Toy Story 5 is branded ‘a welcome return to form’ by critics as the ‘sublime’ sequel is lauded for its ‘digital age backdrop’, Joan Cusack’s leading turn and Taylor Swift’s ‘insanely catchy’ song

Toy Story 5 was praised by critics as a “welcome return to form”; The 31-year-old series returns this week with a sequel suitable for the digital age.

In the film, which reunites the beloved trio Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and Jessie (Joan Cusack), their toys, in the form of Bonnie’s new tablet called Lilypad, fight head-on with the increasing influence of technology.

Although generally well-received, some fans questioned the necessity of Toy Story 4, given the original trilogy’s acclaimed ending in 2010.

But with this fifth film opening in theaters Friday, critics have praised it for justifying its existence with a harsh message about the dangers of social media and movie theater time.

Star Joan, who reprises her role as Jessie after semi-retirement, has also received praise for her leading role in the film, while childhood fan Taylor Swift’s song I Knew It, I Knew You has been branded a ‘wildly catchy’ addition to the series.

Giving the movie four stars, of the empire Helen O’Hara wrote: ‘The first three films taught us that even when love is limited, the work is still meaningful, but the fourth film struggled for a similarly strong theme.

‘But this latest outing is a welcome return to philosophical form, as well as being funny, warm-hearted and largely – perhaps overly – optimistic.’

Hollywood Reporter David Rooney said: ‘Toy Story 5 arrives a staggering 31 years after the original and does the enduring franchise proud…

‘[Director Andrew] Stanton and [writer Kenna] It probably took Harris too long to integrate the Buzz crew into Jessie’s quest, but once all the toys start working together for a common goal, the spirit of what their collective can do becomes exciting.

‘The same goes for the incredibly catchy Taylor Swift song I Knew It, I Knew You, featured in the end credits, which she wrote with regular collaborator Jack Antonoff.’

Kevin Maher of The Times gave the film four stars, praising Joan’s role as Jessie, writing: ‘Woody enjoys a mostly co-starring role this time around, cracking hilarious jokes about his bald spot and growing belly.

‘Cusack’s Jessie is the turn of stars facing the pain of impending obsolescence, which has become a favorite theme of the series.’

Don’t write DeadlineDamon Wise said: ‘Yes, it’s a rinse and repeat of the usual formula, but the digital age backdrop adds an intriguing dimension; Stanton and Kenna Harris’ script does not view technology as the enemy, but it is something that is subject to time and obsolescence like any other toys.

‘Stanton’s film is a fun, thought-provoking, multi-generational family film based on a well-written script that tries to say something truly new while remaining true to a well-worn premise.

‘In that sense, it seems that this is a good place to bow, considering that it is in much better shape than the last one… Strange but true; There might be a little more life in this old warhorse.’

Star Joan Cusack, who reprises her role as Jessie after semi-retirement, was also praised for her leading role in the film.

Inside DiversityOwen Gleiberman described the fifth film as ‘a nimble, impressive, irresistible sequel’ and compared each film to the musical evolution of The Beatles at one point, writing: ‘It’s a magnificent encapsulation, a film that reflects the entire series in its magic mirror, and (perhaps) a perfect ending.’

Robbie Collin in play Telegram called the film a ‘warm and wry update’ and wrote: ‘While Toy Story 5 is far from essential, in an age where children’s entertainment routinely panders to the audience, there’s something pretty radical in a movie willing to worry about them.’

But not all critics were so complimentary; Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent gave the film only two stars.

He wrote: ‘We’ve already watched Jessie, and then Woody, learn to go on living, and 5’s attempt at needless emotional closure ends with a revelation that becomes more ridiculous with every second spent considering it.’

The Guardian Peter Bradshaw wrote: ‘It has the unmistakable shine of a brand new smartphone as part of family entertainment content.

‘But essentially he went dead.

‘For all the intense, high-energy creative work that clearly goes into every frame of this film, danger, innovation, ideas and passion are missing; ‘Toy Story’s vital theme of mortality falls short, and the film even disastrously loses its courage with its own big idea.’

While sequels to beloved films like Toy Story have generally received mixed reactions, Toy Story 5 has been praised by fans as a significant addition to the franchise.

“I’m glad the new Toy Story villain is a kid’s tablet,” said one fan on X.

‘I hope the film conveys how screens consume a child’s hobbies, interests, literacy. [and] ability to work socially. “Hopefully this will make millions of parents think twice before using an iPad as a babysitter,” he posted.

A third added: ‘Lily isn’t just a toy story character, she’s also a challenge. ‘Anyone who has a child already knows.’

Toy Story 5 is written by Stanton and Harris, who have been a part of Toy Story since the first film was released in 1995, and directed by Kenna Harris.

They said in a statement: ‘It’s been a hilarious and touching journey exploring how our favorite team of vintage toys might respond to today’s world of technology, and we’re excited to share this first look with audiences.

‘It was incredible to see the incredibly talented Greta Lee bring Lilypad to life – balancing a playful, hostile tone with humor and heart.’

Toy Story 5 will be released on June 19, 2026.