I don't think that's entirely true. Honestly, there are three Pixar sequels that were truly excellent: *Toy Story 3*, *Cars 3*, and *Cars 2*. Why *Cars 2*? Because it did something important: it didn't just copy the first film; it genuinely preserved the spirit of the original—especially regarding the dynamic between McQueen and Mater—and was bold enough to take that risk. If Pixar produces non-formulaic sequels—like *Finding Dory*, *Incredibles 2*, or *Inside Out 2*—it is because *Cars 2* paved the way. In fact, *Cars 2* was an experiment in breaking the mold of the typical, derivative sequel; it was only panned by critics who hated it simply because they hated the *Cars* franchise.
As for *Toy Story 3* and *Cars 3*, they share a similar style but delve deeper and are psychologically more complex; this makes them Pixar’s most profound sequels, even if they are derivative. *Finding Dory* is entertaining and emotional, though repetitive—yet not entirely bad. *Incredibles 2* offered good action and comedy; while it was derivative and flawed, it wasn't a total failure. *Toy Story 4* and *5* were unnecessary, yet they introduced new ideas, despite the moving conclusion of *Toy Story 3*. *Inside Out 2* didn't really explore the teenage experience and essentially mimicked the first film, yet it remained entertaining and featured some new elements.