"Toy Story 5" (2026): Back for More Adventures

Technology has been taking over playtime.

"Toy Story 5" is the latest edition to the Pixar franchise. Jessie is angered by the rise of technology consuming playtime. In a mix-up of events, Jessie is taken to her original owner's house, where they figure out how to handle this new era.

"Toy Story 5" is the movie I have been counting down the days to see this year. As an adult in her 30s, I still have not lost my fangirl heart for this franchise. "Toy Story 5" takes a different route and portrays how technology has been consuming the world, especially kids.

Finally, Jessie takes center stage for a "Toy Story" film. She is my favorite character. The cowgirl is a wild ball of energy who has overcome insecurities and dark moments from her past. She has never let her anxieties define her.

Joan Cusack is profound in her voice work as the yodeling cowgirl. Jessie’s arc needed to be expanded because her journey in the film helps her learn about herself and to tolerate others more. Jessie takes the reins to protect her loved ones and restore order.

Originally, Woody was not set to be in "Toy Story 5," but I am so glad that the writers found a way to include him. The film would have been missing without Woody. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen return to their respective roles as Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

New and old voices return. Conan O’Brien, Scarlett Spiers, Greta Lee, Shelby Rabara, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Craig Harris, and more join the Toy Story team. Lori Allen, Jay Hernandez, Bonnie Hunt, Wallace Shawn, and Tony Hale reprise their iconic characters.

Mckenna Harris and Andrew Stanton direct "Toy Story 5." In the mixed reviews for the fifth time, Stanton argues that there are still more stories to tell. I agree.

That being said, "Toy Story 5" is overstuffed with too many storylines, and I argue that the army of Buzzes was not that important. This was a recycled plot from "Toy Story 3." The rest of the toys appear, too, but once again, there’s not much for them to do. New characters take their place.

In the thirty years since the franchise was released, technology has evolved, leading children to favor tech games and social media over playing with toys. In the week I was seeing "Toy Story 5," I saw a Kermit the Frog stuffed toy being thrown out in the trash. While I didn’t know the context of it, my chest felt so hollow seeing that.

The "Toy Story" universe creatively incorporates lessons on friendship and technology. In a similar message to the last film, friends will part ways and move away, but we can still figure out methods to keep in touch. It’s done creatively with toys in this movie.

Change and evolution are key themes in the "Toy Story" universe. I am the same age (only six months older) as when the first film was released. We are constantly evolving.

The animation is striking. Animators re-animated frames from "Toy Story 2," showing how Pixar’s style has grown.

The fifth installment is a tearjerker and has its funny moments. I am a huge Buzz and Jessie shipper, and I squealed like a little girl at a big moment between them. The best part about the “Toy Story” franchise is how it connects you with your inner child.

“Toy Story 5” is worth the adventure to the cinema with friends and family. I was surrounded by several little kids, some of whom were being introduced to the Pixar film. Enjoy it for what it is and have fun.