Toy Story 3
Third film finds Andy heading to college while his toys face an uncertain future
The brief
Pixar's most emotionally devastating film disguises itself as a kids' movie about toys trying to escape daycare, then gut-punches you with the reality of growing up and letting go. The prison break plot keeps things moving at a tight clip, but it's Tom Hanks' voice work as Woody that anchors the deeper themes about loyalty, purpose, and accepting when your time is over. The final act will wreck even the most cynical adults, especially anyone who's ever had to pack up their childhood bedroom. Perfect for parents watching with their kids, but honestly hits harder if you're in your 20s or 30s processing your own relationship with nostalgia.
The verdict
If you can handle animated films that will make you ugly cry about growing up and letting go of childhood, this is Pixar's emotional masterpiece disguised as a kids' adventure. If you're looking for light entertainment or hate movies that force you to confront your own mortality and nostalgia, stick to the first two Toy Story films instead.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for parents watching with their kids
- 👤 Hits hardest for adults in their 20s-30s
- ⚠️ Emotionally devastating - bring tissues
Heads up
- Intense peril sequences with toys in danger (moderate)
- Emotional themes about growing up and letting go (moderate)
- Brief scenes of toys facing potential destruction (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Lee Unkrich
- Cast
- Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris
Official synopsis
Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy's toys haven't been played with in years. With Andy about to go to college,
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Both animated tales of growing up and letting go of childhood.
Total runtime: 1h 42m + 1h 51m = 3h 33m
