Even before the 2026 summer movie season began, most people agreed the title of biggest film of the summer would come down to two movies: Toy Story 5 or Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Each is an insanely successful brand whose previous installments made billions, and fans everywhere are hugely excited to see them both. But, often, it comes down to quality. If one is really good and the other isn’t quite as good, clearly the one that’s good will get more business. And, while we have yet to hear anything about Spider-Man, things are looking good for Toy Story 5.
Tuesday night in Hollywood, Disney hosted the Toy Story 5 world premiere, which brought out not just the film’s stars like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack, but Taylor Swift as well, who performed her end credits song from the film, “I Knew It, I Knew You” as well as “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” alongside Disney Legend Randy Newman. Swift herself said that Toy Story 5 is her favorite in the franchise and called it a “masterpiece.” But is Taylor to be trusted? From the reactions from fans and the press, it certainly seems so.
#ToyStory5 is a tiny bit disjointed at the start as it builds multiple different story lines, but they end up paying off with a phenomenal third act filled with all the heart and humor you expect from Pixar. Top tier stuff. I laughed, I cried, I loved it. pic.twitter.com/jqS9HrUhui
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) June 10, 2026
#ToyStory5 is an absolute homerun and further proof that this is the greatest animated film franchise ever — surprising, heartfelt, dynamic and so, so fun. May these movies never cease. pic.twitter.com/bKRq5Uy9e3
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) June 10, 2026
As a big fan of Toy Story 2, I fully embraced #ToyStory5. It’s a worthy inclusion to this legendary franchise that finally does far more with Jessie, truly evolving her in a way that reminds us why this is one of the most human film series ever. @toystory #ToyStory @Pixar pic.twitter.com/BjgE6NVf7e
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) June 10, 2026
#ToyStory5 proves this franchise still has plenty of emotional territory left to explore. Timely and surprisingly sharp with its take on our relationship with technology. Joan Cusack delivers standout voice work. Fair warning that you'll want to break your kid's tablets. pic.twitter.com/58b3oXyWOE
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) June 10, 2026
Toy Story 5 hit me in places I was unprepared for! Exploring the divide between technology and toys through Jessie results in a deeply profound, moving story that had me in a puddle of tears. I put it up there with Toy Story 2 & 3. It's *that* excellent! #ToyStory5 pic.twitter.com/8dDICz8kdO
— Meredith Loftus (@MeredithLoftus) June 10, 2026
I was surprised by TOY STORY 5, which has the typical Pixar polish and emotional resonance but isn’t afraid to mess with your expectations (the dad is mid)
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) June 10, 2026
Toy Story 5 is magical and pure perfection. It is a fantastic entry into the franchise. Jessie finally gets the story she deserves! It's emotional, funny, genuinely warm, and perfect in every way. Loved the new addition of characters. I laughed and cried at how marvelous Toy… pic.twitter.com/AJ1aC7TaU4
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) June 10, 2026
Pixar’s #ToyStory5 is a GENERATION-DEFINING experience and exactly the story we need right now. @Pixar once again delivers a meaningful, moving, and masterful must-see movie. Conan as Smarty Pants is an all-time great TS character. This is Jessie’s story, and our sheriff shines. pic.twitter.com/nLEPu0cQvL
— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) June 10, 2026
When my very small criticism of a “tiny bit disjointed at the start” is maybe the biggest knock on the film, that’s pretty strong. You had a feeling, though, that Pixar would nail this. Firstly, it’s been seven years since the last Toy Story. There was no rush. Second, Andrew Stanton, one of the company’s big guns who directed Finding Nemo and Wall-E, took over this time. And finally, the company would not make another Toy Story movie if they felt it in any way could endanger the brand. Toy Story 5 will not do that. It’ll only work to make it bigger.
Full reviews for Toy Story 5 drop next week ahead of its opening but, if you are excited about the film, continue to be. It’s another special entry into the franchise. Also featuring the voices of Conan O’Brien, Greta Lee, Craig Robinson, Tony Hale, and many more, Toy Story 5 opens June 19.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
