Produced on a total budget of $720 million, theToy Story films have grossed more than $3.3 billion worldwide, becoming the21st highest-grossing film franchise worldwide and thefourth highest-grossing animated franchise. Each film of the main series setbox office records, with the third and fourth included in the top 50 all-time worldwide films. The franchise has received critical acclaim from critics and audiences.[1][2][3][4][5] The first two films were re-released in theaters as aDisney Digital 3-D "double feature" for at least two weeks in October 2009 as a promotion for the then-upcoming third film.[6]
Toy Story, the first film in the franchise, was released on November 22, 1995. It was the first feature-length film created entirely bycomputer-generated imagery (CGI) and was directed byJohn Lasseter. The plot of the film involves Andy Davis (voiced byJohn Morris), an imaginative young boy, getting a new Buzz Lightyear (voiced byTim Allen) action figure for his birthday, causing Sheriff Woody (voiced byTom Hanks), a vintage cowboy doll, to think that he has been replaced as Andy's favorite toy. In competing for Andy's attention, Woody accidentally knocks Buzz out of a window, leading the other toys to believe he tried to murder Buzz. Determined to set things right, Woody tries to save Buzz and both must escape from the house of the next-door neighbor Sid Phillips (voiced byErik von Detten), who likes to torture and destroy toys. In addition to Hanks and Allen, the film featured the voices ofJim Varney,Don Rickles,John Ratzenberger,Wallace Shawn, andAnnie Potts. The film was critically and financially successful, grossing over $373 million worldwide.[1][7] The film was later re-released inDisney Digital 3-D as part of a double feature, along withToy Story 2, for a two-week run,[6] which was later extended due to its financial success.[8]
Toy Story 2, the second film in the franchise, was released on November 24, 1999. Lasseter reprised his role as director. The film's plot involves Woody getting stolen by a greedy toy collector who is named Al McWhiggin (voiced byWayne Knight). Buzz and several of Andy's toys set off to attempt to rescue Woody, who meanwhile has discovered his origins as a historic television star. In addition to the returning cast,Toy Story 2 included voice acting fromJoan Cusack,Kelsey Grammer,Estelle Harris, andJodi Benson.Toy Story 2 was not originally intended for release in theaters, but as adirect-to-video sequel to the firstToy Story, with a 60-minute running time.[9] Disney's executives, however, were impressed by the high quality of the in-work imagery for the sequel, and were also pressured by the main characters' voice actors Hanks and Allen, so they decided to convertToy Story 2 into a theatrical film.[10] It turned out to be an even greater success than the firstToy Story, grossing over $497 million worldwide.[11] The film was re-released inDisney Digital 3-D as part of a double feature, along with the firstToy Story, on October 2, 2009.[6]
Toy Story 3, the third film in the franchise, was released on June 18, 2010, nearly 11 years afterToy Story 2. The plot focuses on the toys being accidentally dropped off at Sunnyside, a daycare center while their owner, Andy, is getting ready to go to college. The toys discover that all of the toys at Sunnyside Daycare are ruled by Lotso (voiced byNed Beatty), a sinister teddy bear, while Woody finds potential hope for a new home in the hands of Bonnie, a toddler from the daycare that takes great care of her toys.Blake Clark replaced Jim Varney following his death in 2000, while other new cast members includedMichael Keaton,Timothy Dalton,Jeff Garlin,Kristen Schaal, andBonnie Hunt. It was the firstToy Story film not to be directed by Lasseter (although he remained involved in the film as executive producer), but byLee Unkrich, who edited the first two films and co-directed the second. It wasPixar's highest-grossing film of all time both domestically, surpassingFinding Nemo, until it was surpassed byFinding Dory in 2016 and worldwide, also surpassingFinding Nemo, until it was surpassed byIncredibles 2 in 2018.Toy Story 3 grossed more than the first two films combined, making it the first animated film to have crossed the $1 billion mark.[12] In August 2010, it surpassedShrek 2, becoming thehighest-grossing animated film of all time until it was surpassed byFrozen, another Disney production, in March 2014.[13] The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray on November 2, 2010.[14]
