The Wasteland Reviewer

Toy Story 5 (2026) Written Review

What is consistently the greatest movie franchise of all time? One of the biggest pioneers in the animation landscape just might own that franchise. When you look at Pixar’s first feature film, Toy Story, you are witnessing something truly special that would become one of the greatest franchises of all time. Buzz Lightyear and Woody from rivals to friends and would go on a grand journey full of other toys, the human need for play, and plenty of abandonment issues. Many believed this franchise over after its perfect ending in Toy Story 3 but an inspired story about new beginnings and a new path brought the franchise back in 2019. But now there is a massive shift in childhood play that feels like it should get this Toy Story treatment with a fifth entry…technology.

What do co-writers Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris bring to the table in terms of a worthwhile story and themes? The core of the film certainly centers on the inclusion of technology which is handled with a surprising amount of depth. At first, tech is presented as an overall evil presence in the lives of children, but the messaging evolves into something more layered and intriguing. We witness how a healthy combination of physical play and technology can work in tandem in childhood development. The film shifts focus onto the character of Jessie and allows her to go on a journey to define her own self-worth. The audience is also treated as a meaningful and impactful journey for the toys’ own Bonnie who works to overcome her own shyness to connect with and make friends. The narrative certainly takes the story into unexpected places like the ranch where Jessie’s original owner is from. Woody must return to help get Jessie back to Bonnie (along with Buzz, who also has his own journey to find courage and share his true feelings towards Jessie). Jessie (as an audience surrogate) must also overcome her aversion to technology and brings us on a journey to show how a mixture of technology and play can be meaningful to growth. There is also an interesting commentary on the advancement of technology through some technology-based characters who are outdated in a 2026 world. One of the loose threads of the narrative follows a group of advanced Buzz Lightyear action figures. This takes up a significant bit of runtime but takes a little too long to show meaning to the overall story. Narratively, they are a bit of a “Deus Ex Machina” but thematically act as a bridge for toys and technology. For the human characters, the film explores the struggles of building human connection in a technological world. The central story is all about Bonnie finding a real friend which certainly delivers in a meaningful way. The narrative is certainly scattered but there is at least meaningful, humor, and emotion to be found all over.

How do Stanton and Harris bring this film to life? First off, the animation is downright awe-inspiring. If you look at Toy Story 5 and compare it to the original Toy Story, there is a galaxy of differences in the visuals. The music from Randy Newman is full of personality as well (especially whenever the Buzz Lightyear crew is on screen). The overall experience of the film is just downright impressive. Pixar shows why they are still at the top of their game. From a tonal standpoint, Toy Story 5 continues to balance so many complexities in an accessible and meaningful way. There is plenty of humor throughout the film (making this one of the funniest entries in the film). There are plenty of key emotional moments that resonate so deeply through Jessie’s journey and young Bonnie’s journey to find acceptance and friendship. Pacing-wise, the engagement never lets up, and this delivers such a charming and meaningful cinematic experience. Pixar keeps showing that they have the handle on animation through this acclaimed and beloved franchise.

What does the voice cast bring to the cinematic experience? For the first time, Joan Cusack gets centerstage as the main character in a Toy Story film and she makes the most of the opportunity. The energy and cheer that she brings Jessie is impactful and she sells the more emotional moments so perfectly. Tim Allen gets an interesting role to play this time around. First, he is much more vulnerable and awe-struck when it comes to Buzz’ feelings towards Jessie. But then you have the crew of new Buzz Lightyears and Allen gets to play around with the group thinking of this group and all those initial Buzz quirks that the toys always have. Tom Hanks is charming as always, but he gets some moments of real contemplation as he grapples with this darker world for toys with the advancements in technology. Conan O’Brien is a blast as the new potty training tech toy Smarty Pants who is a nice balance of snarky humor and so genuine care. Greta Lee is quite layered as Lilypad (the technological antagonist of the film) who is so self-righteous and arrogant but soon gives way to remorse and insecurity of her own. Scarlett Spears and Mykal-Michelle Harris are both authentic in their performances, bringing Bonnie and her potential new friend Blaze to life. There are a lot of replacement voice performers for the supporting cast with Wallace Shawn, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, and Tony Hale all having fun yet again. There are a few new fun additions as well with Craig Robinson and Shelby Rabara as a pair of outdated tech toys.

Does Pixar capture the magic that this beloved franchise is known for? Many showed concern of the lack of “need” for Toy Story 4 but this new technology twist makes Toy Story 5 feel quite meaningful and present. There is plenty of humor and emotion throughout this latest entry with Stanton proving to be a strong creative at the helm. Jessie’s spotlight feels earned and helps deliver a compelling and moving entry in this franchise. Yet again, audiences are treated to another meaningful leap back into the world of toys.