Release order
Watch the numbered Toy Story films in order. Lightyear can be saved for a separate night: it is presented as the film that inspired the Buzz Lightyear toy, with a different setting and tone.
A little play. A lot of heart.
Some friendships
stay with you.
Growing up looks different from the toy box. Follow the main Toy Story films in order, with Lightyear clearly separated as the space adventure behind the toy rather than another chapter in Woody’s story.
Toy Story1995–2026About 10 hours
Before you press play
Two ways in.
One great journey.
Story order
The main toy-box adventures follow release order. Lightyear stays in its own in-universe-film group; placing it between the numbered films would suggest a connection the story does not make.
The films / 6 theatrical releases
Toy Story
Your viewing guide.
Release order · US theatrical dates where available. Story order is an editorial viewing suggestion.
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Toy Story
The beginning of Woody and Buzz’s friendship.
Directed by John Lasseter
With Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don RicklesUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Toy Story (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Toy Story 2
The second adventure expands the toys’ world and their questions about belonging.
Directed by John Lasseter
With Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan CusackUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Toy Story 2 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Toy Story 3
A later chapter shaped by growing up and moving on.
Directed by Lee Unkrich
With Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan CusackUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Toy Story 3 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Toy Story 4
A road trip brings new toys and a different kind of choice.
Directed by Josh Cooley
With Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie PottsUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Toy Story 4 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Lightyear
A separate science-fiction adventure, not Toy Story 5.
Directed by Angus MacLane
With Chris Evans, Keke Palmer, Peter SohnUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Lightyear (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Toy Story 5
The fifth numbered theatrical Toy Story film.
Directed by Andrew Stanton
With Joan Cusack, Tom Hanks, Tim AllenUS theatrical release:
Search Amazon for Blu-ray for Toy Story 5 (opens in a new tab)Paid link · Search resultsCheck the film, disc format, included cuts, and US playback compatibility.
Guide notes & sources
Editorial review: . Released theatrical features only; television, shorts, direct-to-video titles, and unreleased films are excluded. Story order follows each whole film’s main narrative. This guide is not a content rating or age recommendation.
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