Toy Story 5 Has Fans Split — Here’s What They’re Saying

Just when you thought the Toy Story crew had hung up their boots for good, Pixar pulls them out of the attic for another round. Yes, Toy Story 5 has actually happened and it just had its big premiere, so naturally the early crowd have taken to social media in droves to share their thoughts. Decades on, these characters are still determined to live rent-free in our collective nostalgia — and from what I’m seeing, it looks like fans won’t be kicking them out any time soon.

First Reactions: Grown Adults Weeping (Again)

If you expected a hard-hitting takedown for Pixar returning to the well, sorry — the initial verdicts are nothing but glowing. There’s even a bit of drama and nuance, but the consensus is that Pixar may have stuck the landing.

• Scott Menzel (award-magnet film and TV journo): He’s practically buzzing. According to him, 'Toy Story 5 is a wonderfully heartfelt return to form for Pixar Animation Studios and a reminder of why the Toy Story franchise remains one of the greatest film series ever made. Toy Story 5 ranks right alongside the first three films, delivering a perfect blend of humour, heart, and that signature Pixar magic. While the story explores the battle between toys and technology, it never loses sight of what makes these characters so special. Emotional, hilarious, and genuinely moving, Toy Story 5 may very well end up being one of the best films of 2026. Also, Taylor Swift’s "I Knew It, I Knew You" has to be up for Best Original Song this awards season! Toy Story 5 just like part one, two and three is an animated masterpiece.'
• Jazz Tangcay (Variety’s Senior Artisan Editor): She’s not holding back, calling Toy Story 5 'magical and pure perfection', and adding that Jessie finally gets the storyline she deserves. She seemed especially taken with the new characters, the warmth, the laughs (and the tears), and once again flagged Taylor Swift’s song as a genuine stand-out. She also gives a shout to Bob Pauley for the world-building and animation. In her words, '10/10 no notes'.
• Daniel Baptista (The Movie Podcast): His praise takes things up a notch: 'Pixar’s #ToyStory5 is a GENERATION-DEFINING experience and exactly the story we need right now. @Pixar once again delivers a meaningful, moving, and masterful must-see movie. Conan as Smarty Pants is an all-time great TS character. This is Jessie’s story, and our sheriff shines.'
• Germain Lussier: A more measured take, admitting the film 'is a tiny bit disjointed at the start as it builds multiple different storylines', but says it all pays off in the end, with a third act that’s 'filled with all the heart and humour you expect from Pixar'. For him: 'Top tier stuff. I laughed, I cried, I loved it.'
• Doug Jamieson (The Jam Report): Says it 'takes a little time to get into its groove', but once it finds it, delivers a story with 'endless heart' and a plot with 'several important lessons'. Jamieson’s backing the focus on Jessie — and both Joan Cusack and Conan O'Brien apparently knock it out of the park. Just expect laughs and (inevitably) a few tears.
• Andrew J. Salazar (Discussing Film): Declares it a 'genuine home run'. According to him, Jessie as lead brings an infectious energy, and the toys-vs-tech conflict is a touch more layered than you’d expect. Also, the film apparently makes a point about children really needing actual human connection, not just gadgets and screens.

What’s New This Time?

You might think the series could only recycle toy-box nostalgia for so long, but this outing apparently has two big hooks: The story gives Jessie a proper centre stage moment (about time, honestly), and there’s a new angle on toys duking it out with modern tech. Fans of animated musicals: Taylor Swift has a new song, 'I Knew It, I Knew You,' and apparently it’s so good you should brace yourself for hearing it everywhere come awards season. Oh — and comedian Conan O’Brien joins as new character Smarty Pants, which, yes, is really the character’s name.

Not-So-Perfect Bits

Even the most flattering reactions mention it’s a bit rocky out of the gate, so if you’re hoping for relentless Pixar magic from minute one, maybe temper your expectations. Several critics noted the film tries to juggle multiple plot threads early on, before pulling it together for a solid three-hankie climax. But honestly, most fans seem willing to forgive a wobbly start if it means they get another chance to laugh at Buzz and Woody’s existential panic.