Toy Story 5 Confirms This May Be the Most Consistent Movie Franchise Ever [REVIEW]

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The announcement of Toy Story 4 initially surprised and worried fans. Many felt the third movie provided a perfect ending, and a sequel risked ruining that. However, after seeing the film, opinions changed – most agreed Toy Story 4 was a worthy addition and proved the series could continue even after a seemingly definitive conclusion. Now, with Toy Story 5 about to be released, we’re seeing that same pattern repeat: initial skepticism followed by positive reception.

The biggest flaw in Toy Story 5 is that the characters are initially quite distant from each other, and the movie feels a little long as it works to reunite them and give everyone a moment to shine. However, this is quickly forgotten thanks to the film’s funny, touching story and its relevant themes. Toy Story has been a cornerstone of Disney for three decades, but Toy Story 5 solidifies its place as one of the greatest movie franchises ever made.

Rating: 4 out of 5

PROS CONS
Proves the series still has something to say So crowded that some characters get nothing to do
Incredible animation
Emotional and funny

Toy Story 5’s Story Is Familiar, But Delivers a Necessary Twist

From the start, Toy Story 5 feels like a continuation of what we’ve seen before. After a quick imaginative game led by Bonnie, the story quickly establishes a new problem: kids are becoming obsessed with technology. Bonnie receives a tablet, and Jessie worries this new device will replace traditional playtime, especially considering Bonnie’s personality.

You might notice similarities to the first Toy Story from 1995, as Toy Story 5 follows a similar storyline. While it largely sticks to what worked before, Pixar has successfully enhanced the formula. Unlike Woody’s jealousy in the original, Jessie’s hesitation about accepting Lily into Bonnie’s life comes from genuine worry for Bonnie. Her concerns turn out to be valid, as Bonnie quickly loses her imagination due to excessive tablet use, and also experiences bullying from other girls who play on them.

The true strength of Toy Story 5 lies in something unexpected: Bonnie’s central role. While the overall plot structure feels familiar, the film smartly focuses on Bonnie herself – not just the toys. Several scenes shift the focus to her experiences and feelings, particularly dealing with being teased for who she is. This is the first time a Toy Story movie has truly made the child owner a major part of the story, and it significantly improves the film.

The Cast for Toy Story 5 Is Huge, Maybe Too Huge

While Bonnie plays an important role in Toy Story 5, the movie truly focuses on Jessie. Joan Cusack’s character has been a beloved part of the series since the second film, and this time she’s the main focus, showing how the franchise can continue to evolve. By centering the story around Jessie’s feelings and connecting them to Bonnie’s experiences, the film builds on what fans already love about her character to create a compelling narrative.

Don’t worry, you’ll still see plenty of beloved characters in Toy Story 5! Woody does return, even though he’s chosen a life with Bo-Peep and the other lost toys, but this time he’s in a supporting role alongside Buzz. The movie also introduces a bunch of new toys, including Smarty Pants, a potty-training toy voiced by Conan O’Brien, who loves making silly, clean jokes; Atlas, a GPS hippo played by Craig Robinson; and Snappy, a digital camera toy with Shelby Rabara providing the voice. And surprisingly, Tim Allen’s Buzz Lightyear gets his own storyline, though it initially feels a bit strange.

One of the few weaknesses of Toy Story 5 is its large cast. With so many returning characters and new additions, the movie features a huge number of speaking roles. Unfortunately, this means some beloved characters don’t get much screen time. For example, Bo Peep, who played a significant role in the fourth film, only has a couple of lines in this installment.

Toy Story 5 Builds on the Franchise and Becomes a Necessary Piece

Toy Story 5 proves the franchise consistently remembers and honors its history. It’s filled with subtle references and jokes for longtime fans, but more importantly, it genuinely builds upon the characters’ established stories from the five films and Disney+ specials. Instead of simply adding new details, the movie deepens the emotional impact of what’s come before. For example, Jessie’s already heartbreaking backstory is revisited in a particularly moving way, without giving anything away.

Ultimately, Toy Story 5 is a thoughtful film that explores how technology can isolate us and its potentially harmful effects on children. But it’s also a deeply moving story about the enduring power of friendship and love, and the importance of finding meaningful connections. Toy Story deserves to be recognized as one of the most consistently excellent movie franchises ever created. It’s rare for a series to reach five films without a single misstep, and I’m already looking forward to Toy Story 6 to see if the filmmakers can maintain this incredible streak.

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2026-06-16 19:18