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Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4 is a 2019 American animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Toy Story 4 is a 2019 American animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Josh Cooley, it is the fourth film in the Toy Story series and continues the story of Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Bonnie’s toys. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and became the highest-grossing entry in the franchise.

Plot

The story centres on Woody, Buzz, and the other toys after Bonnie creates Forky, a craft-project toy made from a spork. When the group goes on a road trip, Woody and Bo Peep are reunited, and Woody must decide what role he wants in Bonnie’s life.

Production

Toy Story 4 was directed by Josh Cooley from a screenplay by Andrew Stanton and Stephany Folsom, with story contributions from several Pixar and Disney writers. Pixar produced the film for Walt Disney Pictures, with music by Randy Newman.

Release and reception

The film premiered in 2019 and was released in the United States on June 21, 2019. It received strong box-office results and critical attention, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Legacy

Toy Story 4 is notable for expanding the Toy Story universe with new characters such as Forky and Gabby Gabby while bringing Bo Peep back into a central role. It is widely regarded as a major commercial and awards success within the franchise.

Key facts

  • It is the fourth instalment in the Toy Story film series.
  • The film follows Woody and Buzz Lightyear on a road trip with Bonnie and her toys.
  • Woody is reunited with Bo Peep, a major returning character from earlier films.
  • The film introduced Forky, a new character created by Bonnie.
  • Toy Story 4 won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Frequently asked questions

What is Toy Story 4 about?
It follows Woody, Buzz, and Bonnie’s toys during a road trip, where Woody reconnects with Bo Peep and the group deals with Bonnie’s new toy, Forky.
Who directed Toy Story 4?
Josh Cooley directed the film.
When was Toy Story 4 released?
It was released in 2019, with a U.S. release date of June 21, 2019.
Is Toy Story 4 part of the main Toy Story series?
Yes. It is the fourth film in Pixar’s Toy Story franchise and a sequel to Toy Story 3.
Did Toy Story 4 win any major awards?
Yes. It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/facts/Toy-Story-4
    Supports: Release year, running time, director, cast, country, MPAA rating, music, and production credits.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toy_Story_4
    Supports: Plot summary, franchise placement, release date, box office, and awards information.
  3. ScreenRant — https://screenrant.com/toy-story-4-things-you-didnt-know/
    Supports: General plot context and release-era reception.
  4. Movie Insider — https://www.movieinsider.com/m7664/toy-story-4
    Supports: Release date and plot synopsis.