The Secret Pixar Code Hidden in Nearly Every Movie — and What It Really Means

Pixar is famous for packing its films with hidden details, inside jokes, and Easter eggs. But there’s one mysterious code that pops up so often across its movies that once you notice it, you’ll never stop spotting it: A113.

This string of letters and numbers might not look like much at first glance, but it’s quietly appeared in nearly every Pixar release since Toy Story in 1995. It’s been seen on license plates, classroom doors, courtroom numbers, and even on the diver’s camera that captures Nemo.

Fans on Reddit and movie forums have spent years tracking every instance, building meticulous lists that prove just how committed Pixar animators are to slipping this code into their films.

So what does A113 mean?

A113 isn’t random at all — it’s a tribute. The code refers to a classroom number at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), the legendary animation school founded by Walt Disney himself.

That classroom, A113, is where many of Pixar’s biggest names — including John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, and Henry Selick — studied graphic design and character animation. For them, hiding the code in their films became a way of honoring their shared roots and celebrating the place that shaped their careers.

Brad Bird, director of The Incredibles and Ratatouille, once confirmed the meaning, saying, “It’s a tradition. It’s just a little reminder for us of where we all came from.”

What's this A113 code all about?

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The Pixar A113 sightings you might have missed

The code first appeared in Toy Story (1995) as the license plate on Andy’s mom’s minivan. Since then, it has reappeared in dozens of Pixar films in increasingly clever and creative ways. Some examples include:

• Finding Nemo (2003): On the model code of the diver’s camera.
• The Incredibles (2004): The conference room number in Syndrome’s lair.
• WALL-E (2008): Directive A113 is the order that keeps humanity stranded in space.
• Up (2009): The number of the courtroom where Carl faces trial.
• Brave (2012): As Roman numerals carved into the witch’s cottage.
• Inside Out (2015): Riley’s new classroom number, plus graffiti in San Francisco.
• Coco (2017): Written on a record label in Miguel’s attic and on an office door in the Land of the Dead.
• Turning Red (2022): On Mei’s dad’s line marker and on 4*TOWN concert tickets.
• Elemental (2023): Hidden in the chemistry of a sign, with H=1 and Al=13.
• Elio (2025): On a patch labeled “Area 113” on Elio’s backpack.

In some cases, the reference is subtle (like numbers scratched into the background), while in others, it plays a bigger role in the plot, such as WALL-E’s critical directive.

Furthermore, the repeated use of the same Easter egg across multiple films can foster a sense of familiarity and continuity for the audience. This is backed by the Mere Exposure Effect, a psychological phenomenon where people tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them (Zajonc, 1968). So, the recurring A113 code not only ignites curiosity but also subtly enhances the audience's affinity towards Pixar movies.

It appears in WALL-E

Pixar

And here in Cars 3 as Sterling's office number

Pixar

Understanding the Psychology of Easter Eggs in Media

Easter eggs, like the A113 code in Pixar films, are widely used in media to incite curiosity and engagement in audiences. From a psychological perspective, these hidden gems appeal to our innate drive for discovery and problem-solving. This behavior can be explained using the Self-Determination Theory, which suggests that satisfying our innate psychological needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy leads to increased motivation and engagement (Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L., 2000). In this context, Easter eggs satisfy our need for competence by providing a challenge to unravel.

Why fans love Pixar’s Easter eggs

Part of what makes A113 so fun is that it’s part of Pixar’s broader Easter egg culture. From the Pizza Planet truck that rolls through almost every film, to characters from upcoming movies appearing in earlier ones, these hidden details make rewatching Pixar films endlessly rewarding.

For casual viewers, spotting A113 is just a fun surprise. But for animation insiders and superfans, it’s a nod to the tight-knit creative community that helped build Pixar into the powerhouse it is today.

So next time you sit down to watch a Pixar classic, keep your eyes peeled. Whether it’s carved into wood, printed on a ticket, or tucked away on a license plate, chances are A113 is waiting for you to find it.

What Research Shows About the Impact of Hidden Details

Research has shown that hidden details or Easter eggs in media can significantly enhance the viewer's engagement and overall experience. According to a study by Holbert and Linz, 2016, such interactive elements can increase cognitive involvement and stimulate a more immersive viewing experience. Therefore, the A113 code in Pixar movies might serve as a tool to subtly increase audience immersion and engagement.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

In conclusion, the use of Easter eggs like A113 in Pixar films taps into fundamental psychological principles to enhance viewer engagement and enjoyment. They stimulate our innate curiosity and problem-solving skills while also creating a sense of familiarity and continuity across different movies. Therefore, these hidden details can be seen as strategic psychological tools used by filmmakers to enrich our movie-watching experience.