REVIEW: “Toy Story 5” (2026)

(Source: IMDb)

As far as critics and cinephiles are concerned, very few movie trilogies pack as much of a cinematic and emotional punch as the first three Toy Story's. In fact, many would say that the Pixar animated film series could’ve stopped there in 2010. Alas, here we are, sixteen years after that acclaimed and beloved third entry, following three theatrical shorts, two made-for-T.V. specials, an unexpected fourth movie, a series of mini-shorts for streaming, and now a fifth movie. It's a question of: Is this really necessary, or just the studio milking its most famous franchise for the sake of it, even though we've said goodbye to these characters twice already? Or will it surprise us like the previous movie did? (To be fair, a second trailer had me convinced that it may not be as bad as we think it might be.) 

First and foremost, I will agree with fans who believe that 2019’s Toy Story 4 doesn’t rank up there with its predecessors. But it’s still a terrific entry that introduced new and now iconic characters (like Tony Hale's existential, arts-and-crafts creation Forky and Keanu Reeves' Canadian stuntman Duke Caboom), while giving Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) a different character arc by reuniting with his former love interest Bo Peep (voiced by Annie Potts), as well as the toys' status with new owner Bonnie. For this year’s Toy Story 5, the spotlight turns to cowgirl Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack), while the overall narrative brings these characters into the tech age, including several upgraded Buzz Lightyear action figures (all voiced by Tim Allen), a potty-training device called Smarty Pants (voiced by Conan O'Brien), and, chiefly, a frog-themed tablet called Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee). For added fun and amusement, Woody even sports a red poncho and bald spot. My thoughts going in were whether the themes and arcs (i.e., physical toys being abandoned in favor of electronic devices) would be timeless, or if they would be dated and relevant only for its time. As it turns out, the filmmakers manage to balance said themes with its contemporary setting without (largely) overwhelming the audience. 

The fact that one of the original film's story writers/creators Andrew Stanton is directing this one was another selling point for me. Lest we forget, this is the same director behind some of Pixar's most unforgettable movies, including Finding Nemo and WALL-E. (His previous Pixar credit was the 2016 sequel, Finding Dory.) By giving the main story arc to Jessie, the movie feels more like a spinoff in the Toy Story universe, giving today's audiences—especially families and little kids—something fresh and resonant while honoring the franchise's legacy. Not to mention some clever callbacks to previous installments, especially Jessie's backstory, where she came from, and what she comes to discover. Composer Randy Newman wonderfully provides the score once again, while music artist Taylor Swift returns to her country roots with an equally wonderful new, original song.) It's also fun to see Bonnie's playtime imagination expressed through creative, Crayola-style animation (a first for this series). 

This fifth Toy Story also marks another first, being the first PG-rated installment. Many believed that the 2010 sequel should've received that rating, if only for the climactic incinerator sequence. The MPA's reasons for this 2026 follow-up include "some thematic elements and rude humor." I think another reason (other than some mild, rude language issues) would be the story's portrayal of social anxiety and loneliness when it comes to tech and how it—plus the pressure and desperation to fit in—makes children feel and think, and the awareness and worry that comes from parents and adults. Lest we forget, the toys here act as adult figures, and sometimes question whether they're more useful or "useless" to their respective owners, while also remembering what they're made for and doing what's best for their kids, no matter how old they're getting. (On that same note, Lilypad kind of reminds me of Anxiety from Inside Out 2, also a terrific sequel.) 

While it may not rank up there with its predecessors (and only time will tell how it holds up), Toy Story 5 is still terrific and entertaining movie. And a sweet and emotional one at that. I'd rank it as an improvement over the 2019 entry, having taken a risk by centering on a beloved character (Jessie) and bringing her arc (which began in 1999) full circle. It may not be a sequel we asked for, but it turns out to be one we needed. Again, if you look at it as a standalone spinoff, it works. It's a story that reflects reuniting with loved ones, making up for lost time (as well as mistakes), making peace with the past, making new friends, and embracing the future with maturity, discernment, and community. If Pixar decides to make another sequel, I'd be curious who the spotlight will be on next. Either way, this beloved series still has a friend in yours truly.