Toy Story 5
June 16th, 2026
MOVIE: TOY STORY 5
STARRING: TOM HANKS, TIM ALLEN, JOAN CUSACK, CONAN O’BRIEN, GRETA LEE
DIRECTED BY: MCKENNA HARRIS, ANDREW STANTON
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 4 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: PG
RUN TIME: 102 MINUTES
At this point, Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of Andy and Bonnie’s toys have become a part of our lives. Think about it: I was 10 years old when Toy Story premiered in 1995. I’ve lived an entire lifetime since then and have even introduced my own son to the magic of action figures and toys that spark imagination. More than 30 years later, Toy Story still understands children and the ever-changing world they inhabit, where toys increasingly take a back seat to tablets, and genuine human connection feels more important than ever. That understanding, combined with sharp writing, laugh-out-loud comedy, and another delightful adventure, makes Toy Story 5 a spectacular installment in an already spectacular series.
After the events of Toy Story 4, Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the rest of the gang still live with Bonnie, while Woody (Tom Hanks) and Bo Peep (Annie Potts) travel the road as lost toys, helping others in need. Bonnie is struggling with shyness, and the toys do everything they can to help her connect with the kids in her neighborhood. When her parents notice her difficulty making friends, they buy her the hottest new toy for eight-year-olds: a tablet called Lillypad (voiced by Greta Lee). The arrival of this shiny new distraction creates an entirely new dynamic, leaving Bonnie’s beloved toys collecting dust in the garage as they fight for her attention.
Determined to help, Jessie sneaks into Bonnie’s luggage for a sleepover, hoping to keep her away from Lillypad and encourage real-world connections. Unfortunately, the challenge proves far more difficult than expected. Bonnie becomes increasingly attached to her screen, with Lillypad only reinforcing the habit, while other children tease her for still playing with toys. After Jessie is accidentally left behind in a car, she embarks on an unexpected adventure in search of someone who can help Bonnie find the confidence to connect with others.
It’s in the second half of Toy Story 5 that the story truly comes into focus. This is very much Jessie’s adventure, as she and Bullseye find themselves back at the home of her former owner, where they encounter a trio of electronic toys led by the hilarious potty-training assistant Smarty Pants, voiced brilliantly by Conan O’Brien. Meanwhile, an army of Buzz Lightyear toys searches for their space commander, while Woody grapples with his new purpose and the realities of aging- including a noticeably balding head. Through these intersecting storylines, co-writers and co-directors McKenna Harris and Andrew Stanton expertly blend the emotional lives of the toys with the realities facing children today, all while delivering some of the biggest laughs Pixar has ever produced. In fact, Toy Story 5 may be the funniest Pixar film yet.
What remains most impressive about all five Toy Story films is their ability to evolve with the times. Each installment reflects how children interact with one another, how imagination changes, and what it truly means to grow up. Even if Toy Story 4 was the weakest entry in the series, Toy Story 5 feels like the perfect follow-up. While its exploration of screens and technology may arrive a little late to the conversation, its themes remain universal. Making friends is hard. Finding confidence is hard. Bonnie is learning what it means to have a real friend, while the toys are learning how to coexist in a world that never stops changing.
The reality is that our toys hold a special place in our hearts. The toys themselves may change, and yes, phones and tablets often compete for our attention, but it’s the people we connect with who keep the magic alive. The characters of Toy Story have spent more than three decades reminding us of that truth. They comfort us with the simple promise that we always have a friend. Toy Story 5 is another heartwarming triumph for one of cinema’s most beloved franchises.
4 STARS
TOY STORY 5 IS IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 19TH, 2026.
Written by: Leo Brady
