Toy Story 5 First Reactions Praise Pixar Sequel

“Toy Story 5” has finally been unveiled to members of the film press, and it appears Pixar‘s long-running animated franchise remains in top form after 30 years. The latest sequel is being called “emotional, funny, genuinely warm, and perfect in every way” in rave first reactions.

Film critic Scott Menzel posted a glowing review on X. He wrote that the fifth “Toy Story” film “ranks right alongside the first three films, delivering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and that signature Pixar magic.”

“Toy Story 5 is a wonderfully heartfelt return to form for Pixar Animation Studios and a reminder of why the Toy Story franchise remains one of the greatest film series ever made,” read Menzel’s review. “Emotional, hilarious, and genuinely moving, Toy Story 5 may very well end up being one of the best films of 2026.”

“The Movie Podcast” host Daniel Baptista also loved the film. He wrote on X that watching “Toy Story 5” was a “generation-defining experience,” adding that the film delivered “exactly the story we need right now.”

“Pixar once again delivers a meaningful, moving, and masterful must-see movie,” he contiuned. “Conan as Smarty Pants is an all-time great ‘TS’ character. This is Jessie’s story, and our sheriff shines.”

In her own X review, Variety senior artisans editor Jazz Tangacay wrote, “‘Toy Story 5’ is a magical and pure perfection. It is a fantastic entry into the franchise. Jessie finally gets the story she deserves! It’s emotional, funny, genuinely warm, and perfect in every way. Loved the new addition of characters. I laughed and cried at how marvelous ‘Toy Story 5’ is.”

Collider editor Meredith Loftus echoed the praise. She wrote on X, “‘Toy Story 5’ hit me in places I was unprepared for! Exploring the divide between technology and toys through Jessie results in a deeply profound, moving story that had me in a puddle of tears. I put it up there with ‘Toy Story’ 2 & 3. It’s that excellent!”

“Toy Story 5” finds Woody reuniting with Buzz Lightyear and the gang after the events of “Toy Story 4,” which ended with Woody leaving the group to team up with Bo Peep to help abandoned toys find new owners. Buzz and Jessie became the new leaders of Bonnie’s playroom in Woody’s absence, but the emergence of an iPad-like tablet named Lilypad forces the gang back together for a new adventure. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack return to their beloved roles opposite newcomers such as Greta Lee, Conan O’Brien and more.

In an interview with Variety, “Toy Story 5” director Andrew Stanton spoke about introducing Apple-influenced technology into the franchise.

“[It’s a villain] to the toys because they’re understandably intimidated, but it’s just the next phase in Bonnie’s life,” Stanton said. “Lilypad is built like a toy in the sense that she wants to help the kid go forward, but she’s got very different skills and zero experience, whereas Jessie has nothing but experience and is probably unprepared for what to do.”

Stanton, a Pixar legend and the Oscar-winning director behind “Wall-E” and “Finding Nemo,” is behind the camera for the first time of a “Toy Story” movie with this fifth installment. Previously, Stanton worked on the stories and scripts for all four “Toy Story” movies.

“Toy Story 5” opens in theaters June 19 from Disney.