‘Toy Story 5’ Opens at No. 1 Worldwide

The debut marks the year’s biggest domestic opening, the largest opening weekend in “Toy Story” franchise history and the second-largest animated domestic opening of all time, behind Pixar’s “Incredibles 2.” The film also arrived with strong response from critics and audiences, earning 93% Certified Fresh critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, a 95% Verified Moviegoers score and an A CinemaScore.

The PG-rated sequel is directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Kenna Harris. Stanton, who co-wrote the first four “Toy Story” films, also wrote “Toy Story 5” with Harris from a story by Stanton. Lindsey Collins produced the film, with Randy Newman returning to score his fifth “Toy Story” feature.

“Toy Story 5” reunites Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Tim Allen, Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, and the rest of Bonnie’s toys for a new story built around a modern challenge: technology. When Bonnie becomes attached to Lilypad, a new kiddie smart tablet voiced by Greta Lee, the toys find themselves competing with a device that has its own ideas about what is best for their kid.

The setup gives the franchise a timely new conflict while keeping its emotional center rooted in childhood, imagination and change. As Bonnie grows older, the toys face a question that has followed the series from the beginning: What happens when the child they love no longer needs them in the same way? This time, that question is filtered through screen time, online connection and the pressure for children to grow up in a digital world.

The film also places Jessie in a more central role. With Bonnie’s attention shifting toward Lilypad, Jessie becomes the emotional anchor for a story about relevance, resilience and the value of real play. Rather than framing technology as the enemy, “Toy Story 5” explores what children gain from imagination, friendship and being present with one another.

Its box office performance also continues a strong run for family moviegoing. David A. Gross, who publishes the box office newsletter FranchiseRe, called it “another sensational opening for a Pixar series sequel” and noted that family films have been a major force since moviegoing began rebounding from the pandemic.

Critics have praised the sequel’s balance of humor, heart and cultural relevance. The Daily Beast called it “a cute and funny sequel” that weaves “big ideas about the terrors of loss, abandonment and mortality” with suspense, emotion and “good-natured goofiness.”

The Hollywood Reporter praised the film’s “heart and conviction” and singled out Cusack’s work as Jessie, noting the “warmth, plucky spirit and tender vulnerability” she brings to the role. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman wrote that “the fifth time’s a charm,” adding that the film’s message is: “Slow down, be real and play.”

“Toy Story 5” is playing in theaters now and will be available for licensing from Swank soon.