Toy Story (1995)

100% of critics liked it
(76 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(994,634 ratings)

Toy Story was the first feature-length film animated entirely by computer. If this seems to be a sterile, mechanical means of moviemaking, be assured that the film is as chock-full of heart and warmth as any Disney cartoon feature. The star of the proceedings is Woody, a pull-string cowboy toy… More Toy Story was the first feature-length film animated entirely by computer. If this seems to be a sterile, mechanical means of moviemaking, be assured that the film is as chock-full of heart and warmth as any Disney cartoon feature. The star of the proceedings is Woody, a pull-string cowboy toy belonging to a wide-eyed youngster named Andy. Whenever Andy's out of the room, Woody revels in his status as the boy's number one toy. His supremacy is challenged by a high-tech, space-ranger action figure named Buzz Lightyear, who, unlike Woody and his pals, believes that he is real and not merely a plaything. The rivalry between Woody and Buzz hilariously intensifies during the first half of the film, but when the well-being of Andy's toys is threatened by a nasty next-door neighbor kid named Sid -- whose idea of fun is feeding stuffed dolls to his snarling dog and reconstructing his own toys into hideous mutants -- Woody and Buzz join forces to save the day. Superb though the computer animation may be, what really heightens Toy Story are the voice-over performances by such celebrities as Tom Hanks (as Woody), Tim Allen (as Buzz), and Don Rickles (as an appropriately acerbic Mr. Potato Head). Director John Lasseter earned a special achievement Academy Award, while Randy Newman landed an Oscar nomination for his evocative musical score. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: John Lasseter
Written By: Andrew Stanton, John Lasseter, Peter Docter, Joe Ranft, Joss Whedon
Genres: Animation, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Nov 22, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Mar 20, 2001
Studio: Buena Vista

Critic Reviews

Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
The year's most inventive comedy.
David Ansen, Newsweek
A winning animated feature that has something for everyone on the age spectrum.
Leonard Klady, Variety
The film sports a provocative and appealing story that's every bit the equal of this technical achievement.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
An entertaining computer-generated, hyperrealist animation feature (1995) that's also in effect a toy catalog.
Michael Booth, Denver Post
As Lion King did before it, Toy Story revived the art of American children's animation, and ushered in a set of smart movies that entertained children and their parents. It's a landmark movie, and doesn't get old with frequent repetition.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
Children will enjoy a new take on the irresistible idea of toys coming to life. Adults will marvel at a witty script and utterly brilliant anthropomorphism.
Shaun Munro, What Culture
To an entire generation of filmgoers, it just might represent the most significant leap in storytelling that they will ever see...
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Pixar classic is one of the best kids' movies of all time.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Apesar de representar um imenso avanço tecnológico, a força do filme reside no carisma de seus personagens e no charme de sua história.
Josh Larsen, LarsenOnFilm
When Woody perks up in the opening scene, it's not only the toy cowboy who comes alive - we're watching the rebirth of an art form.
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Introduced not one but two indelible characters to the pop culture pantheon: cowboy rag-doll Woody (Tom Hanks) and plastic space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). [Blu-ray]
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
it is easy to see how virtually everything that is good in animation right now has some small seed in Toy Story
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Though some of the animation seems dated compared to later Pixar efforts and not nearly as detailed, what's here is done impeccably well.
Walter Chaw, Film Freak Central
Perhaps the film is meant as a pre-emptive sop to any resistance to a new medium.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
Time has been kind to it, and future years I imagine will still be kind; a classic is forever.
Amy Nicholson, Boxoffice Magazine
I think I speak for all adults and kids when I say I can't wait for playtime
Derek Adams, Time Out
So ingenious in concept, design and execution that you could watch it on a postage stamp-sized screen and still be engulfed by its charm.
Matt Glasby, Film4
Turns out the real magic is nothing to do with technology: it's in the words, the voices, the story. But then, a child could have told you that.
Andrew Pulver, Guardian [UK]
Its lightness of touch has not diminished, nor has its near-miraculous kidult-fusion humour.
Tom Charity, Times [UK]
The 3-D viewing doesn't make much difference...but it is a joy to see these superb films back on the big screen, even after dozens of DVD viewings.

