Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang are headed back to the big screen this Friday when Toy Story 4 hits theaters everywhere. The film picks up where the third one left off, with the toys now belonging to new human protagonist, Bonnie, after Andy gifted them to her at the end of Toy Story 3.
The Toy Story franchise has received universal acclaim throughout its history and based on the initial critical reactions ahead of its June 21 release, Toy Story 4 is no different. The film opened to a remarkable 100% Rotten Tomatoes score last week, and has since dropped to 98%. As it stands now, all four of the Toy Story films hold a 98 percent or higher score on Rotten Tomatoes, while maintaining equally impressive scores on Metacritic, with the lowest rated filming holding a score of 84.
So, where does Toy Story 4 land among the other Toy Story instalments according to critics? We've calculated the average critics' scores from Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic to come up with the following ranking of the feature films within the Toy Story franchise.
TOY STORY 4: 91
Despite the impressive initial critical reception to Toy Story 4, the film can't quite top any of its predecessors, though an average critical score of 91 is still fantastic. Toy Story 4's placement on this ranking only speaks to the sheer level of quality associated with the Toy Story franchise over the past 24 years. It's rare that a film franchise can sustain this level of critical reception over two films, let alone four.
Rotten Tomatoes' Toy Story 4 critics' consensus reads, "heartwarming, funny, and beautifully animated, Toy Story 4 manages the unlikely feat of extending -- and perhaps concluding -- a practically perfect animated saga," while Metacritic notes that the film is obtaining universal acclaim, with all but one review being labeled as positive.
Toy Story 4 is currently holding a 98 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 127 reviews with an average rating of 8.51/10 and a Metacritic rating of 84 based on 37 reviews. With the film yet to hit theaters, an audience score is not currently available on Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic. With more reviews expected, whether or not Toy Story 4 maintains an average critics score of 91, remains to be seen.
TOY STORY 2: 94
Coming in at third is 1999's Toy Story 2 with an average score of 94. Initially proposed as a direct-to-video sequel, Toy Story 2 obtained a theatrical release following promising story reels, though it eventually was completely reworked and the production schedule was condensed in order to meet the scheduled release date.
Rotten Tomatoes' Toy Story 2 critics' consensus reads, "The rare sequel that arguably improves on its predecessor, Toy Story 2 uses inventive storytelling, gorgeous animation, and a talented cast to deliver another rich moviegoing experience for all ages," while Metacritic notes the film received universal acclaim with all but two reviews being labeled as positive.
Toy Story 2 holds a 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 166 reviews with an average rating of 8.66/10 and a Metacritic rating of 88 based on 34 reviews. The film holds an audience score of 86 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.8 on Metacritic.
TOY STORY 3: 95
In second place in the critical rankings is 2010's Toy Story 3 with an average score of 95. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including becoming just the third animated movie to ever be nominated for Best Picture, winning two for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Rotten Tomatoes' Toy Story 3 critics consensus reads, "Deftly blending comedy, adventure, and honest emotion, Toy Story 3 is a rare second sequel that really works," while Metacritic notes the film received universal acclaim with all reviews counted being labeled as positive.
Toy Story 3 holds a 98 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 303 reviews with an average rating of 8.87/10 and a Metacritic rating of 92 based on 39 reviews. The film holds an audience score of 89 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.9 on Metacritic.
TOY STORY: 97.5
The original Toy Story takes the top spot in the critical rankings with an average score of 97.5. The first feature film in history to ever be produced solely with computer generation, the film earned three Academy Award nominations and received a Special Achievement Award "for the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film."
Rotten Tomatoes' Toy Story critics' consensus reads, "Entertaining as it is innovative, Toy Story reinvigorated animation while heralding the arrival of Pixar as a family-friendly force to be reckoned with," while Metacritic notes the film received universal acclaim with all reviews counted being labeled as positive.
Toy Story holds an incredible 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 83 reviews with an average rating of 9/10 and a Metacritic rating of 95 based on 26 reviews. The films holds an audience score of 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 95 percent on Metacritic.
Directed by Josh Cooley, Toy Story 4 stars Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Keanu Reeves, Annie Potts, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Jeff Pidgeon, Blake Clark, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele and Tony Hale.