---
title: "Toy Story 3"
year: 2010
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/toy-story-3"
fi1m_id: "toy-story-3"
imdb_id: "tt0435761"
tmdb_id: 10193
wikidata_id: "Q187278"
fi1m_score: 87
critics_score: 82
critics_reviews: 14
published: "2026-09-15"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:32.800017+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Toy Story 3 (2010)

Directed by Lee Unkrich · 1h 43m · MPA G · Animation, Family, Comedy

## Identity

Toy Story 3

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/toy-story-3
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** toy-story-3
- **IMDb ID:** tt0435761
- **TMDB ID:** 10193
- **Wikidata ID:** Q187278
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/10193, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q187278

**Fi1m score: 87** · Critics 82 from 14 reviews

*In a sentence:* A box of old toys, and suddenly clearing out the spare room seems a rather cruel business

> Lee Unkrich makes being outgrown hurt, even when it happens to toys. This funny, deeply affecting adventure survives some overbusy escape plotting, though its darker passages may test younger children more than parents expect.

## Synopsis

Andy is preparing to leave for college, and the toys he once played with face an uncertain future. Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and Jessie (Joan Cusack) must consider what comes next. A day-care centre offers the prospect of children to play with, along with a community of unfamiliar toys. These include Lotso (Ned Beatty), a teddy bear, and Ken (Michael Keaton), who catches the attention of Barbie (Jodi Benson). As the toys confront the possibility of being outgrown, they have to decide what matters about staying together and where they might belong.

## Review

*Toy Story 3* is an unusually affecting family adventure, and we recommend it warmly, with a warning about how frightening it can become. Lee Unkrich takes a straightforward childhood experience, losing interest in the things once loved, and lets the toys worry about it. Michael Arndt’s screenplay gives them a busy prison-break story to occupy themselves and us. Their fear of being outgrown matters even when there is an escape to organise.

Andy is preparing to leave for college, while Woody, Buzz and Jessie still need someone to play with them. We were more upset by that simple situation than we expected. The toys cannot grow up alongside him, and Unkrich lets them worry without making Andy seem cruel for getting older. Tom Hanks gives Woody’s loyalty a worried persistence; Tim Allen and Joan Cusack keep Buzz and Jessie distinct within the ensemble. These are companions whose company we do not yet want to lose.

Jeremy Lasky’s cinematography gives the opening adventure an energy that the quieter passages wisely do not try to sustain. The action is readable, and the toys remain expressive enough for us to follow their worries through the commotion. Bob Pauley’s production design gives the day-care centre the appeal it needs: a place where toys might reasonably expect to be wanted. The setting works because the promise of children to play with is enough to make starting again seem sensible.

Ken Schretzmann’s editing handles the ensemble with similar care, keeping the prison-break plotting clear while leaving room for jokes. We can follow what is happening without being marched through each practical detail twice. Randy Newman’s music sometimes presses harder than necessary when the film wants a strong emotional response. The voices have usually done enough, particularly when the toys contemplate a future without Andy.

Michael Keaton’s Ken is the most enjoyable addition, and his scenes with Jodi Benson’s Barbie give the story a welcome stretch of silliness. Keaton understands how much comedy can fit into a voice without every line demanding its own applause. Ned Beatty brings an inviting sociability to Lotso, the teddy bear, and makes the prospect of joining this unfamiliar company plausible. These characters give a third instalment some fresh comic exchanges. The returning toys do not have to supply every laugh themselves.

The escape machinery does sometimes take over. Arndt has enough comic business to keep the adventure moving, but some of it makes us wait too long for another proper exchange between the toys. That limits how much we learn about characters the film is asking us to care about again. The familiar fear of abandonment is handled with care, though there is little surprise in the broad shape of the story. Its individual jokes are more inventive than its plotting.

Among family adventures, it stands out for how seriously it treats the possibility of no longer being needed. Unkrich trusts children to understand that fear, and does not pretend it will go away once they get older. At 103 minutes, there is plenty of comedy and adventure to share. The U certificate should not be mistaken for a promise of an untroubled evening. Watch it together, and leave time afterwards for anyone who needs a little reassurance.

*Fi1m score 87, published 15 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus is firmly positive, with praise clustering around the film’s emotional depth, sharp humour and handling of growing up and being outgrown. Most critics find that the animation and adventure plotting serve the characters, giving adults plenty to recognise without losing the slapstick pleasures for children. The reviews repeatedly single out Ken and the Barbie-Ken pairing for comedy, while the toys’ attachment to Andy gives the story its weight.

Reservations concern familiarity rather than any broad failure: several critics find less originality here, even while admiring the craft and feeling. Variety considers the film more gag-driven than its predecessors and less essential than the previous sequel; Collider likewise finds it falls short of the first two films. The spread is chiefly one of enthusiasm, with even the more restrained reviews finding substantial humour and tenderness.

