‘Toy Story 5’ drew strong early reactions after its world premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, 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, Jessie, and the gang as they face a world shaped by technology. The film will release in India on June 19, 2026, in English and Hindi.
‘Toy Story 5’ first reactions praise emotional sequel
According to early reactions shared by critics on X, ‘Toy Story 5’ left several viewers emotional. Film critic Scott Menzel said the film stands close to the first three parts of the franchise. He wrote, “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.”He added, “Toy Story 5 ranks right alongside the first three films, delivering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and that signature Pixar magic.” Menzel also praised Taylor Swift’s song and wrote, “Also, Taylor Swift’s ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’ has to be up for Best Original Song this awards season!”Clayton Davis praised the film’s take on technology and wrote, “ToyStory5 proves this franchise still has plenty of emotional territory left to explore.” Andrew J. Salazar shared, “Full disclosure: I have seen TOY STORY 5 twice now and somehow cried harder the second time.”Jazz Tangcay called the film “magical and pure perfection” and added, “Jessie finally gets the story she deserves!” Daniel Baptista called it a “GENERATION-DEFINING experience,” while Meredith Loftus wrote that the film left her “in a puddle of tears.”
‘Toy Story 5’ fans react to Taylor Swift song
Fans on X also reacted strongly to the first buzz around ‘Toy Story 5’. One user wrote, “Can’t wait to see it.” Another posted, “I think Disney has another billion dollars on their hands.”A fan wrote, “Toy Story 5 already sounding like the emotional gut-punch we didn’t know we needed.” Another user said, “Toy story + taylor swift is a crossover nobody knew they needed.” One post read, “Disney just remembered that they don’t have to reinvent the wheel… sometimes we just like the old franchises.”Another fan wrote, “jessie got left in a donation box in toy story 2 and i cried for a week. now she gets her own movie AND a taylor swift anthem.” A different user posted, “Comparisons to Toy Story 2 and 3 are not made lightly.”The story follows Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen, and Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, as they meet Lilypad, a tablet voiced by Greta Lee. Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris, the film also features music by Randy Newman.