Toy Story 5 Shatters Expectations with Massive Opening Weekend
The beloved Pixar franchise has once again captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, with Toy Story 5 achieving the highest opening weekend of 2026. The latest installment has not only smashed box office records in North America but also secured a monumental global debut, raking in an astounding $300 million.
North American Success Story
In the crucial North American market, Toy Story 5 grossed an impressive $160 million. This figure represents the biggest domestic debut of the year, surpassing the $131.7 million opening of Universal’s Super Mario Galaxy Movie earlier in April. The film also marks the largest opening weekend in the history of the Disney and Pixar franchise, not adjusted for inflation, exceeding the $120 million set by Toy Story 4 in 2019. It stands as the second-largest animated opening weekend ever, trailing only behind Pixar’s own Incredibles 2, which debuted with $182.7 million in 2018.
Global Phenomenon
The film’s success extended globally, with an additional $152 million earned in international markets, bringing the total worldwide gross to $312 million. This remarkable performance was achieved on a reported budget of $250 million.
A New Chapter for Beloved Characters
Released in cinemas worldwide on Friday, Toy Story 5 reunites audiences with the iconic trio of Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz (voiced by Tim Allen), and Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack). Over three decades since the first film enchanted viewers, this fifth installment delves into a story where Bonnie’s toys confront the growing influence of technology, personified by her new tablet, Lilypad.
Star Power and Critical Acclaim
Hanks and Allen have been instrumental in the film’s promotional efforts, with notable support from global music sensation Taylor Swift, who has contributed an original song to the movie. Following their publicity tour, critics have largely lauded the film, awarding it with stellar reviews.
Mixed Critical Reception
While many critics praised the sequel’s new cautionary tale and the elevated role of Joan Cusack’s Jessie, some suggested that this might be an opportune moment for the franchise to conclude. Larushka Ivan-zadeh, giving the film five stars, described it as “more than just another Hollywood sequel. It’s a miracle.” She highlighted Pixar’s genius in evoking emotion and mining “deep emotional truths” in a transformative way.
Helen O’Hara of Empire awarded the film four stars, noting that while previous installments explored the finite nature of love, this latest outing offered a “welcome return to philosophical form as well as being funny, warm-hearted and largely — perhaps overly — optimistic.”
David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter commended the film for doing the “enduring franchise proud” after 31 years, despite a potentially slow integration of characters. He also praised the “insanely catchy” Taylor Swift song, “I Knew It, I Knew You.”
Kevin Maher of The Times awarded four stars, with Woody taking a more co-starring role this time, while Cusack’s Jessie is identified as the “star turn,” grappling with the theme of obsolescence.
Damon Wise, writing for Deadline, described the film as a “fun, thoughtful, multi-generational family film” that cleverly integrates a digital-age backdrop. He suggested that the film “holds up much better than the last one” and “there could be a little more life in this old warhorse yet.”
Owen Gleiberman of Variety called it a “nimble, moving, irresistible sequel” and a “sublime summing up,” potentially offering a “perfect ending.” Robbie Collin in The Telegraph described it as a “warm and wry update,” noting its willingness to “worry for them” in an age of pandering children’s entertainment, and singled out Joan Cusack’s role.
Skepticism and Criticism
However, not all reviews were positive. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent awarded the film only two stars, calling it “certainly topical” but “the worst in the series.” She criticized the film’s attempt at “unnecessary emotional closure” as “ludicrous.”
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian observed a lack of “jeopardy, the novelty, the ideas and the passion,” stating that the film “has gone dead at heart” and “calamitously loses its nerve with its own big idea.”
David Fear of Rolling Stone questioned the necessity of the film, suggesting it exists primarily to “keep your stockholders happy.”
Musical Collaboration
Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film features an original score by Oscar winner Randy Newman. Taylor Swift’s contribution, the country song “I Knew It, I Knew You,” co-written with director Stanton, has been particularly highlighted. Stanton expressed his delight, stating, “It’s incredible just how meaningful it’s been having Taylor write and perform this song.” He added that Swift’s immediate understanding of Jessie’s character and the song’s deep connection to the franchise made it feel “like a long-lost family member.”
Toy Story 5 is currently playing in cinemas worldwide.
