The first reactions to Toy Story 5 have landed, and the much-anticipated Pixar sequel is receiving rave reviews, with critics branding it 'phenomenal', 'a masterpiece', and 'deeply profound'. The film is already generating considerable Oscar buzz across multiple categories, a rare feat for the fifth entry in a 31-year-old franchise. However, reviewers are also warning parents and fans about the movie's emotional plot.
Plot and Characters
In Toy Story 5, cowgirl Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) takes centre stage as the new sheriff after Woody (Tom Hanks) has left the playroom. She leads Bonnie's other toys, including Buzz (Tim Allen), Bullseye, Rex (Wallace Shawn), Hamm (John Ratzenberger), and Forky (Tony Hale), against the new threat of technology when tablet Lilypad (voiced by Greta Lee) arrives.
Critical Acclaim
Collider's Meredith Loftus 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 and 3. It's *that* excellent!'
Variety's Clayton Davis agreed that the film proves the franchise has 'plenty of emotional territory left to explore', praising Cusack's 'standout' performance. However, he also warned: 'Fair warning that you'll want to break your kid's tablets.'
Critic Scott Menzel was impressed by how the film 'explores the battle between toys and technology [but] never loses sight of what makes these characters so special'. Declaring Toy Story 'one of the greatest film series ever made', he added: 'Emotional, hilarious, and genuinely moving, Toy Story 5 may very well end up being one of the best films of 2026.'
Germain Lussier for Gizmodo tweeted: 'Toy Story 5 is a tiny bit disjointed at the start as it builds multiple story lines, but they end up paying off with a phenomenal third act filled with all the heart and humour you expect from Pixar. Top tier stuff. I laughed, I cried, I loved it.'
The Wrap's Drew Taylor called it 'an absolute homerun and further proof that this is the greatest animated film franchise ever', while Daniel Baptista of The Movie Podcast described it as 'a generation-defining experience and exactly the story we need right now'.
Nostalgia and Emotional Impact
The film's high emotional stakes and the sinister arrival of online toys resonated with many viewers. One critic noted: 'It's genuinely moving – millennials who grew up with this franchise, prepare to be ruined. Its power remains undimmed, and tackling tech makes perfect sense. Truly one of the best sequels.'
Oscar Buzz and Taylor Swift Song
At the Los Angeles premiere, Taylor Swift's new song 'I Knew It, I Knew You' was unveiled over the credits, following decoy previews to avoid leaks. Industry insiders and Academy members reportedly 'gushed' over the film and Swift's song. One commented to The Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg: 'They really pulled out all the stops for this.' Predictions suggest Toy Story 5 will be 'hard to stop in all races for best animated feature and best original song, and could also factor into best picture and best adapted screenplay competitions'.
Voice Cast and Release
The voice cast includes Conan O'Brien, Craig Robinson, and Shelby Rabara as new tech toys, as well as Alan Cumming and Bad Bunny in cameos as an evil version of Bullseye and Pizza with Sunglasses, respectively. Toy Story 5 releases in cinemas on Friday, June 19.
