Two previous reviewers nailed my feelings about this movie: "...I realized how much violence is strewn through the film. The toys fight each other, call each other insulting names, the kid Sid next door is a sociopath who plays with matches and rockets, the toy-eating dog in Sid's house is abusive, and then abused by the toys... it just goes on & on. All in all, way too dark and violent for the age group it is marketed towards. The message of playing nice and working together is completely lost in the shuffle unless the parent strings it together for the child." "...while it seems innocuous at first, several times characters get called names like "idiot" and "stupid". Not sure I like this too much." Actually, I am sure I don't like it at all. Between Sid's malice and the casual disrespect for everyone shown by all the name calling, I just find this movie inappropriate for younger viewers. And how do 100% of 30-some parent reviewers say it's too violent and at the same time say it's great for kids??
Tools for this page
Toy Story
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
One of the best kids' movies of all time.
updated 06.18.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 4 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness :
-
Sexy stuff :
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Toy Story
Parents need to know that there is separation in the movie -- toys are separated from one another and from their owner. But if your kid made it to preschool without an issue, this should be fine. All the dynamics behind sibling rivalry are here as well, so if your kids are going through that, this is a perfect movie to have them watch together. Kids may be scared by Andy's next-door neighbor who has a mean laugh and mutilates toys for fun. He does get a mild comeuppance, however, when the toys "break the rules" to scare him into being nice to toys in the future. Really young kids may be confused by the toys being "real" here. Especially when Buzz really thinks he's a star commander.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about whether or not they think that toys become "real" when humans leave the room. Another great conversation is about friendships and loyalty and rivalry. Kids are exploring all these issues in school and the movie has great models. Parents can share what their favorite toy was growing up and why. It's also great to notice that this boy seems to spend more time playing with his beloved toys than watching TV or playing video games. Kids: what's great about playtime over TV time?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!
To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.
Our Members Say
See all 64 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give itMy concerns are:- Excessive violence
- Lives inI rate this title on for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
The first of MANY astonishingly amazing movies that will come from Pixar!
There is mild peril, which will likely be frightening for your yongest child. Aside from the peril, there is virtually nothing to worry about in this incredible film. Easily one of the best animated films of all time.
- Lives in
Lives in New YorkI rate this title on for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:- Excessive violence
My review
This cute disney movie is a classic and beloved story. Toy story is very tame when it comes to swearing out loud, in one scene however Mr.Potato head takes his mouth off his face and kisses his butt. The violance is cartoonish but scary for young kids, Sid a horrible little boy destroys toys with rockets, dynamite, matches, and tools. Sensitive, and younger kids will have nightmares, and dont forget to tell them not to do these stunts at home that Sid does!
- Lives in New HampshireI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Best kids movie
Toy story is way better than any kids movie I have ever seen and it is also very ok for kids.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.
Already a member? Log in
Our Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
Have You Seen it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