## Straight answers

**Is Toy Story 3 worth watching?**

*Toy Story 3* is worth watching for families who want an adventure that takes being outgrown seriously, and we scored it 87. Lee Unkrich makes the toys' fear of losing Andy hurt more than we expected, and Michael Keaton's Ken supplies welcome silliness. The prison-break plotting occasionally crowds out the toys, and the darker passages may unsettle younger children.

**How long is Toy Story 3, and what is it rated?**

*Toy Story 3* runs 1h 43m and is rated G by the MPA in the US. It is an animation and family film.

**Where can I watch Toy Story 3 in the US?**

*Toy Story 3* is streaming on Disney+ in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Toy Story 3 compare to Toy Story 2?**

*Toy Story 3* is the more frightening of the two films, while [*Toy Story 2*](https://film.one/film/toy-story-2) is the tighter and lighter. Both are funny and moving about the toys' fear of being forgotten, but the later film makes that fear hurt more and adds Ken and Lotso as fresh comic company. Younger children may find the earlier film easier to sit through.

**Do you need to have seen the other Toy Story films before Toy Story 3?**

*Toy Story 3* is best watched after the earlier films, because its sadness depends on knowing Woody, Buzz and Jessie as Andy's companions. The story itself is easy to follow on its own, since the prison-break plot and the new day-care toys are self-contained. A newcomer will understand it, but will feel less of what makes it affecting.

**What should I watch after Toy Story 3?**

After *Toy Story 3*, try [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant) (1999, Fi1m 88): Another unlikely friendship, with physical comedy and peril that deserves taking seriously. Then [*My Neighbour Totoro*](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro) (1988, Fi1m 89): For the same respect towards children’s feelings, with rather more room to breathe; and [*Ernest & Celestine*](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine) (2012, Fi1m 84): An unlikely pair find companionship in a gentler, hand-drawn adventure.

**What order should I watch the Toy Story films in?**

Release order is the safe choice for Toy Story, and it is the order [our collection page](https://film.one/collections/toy-story) lists them in. *Toy Story 3* is number 3 of the 5 Toy Story titles on Fi1m; before it comes [*Toy Story 2*](https://film.one/film/toy-story-2) and after it [*Toy Story 4*](https://film.one/film/toy-story-4). [The full order.](https://film.one/collections/toy-story.md)