Read all 25 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Joe M

Seventeen years later it's still the best animated movie of all time for a reason.
KJ P

Tim Allen and Tom Hanks have some of the best "off screen" chemistry that I have ever seen. "Toy Story" was the first 'animated' film to ever be released, and as far as I am concerned, it is, and always will be the best! This kids classic tells a beloved… More
Tim Allen and Tom Hanks have some of the best "off screen" chemistry that I have ever seen. "Toy Story" was the first 'animated' film to ever be released, and as far as I am concerned, it is, and always will be the best! This kids classic tells a beloved story of how toys come to life and have enough emotions to feel guilty about themselves. I have never felt this much emotion from an animation film. "Toy Story" is easily the best kids film of all time. With a very creatively written script, a compelling story about "forgiveness and happiness," and a conclusion that left me with goosebumps, "Toy Story" is a true kids masterpiece!
Scott G

A masterpiece that emerged in the form of toys, a truly unique concept put into a magical experience which is aided by the blissful voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, the best animated duo ever, don't tell me you've not put a video camera in your room hoping your toys come… More
A masterpiece that emerged in the form of toys, a truly unique concept put into a magical experience which is aided by the blissful voices of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, the best animated duo ever, don't tell me you've not put a video camera in your room hoping your toys come to life?
Joshua W

This film was an advance in animation and children films. The story is enjoyable, the actors are perfect, and my favorite animated franchise!
Michael M

An absolutely heartwarming classic that sets a benchmark for animation.
Alexander D

Fantastic
Brad W

Toy Story is a true masterpiece. Toy Story is about a kid named Andy who has a group of talking toys, and Andys favorite toy is a cowboy doll named Woody (Tom Hanks). On Andys birthday he gets a space ranger action figure named Buzz Lightyear, who actually believes hes a space… More
Toy Story is a true masterpiece. Toy Story is about a kid named Andy who has a group of talking toys, and Andys favorite toy is a cowboy doll named Woody (Tom Hanks). On Andys birthday he gets a space ranger action figure named Buzz Lightyear, who actually believes hes a space ranger and doesnt know hes a toy, but becomes Andys new favorite toy. Woody being jealous accidentally pushes Buzzout the window and all the rest of the toys get mad at Woody but then Woody is taken by Andy to an arcade and Buzz gets in the car secretly. The two fight and fall out of thd car and become lost. They must get back to Andy and may soon realize how good a friends they become on teir journey. It was the dawn of new animation the day this was released. The plot was original, because every kid wonders if there toys are alive. The music is great, Randy Newmans music is amazing and his song at the start is one my all time favorites. This film is also hilarious beyond all belief, even adults will laugh. Toy Story is a american classic.
Eric A

My childhood should thank this movie for making it so awesome. CLASSIC!
Cassie H

Such a great movie. Tom Hanks & Tim Allen are amazing in these movies & I love the little green aliens. I also love the fact that I got to go to pizza planet when I went on a band trip to Florida this past November. I hope to get this one & number 2 & 3 on dvd.
Jeff "

Toy Story is a groundbreaking film in the special effects medium. This is the first computer animated feature length film. What we have here, is a superb film with great effects and a simple story. The crew at Pixar really did something special here, and Toy Story is a terrific film.… More
Toy Story is a groundbreaking film in the special effects medium. This is the first computer animated feature length film. What we have here, is a superb film with great effects and a simple story. The crew at Pixar really did something special here, and Toy Story is a terrific film. From a film stand point, and I'm excluding the computerized stuff; Toy Story is a lot of fun to watch, the characters are funny and witty. And they each are amusing in there own way. Pixar struck cinematic gold with Toy Story, and they haven't made a single bad film since this one. Toy Story is a film for all ages and is a classic, I was ten years old when I first saw this film, and I recently re watched it, and I very much enjoyed this; just like the first time I saw it. A fun film definitely a must see. Toy Story is the perfect film to watch with your family. The film is non stop fun and is very entertaining. This is the film that has put Pixar on the map, and is one of the most groundbreaking films in computer animation. A wonderful accomplishment in cinema, Toy Story is a must see film and one worth watching again and again. The cast are wonderful and are very funny. The characters they portray are all memorable and funny. I enjoyed every minute of it, and Toy Story remains a childhood favorite of mine. Now in my mid twenties, I still enjoy this film and it has stood the test of time.
Sergio G

