Toy Story, released in theaters on Nov. 22, 1995, is a cinematic landmark, not only because it was the first feature film entirely animated by computer graphics, but because it delivered a story rich in humor, heart, and universal themes of friendship and jealousy.
The film successfully elevated the medium of animation, appealing equally to children and adults, and cementing Pixar’s legacy as a storytelling powerhouse.
The film is set in the vibrant, imaginative world of a child’s bedroom, where toys come magically to life whenever their human owner, Andy, is not around.
The leader of this happy, well-organized community is Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), a classic pull-string cowboy doll who is confident in his status as Andy’s favorite.
Woody’s world is thrown into existential chaos by the arrival of a new toy: Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen), a high-tech space ranger action figure who genuinely believes he is a real intergalactic hero, not a mere plaything.
Woody’s jealousy over Buzz’s immediate popularity leads to a disastrous rivalry that inadvertently sends both toys on a wild, unplanned adventure outside the confines of Andy’s room.
Stranded in the terrifying world of the outside, they must learn to put aside their differences and work together to find their way home before Andy’s family moves.
Their journey introduces them to a horrifying new enemy: Sid, Andy’s sadistic next-door neighbor who enjoys torturing and dismantling toys.
The toys who remain behind, including the cynical Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles), the anxious Rex (Wallace Shawn), the piggy bank Hamm (John Ratzenberger), and the loyal Slinky Dog (Jim Varney), nervously follow the news of their friends’ plight, led by the gentle porcelain doll, Bo Peep (Annie Potts).
A stern military presence is provided by Sarge (R. Lee Ermey), while the mother’s role is voiced by Laurie Metcalf.
Toy Story (Photo/Walt Disney Pictures)
Reception for Toy Story
Toy Story grossed $39.1 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 1 at the box office, topping GoldenEye, which earned $18.1 million on its second weekend.
The film remained atop the box office for its first six weeks and in the top 10 for its first 10 weeks en route to grossing $362 million worldwide.
Toy Story was the No. 2 film worldwide for 1995 behind Die Hard: With a Vengeance, which earned $366.1 million and ahead of Apollo 13 ($355.2 million) and GoldenEye ($352.2 million).
Roger Ebert gave Toy Story four out of four stars in his review.
Lasting Legacy
The enduring legacy of Toy Story is its brilliant exploration of identity and worth.
It poses the simple but profound question: what is the meaning of life when one’s purpose is to be loved by a child?
The film is celebrated for its whip-smart script, its visual innovation, and its emotional depth, which forever changed the landscape of animated cinema and launched one of the most beloved film franchises in history.
