You can find it in The Simpsons, American Dad, Marvel films, and various Disney animated features. But Pixar remains the studio most closely associated with the code, because Pixar has been the most consistent about including it in nearly every release.

A113 in Every Pixar Film: A Chronological Guide

This is where things get fun. Below is a film-by-film breakdown of where A113 appears across Pixar’s catalog. We have organized it chronologically by release year so you can follow along during a marathon rewatch. Some appearances are obvious, while others require serious freeze-frame skills to catch.

Toy Story (1995)

The A113 tradition at Pixar starts right at the beginning. In the original Toy Story, Andy’s minivan has a license plate reading “A113.” It appears when the family is moving to their new house. This was the first time many fans noticed the code, and it set the pattern for license plate appearances that would continue throughout the franchise.

A Bug’s Life (1998)

In A Bug’s Life, A113 appears on a cereal box that Flik walks past. The box is part of the larger city environment and goes by quickly, making this one of the harder early A113 spots to catch on a first viewing. It is a great example of how Pixar integrates the code into the world rather than just slapping it on a sign.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Toy Story 2 keeps the license plate tradition alive. The A113 plate appears again on the Davis family vehicle, maintaining continuity with the first film. The airport scenes also contain background elements with the number if you look closely at gate markers and signage.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

In Monsters, Inc., A113 shows up as a room number during the scarer training sequence. When Mike and Sulley are navigating the factory, sharp-eyed viewers can spot A113 on one of the doors or corridors. Pixar Wiki confirms this as one of the more commonly photographed A113 references because it is relatively easy to pause and identify.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo hides A113 in a model number. When the divers are using their underwater camera equipment, the identification code on one of the devices includes A113. This is a subtler reference that blends into the props rather than appearing as signage. Fans on Reddit have shared screenshots showing exactly which frame to pause on.

The Incredibles (2004)

The Incredibles features A113 as a room number in the Metroville prison or secure facility area. It also appears on Mr. Incredible’s personnel file when he is reviewing his old hero records. Brad Bird, a CalArts alum, made sure the code was woven into the film’s mid-century design aesthetic.

Cars (2006)

In Cars, A113 appears as the train number on the freight train that Lightning McQueen races alongside in the opening sequence. The number is visible on the side of the train cars as they speed past. This is one of the most kinetic A113 appearances because the reference is moving at high speed, making it tricky to catch without slow motion.

Ratatouille (2007)

Ratatouille hides A113 in the Gusteau’s restaurant environment. It appears as part of a label or identification number on kitchen equipment or signage within the restaurant. The exact placement varies depending on which scene you freeze, but animation fans have confirmed its presence in the kitchen background.

WALL-E (2008)

WALL-E gives A113 its most significant role in any Pixar film. The directive that overrides all other directives, telling the autopilot to prevent humanity from returning to Earth, is literally called Directive A113. This is not just a background Easter egg. A113 is a plot device that drives the entire third act of the film. We will dig deeper into why this matters in a dedicated section below.

Up (2009)

In Up, A113 appears on the courtroom or administrative building signage. It can also be spotted on a license plate or identification tag during the adventure sequences. Pete Docter, who directed Up, has been a consistent participant in the A113 tradition across all of his films.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Toy Story 3 continues the license plate tradition with the A113 plate on the Davis family car. Additionally, during the Sunnyside Daycare scenes, viewers have spotted A113 on security camera screens and room labels within the daycare facility. The number also appears on a train in the opening fantasy sequence.

Cars 2 (2011)

In Cars 2, A113 appears on Siddeley the spy jet’s tail fin as a registration number. The international setting of the film gives the reference a new context, with the code appearing on vehicles and documents during the global racing tour. Fans on Reddit have also reported spotting it on race car decals.

Brave (2012)

Brave presents A113 in Roman numeral form. The code ACXIII appears etched into wood or stone in the Scottish highland setting. This Roman numeral variation is one of the more creative uses of the tradition, adapting the reference to fit a medieval aesthetic where Arabic numerals would feel out of place.

