“Toy Story 5” generated strong early reactions after its world premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, with critics calling it emotional, funny and one of the strongest animated films of 2026 so far.
The new chapter brings back Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jesse and the gang as they face a world shaped by technology. The film will be released in India on 19 June 2026 in English and Hindi.
Initial reactions to “Toy Story 5” have been praiseworthy Emotional sequel
Judging by the early reactions critics shared to X, Toy Story 5 has left many viewers emotional. Film critic Scott Menzel said the film is close to the first three installments of the franchise. “Toy Story 5 is a wonderfully faithful return to the Pixar animation studios and a reminder of why the Toy Story series remains one of the greatest film series of all time,” he wrote.He added: “Toy Story 5 ranks alongside the first three films, offering the perfect blend of humor, heart and signature Pixar charm.” Menzel also praised Taylor Swift’s song, writing, “Also, Taylor Swift’s ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ should be in the running for Best Original Song this awards season!”Clayton Davis praised the film’s handling of technology and wrote, “ToyStory5 proves that this franchise still has plenty of emotional territory left to explore.”
“Full disclosure: I’ve seen TOY STORY 5 twice now and somehow I cried harder the second time,” Andrew J. Salazar shared.Jazz Tangcay called the film “magical, pure perfection” and added, “Jessie finally gets the story she deserves!” Daniel Baptista described it as a “generation-defining experience”, while Meredith Loftus wrote that the film left her “in a pool of tears”.
Toy Story 5 fans react to Taylor Swift’s song
X fans also reacted strongly to the initial hype around “Toy Story 5.” “Can’t wait to see it,” one user wrote. “I think Disney has another billion dollars on their hands,” another wrote.“Toy Story 5 already feels like the emotional punch we didn’t know we needed,” one fan wrote. “Toy Story + Taylor Swift is the crossover no one knew they needed,” another user said. “Disney just remembered they don’t have to reinvent the wheel…sometimes we just love old franchises,” one post read.“Jessie was left in the Toy Story 2 donation bin and cried for a week. Now she’s getting her own movie and Taylor Swift anthem,” another fan wrote.
Another user posted: “Comparisons to Toy Story 2 and 3 are not simple.”The story follows Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen, and Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, as they meet the Lilypad, a tablet voiced by Greta Lee. The film is directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, and also features music by Randy Newman.
