The Toy Story Films Ranked

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The Toy Story franchise, launched by Pixar Animation Studios in 1995, revolutionized animated filmmaking as the first feature-length movie made entirely with computer-generated imagery (CGI). Directed by John Lasseter, the original Toy Story introduced the world to a secret universe where toys come alive when humans aren’t looking, centring on the rivalry and eventual friendship between Woody, a loyal pull-string cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a deluded space ranger action figure. Voiced by Tom Hanks and Tim Allen respectively, the pair anchored a heartfelt story about identity, loyalty, and change as their owner Andy grows up. The film’s groundbreaking animation, sharp wit, and emotional depth made it a massive critical and commercial success, earning the first-ever Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for an animated film and launching Pixar as a dominant force in Hollywood.

Subsequent instalments expanded the universe while maintaining the series’ signature blend of humour, adventure, and poignant themes of obsolescence and belonging. Toy Story 2 (1999) delved into collector culture and Woody’s origins, Toy Story 3 (2010) tackled the heartbreak of growing up as the toys faced life in a daycare, and Toy Story 4 (2019) explored purpose and independence with the introduction of Forky. The films are beloved for their rich ensemble of memorable characters—like Mr. Potato Head, Rex the dinosaur, and Jessie the cowgirl—their innovative storytelling that resonates with both children and adults, and their technical achievements that continually pushed the boundaries of animation. Together, they form one of the most emotionally resonant and culturally enduring animated franchises of all time.

Toy Story 5 is in cinemas now.

Here’s our rankings for the Toy Story films.