Get the tissues out, Pixar has done it again! The first reactions to Toy Story 5 have hit social media after the film’s world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, and the early consensus suggests the feted animation studio has crafted another classic that will hit you right in the feels.
While official critics reviews for Andrew Stanton and McKenna Harris’ animated feature are embargoed till June 16, Disney/Pixar allowed premiere attendees to release brief social media reaction after the screening.
The plot of the fifth Toy Story movie takes on the real world concern of parents and their children’s addiction to tablet computers, an intriguing concept given Pixar was co-founded by the late Steve Jobs, the man who would usher in the age of the iPad when he ran Apple.
In the film, now eight-year-old Bonnie receives a sleek, frog-like tablet called “Lilypad” that consumes all her attention. Buzz (Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks), and Jessie (Joan Cusack) must race to save playtime from the disruptive device.
Lilypad is voiced by Greta Lee. The star-studded ensemble voice cast also includes Conan O’Brien, Tony Hale, Craig Robinson, Shelby Rabara, Scarlett Spears, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Matty Matheson, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Blake Clark, Jeff Bergman, Anna Vocino, Annie Potts, Bonnie Hunt, Melissa Villaseñor, John Hopkins, Kristen Schaal, Ernie Hudson, Bad Bunny, Keanu Reeves, Ally Maki, and Alan Cumming.
Pixar veteran Stanton, who directed A Bug’s Life, Finding Nemo, WALL-E and Finding Dory, helms his first Toy Story movie after helping to write the first four in the franchise. Harris co-directed and co-wrote the film alongside Stanton, based on a story by Stanton.
See a selection of the social media reaction to Toy Story 5 below.
I’m very happy to say that TOY STORY 5 is a genuine home run. Jessie being the lead really gives it an infectious energy, and the toys vs. tech conflict is much more nuanced than expected. Moreover, it takes a hard stance on one-on-one human connection being key for children. pic.twitter.com/8vBcygz4Bn
— Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) June 10, 2026
Full disclosure: I have seen TOY STORY 5 twice now and somehow cried harder the second time 😭
— Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) June 10, 2026
As Toy Story 5 began, the lady behind me turned to her friend, “You’re crying already?”
“Yup!” her friend replied.
Can confirm many tears were shed, by them…and all.
— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) June 10, 2026
TOY STORY 5 is sweet, clever, funny, heartwarming, and delivers everything you could possibly want from a Toy Story movie. A lovely film that beautifully taps into themes from Toy Story 3 to tell a simultaneously timely & timeless story. One of the best movies we’ve seen all year pic.twitter.com/m3uDYgZhqj
— The HoloFiles – Movie/TV News & Reviews (@theholofiles) June 10, 2026
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 humor,… pic.twitter.com/nRb5U5hqsy
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) June 10, 2026
#ToyStory5 is centered around friendship, loyalty, and the feeling of having someone in your corner when the world changes around you.
The emotions run deep, but the humor is loud as Smarty Pants and Forky bring some of the film’s biggest laughs.
We cannot wait to see it again! pic.twitter.com/DTVb3hEC0X
— Pixar Post (@ThePixarPost) June 10, 2026
#ToyStory5 is an absolute homerun and further proof that this is the greatest animated film franchise ever — surprising, heartfelt, dynamic and so, so fun. May these movies never cease. pic.twitter.com/bKRq5Uy9e3
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) June 10, 2026
#ToyStory5 proves this franchise still has plenty of emotional territory left to explore. Timely and surprisingly sharp with its take on our relationship with technology. Joan Cusack delivers standout voice work. Fair warning that you’ll want to break your kid’s tablets. pic.twitter.com/58b3oXyWOE
— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) June 10, 2026
Toy Story 5 is a magical and pure perfection. It is a fantastic entry into the franchise. Jessie finally gets the story she deserves! It’s emotional, funny, genuinely warm, and perfect in every way. Loved the new addition of characters. I laughed and cried at how marvelous Toy… pic.twitter.com/p17BmgEtRC
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) June 10, 2026
#ToyStory5 is Jessie’s movie, and it’s exactly what the franchise needed. Joan Cusack breaks your heart wide open as the yodeling cowgirl rediscovering her purpose. It’s full of laughs and delivers some emotional, happy tears. pic.twitter.com/dTZG3wS6xR
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughingplace) June 10, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/nLEPu0cQvL
— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) June 10, 2026
#ToyStory5 is a tiny bit disjointed at the start as it builds multiple different story lines, but they end up paying off with a phenomenal third act filled with all the heart and humor you expect from Pixar. Top tier stuff. I laughed, I cried, I loved it. pic.twitter.com/jqS9HrUhui
— Germain Lussier (@GermainLussier) June 10, 2026
Toy Story 5 hit me in places I was unprepared for! Exploring the divide between technology and toys through Jessie results in a deeply profound, moving story that had me in a puddle of tears. I put it up there with Toy Story 2 & 3. It’s *that* excellent! #ToyStory5 pic.twitter.com/8dDICz8kdO
— Meredith Loftus (@MeredithLoftus) June 10, 2026
TOY STORY 5 is @Pixar at their absolute best and their most important story yet! Jessie takes center stage and the Taylor Swift track hits hard. A thoughtful look at the balance between tech and toys, with Conan O’Brien’s Smarty Pants stealing every scene. A new Pixar classic! pic.twitter.com/nEz9FgVq8c
— Shahbaz 🎬 The Movie Podcast (@shayhbaz) June 10, 2026
Without a doubt, #ToyStory5 is the best of the saga. Jessie as the beating heart of the story is beautifully done, & her new song by Taylor Swift elevates her story to new heights. It’s an absolute must-watch for adults, parents or not. & a delight for kids. Welcome back, Pixar! pic.twitter.com/exsZx4nK8E
— 🔸 Juan* – Toy Story 5 News & Updates (@filmsbyJuan) June 10, 2026
#ToyStory5 hits you right in the feels with a Jessie centric story. It’s really not so much toys vs tech as advertised, which is refreshing. Every time you think this franchise is done, it finds new ways to justify continuing on. Way to go Pixar! pic.twitter.com/pgs1ppcBvk
— iammichaeljlee.bsky.social (@IamMichaelJLee) June 10, 2026