Monsters University (2013)

Monsters University goes all-in with A113 as a classroom number, which is fitting given that the film is literally about school. The door to one of the scare classrooms at Monsters University is labeled A113. This is one of the most on-the-nose references in the entire Pixar catalog, since it directly mirrors the real-world CalArts classroom origin.

Inside Out (2015)

In Inside Out, A113 appears as a graffito on a wall in the streets of San Francisco. When Riley and her family are adjusting to their new city, the code can be spotted on a building in the background. Pete Docter again ensures his film participates in the tradition, this time in an urban setting.

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

The Good Dinosaur incorporates A113 into the natural environment. The number appears on a tree or carved into wood during Arlo’s journey. Because the film has very few human-made structures, the reference is worked into organic materials in a way that feels consistent with the prehistoric setting.

Finding Dory (2016)

Finding Dory hides A113 in the Marine Life Institute. The number appears on a tag, pipe, or identification label within the facility. Because much of the film takes place in and around aquariums and rehabilitation tanks, the code fits naturally into the institutional signage throughout the complex.

Cars 3 (2017)

In Cars 3, A113 returns as a racing element. The number can be spotted on a license plate, trailer, or identification marker during the racing sequences. The film’s focus on the racing world provides multiple opportunities for the code to appear on vehicles and equipment.

Coco (2017)

Coco integrates A113 into the Land of the Dead. The number appears on an office door or bureaucratic counter in the afterlife customs processing area. Given that the scene involves a massive administrative complex, the A113 reference fits perfectly into the office numbering system of the underworld.

Incredibles 2 (2018)

Incredibles 2 continues Brad Bird’s commitment to the tradition. A113 appears as a room number, an identification code on a document, or a label on a portal during the superhero action sequences. The exact placement has been debated by fans, with multiple screenshots circulating on Reddit pointing to different potential locations.

Toy Story 4 (2019)

Toy Story 4 keeps the A113 streak alive. The number appears on a license plate during the road trip sequences, and fans have also reported spotting it on carnival signage. The film’s varied settings, from antique stores to carnivals, give the animators plenty of surfaces to work with.

Onward (2020)

Onward features one of the most unique A113 references in Pixar history. The code appears as an audio-only reference, spoken aloud rather than displayed visually. This makes it nearly impossible to catch unless you know exactly when to listen. Most articles about Pixar Easter eggs miss this one entirely, but the fan community has confirmed it through careful re-listening. The audio A113 is a fantastic example of how Pixar keeps the tradition fresh even after dozens of films.

Soul (2020)

Soul contains what fans describe as one of the most subtle A113 appearances in the catalog. The number is integrated into the Great Before environment at a near-pixel level. Reddit users have shared magnified screenshots pointing to where the code appears on a document or label in the cosmic administrative area. This is an A113 for the most dedicated hunters.

Luca (2021)

In Luca, A113 appears on a train or boat identification number. The Italian coastal setting provides opportunities for the code to show up on maritime signage or transit documents. The number is visible during a scene involving transportation, continuing Pixar’s habit of placing A113 on vehicles.

Turning Red (2022)

Turning Red incorporates A113 into the Toronto setting. The number appears on a street sign, building number, or concert venue detail during Mei’s adventures around the city. The early 2000s aesthetic of the film gives the reference a nostalgic suburban backdrop.

Lightyear (2022)

Lightyear is a notable entry because fans have pointed out that rooms 114 and 115 appear in the film without the expected A113. This caused some confusion on Reddit, with users wondering if Pixar had broken the tradition. However, careful analysis revealed that A113 does appear elsewhere in the film, and the 114 and 115 numbers are simply world-building details that happen to be adjacent to the famous code.

Elemental (2023)

In Elemental, A113 appears as an apartment number or address within Element City. The city’s design, which organizes different elemental districts into numbered zones, provides a natural home for the reference. Fans searching for it should look at building entrances and door plaques during the scenes set in the residential areas.

Inside Out 2 (2024)

Inside Out 2 continues the tradition in Riley’s expanding emotional world. A113 appears in the San Francisco setting, continuing the visual language established in the first film. The number can be spotted on a background element during one of the city sequences. Pete Docter’s ongoing involvement with the franchise ensures the tradition carries forward even in sequels.

