Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 (2010) is a computer-animated comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Lee Unkrich, it serves as the emotional conclusion to the original Toy Story trilogy. The story follows Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of Andy’s toys as they face an uncertain future when Andy prepares to leave for college. After being mistakenly donated to Sunnyside Daycare, the toys must confront the harsh realities of abandonment and control under the tyrannical leadership of Lotso, a deceptively huggable bear with a dark past. The animation is visually sophisticated, with significant advancements in texture, lighting, and character expression. From the sunlit chaos of the daycare to the harrowing, near-apocalyptic trash incinerator sequence, every frame balances emotional storytelling with visual spectacle. Randy Newman’s score adds powerful emotional weight, especially during the film’s final moments, where themes of loss and new beginnings hit their peak. With a production budget of around $200 million, Toy Story 3 grossed over $1.067 billion worldwide, becoming the first animated film in history to surpass the $1 billion mark. It was the highest-grossing film of 2010 and remained Pixar’s most financially successful movie until Incredibles 2 in 2018. Critically, the film was universally acclaimed. It holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 92, praised for its depth, emotional intelligence, and ability to satisfy both children and adults. Reviewers noted that it brought the series full circle with mature storytelling and powerful themes about growing up, loyalty, and letting go. Toy Story 3 won two Academy Awards—Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“We Belong Together”)—and was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Sound Editing. It won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, multiple Annie Awards, and other major honors from BAFTA and Critics' Choice. The film’s legacy is monumental. It redefined what animated sequels could be—emotionally resonant, narratively bold, and critically adored. It’s often cited as one of the greatest animated films of all time, and for many, it represents the emotional apex of Pixar’s storytelling power.