The first reactions have landed for Toy Story 5, and those who have seen it have been singing its praises. The latest installment comes seven years after the last movie, and sees the fan-favourite toys come up against modern technology.
That comes in the form of Lilypad (Greta Lee), a frog-shaped tablet belonging to eight-year-old Bonnie, as Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and the gang try to get Woody (Tom Hanks) back to help them overcome the new tech.
Critics who attended the film’s premiere have now shared their initial verdicts, with the new Pixar adventure attracting rave reviews across the board.
Pixar
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Variety’s Jazz Tangcay called it “magical and pure perfection”, and “a fantastic entry into the franchise” in a post on X.
“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. Taylor Swift’s song is perfect. Kudos to Bob Pauley and his world-building and animation. 10/10 no notes.”
There was further praise for the focus on Jessie, DiscussingFilm’s Andrew J Salazar sharing: “Jessie being the lead really gives it an infectious energy, and the toys vs. tech conflict is much more nuanced than expected. Moreover, it takes a hard stance on one-on-one human connection being key for children.”
Variety’s Clayton Davis said Toy Story 5 “proves this franchise still has plenty of emotional territory left to explore” and is “timely and surprisingly sharp with its take on our relationship with technology”, particularly praising Cusack’s “standout voice work”.
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Meanwhile, the “deeply profound” and “moving story” left Collider’s Meredith Loftus “in a puddle of tears”, who even argued that it was “up there with Toy Story 2 & 3”.
The Movie Podcast’s Daniel Baptista suggested it was a “generation-defining experience” and “exactly the story we need right now”, adding: “@Pixar once again delivers a meaningful, moving, and masterful must-see movie.”
“#ToyStory5 is an absolute homerun and further proof that this is the greatest animated film franchise ever — surprising, heartfelt, dynamic and so, so fun,” added TheWrap’s Drew Taylor. “May these movies never cease.”
“Toy Story 5 ranks right alongside the first three films, delivering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and that signature Pixar magic,” said Scott Menzel, adding it “may very well end up being one of the best films of 2026”.
Toy Story 5 is released in cinemas on 19 June.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every ‘t’ and dotting every ‘i’ as a sub-editor.