By Marquee Editorial5 entries
The Toy Story franchise follows the secret lives of toys, primarily led by the cowboy doll Woody and the space ranger Buzz Lightyear, as they navigate changing owners, growing up, and the challenges of playtime. The entries connect as a continuous chronological narrative tracking Andy and later Bonnie as they grow, alongside the evolving dynamics of the toy community. Because each film builds directly upon the character development, relationships, and status quo established in the previous installments, watching the movies in chronological order ensures a cohesive viewing experience where the emotional beats and character arcs resonate fully.

Toy Story
Movie, 1995
Introduces Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Andy's room, establishing the core relationships and rivalry that drive the entire franchise forward from the very beginning.

Toy Story 2
Movie, 1999
Expands the toy universe when Woody is kidnapped by an obsessive collector, prompting a rescue mission that introduces new characters and deepens the group dynamic.

Read what its ending meant, or search for another franchise.
Loading comments...
Toy Story 3
Movie, 2010
Presents a pivotal emotional chapter as Andy prepares for college, forcing the abandoned toys to orchestrate a daring escape from a day care center.

Toy Story 4
Movie, 2019
Shifts the focus to a new owner named Bonnie and introduces Forky, challenging Woody's understanding of his place in the world alongside old and new friends.

Movie, 2026
Presents a modern technological threat to playtime as Bonnie becomes obsessed with a Lilypad tablet, forcing Buzz, Woody, and the gang to adapt.
Read the ending explained| # | Title | Type | Year | Rating | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toy Story | Movie | 1995 | ★ 8.0 | Not yet |
| 2 | Toy Story 2 | Movie | 1999 | ★ 7.6 | Not yet |
| 3 | Toy Story 3 | Movie | 2010 | ★ 7.8 | Not yet |
| 4 | Toy Story 4 | Movie | 2019 | ★ 7.5 | Not yet |
| 5 | Toy Story 5 | Movie | 2026 | ★ 8.3 | Ending explained |
Average audience ratings, in watch order.
Start with the original 1995 film, Toy Story, which introduces the core characters, setting up the foundational relationships and dynamics that carry through all subsequent entries in the series.
Yes, release order is the recommended viewing path because the films follow a continuous chronological progression of the characters' lives, ownership changes, and emotional growth from one movie to the next.
None of the entries can be skipped. Each film in the franchise contributes essential character development and narrative progression to the overarching story of Woody, Buzz, and their owners.
Watch in this order: 1. Toy Story, 2. Toy Story 2, 3. Toy Story 3, 4. Toy Story 4, 5. Toy Story 5.
This guide lists 5 entries, released between 1995 and 2026.
Toy Story 5 has the highest average rating in this guide, at 8.3 out of 10.
Toy Story 5. Each links to a full guide with a recap, the ending, and an FAQ.