'Toy Story' 5 Is Coming — Here’s What You’ve Missed in the Saga So Far

If you haven’t been paying attention (or maybe lost track), Pixar’s Toy Story saga is gearing up for its fifth instalment, set to hit cinemas in June 2026. But before we dive into the new adventure, let’s rewind and catch up on what this iconic series is all about — and how it has evolved over nearly three decades.

The journey began in 1995, when Toy Story became the very first feature-length film made entirely with CGI animation. Suddenly, toys weren’t just inanimate objects; they had secret lives, personalities, and emotional depth. Woody, the cowboy doll voiced by Tom Hanks, and Buzz Lightyear, the space ranger voiced by Tim Allen, became instant legends, embodying themes of friendship, jealousy, and acceptance. The original film charmed audiences with its clever blend of humour and heart, setting a new standard for animation.

Fast forward to 1999’s Toy Story 2, which surprisingly outdid its predecessor by expanding the toy universe and introducing beloved characters like Jessie, Bullseye, and Stinky Pete. The sequel deepened the emotional stakes, focusing on loyalty and the fear of being forgotten, as Woody faces the dilemma of being a collectible museum piece versus staying with his kid, Andy.

Then came Toy Story 3 in 2010, a film that tugged at even the toughest hearts. Andy is grown up and heading to college, forcing the toys into a daycare centre full of chaos. The themes matured — loss, moving on, and the bittersweet nature of childhood’s end — making it a rare sequel that resonated with audiences of all ages and critics alike.

The most recent, Toy Story 4 (2019), took the story in a surprising new direction. Woody meets Forky, a makeshift toy with an existential crisis, and embarks on a road trip that challenges his sense of purpose. The film explored identity and freedom, culminating in Woody making a shocking choice to live a life beyond Andy’s world, closing one chapter while opening another.

Now, Toy Story 5 promises to tackle the impact of the digital age on playtime. With a new tech toy called Lillypad capturing kids’ attention more than ever, Woody, Buzz, and the gang must face a fresh kind of challenge — balancing the magic of traditional toys with modern distractions. By the way, if you want more details about the fifth instalment’s new cast and story, check out our full article.