Toy Story 4, the fourth feature film in the franchise, was released on June 21, 2019. Taking place not long afterToy Story 3, the story involves Woody, Buzz, and the other toys living well with their new owner Bonnie. On her first day of kindergarten, Bonnie creates a toy spork, named Forky (voiced byTony Hale), out of garbage. Woody, having been neglected by Bonnie lately, personally takes it upon himself to keep Forky out of harm's way. During a road trip with Bonnie's family, Woody, to his delight, encounters his old friend and former fellow toyBo Peep (Annie Potts), who he had been separated from in the interim period betweenToy Story 2 andToy Story 3 and has to deal with fears of becoming a "lost toy". Don Rickles died in 2017 prior to the production of the film, but Pixar used archival recordings of Rickles to continue his voice work for the film.[15] Additional new cast members includeKeegan-Michael Key,Jordan Peele,Keanu Reeves,Ally Maki, andChristina Hendricks. The film was originally announced in November 2014 during an investor's call with Lasseter to direct, Galyn Susman to produce, with the screenplay written byRashida Jones andWill McCormack based on the story developed by Lasseter,Andrew Stanton,Pete Docter, andLee Unkrich.[16][17] During production, however, Lasseter stepped down from his position at Pixar in 2017, though remained to consult for the film;Josh Cooley was named as the film's director, withJonas Rivera replacing Susman as producer.[18][19] The film underwent a major revision following the departures of Jones and McCormack later in 2017, with Stephany Folsom replacing them as screenwriter. Much of the original script by Jones and McCormack had to be dropped, delaying the release of the film.[20][21]
In February 2019, Allen expressed interest in doing a fifth film. He explained that, sinceToy Story 4 released the series from being constrained to trilogy status, he did not "see any reason why they wouldn't do it".[22] OnThe Ellen DeGeneres Show that May, Hanks saidToy Story 4 would be the final installment in the franchise,[23] but producer Mark Nielsen disclosed the possibility of a fifth film, as Pixar was not ruling it out.[24] In February 2023, Disney CEOBob Iger announced that the franchise would continue with additional films,[25] while Allen confirmed his return as the voice of Buzz.[26] Later in the month, Pixar CCO and franchise alumnusPete Docter stated the film would be "surprising" and would have "cool things you've never seen before".[27] In June 2023, Docter confirmed Woody would return in the film.[28] In April 2024, it was revealed the film would release on June 19, 2026.[29] In June 2024, Docter revealed thatAndrew Stanton was directing the film.[30] In August 2024, at theD23 Expo, it was revealed that the plot would involve the toys fighting technology, and would also involve an army of Buzz Lightyear toys controlled by computers. In addition,McKenna Harris would co-direct the film.[31] In April 2025,Tim Allen confirmed that Woody and Buzz Lightyear would reunite in the film.[32] In June 2025, Docter confirmed thatJoan Cusack would return to voice Jessie,[33] while also confirming the return of Mr. Potato Head, Slinky Dog, Rex, and Hamm.[34]
A series of shorts titledForky Asks a Question forDisney+, with the new characterForky fromToy Story 4 (voiced byTony Hale),[35] was released on the launch date of the service on November 12, 2019.
Lamp Life (2020)
Lamp Life is a short film revealing Bo Peep's whereabouts between the events ofToy Story 2 andToy Story 4, where she was used as a night light for first one and then two children before being donated to the antique shop, where she and her sheep eventually abandoned their home lamp and were reunited with Woody.[36] It was released onDisney+ on January 31, 2020.[37]
Valerie LaPointe, who was a story supervisor forToy Story 4, wrote and directed the short film. Annie Potts and Ally Maki returned as Bo Peep and Giggle McDimples. However, Woody is voiced byJim Hanks, the younger brother of Tom Hanks.[37]
Pixar Popcorn (2021)
Pixar Popcorn features threeToy Story shorts, "To Fitness and Beyond", and two Fluffy Stuff with Ducky and Bunny shorts, "Three Heads" and "Love". They were released on January 21, 2021.
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins is a 2000 traditionally animated direct-to-video television film produced byWalt Disney Television Animation withPixar Animation Studios as a co-production that serves as a spin-off of theToy Story franchise. The film was released on August 8, 2000, and features Tim Allen as the voice of Buzz Lightyear. The film follows Buzz Lightyear as a space ranger who fights against the evil Emperor Zurg, showing the inspiration for the Buzz Lightyear toyline that exists in theToy Story series. The film later led to the television series,Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. Although the film was criticized for not using the same animation as theToy Story films, it sold three million VHS and DVDs in its first week of release.
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command is an animated television series produced byWalt Disney Television Animation and co-produced byPixar Animation Studios that is a spin-off of theToy Story franchise, and was led from the direct-to-video filmBuzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins, depicting the in-universeToy Story series on which the Buzz Lightyear toy is based. The series takes place in the far future, featuring Buzz Lightyear voiced byPatrick Warburton (replacingTim Allen), a famous, experienced Space Ranger who takes a crew of rookies under his wing as he investigates criminal activity across the galaxy and attempts to bring down Evil Emperor Zurg once and for all. It aired onUPN from October 2, 2000, to November 29, 2000, and onABC from October 14, 2000, to January 13, 2001.
