It started with a cowboy and a space ranger. Now, 30 years later, “Toy Story” has become the gold standard of animation. As the first fully computer-animated feature, it forever changed the way movies were made, earning $223.2 million domestically and $394.4 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.
The film went on to win 29 awards, including three Oscars, and broke new ground at the Academy Awards by becoming the first animated movie nominated for best original screenplay, per IMDb. That recognition helped pave the way for the creation of the best animated feature category in 2002. Its co-writer and director, John Lasseter, received a special achievement Oscar for “the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film,” according to a 1996 Los Angeles Times report.
From Andy’s room to Hollywood history
What made “Toy Story” different? A 1995 Forbes article explained that “Toy Story” was the first movie where characters, sets and scenes were stored digitally so animators didn’t have to redraw each cell. “They can be reproduced and adapted economically and infinitely, in film and video sequels and spinoff products like toys, TV shows and CD-ROM games,” the magazine reported. “Pixar’s techniques so dramatically reduce the amount of manual labor required to make high-quality cartoons that they may well change the economics of animation.”
Apple founder Steve Jobs called it “the biggest advance in animation since Walt Disney started it all with the release of ‘Snow White’ 50 years ago.”
Then–Disney CEO Michael Eisner admitted to ABC News, “I don’t think either side thought ‘Toy Story’ would turn out as well as it has. The technology is brilliant, the casting is inspired, and I think the story will touch a nerve.”
“Believe me, when we first agreed to work together, we never thought their first movie would be our 1995 holiday feature, or that they could go public on the strength of it,” the former CEO continued.
To infinity and back to the big screen
Now, three decades later, Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang are heading back to theaters. The 30th anniversary rerelease of Toy Story debuts on Sept. 12, with tickets already on sale at major chains like AMC, Megaplex and Cinemark.
30th anniversary collectibles
Disney and Pixar are also rolling out a wave of special merchandise to mark the milestone. A 30th Anniversary Figure Set features posable versions of Woody, Bo Peep, Hamm, Slinky Dog, Rex and three green army men, with packaging that nods to the franchise’s three-decade history. Fans can also look forward to a Marvel collaboration, which reimagines Woody and Buzz in superhero-style poster art. For moviegoers, Regal theaters will offer limited-edition collectibles, including popcorn tubs and cups topped with the iconic duo.
What’s next in ‘Toy Story 5′?
Pixar isn’t just looking back, it’s looking forward. The fifth installment in the iconic franchise is set to premiere on June 19, 2026.
Returning voices include Tom Hanks (Woody), Tim Allen (Buzz), Joan Cusack (Jessie) and Tony Hale (Forky), with new cast members Anna Faris, Ernie Hudson and Conan O’Brien joining the lineup.
This time, the toys face their biggest rival yet: technology itself. As kids gravitate toward tablets and electronics, Bonnie’s playtime shifts to a frog-themed tablet called LilyPad, pulling her attention away from the toys, according to ABC News.
As the original celebrates its 30th anniversary with a theatrical rerelease, new collectibles and the promise of another sequel, Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toys still have plenty of play left, maybe even to infinity and beyond.