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Pixar returns to one of its most beloved franchises with Toy Story 5, a sequel that arrives with the weight of expectation and a fair bit of scepticism. After nearly three decades of Woody, Buzz and the gang, it would be easy to assume the magic might finally be wearing thin. Yet, while this latest instalment doesn’t always hit the emotional highs of its predecessors, it still manages to land as a warm, thoughtful and intermittently moving return to form.
At its core, Toy Story 5 feels like Pixar once again doing what it does best: using a deceptively simple premise to explore something deeply human. This time, the focus shifts to the evolving nature of childhood in a world dominated by technology. Rather than a traditional villain, the film introduces a broader conflict — the slow disappearance of imagination as children become increasingly absorbed by screens.
It’s a bold structural choice, and one that gives the film a more thematic, almost reflective tone. Instead of a clear antagonist, the “threat” is modern life itself, embodied through a sleek new digital toy that represents the changing habits of a new generation.
Jessie Takes the Lead
Perhaps the most significant shift in Toy Story 5 is the decision to hand the emotional reins to Jessie. While Woody and Buzz remain present, this is very much her story — and it’s a move that largely works in the film’s favour.
Jessie is a natural fit for the spotlight. Her energy, vulnerability, and resilience give the film a strong emotional anchor, and her arc ties neatly into the film’s wider themes of belonging and relevance. Woody’s role, by contrast, feels intentionally restrained, almost like a passing of the torch that has already been long in motion across previous instalments.
Some viewers may miss the more dominant presence of the franchise’s original duo, but Jessie’s elevation feels like a logical evolution rather than a forced reinvention.
A Familiar Blend of Heart and Humour
In classic Pixar fashion, Toy Story 5 balances humour, adventure and emotional storytelling, even if the balance isn’t always perfect. There are moments of genuine fun and visual invention, alongside quieter, more reflective beats that aim for emotional resonance.
However, the film’s pacing can feel uneven, particularly in its middle stretch, where the narrative occasionally loses momentum. Some sequences feel slightly underdeveloped, as if the film is more interested in its ideas than in fully fleshing out every plot beat.
Still, when it works, it works well. The emotional beats land more often than they miss, and the film’s central message — about change, connection and letting go — is handled with characteristic Pixar sincerity.
Technology, Toys and Growing Up
The most interesting aspect of Toy Story 5 is its thematic focus. The film doesn’t demonise technology, but instead explores its impact on childhood imagination. The idea that toys are being replaced, not by a villain, but by convenience and distraction, gives the story a quietly melancholic edge.
It’s a surprisingly mature direction for the franchise, and while it may not always be as sharply executed as earlier entries, it does give the film a contemporary relevance that feels timely rather than forced.
Final Verdict
Toy Story 5 is not the franchise’s strongest entry, but it is far from a misstep. It lacks the near-perfect storytelling precision of Toy Story 2 or the emotional punch of Toy Story 3, yet it still offers enough charm, warmth, and visual brilliance to justify its existence.
Jessie’s long-overdue time in the spotlight gives the film its strongest through-line, and Pixar’s craftsmanship remains as polished as ever. While not essential, Toy Story 5 is still a heartfelt and entertaining chapter in one of animation’s most enduring franchises.
Verdict: A solid, if slightly uneven, return that proves there’s still life — and heart — left in the toy box.