Lightyear is aspin-off film of theToy Story series that explains Buzz Lightyear's backstory and the film chronology Andy watched. Buzz is voiced byChris Evans in the title role. Directed byAngus MacLane, the film was released on June 17, 2022.[41]
Reception
Box office performance
Toy Story's first five days of domestic release (onThanksgiving weekend), earned the film $39.1 million.[42] The film placed first in the weekend's box office with $29.1 million, and maintained its number one position at the domestic box office for the following two weekends. It was the highest-grossing domestic film in1995,[43] and thethird-highest-grossing animated film at the time.[44]
Toy Story 2 opened at No. 1 over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, with a three-day tally of $57.4 million from 3,236 theaters. It averaged $17,734 per theater over three days during that weekend, and stayed at No. 1 for the next two weekends. It was thethird-highest-grossing film of 1999.[45]
Toy Story 3 had a strong debut, opening in 4,028 theaters and grossing $41.1 million at the box office on its opening day. In addition,Toy Story 3 had the highest opening-day gross for an animated film on record. During its opening weekend, the film grossed $110.3 million, making it #1 for the weekend; it was the biggest opening weekend ever for any Pixar film.Toy Story 3 stayed at the #1 spot for the next weekend. The film had the second-highest opening ever for an animated film at the time. It was thehighest-grossing film of 2010, both domestically and worldwide.[46][47]Toy Story 3 grossed over $1 billion, making it the seventh film in history, the second Disney film in 2010, and the first animated film to do so.[48]
Toy Story 4 achieved the biggest opening for the series and the biggest for a G-rated film, grossing $120.9 million domestically and $244.5 internationally in its first weekend.[49] It went on to gross $1.073 billion, becoming the 43rd movie ever to cross the billion dollar mark and was theeighth-highest-grossing film of 2019.[50]
Lightyear underperformed at the global box office, grossing a total of $226.4 million.[51] Its first weekend gross totaled $85.2 million, underperforming expectations, attributed by observers to a lackluster audience turnout due to multiple factors including theCOVID-19 pandemic, the release of past Pixar filmsSoul,Luca, andTurning Red onDisney+, and its more mixed reviews compared to other films in the franchise.[52][53][54]
Each film is linked to the "Box office" section of its article.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, theToy Story franchise is the most critically acclaimed franchise of all time.[72] The first two films received a100% rating, while the third and fourth earned 98% and 97% ratings. According to the site, no other franchise has had all of its films so highly rated—theBefore trilogy comes closest with 98%, and theDollars trilogy andThe Lord of the Rings trilogy come after with average ratings of 95% and 94%, respectively, while theToy Story franchise has an average of 99%.
According to Metacritic, theToy Story franchise is the second most critically acclaimed franchise of all time, afterThe Lord of the Rings trilogy, having an average rounded score of 90 out of 100.
Toy Story 4 won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and was also nominated for Best Original Song for Newman's "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away." It is the first animated franchise to winBest Animated Feature award twice. It's also the first animated franchise to have every film nominated in the same category (Original Song). It was also nominated to the Golden Globe forBest Animated Feature Film (but lost againstMissing Link) and nominated for Best Animated Film at theBritish Academy Film Awards.
A 4-issue limited seriesToy Story: Mysterious Stranger was published byBoom! Entertainment from May to August 2009; This was followed by an 8-issue ongoing series, starting with #0 in November 2009. Two Buzz Lightyear one-shots were released in 2010, also by Boom! Entertainment; these were for Free Comic Book Day and Halloween, which was collected asToy Story: The Return of Buzz Lightyear[citation needed]. A second 4-issue limited series,Toy Story: Toy Overboard was published by Boom! Entertainment from July to October 2010.
A 4-issue limited series byMarvel ComicsToy Story: Tales from the Toy Chest was published from May to August 2012.
