STARRING: JOAN CUSACK, TOM HANKS, TIM ALLEN, GRETA LEE, SCARLETT SPEARS, CONAN O’BRIEN
DIRECTED BY: ANDREW STANTON AND MCKENNA HARRIS
RELEASE DATE: JUNE 19, 2026
Are tablets the new normal instead of toys? That is the question. Toy Story 5 is a 2026 American animated comedy-drama film directed by Andrew Stanton, written by Stanton and Kenna Harris, and produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. Development was confirmed in February 2023, with Tom Hanks and Tim Allen returning. With a budget of $250 million, Toy Story 5 is one of the most expensive animated films and one of the most expensive films of all time. It has grossed $1.148 billion worldwide, and is the third-highest-grossing film of 2026, the highest of the franchise, and the tenth highest-grossing animated film of all time.
Toy Story 5 brings back familiar characters while exploring a problem of technology replacing traditional playtime. Bonnie’s toys face a new challenge when she receives Lilypad, a frog-shaped tablet that quickly captures her attention. With Jessie taking a central role, going back to a life before she met Woody and the gang, the story explores what happens when toys must compete with screens to remain important in a child’s life.
In my opinion, this movie did a good job talking about imagination and human connection. Instead of simply repeating earlier stories about children outgrowing their toys, this film asks whether technology is pushing children away from creative play too soon, which makes the sequel seem like not just another random movie nobody asked for. I do think that this movie did a good job of not only adhering to the younger audience but to the audience who watched Toy Story when the first one came out and talking to that generation of kids as well. However, the movie sometimes tries to fit too much into one story. Between the familiar toys, new characters, and a subplot involving multiple Buzz Lightyear figures, the adventure can feel overcrowded. Overall, I actually loved this movie, but I don’t think they should make anymore though.
Toy Story 5 received 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.3/10 on IMDb and honestly I agree. It was an amazing movie, and I would definitely recommend it.