You already know everything about Pixar and Toy Story. It changed the way to make animation movies. It became a phenomenon in 1 weekend and to us, those who worked with computers back in the 90s it was jaw-dropping. The music is fantastic and add the voices of Tim Allen and Tom Hanks.… More
You already know everything about Pixar and Toy Story. It changed the way to make animation movies. It became a phenomenon in 1 weekend and to us, those who worked with computers back in the 90s it was jaw-dropping. The music is fantastic and add the voices of Tim Allen and Tom Hanks. Wow.
Jameson W

THE animated movie! Pixar's 1995 debut film is one that is and will be remembered forever. It has launched a studio that has given us some of the best films in the past decades, and will continue to do so as long as it exists. Although I feel Toy Story 3… More
THE animated movie! Pixar's 1995 debut film is one that is and will be remembered forever. It has launched a studio that has given us some of the best films in the past decades, and will continue to do so as long as it exists. Although I feel Toy Story 3 is Pixar's best film, Toy Story gets similar praise. TS3 wouldn't have been perfect if this film hadn't been great. An epic, classic film. One of my favorites as a kid, but it still has the goods for entertainment now.
Bethany M

A childhood favourite and a classic!
AJ V

A really cool kids movie, with a great story, and good themes to teach kids. Of course, it's also a lot of fun too. This movie is funny, exciting, and sometimes a bit sad too. I really enjoyed it, and I know kids will love it.
Drake T

I'd give the movie a higher rating if it weren't so obviously not meant for an older demographic. Most of the points given is the incredibly original idea and how Pixar seems to breath authentic emotion a story about plastic.
Conner R

You know, it's been a while since I've actually sat down and watched Toy Story. After seeing part 3, I kind've just lumped them all into one franchise of gloom and doom. This entry is way more light-hearted and just genuinely awesome; almost exactly like I remember it… More
You know, it's been a while since I've actually sat down and watched Toy Story. After seeing part 3, I kind've just lumped them all into one franchise of gloom and doom. This entry is way more light-hearted and just genuinely awesome; almost exactly like I remember it being when I was 6 years old. There's actually no purposeful tear jerking moments in here, as opposed to the waterfall reactor that is part 3. This allows itself to be a beautiful and perfectly crafted kid's movie. Woody and Buzz are toys that we can all relate to and Tom Hank and Tim Allen's chemistry together makes for one of the best comedy duos. Sid always gets me with his bedroom of terror and need to destroy everything plastic and plush. The ensemble toys are great here, but then again it's all pretty much golden here. It's nice to revisit the first two movies every few years and I feel as though they are a great double feature. If the series would've just ended with these two, it would be a crown jewel. But alas, Toy Story 3 stepped in and made these movies all about crying and feeling guilty about toy death.
Justin Y

Leave it to Pixar and John Lasseter to put together a fantastic film about toys.Toy Story is just as it sounds. The brief story, which doesn't even reach 80 minutes, constantly moves along without trying to do too much. The humor is effective and so… More
Leave it to Pixar and John Lasseter to put together a fantastic film about toys.Toy Story is just as it sounds. The brief story, which doesn't even reach 80 minutes, constantly moves along without trying to do too much. The humor is effective and so are the segments that thrive off of emotion. This is possible because the characters are likable.Aside from the human characters, which are more than adequate, the film pays attention to detail when it comes to the visuals. The look of the toys seem as if a toymaker designed them for the big screen. Not only that, but the functionality of the toys come into play for integral parts of the story, as well as some laughs.The characters wouldn't be the same with inappropriate voices. Thankfully, Toy Story hits the nail right on the head with the cast choices. Tom Hanks and Tim Allen provide Woody and Buzz Lightyear respectively with memorable voices. The same can be said about the supporting cast.Toy Story is good clean fun for the whole family. "To infinity, and beyond!"
Shawn E