Toy Story magazine was first released on July 21, 2010. Each edition was 24 pages in length, apart from the launch edition, which was 28 pages.[84]
A one-shot anthology comic book byDark Horse Comics was released to tie in withToy Story 4 in 2019.[85] The comic picks up just after the events of the film, also exploring the backstories of Duke Caboom, Ducky, Bunny, Bo Peep and Giggle McDimples during their exploits as a band of lost toys.[86]
Pixar created some original animations for the games, including fully animated sequences for PC titles.[citation needed]
Woody and Buzz Lightyear were originally going to appear in theFinal Mix version of the Disney/Square Enix video gameKingdom Hearts II. They were omitted from the final product, but their models appear in the game's coding, without textures. The director of theKingdom Hearts series,Tetsuya Nomura, stated that he would like to include Pixar properties in futureKingdom Hearts games, given Disney's purchase of Pixar.[97] AToy Story-themed world called Toy Box appears inKingdom Hearts III, marking the first time that Pixar-based content appears in the series, along withMonsters, Inc. andRatatouille.[98]
Merchandising and software
Toy Story had a large promotion before its release, leading to numerous tie-ins with the film including images on food packaging.[99] A variety of merchandise was released during the film's theatrical run and its initial VHS release including toys, clothing, and shoes, among other things.[100] When action figures for Buzz Lightyear and Sheriff Woody were created, they were initially ignored by retailers. However, after over 250,000 figures were sold for each character before the film's release, demand continued to expand, eventually reaching over 25 million units sold by 2007.[101] Also,Disney's Animated Storybook: Toy Story andDisney's Activity Center: Toy Story were released forWindows andMac.[102]Disney's Animated Storybook: Toy Story was the best selling software title of 1996, selling over 500,000 copies.[103]
For the November 18, 1995,Toy Story premiere at El Capitan Theatre, Disney rented theMasonic Convention Hall, the next door building, for Totally Toy Story, an instant theme park and a promotional event for the movie. Movie goers paid an additional fee for the pop up park.[104][105] The promotional event had pre-sales over $1 million and remained opened until January 1, 1996.[105] The Toy Story Funhouse part was moved to Disneyland's Tomorrowland and opened there on January 27, 1996, and closed on May 27, 1996.[106]
Totally Toy Story, while in Hollywood, consisted of "Toy Story Art of Animation" exhibit in El Capitan's basement and the Toy Story Funhouse at the convention hall. The fun house consisted of 30,000 square feet of various attractions. These attractions continue the story of the movie with the toys life-size.[105]
Attractions
Toy Story Funhouse attractions:
Hamm's Theater – "Hamm's All-Doll Revue" has energetic dancing and original songs lasted 20 minutes[105]
Toy Story's innovative computer animation had a large impact on the film industry. After the film's debut, various industries were interested in the technology used for the film.Graphics chip makers desired to compute imagery similar to the film's animation for personal computers; game developers wanted to learn how to replicate the animation for video games; and robotics researchers were interested in buildingartificial intelligence into their machines that compared to the lifelike characters in the film.[107] Various authors have also compared the film to an interpretation ofDon Quixote as well ashumanism.[108][109] The free and open-sourceLinux distributionDebian takes its codenames fromToy Story characters, the tradition of which came about asBruce Perens was involved in the early development of Debian while working atPixar.[110]
Buzz Lightyear's classic line "To infinity and beyond!" has seen usage not only on T-shirts, but among philosophers and mathematical theorists as well.[112][113][114] Lucia Hall ofThe Humanist linked the film's plot to an interpretation of humanism. She compared the phrase to "All this and heaven, too!", indicating one who is happy with a life on Earth as well as having an afterlife.[109] In 2008, duringSTS-124, astronauts took an action figure of Buzz Lightyear into space on theDiscovery Space Shuttle as part of an educational experience for students that also stressed the catchphrase. The action figure was used for experiments inzero-g.[115] Also, in 2008, the phrase made international news when it was reported that a father and son had continually repeated the phrase to help them keep track of each other while treading water for 15 hours in the Atlantic Ocean.[116]
Notes
^A ride with a similar name was atDisneyQuest, but it closed in 2018.
^abFernández-Peña portrays Lightyear when he speaks in Spanish.
^Don Rickles, who died in the year 2017, appears inToy Story 4 through the use of unused recordings from various pieces of previousToy Story media.
^The total also includesToy Story andToy Story 2 re-releases inDisney Digital 3-D: U.S. and Canada – $30,702,446; Other territories – $1,582,154; Worldwide – $32,284,600[59]
^John Lasseter for "First Feature-Length Computer-Animated Film."
^Burrows, Peter; Grover, Ronald (November 22, 1998)."Steve Jobs, Movie Mogul".Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Archived fromthe original on October 24, 2012. RetrievedAugust 31, 2012.
^"The 68th Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. March 25, 1996.Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. RetrievedDecember 2, 2015.
^"The 72nd Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. March 26, 2000.Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. RetrievedDecember 2, 2015.
^"The 83rd Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. February 27, 2011.Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. RetrievedDecember 2, 2015.
^"The 92nd Academy Awards". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. January 13, 2020.Archived from the original on January 13, 2020. RetrievedJanuary 13, 2020.
^Hofferman, Jon; Sarto, Dan (March 31, 2023)."The Natural Chemistry of Disney-Pixar's 'Elemental'".AWN.com. RetrievedJune 14, 2025.Pete Docter is our executive producer, and I know how proud he is of this film, and I know how proud he'll be of whatever sequel that comes in the future.