Common Sense Media Review
Pixar classic is one of the best kids' movies of all time.
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Toy Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 132 parent reviews
Parents say this movie, while a nostalgic classic, presents more intense and potentially frightening themes than expected for younger audiences, particularly around bullying, violence, and inappropriate language. Many reviewers recommend caution or suggest saving it for older kids, as it may be overwhelming for sensitive children, although some families found it enjoyable without issues.
- nostalgic classic
- intense themes
- inappropriate language
- caution for children
- mixed family responses
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 245 kid reviews
What's the Story?
TOY STORY follows the adventures of the toys who belong to a boy named Andy (voiced by John Morris). His favorite is a sheriff from the Old West named Woody (Tom Hanks), who acts as the leader of the rest of Andy's toys––including a skittish Tyrannosaurus Rex (Wallace Shawn), Slinky Dog (Jim Varney), and Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles). All is going well until Andy gets a very special birthday present: a flashy space action figure named Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). Woody gets jealous, and, in an effort to keep Andy from taking Buzz with him on an excursion, accidentally knocks Buzz out the window. Feeling very bad about what he's done, Woody follows, determined to bring Buzz back home to Andy before the family moves to its new house.
Is It Any Good?
There's plenty of cleverness throughout this film, and the story keeps moving at a great pace; there's truly never a dull moment in these toys' lives. Toy Story is Pixar's first feature film animated entirely by computer. Though the technology—new at the time of the film's initial release—was especially well suited to a story in which the major characters are made out of plastic, it's the unpretentious imagination and energy of the people behind the story and the outstanding vocal performances that made this movie an instant classic. And fans of the movie are in luck: Toy Story is followed by fantastic sequels.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendships, loyalty, and rivalry in Toy Story. What do you think true friendships are built upon?
Andy spends much of his time playing imaginatively with toys. Kids: How do different types of play—whether with toys, screens, or other activities—help you use your imagination and have fun?
The characters in Toy Story demonstrate many important character strengths. How do the toys demonstrate courage and teamwork? How do Buzz and Woody learn to be humble? Why are these important traits?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 22, 1995
- On DVD or streaming : May 11, 2010
- Cast : Don Rickles , Tim Allen , Tom Hanks
- Director : John Lasseter
- Studio : Pixar Animation Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Single Parents ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility , Teamwork
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Winner , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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