Toy Story 5 Movie Review (2026)
An animated family film about the toys adjusting to a changing world as Bonnie’s attention shifts toward new technology, Toy Story 5 is a sweet and engaging adventure that blends funny moments, heartfelt relationships, and a message that feels especially relevant today.
When I heard there was a new Toy Story movie coming out, I was concerned. Did we really need another one? Was this just a money grab, like turning Wicked into two films instead of one great musical? I’m getting tired of the recycled films from 40 years ago with new actors in the lead roles. How about something new? So when I went into this movie, knowing nothing about the plot, I was a little bit hesitant, but my concerns were very quickly alleviated.
Toy Story 5 picks up at Bonnie’s house, where Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Rex, and the other toys are happily being played with in the land of Bonnie’s imagination. Bonnie has had some trouble making friends, and the toys are concerned. When Bonnie’s parents buy her a Lilypad, a screen on which she can play games with others, she discards her toys and dives into playing online with three other girls. The toys discover that they are becoming irrelevant, and call Woody, Bo Peep, and a few other friends for help.
This is a surprisingly charming and funny film that I really enjoyed. It is extremely timely, with the rise in technology, and it points out the waning of active imagination in play. It used to be that when kids were little, they might be lost in their imagination, playing with toys on the floor for hours. But now, many kids sit with their iPads, gaming alone or with a “friend” in another state or country. Face-to-face time has become less important in our society, and this movie addresses those concerns.
Toy Story 5 also delves into cyberbullying and the challenges of relationships with friends as you start to age. Bonnie is young, but she is growing up. She is at an age where she cares what other kids think of her, and she’s beginning to worry about what is “cool.” The toys love Bonnie for exactly who she is, as do her parents (and there is a great scene where mom talks to her daughter in a very loving, reaffirming way), but, ultimately, Bonnie is the only one who can make certain decisions for herself about who she is.
This is not to say the movie is overly serious. It’s very playful, and you’ll find yourself chuckling or smiling quite a bit. These are lovable characters, and they think like toys, which gives them both a bit of a naive and a clearer perspective. They want Bonnie to be happy, and Jessie in particular wants to be a loved toy. She has some insecurities about that, but her friends have her back.
Toy Story 5 is a touching and ultimately uplifting film that breathes new life into a beautifully animated franchise I wasn’t sure had any more stories to tell. But it does. I didn’t cry while watching this movie, but there was a moment that gave me whole-body goosebumps, so I think that says something. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Runtime: 102 minutes
Motion Picture Rating: PG
Languages Spoken In The Film: English
Should You Watch It? Yes
Did I Cry? No, I didn’t, but I did get emotion-related goosebumps
My Rating: 4/5 Stars
Available: Currently in theaters