I love everything about this film. This is my favourite childhood movie and the film that got me interested in Animation. A timeless classic forever!
Michael E

one of the best childeren's films ever made
Manu G

Great Movie!!! Absolutely brilliant animation and story, It leaves with you with great deep warm feeling inside. Cowboy doll Woody (Tom Hanks) is co ordinating a reconnaissance mission to find out what presents his owner Andy is getting for his birthday party days before they move to… More
Great Movie!!! Absolutely brilliant animation and story, It leaves with you with great deep warm feeling inside. Cowboy doll Woody (Tom Hanks) is co ordinating a reconnaissance mission to find out what presents his owner Andy is getting for his birthday party days before they move to a new house. Unfortunately for Woody, Andy recieves a new spaceman toy, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) who impresses the other toys and Andy, who starts to like Buzz more than Woody. Buzz thinks that he is an actual space ranger, not a toy, and thinks that Woody is interfering with his "mission" to return to his home planet. Woody, overcome with jealously, decides to replace Buzz at a family outing. He plans to trap Buzz behind a gap in Andy's desk, and rescue him later, but the plan backfires and Buzz falls out of the window and into the bushes in the garden below. The other toys accuse Woody of murdering Buzz out of jealousy, but just as they are about to punish him, Andy returns and takes Woody (instead of Buzz) out to Pizza Planet, a space themed restaurant. However, Buzz manages to sneak aboard, intent on getting revenge on Woody. When Andy's mother refuels the car, Woody wonders how he will get out of his punishment from the other toys. Suddenly, Buzz appears, and is very bitter over what Andy did to him. The two end up fighting and roll out of the car, which drives off and leaves them stranded. Luckily, Woody sees another vehicle heading for Pizza Planet and knows that he can meet Andy there. He convinces (through trickery) Buzz to come with him (only because if he didn't, the other toys would attack him when he got back.) When they arrive at Pizza Planet, Buzz climbs into a claw machine shaped like a spaceship (thinking it to be the ship home Woody promised him) filled with 3 eyed, green aliens who think that the claw is a god. When Woody climbs in to try and rescue him, both him and Buzz are captured by Andy's rather homicidal (to toys, at least) neighbour, Sid. Sid takes them back to his house, and the two desperately try to escape his room before moving day. They encounter nightmarish mutant toys that Sid has butchered and stuck together again, aswell with Sid's dog Scud. Buzz sees an advert for him (Buzz Lightyear toys) and, though he knows that he is a toy, desperately tries to prove himself wrong by jumping off the banister and trying to fly out of the window, which of course fails, and he crashes into the hall below, where he is resecued by Sid's little sister, Hannah. Woody can't get a depressed Buzz to join in his escape plan, even when the mutant toys- who are actually not evil as the pair first thought- fix his arm, which broke from his fall downstairs, back on. Sid plans to destroy Buzz by tying him to a rocket, but is delayed by a rainstorm. He decides to do it the next morning. That night, Woody convinces Buzz that even if he's not a space ranger, life's still worth living, though he himself despairs that he'll never by Andy's favourite toy again. Buzz regains his spirit, but before they can escape, Sid wakes up and takes Buzz (still strapped to the rocket) out into the back yard. Woody and the mutant toys rescue him and teach Sid a lesson that you should always treat your toys nicely, sending him screaming indoors. But it's too late, and after all their efforts, Andy's car drives away without them. They climb onto the moving truck but are attacked by Scud. Buzz sacrifices himself to save Woody and attacks the dog. Woody attempts to save Buzz with Andy's RC. The other toys think that he is trying to kill off another toy (they still don't know that Buzz is alive!) and kick him off the back of the truck. However, when they see Woody riding on the back of RC with Buzz, they realize their mistake, and try to help them both back on the truck. But RC's batteries run out, and they are left stranded, this time for good. Until Woody realizes he can rescue them by igniting Buzz' rocket, and manages to save RC by tossing him into the back of the moving van as the soar upwards. Buzz frees himself of the rocket before it explodes, and both of them land safely next to Andy in the car. On Christmas Eve at the new house, the two toys, now friends, prepare another reconnaissance mission to find out what other toys Andy is getting. After Woody jokingly remarks what toy could be worse than Buzz, they both hear a bark downstairs, and Andy's joyous cry of "Oh wow, a puppy!" And the two share an uneasy look as the film ends.