LOS ANGELES — Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story 5" delivered the biggest opening weekend in the franchise's history, collecting an estimated $160 million at the North American box office and about $312 million worldwide, according to studio estimates, marking the strongest film debut of 2026 to date.
The animated sequel surpassed the domestic opening of 2019's "Toy Story 4," which debuted with roughly $121 million in North America, extending the enduring commercial appeal of Pixar's flagship franchise more than three decades after the original film debuted. The global launch included approximately $152 million from international markets, Disney said.
The opening ranks as the second-largest domestic debut ever for a Pixar release, trailing only "Incredibles 2," according to industry box office data. Analysts said the result also provided another boost to a summer movie season that has benefited from a series of strong theatrical releases.
The film opened in about 4,425 theaters across North America and exceeded most pre-release forecasts, which had projected a debut closer to $150 million. Industry observers attributed the performance to broad family appeal, premium-format ticket sales and sustained audience interest in one of Disney's most successful animated properties.
"Toy Story 5" returned Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and other familiar characters while introducing new story elements aimed at both longtime fans and younger audiences. The franchise, which began in 1995, has collectively generated billions of dollars at the global box office and remains one of Pixar's most commercially successful series.
The strong debut came as Hollywood studios continued to rely on established franchises to attract theatergoers amid an uneven post-pandemic recovery for cinemas. Box office analysts said the performance reinforced the strength of family-oriented animated releases during the summer season.
The film remained the top release in theaters heading into its second weekend, when it faced new competition from Universal's "Minions & Monsters." Early tracking suggested "Toy Story 5" would continue to post solid ticket sales after its record-setting launch, although its longer-term performance will depend on audience demand and competition from upcoming summer releases.
