Toy Story 5 movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Toy Story 5

This “Toy vs. Tech” addition to the popular Toy Story franchise opened in theaters on June 19, 2026.

RATING: PG (for some thematic elements and rude humor)

LENGTH: 102 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B (My lowest score EVER for a Toy Story movie!)

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IN A NUTSHELL:

In this fifth installment of the beloved Pixar franchise, Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Bonnie’s toys face their greatest rival yet: modern technology. When Bonnie receives a new, high-tech tablet device named Lilypad (super cute name and, of course, now available for sale!), she completely forgets about her traditional toys. Our favorite Toy Story playthings have to band together to navigate the digital age, protect their kid, and discover what “being there” for a child truly means when screens take over.

Parents are definitely going to relate to this film! Unfortunately, this is my least favorite Toy Story movie. I was underwhelmed. I appreciate the effort and themes, but it missed the mark for me. Still, it’s amazing that Toy Story pumped out 5 truly magical, fantastic films in a franchise that everyone loves!

The film was directed by Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris, who also co-wrote the story.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

There is no profanity, but there is some mild “rude humor” typical of the franchise.
The digital world elements can get a bit visually overwhelming and intense for toddlers.
It’s the first mainline Toy Story movie to receive a PG rating rather than a G, mainly due to some mature themes surrounding screen addiction and emotional disconnection, but it is still very family-friendly.

THEMES:

Screen time vs. real-world play
Loyalty and adapting to change
The power of human connection and imagination
Friendship
Parenting

THINGS I LIKED:

The social commentary on screen addiction is incredibly timely and relatable for every parent sitting in the audience.
The animation is gorgeous, colorful, detailed, and adorable, as expected. The contrast between the tactile texture of the old toys and the slick, glowing interface of the tablet is visually clever.
It brings back the classic ensemble dynamics we fell in love with decades ago, delivering a huge dose of nostalgia.
The voice talents are as wonderful as ever, including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Tony Hale, Bonnie Hunt, Kristen Schaal, Wallace Shawn, Blake Clarke, and Conan O’Brien. New characters are voiced by Ernie Hudson, Craig Robinson, and Greta Lee. The actress who truly carries the movie is Joan Cusack.
It’s satisfying to see Jessie the Cowgirl finally get the spotlight she deserves.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some of the new electronic minor characters felt a bit commercialized, almost like they were designed specifically to sell a new wave of electronic merchandise.
The pacing in the second act slows down a bit as the film takes a deep-dive into the “tablet world.”
This addition to the franchise simply doesn’t have the humor, memorable music, or heart that the previous movies did.
Woody just isn’t around enough to spark the emotional thread that carries the franchise.
The 3 different storylines are blended back and forth abruptly, making the movie feel choppy.