‘Toy Story 5’ Achieves Highest Opening Weekend of 2026

The beloved Pixar franchise has once again captivated audiences, with Toy Story 5 achieving the highest opening weekend of 2026 at the box office. The latest installment has shattered records, drawing in a staggering $300 million globally and solidifying its place as a cinematic phenomenon three decades after the original film’s release.

North American Box Office Dominance

In the North American market alone, Toy Story 5 grossed an impressive $160 million. This figure marks the biggest domestic debut of the year, surpassing Universal’s Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which opened with $131.7 million in April. The film also set a new benchmark for Disney and Pixar’s franchise, achieving the largest opening weekend without accounting for inflation, exceeding the $120 million debut of 2019’s Toy Story 4. It now ranks as the second-highest animated opening weekend in history, trailing only Pixar’s 2018 hit, Incredibles 2, which earned $182.7 million.

Global Success and Budget Considerations

The film’s success extended globally, with an international opening of $152 million, contributing to a worldwide total of $312 million. This remarkable performance was achieved on a production budget of $250 million.

A New Chapter for Beloved Characters

Released in cinemas worldwide on Friday, Toy Story 5 reunites audiences with the cherished characters Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), and Jessie (Joan Cusack). The narrative explores the evolving relationship between Bonnie’s toys and the increasing influence of technology, personified by her new tablet, Lilypad.

Star Power and Critical Acclaim

The promotional efforts for Toy Story 5 have been extensive, with Hanks and Allen embarking on a global publicity tour. The film also features a new track by global music superstar Taylor Swift, titled “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which she co-wrote with director Andrew Stanton. Stanton expressed his enthusiasm for Swift’s contribution, stating, “It’s incredible just how meaningful it’s been having Taylor write and perform this song. Her connection to Jessie and the immediate way she understood what the character was going through was undeniable.” He added that the song “instantly felt like it had always belonged there, like a long-lost family member. It was kismet.”

Mixed Critical Reception

Following the publicity blitz, critics have weighed in, offering a range of reviews. Many have lauded the sequel’s “cautionary tale” and the prominent role given to Joan Cusack’s Jessie.

Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, giving the film five stars, described it as “more than just another Hollywood sequel. It’s a miracle.” She praised Pixar’s ability to evoke emotion, stating, “The genius of Pixar lies in making audiences feel, rather than telling them what to think.”

Empire’s Helen O’Hara awarded the film four stars, noting a return to “philosophical form” and calling it “funny, warm-hearted and largely — perhaps overly — optimistic.” She contrasted this with the perceived struggle for a strong theme in the previous installment.

David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter commented that the film “does the enduring franchise proud.” While acknowledging a potential delay in integrating all characters, he highlighted the “stirring” collective spirit and the “insanely catchy” Taylor Swift song.

Kevin Maher of The Times also gave the film four stars, emphasizing Joan Cusack’s performance as Jessie, who is “faced with the pain of imminent obsolescence that has become the franchise’s favoured theme.”

Damon Wise, writing for Deadline, described the film as a “fun, thoughtful, multi-generational family film” that “genuinely tries to say something new while staying faithful to a well-worn premise.” He suggested that it might be a fitting point for the franchise to conclude, while also noting that “there could be a little more life in this old warhorse yet.”

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman hailed it as a “nimble, moving, irresistible sequel,” viewing it as a “sublime summing up” and “a perfect ending.”

Robbie Collin of The Telegraph called it a “warm and wry update,” appreciating its willingness to “worry for them” in an era of children’s entertainment that often “panders.” He also singled out Joan Cusack’s “justifiable ‘promotion'” to lead character.

Contrasting Opinions

However, not all reviews were positive. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent awarded the film only two stars, deeming it “certainly topical” but “the worst in the series.” She criticized the attempt at “unnecessary emotional closure” and the perceived “ludicrous” reveals.

Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian felt that despite “intensive, high-energy creative work,” the film lacked “jeopardy, the novelty, the ideas and the passion.” He concluded that the theme of mortality felt “underpowered” and the film “calamitously loses its nerve with its own big idea.”

David Fear of Rolling Stone questioned the film’s necessity, asking, “Why are you doing this, Pixar?” suggesting it exists primarily to satisfy stockholders.

Artistic Contributions

Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film features an original score by Oscar-winner Randy Newman, marking his fifth contribution to the Toy Story franchise. Taylor Swift’s original song further enhances the film’s musical landscape.

Toy Story 5 is currently playing in cinemas worldwide.