The summer box office just got a whole lot bigger. Pixar's Toy Story 5 has stormed into theaters with a record-breaking opening weekend, leaving the studio's recent misfires in the rearview mirror. In just three days, the beloved franchise's fifth installment has already outgrossed the entire theatrical runs of Elio and Hoppers—two of Pixar's most disappointing releases in recent memory.
This is a massive win for Pixar, which has struggled to find its footing after a string of underperforming originals. While 2024's Inside Out 2 briefly became the highest-grossing animated film ever, the studio's last two outings—Elio and Hoppers—failed to ignite audiences. Now, Toy Story 5 is proving that the magic isn't gone; it's just been waiting for the right toys to come out of the box.
A Record-Breaking Debut
Directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, Toy Story 5 earned an estimated $160 million domestically and $152 million internationally, for a global debut of $312 million. That's the second-biggest opening in Pixar history, trailing only Incredibles 2's $182 million domestic haul. The film's $250 million budget is already looking like a smart investment, as projections suggest a billion-dollar global run is well within reach.
The movie's success is even more impressive when compared to recent Pixar flops. Lightyear, the spin-off starring Chris Evans, managed just $226 million worldwide in its entire run. Meanwhile, the pandemic-era trio of Soul, Luca, and Turning Red—all sent directly to Disney+—combined for less than Toy Story 5's opening weekend alone.
Critical and Audience Love
Critics have embraced the film, which holds a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes—the lowest in the franchise but still stellar. The consensus praises the film for "sidestepping franchise fatigue" and "reaffirming that children everywhere still got a friend in these lovable characters." The story, which tackles themes of screen time and nostalgia, has resonated with both longtime fans and new viewers.
The Toy Story franchise has now generated over $3 billion globally across five films. The last two installments, Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4, both won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. (The first two films missed out only because the category didn't exist yet.)
What's Next for the Toys?
With such a strong start, all eyes are on the franchise's future. Director Andrew Stanton and co-writer Kenna Harris have hinted at endless possibilities for the characters. Meanwhile, fans are buzzing about the film's emotional centerpiece—a new song by Taylor Swift titled "I Knew It, I Knew You," which has become the heart of the movie.
Not everyone is convinced the franchise can keep going, though. Joan Cusack, who voices Jessie, recently revealed why Buzz and Jessie's wedding won't last, adding a layer of drama to the toy box.
For now, Pixar can celebrate a triumphant return to form. Toy Story 5 isn't just a box office win—it's a reminder that even in an era of streaming and short attention spans, audiences still crave the warmth and wonder of great storytelling.