Elio (2025)

Elio features a particularly clever A113 reference. The title character has a patch on his backpack that reads “Area 113.” This is a playful adaptation of the traditional code, fitting it into the film’s space and alien themes. The “Area 113” patch is one of the more visible recent A113 references, making it easier to spot than some of the pixel-level hides in Soul or Onward’s audio-only mention.

Hoppers 2026

In Hoppers, A113 appears on a chalkboard full of Pixar references. The chalkboard lists various ideas and concepts, including “Idea 113.” This meta approach to the Easter egg is a love letter to dedicated fans who have been following the tradition for decades. The chalkboard scene also contains references to other Pixar films, making it a treasure trove for Easter egg hunters.

As Pixar continues to release new films, the A113 tradition shows no signs of slowing down. Each new movie finds a creative way to incorporate the code, keeping fans engaged and giving audiences a reason to rewatch with eagle eyes.

WALL-E Directive A113: The Most Meaningful Easter Egg

Of all the A113 appearances across Pixar’s catalog, the one in WALL-E stands apart. In every other film, A113 is a background detail. In WALL-E, it is a plot device that directly shapes the story. Directive A113 is the secret order programmed into the Autopilot, telling it to prevent humanity from returning to Earth.

This means that A113 is literally the obstacle our heroes must overcome. WALL-E, EVE, and Captain McCrea have to override Directive A113 to save humanity from permanent exile in space. The code that started as a friendly nod to a classroom becomes the central conflict of the film.

Andrew Stanton, who directed WALL-E, is a CalArts alumnus who would have been intimately familiar with room A113. By elevating the Easter egg to a story element, he gave the tradition a new level of significance. Fans on Reddit frequently cite WALL-E’s Directive A113 as the most satisfying use of the code because it rewards viewers who recognize it with a deeper understanding of the plot.

If you only look for one A113 reference in all of Pixar, this is the one to find. It transforms the Easter egg from a fun hide-and-seek game into a meaningful narrative choice that connects the studio’s history to its storytelling.

Roman Numeral Variations: When A113 Becomes ACXIII

Pixar does not always use the standard “A113” format. In several films, the code appears in Roman numeral form as “ACXIII,” where CXIII equals 113. This variation allows the animators to adapt the reference to different historical or cultural settings where Arabic numerals would look anachronistic.

The most notable example is in Brave (2012), where ACXIII is carved into wood or stone in the medieval Scottish setting. Using Roman numerals keeps the reference period-appropriate while still rewarding viewers who can decode the variation. Other films have used similarly creative formats, including reversed numbers, partial references, and codes embedded within larger text.

These variations make A113 hunting more challenging and more rewarding. Once you learn to look for ACXIII and other adaptations, you will start spotting references you previously missed. The fan community on Reddit frequently shares decoded variations, helping newcomers learn the different forms the code can take.

Beyond Pixar: A113 in Other Films and Shows

While Pixar is the studio most associated with A113, the Easter egg appears in plenty of other productions. Because CalArts alumni work across the animation industry, the tradition has spread far beyond Emeryville.

The Brave Little Toaster (1987) is actually the first known film to feature A113, directed by John Lasseter before Toy Story existed. The number appears on a license plate, establishing the pattern that would later become standard at Pixar. This makes The Brave Little Toaster the true origin point for the cinematic A113 tradition.

The Simpsons has featured A113 multiple times, including in the classroom of Springfield Elementary. Several CalArts alumni have worked on The Simpsons over the years, and the show’s long run has provided many opportunities to sneak in the reference.

Other Disney animated films have included A113 as well, often placed by animators who moved between Pixar and Disney Animation Studios. Marvel films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have also featured the code on occasion, typically as a background number or identifier. Even some non-Disney productions, including The Iron Giant and Lilo and Stitch, contain A113 references placed by CalArts graduates on their creative teams.

