There comes a point where every franchise risks overstaying its welcome. After Toy Story 4, another sequel felt unnecessary. Yet Toy Story 5 manages to find a reason to exist.
The film explores what happens when the world changes and the things that once gave us meaning begin to disappear. While previous entries focused on being outgrown by children, this chapter widens the lens. The toys are no longer just competing for attention, they are confronting a future where their place in children’s lives is increasingly uncertain.
What makes the story work is its emotional honesty. Rather than relying entirely on nostalgia, it asks difficult questions about identity, relevance, and change. Woody’s journey is particularly effective because it feels like a continuation of themes the franchise has been building toward for decades. His struggle is no longer about belonging to a child, but understanding who he is when the role that defined him begins to evolve.
The animation is excellent. Pixar’s technical brilliance is now expected, but the visual storytelling remains impressive. The quieter scenes are often the strongest, allowing small expressions and moments of silence to carry emotional weight.
Not everything lands perfectly. Some supporting characters are pushed to the sidelines, and a few plot developments feel familiar. At times, the film leans on the audience’s affection for these characters rather than earning every emotional beat on its own terms.
One of the most interesting themes in Toy Story 5 is its look at how technology is reshaping childhood. With children increasingly drawn to screens, apps, and virtual entertainment, opportunities for imaginative play and in-person interaction can become less common. The film suggests that while technology offers endless ways to stay connected, it cannot fully replace the friendships, creativity, and shared experiences that come from spending time together in the real world. Through its story, Toy Story 5 encourages audiences to consider how modern technology influences the way young people communicate, play, and build meaningful relationships.
Toy Story 5 succeeds where many legacy sequels fail. It doesn’t simply revisit old memories; it builds on them. The film understands that the children who grew up with Woody and Buzz are adults now, and its themes reflect that reality.
It may not reach the emotional heights of Toy Story 3, but it offers a thoughtful look at modern childhood.
London Mums’ and teens’ rating:
We at London Mums Magazine gave it a 7/10.
The trailer
I am a mother of two teenagers and a London Mums magazine’s contributor. I review attractions, movies, restaurants, toys. In my profile picture, I am together with my partner in crime and London Mums’ editor Monica Costa.
