Toys vs tech
It’s now been over 30 years since the first Toy Story film was released. Over time, we’ve seen numerous films and character spin-offs, as well as merchandise, theme-park rides and more.
In 2026, a fifth instalment of the Toy Story franchise is coming to cinemas with a focus on technology. But if you had to choose, which Toy Story character would you be?
Check out our IYKYK quiz below to find out if you’re more Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Hamm, Rex, Slinky, Mr Potato Head or Bo Peep. Here, BBC Bitesize also takes a closer look at the hit animated films and the evolution of toys and tech.
What is Toy Story and when was the first film released?
The original Toy Story film was released back in 1995, produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. The film franchise follows the secret lives of toys that come to life when humans aren’t looking.
The first Toy Story film introduced fans to owner Andy and his toys, led by leader Woody – a pull-string cowboy sheriff doll. But when fearless space ranger toy Buzz Lightyear is introduced to the gang, we see rivalry turn to friendship. Woody is voiced by Tom Hanks and Buzz is voiced by Tim Allen.
In the original Toy Story, we are also introduced to toys Slinky, Rex, Hamm, Mr. Potato Head and Bo Peep. Other characters from the first instalment include the Pizza Planet Aliens and the Green Army Men.
Directed by John Lasseter, the 1995 film was a pioneering achievement in the industry. It was the first entirely computer-animated feature film. The iconic music score was created by composer Randy Newman.
How many Toy Story films are there?
A huge success, the first Toy Story film spawned several sequels and spin-offs. There are four Toy Story movies in the franchise, with a fifth on the way.
Each film sees the toys meet new characters and take on new challenges and adventures. Toy Story 2 was released in 1999 and introduced fans to beloved characters Jessie and Bullseye.
Toy Story 3, released in 2010, saw a shift in the franchise. A teenage Andy gifts his favourite toys to a little girl called Bonnie. In the third instalments, we are introduced to Bonnie’s toys - Trixie, Buttercup, Mr. Pricklepants, Dolly, Peas-in-a-Pod, and Chuckles the Clown.
Released in 2019, Toy Story 4 introduced several new characters, including spork Forky. The third and fourth instalment in the Toy Story series both won the Oscar for best animated feature.
A fifth Toy Story film is set to be released in 2026. In 2022, spin-off film Lightyear saw actor Chris Evans voice the iconic Buzz Lightyear. Lightyear is an “in-universe” film that inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy owned by Andy and later Bonnie.
There have been numerous other spin-offs through the years, including films Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins, Toy Story of Terror!, Toy Story That Time Forgot and Disney+ short series, Forky Asks a Question.
What themes are in Toy Story?
The Toy Story film series is jam-packed with so many incredible characters, storylines and quotes. But throughout all the films, there are so many different themes to explore.
One enduring theme is friendship. No matter what they face, the toys look out for one another and are extremely loyal and selfless. This is reinforced by the theme song in the original 1995 film – You've Got a Friend in Me – by Randy Newman.
In the first film, there is also a theme of overcoming jealousy. But the toys overcome their differences to work together and figure out that there is room for everyone.
This leads onto another theme – identity. Although toys have their own individual looks and functions, we see some of the characters question who they are and what their purpose is.
This includes Buzz Lightyear, who in the first film believes he is a real space ranger before establishing his own identity. In Toy Story 4, we also meet spork Forky who questions whether he can be defined as a toy at all.
We also see characters evolve and grow over time. One example is Bo Peep, who is first introduced as the porcelain shepherdess doll who loves her sheep and Woody.
But by the fourth film, after being a lost toy for years, she re-emerges as independent, confident and brave. Another huge theme is dealing with and embracing change, not just in the characters themselves but in their environments.
At the end of the Toy Story, Andy has matured and grown-up, passing his loved childhood toys on to a little girl named Bonnie. The toys adapt to a new home, owner and toys.
A recurring theme in the films is also abandonment and loss. The characters often fear being replaced by a shiny new toy, forgotten, lost or saying goodbye to fellow toys.
QUIZ: Which Toy Story character are you?
What is the plot for Toy Story 5?
The fifth film in the Toy Story franchise is set to be released by Disney and Pixar in 2026. Toy Story 5 will see the return of characters Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the rest of the toys as they face their biggest challenge yet – technology.
The film is yet to be officially released, but the trailer shows owner Bonnie with a new favourite plaything, a frog-like tablet computer called Lilypad. Coming face-to-face with the latest modern threat to their existence, the film is set to highlight the conflict between traditional toys and tech.
How has technology changed the toy industry?
The toy industry is ever evolving, with new products hitting the shelves and delighting youngsters every year. Some toys and games have stayed timeless staples throughout generations.
This includes board games like Snakes and Ladders to baby dolls, toy cars and more. Others are completely new and innovative, like the latest computer games and consoles.
Over time, we’ve seen the change in material used to make toys. Older generations will remember toys being made from wood, fabric and metal before plastic toys became more widespread.
Toys can also reflect their time, from world news to popular culture and hit films and television shows. In the 1950s, Matchbox and Corgi produced die-cast metal cars and at the latter end of the decade, American businesswoman Ruth Handler invented the world’s most famous fashion doll, Barbie.
In the 1960s, Britain’s answer to the Barbie phenomenon, Sindy, was born. In the 70s, Action Man and the Star Wars range of toys, tied into the movie series, hit the shelves.
There are so many iconic 80s toys and gadgets to mention, from Cabbage Patch Kids to Transformers and the Rubik's Cube. In the 90s, Polly Pocket, Furby and Tamagotchis were phenomena.
That same decade, the first Toy Story film was such a success that in 1996, one of the must-have toys for Christmas was Disney’s Buzz Lightyear toy. But changes in technology have also influenced toys.
From battery-operated toys to game consoles, the shift arguably started in the 80s when the first computer games were played on big arcade machines. In the 90s, the Nintendo Gameboy was the first handheld console.
Today, there are so many different consoles and games to choose from. Games aren’t just played online on computers; they can also be played on phones and tablets.
Traditional toys are still loved by children across the world, but new and emerging technology is increasingly popular ever changing play habits. This theme is the focus and will be explored in the newest Toy Story film.
When is Toy Story 5 being released?
It was back in 2023 that a fifth Toy Story film was officially announced - and in 2026, it is finally coming to our screens. Featuring a “toys vs. tech" storyline, Toy Story 5 is directed by Andrew Stanton and is scheduled for release on 19 June 2026.
Produced by Pixar, the film will see the return of loved characters Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and many more favourite toys from the first four films. Fans will also be introduced to new characters like Lilypad (Greta Lee), Smart Pants (Conan O’Brien), Atlas (Craig Robinson), Combat Carl (Ernie Hudson) and Snappy (Shelby Rabara).
Toy Story 5 will also feature another original score by Oscar winner, singer and composer Randy Newman.
This article was written in March 2026
