Toy Story 5 is finally here, and it is packed with surprises that longtime fans and newcomers alike will not want to miss. After years of wondering if Woody and Buzz would ever return to the big screen, Pixar delivered a brand-new adventure that tackles some pretty big questions about toys, technology, and what it means to be played with.
Whether you grew up watching the original films or are just getting started with the series, there is plenty to get excited about before the lights go down.
1. Andrew Stanton Is Back in the Director’s Chair
Few names carry as much weight in animated filmmaking as Andrew Stanton. The Academy Award winner co-wrote all four previous Toy Story films and directed Finding Nemo and WALL-E, so he knows a thing or two about telling emotional stories.
For Toy Story 5, he also co-directed alongside Kenna Harris, who co-wrote the screenplay with him. Having the original creative voice back at the helm gave fans a reason to feel confident this installment would honor what came before.
2. Woody and Buzz Are Both Back
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen reprising their roles is honestly the kind of news that makes you feel like a kid again. Both iconic voice actors returned to bring Woody and Buzz back to life for a fifth time, and their chemistry is as strong as ever.
Fans who worried the franchise might recast or sideline these beloved characters can breathe easy. Hearing those familiar voices is like reconnecting with old friends you have not seen in years.
3. Jessie Takes Center Stage This Time
Something genuinely new happens in Toy Story 5 – Jessie steps up as a central protagonist in a way the main series has never done before. Joan Cusack returns to voice her, and the film gives her room to shine in ways that feel earned and exciting.
For fans who always felt Jessie deserved more screen time, this entry delivers. Her storyline carries real emotional weight, and watching her lead the charge adds a fresh energy to the whole adventure.
4. A Sentient Tablet Named Lilypad Stirs Up Trouble
Every great Toy Story film introduces a new character who shakes things up, and Lilypad is exactly that for this installment. Voiced by Greta Lee, she is a sentient tablet device who shows up at Bonnie’s house and immediately starts pushing ideas about playtime that the classic toys find pretty alarming.
Lilypad represents modern technology creeping into a world built on imagination and physical play. She is charming, clever, and just a little bit threatening to everything the toys hold dear.
5. The Film Tackles Technology vs. Traditional Play
At its heart, Toy Story 5 asks a question that feels very relevant right now: what happens to imagination when screens take over? The conflict between the classic toys and Lilypad’s tech-driven worldview drives the entire story forward.
Kids today spend a lot of time on tablets and devices, so this theme hits close to home for both children and parents watching together. Pixar does what it does best here, wrapping a real-world issue inside an adventure that is funny, heartfelt, and genuinely thought-provoking.
6. Conan O’Brien Joins the Cast as Smarty Pants
Conan O’Brien voicing a toy called Smarty Pants is exactly as entertaining as it sounds. The comedian and talk show legend brings his signature wit and timing to a brand-new character who fits naturally into the Toy Story universe.
New voice additions to this franchise always bring a burst of fresh energy, and Conan’s comedic instincts are a perfect match for Pixar’s humor. Smarty Pants is sure to be a fan favorite and probably already has merchandise flying off shelves.
7. Ernie Hudson Steps In as Combat Carl
Combat Carl has a small but memorable history in the Toy Story universe, and this film brings him back with a new voice actor. Ernie Hudson takes over the role following the passing of Carl Weathers, who originally voiced the character.
Hudson brings gravitas and warmth to the part, and knowing the role comes with that emotional context gives it extra meaning. It is a fitting tribute to Weathers, and Hudson steps up to honor the character with clear dedication and heart.
8. Taylor Swift Contributed an Original Song
Randy Newman has always been the musical soul of the Toy Story franchise, but Toy Story 5 adds something extra with a Taylor Swift original single called “I Knew It, I Knew You.” Swift’s contribution brings her massive fanbase into the conversation and adds a pop layer to the soundtrack.
Newman still composed the score, marking his fifth Toy Story feature, so the film’s musical identity stays intact. Having both legends on the same soundtrack feels like a genuine celebration of the franchise’s reach.
9. The Film Has a PG Rating – a First for the Main Series
Every mainline Toy Story film before this one carried a G rating, so the PG label on Toy Story 5 is worth paying attention to. The Motion Picture Association rated it PG for “some thematic elements and rude humor,” which is a pretty mild reason but still marks a shift.
