Toy Story - Watch Order: Main Toy Story
This watch order focuses on the core narrative following Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and their fellow toys through their continuous journey from Andy's childhood to new adventures beyond. These four films tell a cohesive story about the toys' evolving relationships, their purpose as companions to children, and the bittersweet reality of being outgrown.
The main story arc spans decades, showing the toys' loyalty, growth, and adaptation as they face separation, reunion, and ultimately finding new meaning in their existence. This order provides the complete emotional journey of the beloved toy characters without the meta-fictional elements of the broader franchise.
Toy Story
Led by Woody, Andy's toys live happily in his room until Andy's birthday brings Buzz Lightyear onto the scene. Afraid of losing his place in Andy's heart, Woody plots against Buzz. But when circumstances separate Buzz and Woody from their owner, the duo eventually learns to put aside their differences.
Toy Story 2
Andy heads off to Cowboy Camp, leaving his toys to their own devices. Things shift into high gear when an obsessive toy collector named Al McWhiggen, owner of Al's Toy Barn kidnaps Woody. Andy's toys mount a daring rescue mission, Buzz Lightyear meets his match and Woody has to decide where he and his heart truly belong.
Toy Story 3
Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy's toys haven't been played with in years. With Andy about to go to college, the gang find themselves accidentally left at a nefarious day care center. The toys must band together to escape and return home to Andy.
Toy Story 4
Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that's Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called "Forky" to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy.
Other Film Series
Ice Age
A family-friendly animated series following prehistoric friends Manny, Sid, and Diego through various ice age adventures.
Jumanji
A magical adventure series about a supernatural board game that brings its jungle dangers into the real world.
Madagascar
Animated adventure series following zoo animals on wild adventures around the world.
Night at the Museum
A family adventure trilogy following night security guard Larry Daley as he discovers that museum exhibits come to life after dark, leading to magical adventures with historical figures and ancient artifacts.
Shrek
An irreverent ogre's journey through subverted fairy tales, revolutionizing animated comedy with pop culture parodies.
The Land Before Time
An animated dinosaur franchise following young dinosaurs on their adventures, beginning with Don Bluth's acclaimed 1988 film.