### Reviews we read (16)

- **The New York Times**, A.O. Scott (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's ingenuity and emotional depth, noting how it captures the bonds among the toys and Andy's imagination while delivering a satisfying conclusion to the franchise. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/18/movies/18toy.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (85/100, inferred): The critic calls the film everything one hoped for, highlighting its ability to stay true to the series' roots while expanding its emotional reach and delivering genuine feeling alongside fun. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-jun-18-la-et-toystory-20100618-story.html)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (85/100, inferred): The critic describes Toy Story 3 as a brutally adult film tackling themes of childhood's end, evil's origins in pain, and mortality, with inventive and powerfully sad elements throughout. He singles out the opening sequence for its thrill and visual beauty while calling the film an effortlessly superior family movie that may move adults to tears. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/jul/15/toy-story-3-review)
- **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (8.3/10): The review says the glow of originality may have dimmed but the film delivers exactly what it should with slapstick fun, heartfelt adventure and a tear-inducing finale about life transitions. It singles out the new characters like Lotso and the hilarious Barbie-Ken and Spanish Buzz moments for delight. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-mihduh/toy-story-3/)
- **Little White Lies**, Ailsa Caine (4/4/4): The review calls it a satisfying if familiar farewell to old friends that delivers Pixar's magic with sharp dialogue and charismatic performances. It singles out the day-care centre adventure and new villains for injecting froth, while noting it adheres more strictly to kids' conventions than Up. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/toy-story-3)
- **Screen Daily** (80/100, inferred): The critic finds Toy Story 3 a winsome blend of peppy ensemble adventure and nostalgic reflection that adults will enjoy alongside children. It singles out the gorgeous 3D use, the prison-break plotting and amusing new characters like Ken for balancing the story's undercurrents of being outgrown. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/toy-story-3/5014824.article)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (80/100, inferred): The review finds that the film trades the original's groundbreaking dazzle for greater emotional depth and complexity under director Lee Unkrich. It singles out the new character Lotso, a seemingly gregarious teddy bear with a bitter edge, as a standout addition. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/toy-story-3-film-review-29705/)
- **Time Out**, Ben Walters (4/5): The critic praises the film as the gold standard for CG animation, using its craftsmanship for warm characterisation and elegant storytelling that tackles separation anxiety with emotional honesty. It singles out the witty novelties like the Barbie-Ken subplot and subtle 3D use for enhancing the prison-break adventure. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/london/film/toy-story-3)
- **Sight and Sound**, Jonathan Romney (70/100, inferred): The critic finds Toy Story 3 a tender valedictory that recycles familiar elements but succeeds as a symbolic renewal about passing toys to new hands. It singles out the sombre theme of abandonment, especially Lotso's backstory, and the alarming incinerator climax for praise amid its gothic frissons and witty in-jokes. [Read](http://old.bfi.org.uk/sightandsound/review/5549)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): The review notes that the film delivers fun and laughs before an emotional payoff, though it feels more gag-driven than prior entries and less essential than the previous sequel. [Read](https://variety.com/2010/film/reviews/toy-story-3-1117942938/)
- **Empire**, Dan Jolin: Pixar delivers another masterful sequel that balances laughs, action and deep emotion as the toys face retirement and a deceptive daycare. The critic singles out the intense, poignant incinerator sequence for its exquisite end-of-the-line drama. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/toy-story-3-review/)
- **Den of Geek**, Mark Harrison (5/5): The critic finds Toy Story 3 a must-see family film that recaptures the magic of the originals with strong emotional resonance. They single out the screenplay's heart-wrenching moments and groundbreaking visuals, including an epic apocalyptic sequence. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/toy-story-3-review-2/)
- **Digital Spy**, Simon Reynolds (85/100, inferred): The critic calls the film marvellous and praises its richness of character, sharp humour and emotional core that continues Pixar's tradition of balancing laughs and tears. They single out the poignant exploration of growing up and moving on as particularly moving for audiences who grew up with the series. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a228879/toy-story-3/)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B+): The critic finds Toy Story 3 a fun, action-packed prison-break style adventure with sharp writing and strong visuals, though it doesn't quite match the first two films. They single out the emotional payoff at the end and Ken's comedic performance for praise. [Read](https://collider.com/toy-story-3-review-pixar-disney/)
- **The Wrap**, Leah Rozen (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film inventive, clever, and funny, though not as fresh as the previous entries, and praises its emotional, bittersweet ending that captures the complexities of growing up and moving on. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/oh-peter-pan-would-hate-toy-story-3-18493/)
- **Eye for Film**, Scott Macdonald: The critic calls it a dazzlingly confident and magical picture and a near-unbroken run of animation masterpieces from Pixar. They single out the rich pathos in the storytelling and the emotional finale that will leave few with dry eyes. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/toy-story-3-film-review-by-scott-macdonald)

## Details

- **Director:** Lee Unkrich
- **Director:** Lee Unkrich
- **Screenplay:** Michael Arndt
- **Story:** John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
- **Cinematography:** Jeremy Lasky
- **Editor:** Ken Schretzmann
- **Music:** Randy Newman
- **Production design:** Bob Pauley
- **Producer:** Darla K. Anderson
- **Cast:** Tom Hanks as Woody (voice); Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear (voice); Joan Cusack as Jessie (voice); Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head (voice); Wallace Shawn as Rex (voice); John Ratzenberger as Hamm (voice); Estelle Harris as Mrs. Potato Head (voice); Blake Clark as Slinky Dog (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 43m
- **Certificate (MPA):** G
- **Release (the US):** 18 June 2010
- **Genres:** Animation, Family, Comedy
- **Part of:** [Toy Story](https://film.one/collections/toy-story.md) · 3 of 5
- **Also in:** [Best Picture winners](https://film.one/collections/oscar-best-picture.md) (Nominee, 2010)
- **Budget:** $200 million
- **Box office:** $1.07 billion
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c3K7LhA9Yc

## Where to watch in the US

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent $5.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy $19.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-15.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2011: Best Picture (nominated); Best Sound Editing (nominated); Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay (nominated); Best Animated Feature (won)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2011: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2010: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (nominated)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2010: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (nominated)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2010: Best Animated Feature (won)

## If you liked this

- *The Iron Giant* (1999), Fi1m 88: Another unlikely friendship, with physical comedy and peril that deserves taking seriously. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant.md)
- *My Neighbour Totoro* (1988), Fi1m 89: For the same respect towards children’s feelings, with rather more room to breathe. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/my-neighbor-totoro.md)
- *Ernest & Celestine* (2012), Fi1m 84: An unlikely pair find companionship in a gentler, hand-drawn adventure. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/ernest-and-celestine.md)
- *The Brave Little Toaster* (1987), Fi1m 77: Neglected household objects go looking for affection; the premise still hurts. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-brave-little-toaster.md)
- *Paddington 2* (2017), Fi1m 91: Another prison adventure that remembers to make kindness interesting and jokes plentiful. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/paddington-2.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/toy-story-3