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Look, I’ll be honest—I was skeptical. Did we really need a fifth movie? But after seeing Toy Story 5 shatter the franchise opening record with a massive $185 million domestic haul, I am officially eating my words. It currently sits at number two for the biggest Pixar opening ever, trailing only Incredibles 2. Rotten Tomatoes is sitting pretty at 92%. We are all collectively losing our minds. Grab your tissues, because we need to talk about this.
1. The nostalgia hit is real
Honestly, the second that iconic Randy Newman score hit, I was a puddle. Seeing Woody and Buzz back on the big screen felt like a warm hug from my childhood. It’s been years since the fourth one, but the chemistry between the toys is still top-tier. I lowkey felt like I was ten years old again, sitting on my living room floor with my own plastic figures. It’s not just a movie; it’s a total vibe.
2. It smashed the $185 million mark
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Can we talk about these numbers? $185 million in one weekend! That is absolutely wild. It completely obliterated the previous franchise high set by Toy Story 4. Disney and Pixar are definitely popping champagne right now. It’s the kind of box office performance that makes you realize people are still hungry for stories that genuinely make them feel something. No cap, this is the biggest cinema event of the summer, maybe even the year.
3. The animation is actually insane
I don’t know what kind of wizardry Pixar is using these days, but the textures? The lighting? It looks better than real life. There’s a scene in a rainstorm that had me questioning if I was watching a cartoon or a documentary. They’ve really leveled up the detail on the toys’ plastic surfaces. It’s visually stunning and honestly, I could just watch a two-hour loop of the background art and be perfectly happy.
4. Woody’s character arc is finally complete
Without spoiling too much for those of you who haven’t made it to the theater yet, Woody’s journey in this one feels so earned. We’ve watched him grow from a jealous sheriff to a selfless leader, and this chapter feels like the perfect bow on top. I was genuinely worried they’d ruin his legacy, but nope. They nailed it. I’m not crying, you’re crying—okay, fine, we’re all crying.
5. Buzz Lightyear is the comedic relief we needed
Buzz really stepped up his game in the humor department this time. Some of his one-liners had the entire theater laughing out loud. It’s refreshing to see him get more agency rather than just being the sidekick. He’s got that signature ‘To Infinity and Beyond’ energy, but with a side of hilarious self-awareness that I didn’t know I needed. Honestly, iconic behavior from our favorite space ranger.
6. The new characters are actually likable
Usually, adding new toys to the mix feels like a cash grab, but the new additions actually add to the plot. I’m already lowkey obsessed with the new villain-turned-friend dynamic. They fit right in with the original crew without feeling forced. It’s like they were always part of the gang. If they don’t make plushies of these new guys immediately, I’m going to be very disappointed. My wallet is ready.
7. The emotional stakes are higher than ever
I was not prepared for how heavy this movie gets. It touches on themes of letting go and moving forward that hit way too close to home. My friend sitting next to me was straight-up sobbing by the third act. It’s rare to find a blockbuster that respects its audience’s intelligence enough to explore these kinds of feelings. It’s mature, it’s raw, and it’s a total mood.
8. It’s currently #2 for Pixar openings
Sitting right behind Incredibles 2 is a massive flex. That movie was a cultural reset! To come in at number two in the current market, where streaming is so big, is a testament to how much people still love the theatrical experience. It proves that a great story will always put butts in seats. I’m just living for this success. Pixar is officially back, baby!
9. The soundtrack is a total bop
I’ve already added the new tracks to my ‘feels’ playlist on Spotify. The music captures that bittersweet feeling of leaving childhood behind perfectly. Randy Newman really doesn’t miss. Every time the music swelled during the action sequences, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. It’s the kind of score that stays stuck in your head for days, and honestly? I’m not even mad about it.
10. The theater experience was electric
There’s something so special about being in a packed theater for a movie like this. The collective gasps, the laughter, the silence during the sad parts—you just don’t get that at home on your couch. People were cheering at the end! It reminded me why I fell in love with movies in the first place. If you haven’t seen it in a cinema yet, stop reading this and go book your ticket right now.
11. The ending is actually satisfying
I won’t give spoilers, but let’s just say the ending is the closure we all deserve. It felt like a love letter to the fans who have been there since 1995. You walk out of the theater feeling like you’ve been on a journey with these characters. It’s rare to walk away from a franchise sequel feeling like the story is truly complete. This one really hit the mark.
12. It’s a must-watch for all ages
Whether you’re a toddler or a full-blown adult with a mortgage, there is something in this movie for you. It’s funny, it’s sweet, and it’s visually spectacular. It’s definitely the kind of movie you can see with your parents, your besties, or even on a date. Just make sure you bring extra tissues. Seriously, don’t say I didn’t warn you! This is truly a summer classic in the making.
FAQs
Is Toy Story 5 the highest-grossing Pixar movie?
Not quite! It had a massive $185 million opening weekend, ranking as the second-biggest Pixar opening of all time, just behind Incredibles 2. It’s definitely a huge commercial success, though.
Where can I stream Toy Story 5?
Currently, Toy Story 5 is only available in movie theaters. It will likely arrive on Disney+ later this year, but for now, you have to hit the cinema to catch the magic.
Is Toy Story 5 worth the hype?
In my opinion, absolutely. With a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and a record-breaking box office run, it’s clear audiences are loving it. It’s emotional, beautifully animated, and a perfect addition to the franchise.
Okay, I’ve said my piece! Toy Story 5 is a total win, and I’m still buzzing from the experience. Are you planning to see it this weekend, or have you already seen it twice? Let me know in the comments—and don’t forget to share this with your group chat so you can all cry about it together!
