"Toy Story 5" REVIEW

Published on 6/22/2026 

Written by: Braylon Mitchell 

Directed by: Andrew Stanton 

Cast: Tom Hanks, Joan Cusack, Tim Allen, Greta Lee, Conan O'Brien, Tony Hale, Wallace Shawn, etc. 

Plot: Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime. 

REVIEW 

When "Toy Story 4" released in the summer of 2019, a looming sentiment attached to the conversation around its release was the question of its very existence—in 2010, "Toy Story 3" ended the trilogy on such a flawless, emotionally powerful note that everyone knew couldn't and shouldn't be topped. Many were asking why we needed a forth Toy Story film to interrupt what was a near-perfect trilogy of films. I know that "Toy Story 4" isn't nearly as beloved as the three before it, but I really loved that film and found that it succeeded at justifying its existence with emotionally engaging themes of finding new purpose in life, an excellent sense of humor, some of Pixar's most visually stunning animation, among other things. Seven years later, we're back in the exact same position—feeling compelled to question whether or not "Toy Story 5" is a justified stretching out of a franchise many believed concluded perfectly sixteen years ago. Even as a big defender of the fourth installment's under-sung greatness, I can admit that this franchise I hold dearly does feel like it's dragging on. Well, the way I see it is that if they're going to keep making these films they might as well make sure that they continue to tell meaningful stories with emotional growth, and that's exactly what this film succeeds at—this fifth installment justifies itself quite easily, particularly with strong themes that speak to the times we live in and the progression (or regression, some might argue) of children's relationship to playtime. This film's approach to pinning tech as the villain against traditional playtime and our gang of Bonnie's toys is clever, but what's even more clever is the film's refusal to be one dimensional in its stance on technology and relevant themes—gradually building nuance around tech and its tech characters, painting a much more realistic and engrossing picture than simply "being against technology". While Woody and Buzz are present in their own subplot where we get to see the iconic duo at it again, this film centers Jessie as the main protagonist—a very smart, fully realized decision that drives the plot forward in an emotionally interesting direction as Jessie's past traumas of abandonment, fears of worthlessness, and corresponding immediate prejudice against technology makes her a compelling lead. She's always been a good supporting character, and her time to shine in the spotlight couldn't have gone better. Without spoilers, Jessie's arc resolves in one of those classic, tearjerker Pixar moments that emotionally drops on you like a load of heartfelt bricks. In that moment, I could hear people in my theater crying—and I can't deny that I was teary eyed too. When the "big emotional moment" in a Pixar film is this well-written, how can you not cry? Overall, in trusted Toy Story fashion, this entire film delivers on hitting you in the feels. Whether it's seeing Bonnie negatively affected by tech in her journey to making friends at that age in life where finding connections with others your age can be hard, certain tech characters struggling with their meaning, or Jessie's emotional character arc—this film does an excellent job at building emotional grounding and empathy. Did we need "Toy Story 5"? Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that since it exists, I'm glad that it had something important to say, is stamped with the Pixar standard of exceptional emotional reach, and is very entertaining. As far as I'm concerned, there hasn't been a Toy Story film yet that isn't great. 

THREE BEST ELEMENTS

• The animation. This film's animation is fantastic. Vibrant and expressive, with just the right amount of realism dabbled in. In particular, there are a few sequences throughout the film where we're inside the imagination of the kids while playing that are animated with stunning watercolor colors—visually channeling being inside childhood imagination and creativity better than any other Toy Story film. The whole film has wonderful animation, but those moments stood out the most. 

• Andrew Stanton's direction. Director of Pixar classics such as "Finding Nemo" and "WALL-E", Stanton hasn't lost his touch when it comes to creative and thoughtful direction. Directors of animated films very often aren't singled out or recognized for their work because elements of their job are different to that of directing a live-action film, but that doesn't mean their work isn't any less substantial. Andrew Stanton is a prime example of an animated director who deserves to be recognized. 

• The cast. While their voices do sound noticeably older; Joan Cusack, Tom Hanks, and Tim Allen still have the spark that made us fall in love with their voice performances in the past. As for the newcomers, Greta Lee and Conan O'Brien are the clear standouts. 

WORST ELEMENT 

• There is b-plot involving an army of digitally enhanced Buzz Lightyears that's contribution to the plot is a key indictaor as to why the story feels a bit too outlandish at times. The Toy Story films, for the most part, do a great job at making the adventures of the toy gang manage to still feel somewhat logistical—this film pushes the envelope a bit too far in a few scenes, not to the detriment of taking away from the enjoyment of the film but nonetheless it's looser with its feasibility than expected for a Toy Story film. 

RATING

8/10

You should watch it, buddy!