Pixar’s latest animated adventure. “Toy Story 5. ” has set a new benchmark at the box office, raking in $160 million from 4,425 North American theaters during its opening weekend. The film. Directed by Andrew Stanton. Outperformed expectations and secured the biggest domestic debut of the year, surpassing Universal’s “Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” which earned $131.7 million, according to Variety.

Record-Breaking Global Debut

With a sensational international opening of $152 million, “Toy Story 5” achieved a global box office total of $312 million, making it one of the most successful animated openings in history. It now holds the record for the largest start in the 30-year-old “Toy Story” franchise, surpassing “Toy Story 4,” which opened with $120 million in 2019. The film’s $250 million budget, excluding marketing costs, means it is already on track for profitability, according to Otros Cines.

Strong Critical and Audience Reception

The film has received widespread critical acclaim, with a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” grade from CinemaScore. Audiences praised its emotional depth and humor, which continue the legacy of the beloved franchise. The film also features a new song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” written by Taylor Swift for the soundtrack.

“Toy Story 5” introduces new challenges for the toy gang as their owner, Bonnie, becomes addicted to a smart tablet called Lilypad. The story follows Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), and their friends as they adapt to the digital age, according to Variety. The film’s success is further supported by its nostalgic appeal and Pixar’s reputation for quality storytelling.

Historic Performance and Industry Implications

According to Filmstarts, “Toy Story 5” earned $17.5 million during its Thursday previews—the best annual pre-release performance of 2026. It also earned $70 million in advance ticket sales, setting the stage for a strong opening. Experts predict the film will gross between $150 and $175 million during its first weekend, potentially challenging the record set by “Incredibles 2,” which earned $182.7 million in 2018.

With global earnings expected to exceed $1 billion, “Toy Story 5” is on track to join the ranks of other Pixar hits like “Inside Out 2” and “Zootopia 2,” which grossed $1.6 billion and $1.8 billion respectively in 2024 and 2025. The film’s performance also signals a resurgence for animated sequels, a segment that has seen growing popularity at the box office, according to Variety.

As the film expands internationally, including its German release on July 23, 2026, industry analysts are closely watching its performance as a potential bellwether for the future of animated sequels and Pixar’s broader strategy in the post-streaming era.