How Toy Story 5 Ranks Against the Other Movies Emotionally Confirmed by Tim Allen [Exclusive]

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Pixar is known for making movies that are both heartwarming and emotional, and the upcoming Toy Story 5 will continue that tradition. The film brings back Woody and Buzz Lightyear, along with the familiar group of toys, after they each went their own way in the previous movie. This time, they’re facing a new challenge: a high-tech tablet named Lilypad, voiced by Greta Lee, which poses an existential threat to the toys.

The idea for a new Toy Story movie is clever, and it promises both humor and heartfelt moments. The franchise is known for its emotionally powerful scenes, and Toy Story 5 could be the most moving one yet. In a recent interview with ComicBook, Allen and Hanks discussed how this film’s emotional impact compares to previous installments.

I’m ranking it highest because it’s still very clear in my memory. It felt consistently strong, unlike some of the other movies which had really difficult scenes – like the near-death experience with the fire. It was good to see things resolved, especially the goodbye scene in ‘Four’.

Hanks: “That was huge.”

Allen thought the film was powerfully emotional from beginning to end. He was particularly struck by a specific scene – Bonnie’s acting and Jessie’s reaction to her – which he found incredibly moving and unexpectedly intense for an animated movie. It genuinely overwhelmed him with feeling, creating a consistently emotional experience throughout the film.

It Makes Sense That Toy Story 5 Will Be So Emotional

Even the trailers hint at several touching moments in the movie. While Woody’s reunion with the other toys is presented as comedic – especially with his new look – it’s clear their coming together will also be deeply emotional, as they face a new challenge.

This will heighten the emotional impact of the film, even compared to earlier installments. We’ve explored the idea of toys being replaced before – it was central to the first movie – but the addition of technology creates a fresh and frightening challenge for the toys. They don’t understand it, while we, as the audience, can easily relate to it.

However, the most emotionally powerful part of the movie will likely be Jessie’s story. It will revisit her past with her first owner, Emily – a storyline that was already heartbreaking in Toy Story 2 – and promises to be even more poignant this time around. We’ll see Jessie return to Emily’s house in new, longer flashback scenes, set to Taylor Swift’s song “I Knew It, I Knew You” from Toy Story 5, and it’s safe to say viewers will probably need tissues.

It’s hard to pick a single standout moment in Toy Story 3, but the incinerator scene is unforgettable, much like the entire series. A big part of its appeal is how deeply connected people are to these characters – many of us grew up with them. The films tap into universal feelings of loss, letting go of childhood, and the bittersweet nostalgia for beloved toys. And for parents, the newest installments add another layer of emotion, reflecting the challenges of managing screen time for their own children.

Tom Hanks Explains The Key To Toy Story Sequels

During the same interview, Hanks was asked why he kept returning to play Woody and if there were any other characters he’d like to revisit over the years. His answer gave a hint about whether Toy Story 5 might happen, and suggested that Disney and Pixar aren’t just making another movie for the money. He explained:

Honestly, another Toy Story movie wouldn’t have felt as genuine as the one Woody got. I’ve had successful films before, and people always want a sequel, but we never approach it like that at Pixar. It’s not about just making another one for the sake of it. We don’t sit around asking what plot we can force into existence. [pauses, pretending to smoke] That’s my signal that I’m not interested.

People don’t just create these experiences out of the blue. It usually starts when someone realizes a story would be much more engaging if the characters could come to life when no one is around. While making these movies definitely involves money and commercial interests, the real driving force is the desire to create something captivating and worth paying for – something that resonates with audiences today and justifies the investment people make in entertainment.

Tom Hanks’ recent statements should ease fans’ worries about the new Toy Story movie. Every time a sequel is announced, people question whether it’s necessary – they felt that way about Toy Story 3 and Toy Story 4, and it’s happening again with Toy Story 5. However, Pixar has consistently surprised everyone and delivered great films, and there’s good reason to believe this time will be no different.

Toy Story 5 releases in theaters on June 19th, 2026.

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2026-06-09 17:46