Pixar’s most beloved toys are proving they still have plenty of life left in them. After years of anticipation, Toy Story 5 has arrived in theaters and is already delivering the kind of numbers Disney was hoping for. The animated sequel has kicked off its theatrical run with a huge preview performance, putting it on course to become one of the biggest box office launches of the year and potentially the largest opening in the franchise’s history.
The latest chapter in the iconic series reunites audiences with Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the rest of the gang, but this time their biggest threat isn’t another toy collector or a forgotten playroom. Instead, the story tackles a modern challenge that many families know all too well: technology. Early audience reactions and strong reviews appear to be fueling significant momentum heading into the weekend, giving Disney and Pixar another major win in what has already been a strong year for animated films.
Toy Story 5 Delivers Record-Breaking Preview Numbers
According to early box office figures, Toy Story 5 earned an impressive $17.5 million from preview screenings. That marks the strongest preview performance of 2026 so far, comfortably surpassing the $12.6 million earned by Michael earlier this year. The result also places the film among the strongest animated preview launches ever recorded.
The only Pixar title to post a larger preview figure remains Incredibles 2, which generated $18.5 million before going on to debut with a massive $182.7 million opening weekend. Industry observers are now watching closely to see whether Toy Story 5 can follow a similar trajectory over the next few days.
Current projections suggest the sequel could finish its domestic debut somewhere between $145 million and $150 million. However, some analysts believe the film could climb even higher, with estimates reaching as much as $160 million to $175 million if family audiences continue turning out in large numbers throughout the weekend.
If those numbers hold, Toy Story 5 will easily surpass Toy Story 4, which opened with $120 million back in 2019. More importantly, it would establish a new franchise record and become the biggest opening weekend of 2026.
Disney and Pixar Eye Another Billion-Dollar Success
The strong start is particularly important given the scale of Disney’s investment. Reports indicate that Toy Story 5 carries a production budget of around $250 million before marketing expenses are factored in. While that makes it one of the year’s most expensive releases, the franchise’s track record suggests profitability is unlikely to be a concern.
International markets are also expected to play a major role in the film’s success. Early projections indicate the sequel could collect roughly $135 million overseas during its opening frame. Combined with domestic earnings, that would push the global debut beyond $275 million, immediately positioning the film among the year’s biggest box office performers.
Disney has already enjoyed success in the animation space this year with Hoppers, which earned nearly $390 million worldwide. However, Toy Story operates on an entirely different level. The franchise has become one of the company’s most valuable brands, generating billions through theatrical releases, merchandise, publishing, and gaming over the years.
The previous installment, Toy Story 4, crossed the $1 billion mark globally and reinforced the enduring popularity of characters that first appeared nearly three decades ago. That history gives Disney confidence that audiences remain emotionally invested in Woody, Buzz, and their world.
A New Villain Brings a Modern Twist to the Franchise
One of the more interesting aspects of Toy Story 5 is its choice of antagonist. Rather than introducing another toy rival, the film focuses on technology’s growing influence on childhood entertainment. The story centers on a smart tablet called Lilypad, whose arrival begins changing the way children interact with toys and playtime itself.
The premise allows Pixar to explore themes that feel especially relevant today. As screens increasingly compete for children’s attention, Woody and his friends find themselves facing a challenge unlike anything they’ve encountered before. The concept gives the franchise a fresh angle while still maintaining the emotional core that audiences expect from a Toy Story adventure.
The film also reunites several familiar voices. Tom Hanks returns as Woody, Tim Allen reprises Buzz Lightyear, and Joan Cusack once again voices Jessie. New additions include Conan O’Brien and Greta Lee, bringing fresh energy to the ensemble cast while expanding the universe for a new generation of viewers.
Smaller Releases Face Tough Competition
While Toy Story 5 is expected to dominate multiplexes, several other films are entering the marketplace this weekend. A24’s The Death of Robin Hood, led by Hugh Jackman, is targeting a modest debut, while Neon’s horror release Leviticus is also opening nationwide.
Industry forecasts suggest both titles will earn between $3 million and $4 million during their opening weekends. Those figures are respectable for specialty releases, but they pale in comparison to the massive attention currently surrounding Pixar’s latest blockbuster.
For theater owners, however, the arrival of Toy Story 5 is welcome news. Family audiences remain one of the most reliable demographics in the business, and the franchise’s broad appeal should help drive attendance throughout the summer season.
With record-setting previews already in the books, strong reviews fueling positive word-of-mouth, and one of Hollywood’s most recognizable brands leading the charge, Toy Story 5 appears ready to take the box office to infinity and beyond once again.
