Quick Answer
Toy Story 5 opened in US theatres on Friday, June 19, 2026, with the world premiere held in Los Angeles on June 10, 2026. It is the fifth main entry in the Pixar franchise that began in 1995, directed by Andrew Stanton.
The story picks up with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and the rest of the gang facing a new challenger for Bonnie's attention: Lilypad, a frog shaped tablet device. The marketing tagline, "Toy meets tech," sums up the central conflict.
Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack reprise their roles. Greta Lee voices Lilypad and Conan O'Brien joins the cast in a new supporting role.
The release timeline
Pixar first confirmed Toy Story 5 in February 2023 on a Disney earnings call, alongside Frozen 3 and a fourth Zootopia. The June 19, 2026 release date was announced in early 2024 and held without delay through production.
Key dates:
- February 8, 2023. Toy Story 5 confirmed by Disney during an earnings call.
- March 2024. Andrew Stanton confirmed as director, returning to a series he wrote on for the first four films.
- December 2025. First teaser trailer released, introducing Lilypad.
- June 10, 2026. World premiere held at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles.
- June 19, 2026. Wide theatrical release in the US, Canada, and most international markets.
The premiere
The Los Angeles premiere on June 10 drew the surviving cast plus a wider Disney and Pixar contingent. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Conan O'Brien, and Greta Lee walked the carpet, along with Pixar chief Pete Docter and director Andrew Stanton. Disney also previewed footage from upcoming projects to invited press.
The story
Toy Story 4 left the franchise at a genuine crossroads. Woody chose to leave Bonnie's room and start a new life with Bo Peep as a "lost toy" helping others find their way. Toy Story 5 returns to Bonnie's home and to the rest of the gang, but with Woody off elsewhere as the film opens.
The driving conflict is the arrival of Lilypad, a frog shaped electronic tablet that quickly becomes Bonnie's favourite plaything. Buzz, Jessie, and the others suddenly find themselves competing for attention not with a new toy, but with a device that talks back, plays games, and never needs to be picked up off the floor.
Without giving away third act spoilers, the film leans into a question every Pixar parent has lived through: what happens to the magic of imaginative play when a screen is always within reach.
The cast and crew
- Director: Andrew Stanton, who wrote on the first four Toy Story films and directed Finding Nemo, WALL E, and Finding Dory.
- Producers: Jessica Choi and Andrea Warren.
- Tom Hanks as Woody.
- Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear.
- Joan Cusack as Jessie.
- Greta Lee as Lilypad.
- Conan O'Brien in a supporting voice role.
- The wider returning ensemble includes Tony Hale as Forky and the remaining toy room cast.
The opening weekend
Toy Story 5 opened to a strong commercial debut, comfortably the largest opening weekend for an animated film in 2026 at the time of release. The film was paired with a new Pixar short in theatres, in line with the studio's traditional release format.
Reviews were generally positive, with critics highlighting the animation quality and the central premise, while some questioned whether the franchise needed a fifth entry after the emotional close of Toy Story 4. Audience reactions skewed warmer than critical ones, which has been the pattern for every Toy Story film since the second.
How it compares to the rest of the franchise
- Toy Story (1995). The first feature length film entirely produced with computer animation.
- Toy Story 2 (1999). Originally planned as a direct to video sequel, retooled into a theatrical feature.
- Toy Story 3 (2010). The Sunnyside Daycare film and the emotional graduation goodbye to Andy.
- Toy Story 4 (2019). Woody's reunion with Bo Peep and his decision to leave Bonnie's room.
- Toy Story 5 (2026). The Lilypad film, exploring screens versus toys.
What is next for Pixar
Pixar's announced upcoming slate includes Hoppers in 2026, a Coco sequel reportedly targeting 2027, and the fourth Incredibles film in development. The studio is also producing several Disney plus exclusive series tied to the Toy Story universe, including the previously released Buzz Lightyear spin off Lightyear and various shorts.
Frequently asked questions
When did Toy Story 5 come out?
June 19, 2026 in US theatres, after a Los Angeles world premiere on June 10, 2026.
Who directed Toy Story 5?
Andrew Stanton, who has been involved as a writer on every previous Toy Story film and directed Finding Nemo and WALL E.
Is Tom Hanks in Toy Story 5?
Yes. Tom Hanks returns as Woody and Tim Allen returns as Buzz Lightyear.
When will Toy Story 5 be on Disney plus?
Disney has not announced a streaming date. Recent Pixar theatrical releases have arrived on Disney plus roughly three to four months after their cinema debut.
