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Catch up with Woody and Buzz before Toy Story 5

The Toy Story franchise has been enchanting audiences since 1995 when the original film was released. Having a hugely positive reception established Pixar Animation Studios as a leading animation house globally and put Woody and Buzz Lightyear on the map. Let's have a look back at the previous films, and remind you of everything that's happened before the release of Toy Story 5 this June.

Toy Story ( 1995)

Toy Story was Pixar’s first ever feature film and was commissioned following Pixar’s 1988 short film titled Tin Toy. As Pixar was approached by Disney, the story was a collaboration of ideas from both companies and was written from the perspective of a toy. In the first instalment of the franchise, we see how Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) start as enemies but find common ground and eventually form a strong bond of friendship and lead themselves and their toy comrades to safety.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

The second instalment in the franchise sees the return of the iconic duo, Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear, but also introduces us to lots of new faces like Bullseye the Horse, Stinky Pete the Prospector and Jessie the Cowgirl. As a greedy toy collector named Al steals Woody, Buzz leads in saving Woody and bringing the gang back together. But Buzz underestimates the connection between Woody and his new friends and we question if Woody will go back home to his owner Andy.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

In 2010, Pixar delivered us the third film in the series, and this was deemed the most emotional yet. Now that Andy is all grown up and headed for college, he hadn’t played with Woody and the gang for years. Whilst Buzz and Jessie are put in a bag destined for the loft, Woody is put in Andy’s satchel to stand by his owner when he’s away experiencing the next part of his life. However, after confusion and an honest mistake, the toys decide to travel to Sunnyside Daycare so they can be played with and feel loved like they used to. But the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and the gang find themselves being ruled by a Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear called Lotso and a Ken doll.

Toy Story 4 (2019)

Toy Story 4 had a slightly different tone and charmed audiences with it’s story of love between Woody and Bo Peep. We also meet a dramatic spork called Forky who becomes friends with Woody. Coming across Bo Peep’s lamp in an antiques shop window, the pair venture in to find Bo Peep but meet villain Gabby Gabby and her ventriloquist dummy friends. Gabby might look sweet but it soon becomes clear that she wants to take Woody’s voicebox to replace her own broken one. In true Toy Story style, characters old and new come together to save each other and defeat the villains.

Toy Story 5 - out 19 June 2026

Toy Story is a franchise that spans multiple decades and has captured millions of hearts with its iconic characters and emotional connections. With Toy Story 5 focusing more on the digital age and a tablet named Lilypad, we can’t wait to see how Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear tackle this one.

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Written by Beth Wood - Team Member at The Light Sittingbourne
7 May 2026

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