Toy Story 5

⭐⭐⭐⭐

102 minutes ‧ PG ‧ 2026
Cast: Joan Cusack, Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
Director: McKenna Harris, Andrew Stanton
Genres: Animation, Drama

From its opening moments, Toy Story 5 feels less like a new movie and more like a reunion with friends you’ve missed. Pixar knows exactly who’s watching, and it greets longtime fans like family, reminding you right away why these characters have stuck with you for so long.

This time, the gang faces a threat unlike anything they’ve dealt with before. When Bonnie receives a frog-themed tablet named Lilypad, she quickly becomes glued to the screen, and her toys find themselves pushed to the sidelines. Jessie, now the leader of Bonnie’s toy collection, feels the sting most of all as she watches their place in Bonnie’s life slip away. It’s a clever, surprisingly timely premise that taps into something every modern parent will recognize.

The animation has never looked better, with bright colors, expressive characters, and subtle details that reward close attention. The humor lands again and again, the action keeps things moving, and the emotional beats hit right where they should. It’s the kind of film that makes you laugh one minute and reach for a tissue the next.

A big part of the magic comes from the voice cast, who slip back into these roles like no time has passed at all. Tom Hanks brings all the heart and decency that have always defined Woody, while Tim Allen makes Buzz Lightyear as lovable and confident as ever. Joan Cusack is a standout, giving Jessie genuine depth and plenty of spark as she carries much of the emotional weight. The newcomers fit right in, too. Greta Lee gives Lilypad a personality that’s far more interesting than a simple villain, and Conan O’Brien is a real treat as the oddball Smarty Pants.

Toy Story 5 succeeds by giving fans another lively, heartfelt chapter with characters they still care deeply about. The film balances humor, adventure, and emotion in a way that feels true to the franchise’s spirit, while also introducing fresh ideas that keep the story current and engaging. It may be another sequel, but it still delivers the warmth, charm, and entertaining storytelling that audiences expect.

Audiences clearly agree. The film opened to a massive $159.7 million in its domestic debut, making it Pixar’s biggest opening weekend on record. That’s proof that these characters still mean something to families everywhere, and that there’s a genuine hunger for the kind of storytelling Pixar does best.

So, does Toy Story 5 live up to the legacy? Happily, yes. It’s funny, touching, beautifully made, and packed with the heart that has kept these toys close to our own for decades. Whether you’re a kid meeting Woody and Buzz for the first time or a grown-up who grew up with them, this is one trip back to the toy box that won’t disappoint.