Woody and Buzz are back: Toy Story 5 becomes the highest-opening film in the franchise's history

More than three decades after audiences first met Woody and Buzz Lightyear, the beloved franchise has returned with another box office triumph. Toy Story 5 has stormed theatres worldwide, delivering the biggest opening weekend in the series' history and proving that Pixar's iconic toys continue to captivate audiences across generations. The latest chapter has not only crossed the USD 300 million mark globally but has also secured a place among the biggest animated openings Hollywood has ever seen.

Released on June 19, Toy Story 5 is directed by Andrew Stanton, with McKenna Harris serving as co-director. According to entertainment news outlet Variety, the film earned USD 312 million worldwide during its opening weekend.

The impressive debut makes it the highest first-weekend grosser in the Toy Story franchise. It also ranks as the second-highest animated opening weekend in Hollywood history, trailing only 2018's Incredibles 2.

Toy Story 5

Produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures, the film serves as the fifth main instalment in the long-running series and follows the events of Toy Story 4, which was released in 2019. Set two years after the previous film, the story follows Jessie, Woody and Buzz Lightyear as they navigate a new challenge in Bonnie's life. The toys find themselves competing with Lilypad, a tablet that has become Bonnie's new favourite plaything.

Voice cast of Toy Story 5

The voice cast sees several fan-favourite actors returning to their iconic roles. Tom Hanks once again voices Woody, while Tim Allen returns as Buzz Lightyear. Joan Cusack reprises her role as Jessie, alongside Annie Potts as Bo Peep and John Ratzenberger as Hamm. New additions to the cast include Conan O'Brien, Greta Lee, Shelby Rabara, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Scarlett Spears and Craig Robinson.

The franchise began in 1995 with the original Toy Story, which centred on Sheriff Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll whose place as Andy's favourite toy is threatened by the arrival of Buzz Lightyear, a confident space ranger who initially believes he is a real hero. The film went on to become a landmark moment in animation history and was followed by sequels in 1999, 2010 and 2019.

Although Hanks suggested in 2019 that Toy Story 4 might be the final chapter, the possibility of another sequel remained open. Development on Toy Story 5 was officially confirmed in February 2023, with Hanks and Allen returning. Stanton was later announced as director in 2024.

The film premiered in Los Angeles on June 9 before its theatrical release on June 19. Alongside strong ticket sales, Toy Story 5 has received largely positive reviews, with critics praising its visuals, humour, voice performances and emotional themes.