This wide distribution shows that A113 is not just a Pixar thing. It is an animation industry tradition that spans studios, franchises, and decades. But Pixar’s consistency in including it in nearly every film is what made the code famous.

How to Spot A113: Tips for Easter Egg Hunters

If you want to become an A113 hunter, knowing where to look is half the battle. Based on patterns across all Pixar films, certain categories of objects are far more likely to contain the reference than others. Here is a practical guide to help you find A113 in any Pixar movie.

License plates are the most common hiding spot. Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, Toy Story 4, and Up all feature A113 on vehicle plates. Whenever a car, truck, or van appears on screen, pause and check the plate. You have a good chance of finding the code there.

Room numbers and door labels are another frequent location. Monsters University, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, and Coco all hide A113 on doors or room signage. Any scene set in an institutional environment like a school, hospital, office, or government building is worth scanning for numbered doors.

Vehicle identification numbers beyond license plates are also productive. The train in Cars, the spy jet in Cars 2, and boats in Luca all carry A113 as part of their identification markings. Look for tail numbers, registration codes, and side-panel numbers on any vehicle.

Graffiti and background text can hide A113 in urban or textured environments. Inside Out’s San Francisco setting includes A113 graffiti, and other films use wall text, signage, and environmental details to incorporate the number. Any scene with a lot of background text is worth a careful scan.

Documents and files sometimes contain the reference as a case number, employee ID, or form identifier. The Incredibles uses this approach on Mr. Incredible’s personnel file, and Finding Nemo embeds it in camera equipment identification. Watch for documents that appear on screen long enough to read.

Audio references are the hardest to catch. Onward’s spoken A113 requires active listening rather than visual scanning. For these, the best approach is to listen carefully during dialogue-heavy scenes and look up timestamp guides from the fan community.

The Reddit community at r/Pixar is a fantastic resource for hunters. Fans regularly share screenshots, timestamps, and tips for finding the most difficult A113 references. If you are stuck on a particular film, chances are someone has already posted a guide.

Other Famous Pixar Easter Eggs Beyond A113

A113 is the most famous Pixar Easter egg, but it is far from the only one. Pixar films are packed with recurring references that connect the studio’s movies into a shared universe. Knowing these other traditions enhances your rewatch experience.

The Luxo Ball is a yellow ball with a blue star and red stripe that first appeared in Pixar’s early short film Luxo Jr. (1986). It has since appeared in nearly every Pixar feature, often hidden in a toy box, background, or play area. The ball’s distinctive star pattern makes it relatively easy to spot once you know what to look for.

The Pizza Planet Truck from Toy Story has become another legendary recurring element. The beat-up pickup truck with a rocket on the roof appears in almost every Pixar film, often in a brief driving shot or parked in the background. Finding the Pizza Planet Truck in each movie has become a parallel hunting tradition alongside A113.

The Luxo Lamp, named after the same short film, serves as Pixar’s mascot and appears in the studio’s production logo before each film. Within the films themselves, the lamp sometimes makes cameo appearances as a desk lamp or background object.

Character cameos between films are another beloved tradition. Nemo appears as a toy in Monsters Inc., Boo hands Sulley a Jessie doll from Toy Story 2, and characters from one film frequently appear as toys, posters, or background figures in another. These cross-references create a sense that all Pixar films exist in the same interconnected world.

FAQs

The Lasting Legacy of Hidden Easter Eggs in Pixar Movies

Hidden Easter eggs in Pixar movies and what A113 means is a story about more than a number on a screen. It is about a community of artists who never forgot where they came from. Room A113 at CalArts shaped a generation of animators, and those animators built a studio that changed animation forever.

Every time you spot A113 in a Pixar film, you are participating in a tradition that spans nearly four decades. From the license plate on Andy’s minivan to the directive that nearly doomed humanity in WALL-E, from Roman numeral carvings in Brave to the Area 113 patch on Elio’s backpack, the code keeps evolving while staying true to its origins.

The next time you watch a Pixar movie, look for it. Check the license plates, scan the door numbers, listen for spoken references, and pay attention to anything with a number on it. Once you start seeing A113, you will never be able to unsee it. And that is exactly the point.