Toy Story 5 (2026)

The review finds the emotional core and big laughs remain even if the plotting gets overbusy, with the continuation of Jessie’s story giving the film more emotional immediacy than its predecessor.

The critic praises the film as a welcome return to the series' philosophical roots, dealing with existential themes around technology and play. They single out the humor from the new Buzz Lightyear toys subplot and Jessie's emotional arc for praise, while noting a somewhat mild conclusion on screen time.

A warm and wry update that tackles toys versus screens in a traditional Pixar manner, with sharp observations on screen-obsessed childhoods.

The film leans into the franchise's core tensions around being outgrown while adding timely commentary on technology, leaving the critic feeling giddy with original-trilogy wonder and joy at returning to this world. Jessie takes the lead in a vibrant installment full of big emotions and fresh bonds.

Pixar’s flagship franchise enters the toxic tech debate in an audacious take on smartphone-free childhood.

The critic calls it the best thing Pixar has done since Turning Red but disappointing overall, as it chickens out on its tech critique and runs through familiar beats despite a terrific tear-jerking sequence.

Excessive screen time creates an existential crisis for the toys and childhood itself in this polished but mid-tier entry that asks pertinent questions about technology.

The film is still beautifully animated and well-executed with a pertinent theme about devices and imagination, but it feels like the well is running dry with an overstuffed cast and overfamiliar emotional journey for Jessie. It remains a cut above most animated fare thanks to the love and detail poured into it.

The film is slick but lacks heart, jeopardy and passion, with its take on addictive tech feeling compromised and underpowered.

The critic sees the fifth entry as pulling the same old heartstrings, with the toys and franchise feeling obsolete amid AI and tech threats to play; Jessie and the gang confront irrelevance while the plot feels repetitive and dull despite some inspired gags. It ends by suggesting it is time to let go of these weary toys.

Pixar reaffirms what makes the franchise beloved with inventive storytelling and fresh emotional terrain, as Jessie takes center stage confronting the influence of a smart tablet on young Bonnie while producing hearty laughs. Stanton crafts a vital sequel that mines new ground without simply repeating prior beats.

Despite an overstuffed plot, the film maintains the franchise's high standards while updating its themes of obsolescence to address screen time overtaking creative play. It centers Jessie poignantly and delivers emotional resonance that is hard to resist.

The critic notes that the film gives Jessie the lead role and imparts a sweet lesson about the rewards of physical play over screen time. It does the enduring franchise proud despite coming 31 years after the original.

The critic views it as Pixar’s latest but far from greatest adventure about toys, revisiting themes of play, obsolescence and technocapitalism in a story focused on Bonnie and her playthings facing a new tablet toy. It is fine, pretty and amusing, but lacks heart and suggests it may be time to make way for other toys.

The critic praises it as a nimble, moving and irresistible sequel that takes on the threat of tech toys with ambitious density, centering Jessie’s story and the disappearance of imaginative play while delivering delight, gut punches and a profound message to slow down and play. It feels like a sublime summing up of the series, possibly a perfect ending.

The critic finds Toy Story 5 exceptional for blending nostalgia with timely themes like technology, social anxiety, and PTSD, calling it one of the best films of the year. New characters and nuanced exploration of modern issues stand out for praise.

The critic is relieved and enthusiastic, calling it a thoughtful, funny, and emotional improvement over Toy Story 4 that restores faith in the franchise. The shift to Jessie as lead and deeper emotional arcs are singled out for praise.

The critic sees the film as technically strong with great visuals and performances but ultimately half-hearted and unconvincing in its Big Tech critique, feeling like franchise fatigue despite quality control.

The critic calls it a tech-savvy return to form and the biggest family movie of the year, praising its modern comedy and deep melancholy. Stanton is credited with balancing appeal to younger audiences with adult themes around AI and obsolescence, centering Jessie in a fresh take on the franchise's metaphysical questions.

The critic finds Toy Story 5 delightful and a winning addition to the franchise, praising its thoughtful expansion on modern parenting challenges with technology through Jessie's story. They single out the emotional depth tied to Jessie's past and the balance of humor and heart.