The beloved Toy Story franchise has seen a significant resurgence in popularity as fans revisit the films ahead of the highly anticipated release of Toy Story 5. All four original Toy Story movies have recently climbed the streaming charts in the U.S. on Disney+, demonstrating their enduring appeal. This renewed interest comes just under a year before Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters.

As of November 24, 2025, the original Toy Story film impressively ranked 2nd on Disney+'s Top 10 overall, positioned between "Freakier Friday" and "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." Following closely, Toy Story 3 secured the 4th spot, Toy Story 2 ranked 6th, and Toy Story 4 landed at 10th. Notably, none of the franchise's spin-offs or shorts, such as "Lightyear," "Toy Story Toons," or "Forky Asks a Question," made it into these rankings, which is perhaps understandable given that "Lightyear" had a less successful box office performance compared to the first "Toy Story" film during its initial theatrical release.

The Toy Story saga, which commenced with its first film in 1995, explores the imaginative world of toys that come alive when left unsupervised. Beyond the whimsical premise, the films delve into profound themes of growing up, the transition of ownership, and the existential questioning of a toy's purpose. The original film was an immediate success, grossing over $237 million at the box office and earning three Academy Award nominations. Subsequent installments built upon this foundation, turning "Toy Story" into a multi-billion-dollar franchise, with both "Toy Story 3" and "Toy Story 4" each surpassing the $1 billion mark globally.

"Toy Story 5" is slated to introduce a new conflict to Bonnie's playroom: the arrival of technology. Eight-year-old Bonnie, voiced by Emily Hahn, receives a tablet called a LilyPad, voiced by Greta Lee. This new addition sparks a rivalry between the traditional toys and the LilyPad, as they debate what truly serves their owner best. Reports initially suggested a focus on Jessie, voiced by Joan Cusack, as the new leader of the toys following the events of Toy Story 4. However, it has been confirmed that Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks, will make a return, despite his previous departure from his friends.

The decision to continue the franchise with a fifth installment received mixed reactions from fans, especially after the emotionally satisfying conclusion of "Toy Story 3." Director Andrew Stanton has defended the continuation, asserting that "nobody's being robbed of their trilogy" and suggesting that "Toy Story 1-3" can be viewed as the distinct "Andy Saga." All four existing "Toy Story" films are currently available for streaming on Disney+, while fans eagerly await the theatrical release of "Toy Story 5" in 2026. The original "Toy Story" film, an animated adventure-family-comedy, released on October 30, 1995, with a runtime of 81 minutes, directed by John Lasseter and produced by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures with a budget of $30 million. It starred Tom Hanks as Woody and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, focusing on a cowboy doll's jealousy when a new spaceman action figure becomes the top toy.