A Revolution in Animation
On November 12, 1995, Pixar and Disney released Toy Story, the first fully computer-animated feature film. It wasn’t just a box-office hit — it was a revolution. For Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Jonas Rivera — then young, unproven storytellers — Toy Story was lightning in a bottle. It marked Pixar’s debut as a feature studio and changed animation forever. We’ve shared this journey before — from the Making of Toy Story: A 1995 Special, with Toy Story officially turning 30, it feels right to revisit the film that started it all and shaped the future of animation.
From a Small Team to a Big Break
The Pixar team of the early ’90s was small — just a few animators and storytellers experimenting with a new medium. “It felt like a bunch of people making a movie in their garage,” Docter recalled. That garage project became a $26 million deal with Disney, but not without hurdles. Famously, an early “Black Friday” screening almost derailed the film. With just two weeks to save it, the team reworked Woody and Buzz’s story, transforming Woody from a harsh character into the loyal cowboy we know today. As a result, that pivot, along with Stanton’s writing and Lasseter’s direction, gave the film its heart.
Characters With Real Depth
Woody and Buzz were more than digital puppets. The filmmakers poured themselves into the characters. Stanton has often said Woody is “an extension of me.” Moreover, Rivera explained that Woody’s fear of being replaced was something everyone could relate to. Those layers of humanity made the toys feel real. Audiences quickly agreed. The supporting cast — Hamm, Rex, Bo Peep, and Mr. Potato Head — provided humor and warmth. And the idea that toys came to life the moment you left the room? Pure magic.
A Legacy That Lasts
When Toy Story opened in theaters, it grossed nearly $400 million worldwide, becoming 1995’s top film. It also spawned sequels, shorts, and even a theme park presence at Disney Parks worldwide. With Toy Story 5 set for release on June 19, 2026, the franchise continues to grow with each new generation. As Stanton reflected on why the films endure: “People who watched it as kids became parents and now watch it with their kids. We’ve created a world and a group of characters that could easily keep going forever.”
Celebrating 30 Years
To celebrate the 30th anniversary, Toy Story is returning to the big screen in its original format — and for the first time, in 4DX. The limited engagement begins Friday, September 12, 2025. Stanton summed it up best: “Thank you to the fans for loving this world as much as we do. Your fondness for these characters is sincere and deep — and we feel the same way. Oh, and of course, our friends at Fantasyland News have all the details on the Toy Story Popcorn bucket.
Quotes included in this blog came from the D23 30th Anniversary of Toy Story Blog here. What better way to remember the original Toy Story than a look back at Making Toy Story from 1995? And don’t miss the 30th anniversary Toy Story panel from The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2024.
