Summary
TheToy Storymovie series is undoubtedlyPixar’s most successful franchise(grossing more than $3.3 billion at the box office), which is why the animation studio seemingly can’t let go of it, despite it peaking over 20 years ago (based onToy Story’s bestRotten Tomatoesscore).Toy Story, directed by John Lasseter, premiered in November 1995 as Pixar’s first feature film and was a terrific way for the animation studio to make its debut. It ultimately earned around $394 million worldwide against a $30 million budget, and the 1995 movie’s achievements spawned a billion-dollar franchise.
Toy Story 5is scheduled to premiere in theaters on August 12, 2025.
Toy Story 2followed four years after the first film, and then Pixar waited more than 10 years to release the third installment.Toy Story 3’s endingled audiences to believe the franchise had come to a natural conclusion, given how the second sequel ended. However, Pixar wasn’t done, andToy Story 4came nine years later (and a fifth movie is on the way). However, when one looks back at the franchise’sRotten Tomatoesscores, it’s evident thattheToy Storyfilm series is past its prime.
Toy Story 2 Is The Best Movie In The Franchise According To Rotten Tomatoes
The Sequel Has A 100% Tomatometer Score
The first twoToy Storymovies have perfect Tomatometer scores onRotten Tomatoes—Toy Storyhas a 100 percent score averaged from 96 reviews andToy Story 2’s 100 percent is from 171 reviews. However,Rotten Tomatoesalso posted its “300 (Highest-Rated) Best Movies of All Time” list, which is “as reviewed and selected by Tomatometer-approved critics andRotten Tomatoesusers,” andToy Story 2is ranked at eighth place, while the original film holds the twelfth place spot.So, for all intents and purposes,Rotten TomatoesconsidersToy Story 2the best movie in the Pixar franchise.
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Why Toy Story 2 Is The Best Toy Story Movie
The Second Film Is The Most Underrated Installment In The Toy Story Franchise
Although some may be shocked to learn thatRotten TomatoeswouldrankToy Story 2higher thanToy Story, its placement is more than justified. The 1999 animated adventure comedy film took what the original movie impressively created and raised the bar even higher for the Pixar franchise. Of course,Toy Storydeserves its flowers for introducing the world to Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s toys. Butthe second film’s story was far richer, complex, relatable, and sentimental(which is what theToy Storymovies are all about).
Toy Story 3hit several emotional notes, but its pathos was a bit too exaggerated and forced, whileToy Story 4struggled because the third movie had already seemingly wrapped up the franchise’s story (making the need for it confusing).
Growing up and growing apart from those you love is one of the most human experiences, and the sequel beautifully translated it into the relationship between a kid and their toy. Jessie’s heartbreaking story, underscored bySarah McLachlan’s song, “When She Loved Me,“is one of the most memorable moments in the franchise, and it makes Woody first understand that nothing lasts forever. Throughout the movie,Woody is torn between running away from the inevitable hurt or making peace with this reality and enjoying the time he has left with Andy.ByToy Story 2’s end, the answer is clear.
Sequels oftentimes feel like they are trying to recreate the original film’s magic by copying and pasting its story. However, it always results in a significantly inferior sequel. Thankfully, John Lasseter avoided the sequel curse andcreated a film that could resonate with audiences more thanToy Story.Woody learning his origin story, meeting Jessie (one ofToy Story’s best characters), and his choice to stay with Andy (despite his fear of his kid growing up and tossing Woody aside) are part of whyToy Story 2is the best. Plus, it contains one ofToy Story’s most memorable quotes:
“You’re right, Prospector. I can’t stop Andy from growing up, but I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Pixar Finally Has Its Toy Story Replacement Franchise After 13 Years Of Searching
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Toy Story 2 Being The Best Shows A Flaw In How Disney Has Handled The Franchise
The Following Sequels Couldn’t Beat The First One
Pixar made two moreToy Storysequels following the 1999 release, and both have failed to exceed the first one’s quality.Toy Story 3hit several emotional notes, but its pathos was a bit too exaggerated and forced, whileToy Story 4struggled because the third movie had already seemingly wrapped up the franchise’s story (making the need for it confusing). It’s evident that Disney and Pixar have mishandled the film series because they could never make a sequel better thanToy Story 2, proving that the franchise reached its peak 25 years ago and is past its prime.
Toy Story 2
Cast
Toy Story 2, released in 1999, is the sequel to the beloved original, where Woody is kidnapped by toy collector Al McWhiggen, prompting a rescue mission by Andy’s toys. As the toys embark on this adventure, Buzz Lightyear encounters a formidable counterpart, and Woody faces decisions about his true place in the world.
