Toy Story - Watch Order: Release Order
Toy Story revolutionized animation as the first fully computer-animated feature film and launched Pixar Animation Studios into prominence. The franchise follows the secret lives of toys, particularly cowboy Woody and space ranger Buzz Lightyear, as they navigate their relationships with each other and their human owners.
This watch order includes all theatrical releases in the franchise, from the original trilogy through the fourth film's exploration of new adventures, plus Lightyear, which presents the in-universe movie that inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy line. The series combines heartfelt storytelling about friendship, loyalty, and growing up with cutting-edge animation that continually pushed technological boundaries.
Linear Timeline: Release Order = Story Order
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.
Lightyear
Legendary Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside a group of ambitious recruits and his robot companion Sox.
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.