The Toy Story franchise has delighted audiences for generations. The most recent entry in the Toy Story universe was a film within a film called Lightyear, which took a unique spin on the series, as it was meant to be the movie that the Buzz Lightyear toy came from. With each new installment, audiences are left wondering if it can recapture the magic of the first movie.
Including Lightyear, there are currently five films in the entire series, and fans can seem pretty divided on them. Letterboxd allows these fans to share their thoughts on each entry, and whether or not each film has successfully recaptured what made Toy Story so wonderful, or if it landed flat.
Lightyear (2022) - 3.2/5
Buzz Lightyear was a toy that Andy was very excited to get when he first arrived in 1995, so where did that toy come from? Enter Lightyear, the story of a space ranger who gets stranded on a world with his crew. Feeling guilty for the role he played in getting everyone stranded, Buzz Lightyear dedicates his life to finding a means to get everyone home. Unfortunately, due to the time dilatation inherent to time travel, he misses the people building a home for themselves.
Lightyear has its strengths, but it doesn't quite succeed as a 90s space adventure film that a 10-year-old child would fall in love with. It's more cerebral and seems to be catered to a more adult audience. The animation is stunning, however, and Chris Evans shines as Buzz Lightyear. Some have resonated with the overall message of the film, but sadly it wasn't the fun space adventure many were expecting.
Toy Story 4 (2019) - 3.6/5
Now that Andy has gone off to college, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the rest find themselves with Bonnie in Toy Story 4. Woody is questioning whether he could be the right toy for Bonnie. During a Road trip, Woody runs into Bo Peep, who's been living as a lost toy for years since she was sold by Andy's mom. They rekindle their romance and Woody has to make a choice to go with her or stay with Bonnie.
A lot of the criticism lobbed towards this film talks about how unnecessary it is. The Toy Story franchise had a good ending with Toy Story 3, so many felt a fourth film was just a silly cash grab. There are so many long-running franchises that continue to release new content, that many were hoping Toy Story wouldn't be one of them. But there's plenty to like in the fourth entry. The relationship between Woody and Bo Peep is compelling, and watching Woody find his purpose in life is enough to bring tears to any longtime Toy Story fan.
Toy Story 2 (1999) - 3.9/5
Toy Story 2 picks up a few years after the first film and sees Woody accidentally sold at a garage sale to a collector. Turns out, he's a very vintage toy from a show called Woody's Roundup (which could also be a good Toy Story spin-off). Buzz and the rest of the gang go out searching for him. Along the way, they meet other Buzz Lightyears, Zurg, and Woody's new companions, Jessie and Bullseye.
There are some who consider this film to be the best of the franchise, but not enough to raise the Letterboxd score. Everything that worked about the first film works just as well here, and the expanded lore on both Woody and Buzz makes for a compelling story. Every new character introduced became a fan favorite instantly.
Toy Story 3 (2010) - 4.0/5
It's time for Andy to go off to college in Toy Story 3. Andy makes a choice to put his toys in the attic, but they end up going to the trash. Luckily, they escape in time to be donated to Sunnyside Daycare. While there, the toy who runs the place, Lotso, is revealed to be an evil bear who rules the daycare with an iron fist. Woody and the gang have to break out before Andy goes off to college or they'll be stuck there forever.
By the time Woody says goodbye to Andy, there isn't a dry eye in the house. It feels like the end of the road for these beloved Toy Story characters. Letterboxd users constantly praise the emotional impact of the film, especially with the scene in the garbage dump. To many, it's a perfect conclusion to the Toy Story franchise.
Toy Story (1995) - 4.2/5
Toy Story follows the adventures of Woody and his friends when Buzz Lightyear, a new toy, enters Andy's room. Andy falls in love with the toy immediately and Buzz begins to replace Woody as the dominant toy. Woody tries to get rid of Buzz but ends up going too far. Woody has a change of heart and goes on a life-changing adventure with Buzz as they try and make their way back to Andy before moving day.
Toy Story is one of the best films Pixar has ever made, and it's hard to top the first in a franchise. So much nostalgia comes into play when audiences talk about the first Toy Story. The animation was revolutionary for the time and still holds up today. The relationship between Buzz and Woody became the linchpin that held the franchise together for decades to come.