After a rocky 2025 with Elio, Pixar bounced back earlier this year with the well-received Hoppers, a heartwarming tale of fighting the government starring Piper Curda and Meryl Streep. That film earned a solid $388 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, setting the stage for the studio's biggest 2026 release: Toy Story 5.
The fifth installment brings back Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack), and the rest of the beloved gang, along with returning voices John Ratzenberger, Tony Hale, Bonnie Hunt, and Keanu Reeves. Newcomers Greta Lee, Craig Robinson, Conan O'Brien, and Ernie Hudson join what is arguably the franchise's most star-studded cast yet.
Now that review embargoes have lifted, Toy Story 5 holds a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes—the lowest in the franchise's history. But before you worry, critics are quick to point out that this is more a testament to the near-perfect run of the first four films than any major flaw in this one. ScreenRant calls it the "funniest and most emotional adventure yet," while CBR gives it a 9/10, saying "Pixar officially justifies another franchise sequel."
Collider's Taylor Gates awarded the film an 8/10, praising the new characters as "instantly beloved additions" and noting that "even the smaller roles manage to be memorable." Gates wrote that the film "not only justifies its existence but feels like a necessary response to how much the world has changed in the past three decades," calling it "one of the best films of the year, period."
While some might compare this to other franchises that struggled to maintain quality over multiple sequels—like the Scary Movie reboot that recently smashed records—Toy Story 5 proves that Pixar still knows how to deliver. The film's early box office numbers are already impressive, and with such strong word-of-mouth, it's poised to be one of the year's biggest hits.
For fans wondering if the series has run its course, the answer from critics is a resounding no. This isn't a cash grab; it's a thoughtful, funny, and emotional continuation of a story that began with the first fully CGI feature film. As the franchise soars on Disney+ thanks to the new film's success, it's clear that audiences still have plenty of love for these characters.
Toy Story 5 hits theaters this weekend. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is one adventure you won't want to miss.
