In the many years since the first film in the franchise hit cinemas, Toy Story has become a cultural icon. A feel-good film, full of genuine humor and heart-warming moments, all pushed forward by an incredible ensemble cast consisting of everyone from Tom Hanks to Tim Allen.
Now that Toy Story 4 has come and gone and there (probably) won’t be another Toy Story film added to the franchise, we’ve taken the time to make a list of things you’ll probably like if you enjoyed the series.
Monsters Inc.
With a similar animation style at its heart and the same production company driving it forward, Monsters Inc. is perfect for Toy Story fans because it is created with similar intentions. Central to its existence is a set of improbable, but loveable, funny and charming characters, all plunged into a world of make-believe and excitement. Beyond that, they’re both hilarious films that are funny in very similar ways. Monsters Inc. even has a sequel (Monsters University) that may well be even better than the original.
Despicable Me
Out of nowhere, Despicable Me and its Steve Carell-led humor became a global phenomenon adored by children across the world. The Minions spawned their own line of merchandise and two feature-length films, all while seeming like little yellow versions of the eternally grateful aliens of Toy Story fame.
Beyond this, while the films aren’t both made by Pixar, they still look similar in their style and follow an accessible, but often very clever humor that can be appreciated by both children and adults.
Small Soldiers
Small Soldiers has a more direct link to Toy Story than the two animations above in that it is built around the idea of toys coming to life. The film came from a similar era to the first Toy Story, so their presentation of life is pretty similar as it is. It sees a battle between the Gorgonites and the Commando Elites take place across a suburban landscape, with a surprising amount of violence coming from both sides, as well as that of the torturous Barbies.
The Indian In The Cupboard
While its reference to an ‘Indian’ instead of a Native American may be a little outdated, this book adaptation remains as charming as ever. In short, the film follows the adventures of a boy who makes friends with a doll of a Native American who comes to life in his cupboard.
It may not have the animation or comedy of Toy Story, but if its adventures with humanoid toys you’re after, then this is certainly the film for you.
Gnomeo And Juliet
Following two warring sets of animated gnomes as they battle between their adjoining gardens, Gnomeo And Juliet is effectively the English version of Toy Story. They aren’t exactly toys, but they certainly wouldn’t walk and talk in everyday life. The vocal talents of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are complimented by appearances from the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Michael Caine, and Ashley Jensen, who all bring their unique characters to life. In the sequel, the gang is introduced to the gnome version of Sherlock Holmes himself.
Jumanji
You can pretty much take any of the entries into the Jumanji series and say they’d work perfectly for fans of Toy Story. In the Robin Williams original, the cast enters into a board game (sort of a living toy, right?), while the much more modern reboots see Jack Black, Karen Gillian, Dwayne Johnson, and Kevin Hart plummeted into a video game.
All three films are full of adventure and excitement, while the very idea of bringing something fake to life runs through its very heart.
A Bug’s Life
If it’s a glimpse into the world of small creatures you’re after, then A Bugs Life might well be the sister-film to Toy Story that you’re looking for. In Toy Story, it feels like we’ve been shrunk to the size of our plastic friends, following them around at their head height; exploring the world from the floor. While A Bugs Life is a whole lot smaller than that, the visuals still allow us to look up at a great, expansive world that we’re used to looking down on.
Inside Out
The recommendation of Inside Out comes from a similar place to A Bug’s Life, in that it allows you to see the world from a new perspective. This time, rather than from below the surface, it’s from inside the mind.
We follow a brilliant cast who each control the emotions and actions of the protagonist, in a similar way to how the presence of Andy’s toys has such an impact over his own feelings. On top of that, the Pixar team behind the film is used to creating visually stunning and laugh out loud films, just like Toy Story itself.
Pinocchio
Without a doubt the oldest story on our list, Pinocchio is the original living toy. He dreamt of being a real boy his whole life, and eventually ended up getting his wish granted, even if his nose would grow every time he lied. The Disney classic came out way back in 1940 and was only the second feature from a company that now owns a vast majority of production across the world. The film also has some incredible music (much like Randy Newman’s contributions to Toy Story) and won the Academy Awards for Best Song and Best Score.
Childs Play
This final recommendation might not be for everyone. Rather than approaching Toy Story similarities via a charming, childhood-friendly, animated and comedic window, Childs Play was the first horror film to put a real-life toy at the center. The Chucky doll has since become an icon of terror to children, even if the many, many sequels to the original film did provide a much more comedic route. Maybe only try this one if you’re happy to see real-life toys take a much more bloody, stabby and tension-filled avenue than Toy Story did.
