Honestly, it feels like we’ve been saying goodbye to these plastic icons forever. Back in 2010, when Andy drove away to college while Woody watched from the porch, we all thought that was it. The perfect ending. Then 2019 happened, and suddenly Woody was a "free toy" living the carnival life with Bo Peep. Now, here we are in 2026, and the cycle is starting all over again.
If you’re looking for a toy story movie to watch, you aren't just looking for a cartoon. You’re looking for a specific kind of emotional gut-punch that only Pixar knows how to deliver. Whether you're introducing a toddler to the 1995 original or you're a grown adult prepping for the June 19, 2026, release of Toy Story 5, there’s a lot to catch up on.
The franchise has officially entered its "Toy meets Tech" era. It's kinda wild to think about.
Why Toy Story 5 is the Toy Story Movie to Watch Right Now
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the tablet in the room.
Director Andrew Stanton—the guy who basically built Pixar's soul with Finding Nemo and WALL-E—is back in the captain's chair for the fifth installment. And he isn't playing it safe. The big hook for this new one is how toys survive in a world where kids would rather stare at an iPad than play with a cowboy.
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In the upcoming film, the gang faces off against "Lilypad." She’s a high-tech, frog-shaped tablet voiced by Greta Lee. It's a genius move, really. It reflects exactly what parents are dealing with today. Stanton has been pretty vocal about the fact that they can't just make "tech" a simple villain. It’s an existential problem. If kids stop playing with physical toys, do the toys even have a purpose anymore?
The Cast We Know (And One We’ll Miss)
- Tom Hanks is back as Woody. (Did we really think he'd stay at that carnival forever?)
- Tim Allen returns as Buzz Lightyear.
- Joan Cusack is Jessie, who is apparently taking a massive leadership role this time.
- Conan O’Brien is joining as a new character named "Smarty Pants."
One bittersweet note: the legendary Don Rickles passed away before this production, but Pixar has a history of using archival recordings to keep Mr. Potato Head’s spirit alive, much like they did in the fourth film.
Which One Should You Actually Press Play On?
If you’re sitting on your couch trying to decide which toy story movie to watch tonight, the "best" one depends entirely on your mood. They aren't all the same. Not even close.
The 1995 Original: The Nostalgia Trip
This is the one that started it all. If you haven't seen it in a decade, you’ll be shocked at two things. First, how short it is—barely 80 minutes. Second, how "mean" Woody used to be. Before he was the selfless leader we know now, he was a jealous, neurotic mess trying to shove Buzz behind a desk. It’s a masterclass in character growth.
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Toy Story 2: The Rare "Better" Sequel
Most fans (and critics) argue this is the peak. It introduced Jessie and the idea that being "collected" is a fate worse than being played with. Fun fact: this movie was almost deleted from Pixar's servers during production. A technician ran a command that started wiping the files, and they only saved it because an animator happened to have a backup on her home computer because she was working from home after having a baby. Talk about a narrow escape.
Toy Story 3: The Emotional Wrecking Ball
This is the "adult" movie disguised as a kid's film. The furnace scene? Still terrifying. The ending? If you don't cry when Andy gives his toys to Bonnie, you might be a robot. This is the one to watch if you want to feel something deep and probably regret growing up.
Toy Story 4: The Epilogue
Some people felt this was unnecessary. I disagree. It’s a story about retirement and finding a new purpose. It introduces Forky (voiced by Tony Hale), who is essentially a trash-based existential crisis. If you like weird, offbeat humor, this is the one for you.
The "Multi-Buzz" Mystery and Future Rumors
Looking ahead to the 2026 release, there's a lot of chatter about the "Multi-Buzz" army. Early leaks and teasers suggest we’re going to see a massive group of Buzz Lightyear units that haven't quite realized they are toys yet.
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It feels like a throwback to the Al’s Toy Barn sequence in the second movie, but on a much larger, slightly creepier scale. Andrew Stanton told Empire that the movie asks what it means for "us" when nobody's really playing anymore. It’s meta. It’s heavy. It’s classic Pixar.
How to Stream Them All in 2026
If you're looking for the easiest way to catch up, Disney+ is still the home base for everything Pixar.
- The Core Films: 1 through 4 are all there in 4K.
- The Shorts: Don't skip these. Lamp Life explains what happened to Bo Peep between movies 2 and 4.
- Forky Asks a Question: These are bite-sized, hilarious, and perfect if you have a short attention span.
You can also find them for rent or purchase on Apple TV and Amazon, but if you’re planning a marathon, the subscription is usually the way to go.
Actionable Steps for Your Movie Night
Stop scrolling and just pick one. If you have kids, start with the 1995 original—it's fast-paced and holds up surprisingly well despite being over 30 years old. If you're an adult looking for a solo watch, go with Toy Story 3.
Keep an eye out for the "Pizza Planet Truck" in every single movie. It’s the ultimate Pixar Easter egg. In the first movie, it’s the vehicle they hitch a ride on; in others, it might just be a toy on a shelf or a drawing on a wall.
Make sure you've got the tissues ready for the third and fourth films. Even in 2026, those endings still sting. June 19th will be here before you know it, so getting the backstories fresh in your mind is the best way to prep for whatever chaos the "Multi-Buzz" army brings to the big screen.