Parents should not panic – this is still very much a family film. The slightly more mature themes actually align with the movie tackling bigger questions about identity and technology, making it feel a bit more grown-up than its predecessors.
10. The Budget Was $250 Million
Pixar did not hold back on this one. With a production budget of $250 million, Toy Story 5 ranks among the most expensive animated films ever made.
That money shows up on screen in the form of breathtaking visuals and incredibly detailed animation.
Every frame feels polished in a way that rewards watching on the biggest screen possible. The textures on the toys, the lighting in Bonnie’s room, and the scale of the action sequences all benefit from that level of investment.
This one was built to impress.
11. The Box Office Numbers Are Record-Breaking
Toy Story 5 did not just perform well at the box office – it absolutely dominated. The film grossed over $1.136 billion worldwide, becoming Pixar’s biggest worldwide opening weekend on record and the highest-grossing Toy Story movie ever made.
It also landed as the third-highest-grossing film of 2026, which is a staggering achievement for an animated sequel. Those numbers prove that audiences around the world were hungry for this story, and they showed up in a massive way.
12. The Runtime Is 102 Minutes
At 102 minutes, Toy Story 5 sits comfortably in the sweet spot for a family animated film. It is long enough to tell a full, satisfying story but short enough to keep younger viewers engaged from start to finish without too many bathroom break negotiations.
Compared to some of the longer blockbusters of recent years, this runtime feels refreshingly focused. Every scene earns its place, and the pacing keeps the energy moving without ever feeling rushed or padded.
Bring snacks, but you will not need a stretch break.
13. Several Voice Actors Were Recast
Along with the return of fan favorites, Toy Story 5 also introduced some new voices in familiar roles. Jeff Bergman takes over as Mr. Potato Head, Anna Vocino voices Mrs. Potato Head, and John Hopkins steps in as Mr. Pricklepants.
Recasting is always a sensitive topic for franchise fans, but Pixar handled the transitions carefully. Each new voice actor brings their own personality while staying true to what made those characters memorable.
Viewers may need a moment to adjust, but the performances hold up well.
14. Bonnie Gets a Bigger Role This Time
Bonnie was introduced at the end of Toy Story 3 as the new owner of Woody and the gang, but her role in Toy Story 4 was fairly limited. Toy Story 5 puts her back at the center of the story, with Scarlett Spears voicing her with real charm and energy.
Watching how Bonnie interacts with both her classic toys and the new technology in her life adds a grounded human element to the film. Her choices and feelings drive much of the emotional core of the story.
15. The World Premiere Was in Los Angeles on June 9, 2026
Toy Story 5 had its world premiere in Los Angeles on June 9, 2026, giving the cast, crew, and lucky fans a first look at the finished film before its wide release. Premieres like this are always electric events, full of excitement and emotional reactions from people who worked on the project for years.
The film then opened in U.S. theaters on June 19, 2026, just in time for summer moviegoing season. That timing was no accident – summer is prime territory for Pixar, and audiences delivered in a big way.
16. You Can Watch It at Home Starting September 23, 2026
Not everyone made it to theaters, and that is perfectly fine because Toy Story 5 has a solid home release plan. The film became available for digital purchase on August 18, 2026, with physical media including Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD arriving on September 22, 2026.
Disney+ subscribers can stream it starting September 23, 2026. Whether you want to own it or stream it, the home viewing experience will be worth the wait.
Watching it on a big TV with the family sounds like a pretty great Friday night.
17. Toy Story 6 and 7 Could Actually Happen
Andrew Stanton has already started planting seeds for what could come next. The director has openly teased the possibility of Toy Story 6 and even Toy Story 7 in future interviews, though neither project is officially greenlit as of now.
Given the massive success of Toy Story 5 at the box office, it would be surprising if Disney and Pixar did not pursue more stories in this world. The franchise clearly still has an enormous audience, and the creative team seems genuinely excited about where the characters could go next.
18. The Film Was Confirmed by Disney CEO Bob Iger
Before a single trailer dropped, the very existence of Toy Story 5 was confirmed directly by Disney CEO Bob Iger. His announcement signaled that the studio saw real creative and commercial reasons to return to this beloved franchise rather than letting it rest.
That kind of high-level endorsement meant the project had serious backing from the start. Fans who had been wondering for years whether a fifth film would ever happen finally got a definitive answer, and the result exceeded even the highest expectations anyone dared to set.