On November 22, 1995, a landmark event occurred that would forever alter the landscape of animation: the premiere of Toy Story. This wasn't just another animated film release; it was the first-ever feature-length film created entirely using computer-generated imagery (CGI). Toy Story launched Pixar Animation Studios into the mainstream and demonstrated that digital animation could deliver stories with heart, humor, and lasting emotional power.
Before Toy Story, feature animation was almost entirely hand-drawn. Pixar's bold leap into CGI was a technical marvel, requiring 114,000 individual frames and more than 800,000 machine hours of rendering. This resulted in realistic textures, expressive character movement, and dynamic lighting unlike anything audiences had seen before. The success of Toy Story sparked a shift in the animation industry, with traditional studios investing in computer animation technology and hiring new talent skilled in 3D animation.
The story that started it all revolves around Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll who is Andy's favorite toy. Woody's status is challenged by the arrival of Buzz Lightyear, a confident space ranger who instantly captures Andy's imagination. What begins as a rivalry evolves into a meaningful friendship as Woody and Buzz navigate jealousy, danger, and the true meaning of loyalty. The film grossed more than $400 million worldwide, earned a 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, and received a Special Achievement Academy Award in 1996 for being the first feature-length computer-animated film.
Pixar emerged from Lucasfilm's computer division in 1979 and was spun off as a separate company in 1986 with funding from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who became its majority shareholder. Jobs's vision was to create stories with technology, envisioning a world where entire movies could be generated inside a computer. He saw animation that wasn't limited by physical models or analog limitations.
When Steve Jobs joined the team, the tides started turning. The Pixar staff had big dreams in 1986 of creating entire films that were completely animated. However, this technology was not available or even invented yet. While Pixar waited for the technological advancements it needed, Steve Jobs focused on creating the high-resolution image computers that would create the animated movies we love today.
In 1991, Disney approached Steve Jobs about providing finances for a full-length feature film, completely animated. They made a three-movie contract for what would become the iconic Pixar animated film franchise: Toy Story. Disney and Pixar teamed up in 1995 to create Toy Story, an animated children's movie starring Tim Allen and Tom Hanks. With big-name stars in the movie and incredible animation, Toy Story soared to the top of the charts and broke the box office records. Steve Jobs was listed in the credits as a producer for Toy Story.
Pixar's innovations extended beyond visuals, emphasizing universal themes and emotional resonance. The studio developed advanced lighting techniques, implemented global illumination and ambient occlusion, and enhanced the realism and depth of 3D environments. They innovated cloth simulation in The Incredibles (2004), allowing for more dynamic character movement and realistic costume design. Finding Nemo (2003) showcased advanced water simulation techniques.
The studio recently announced several new projects, including a highly-anticipated original film set to release in 2025. In addition to creating new stories, Pixar continues to expand upon its existing franchises. Toy Story 5 is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 19, 2026. Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, Blake Clark and John Ratzenberger are set to reprise their respective roles from the first four films. Andrew Stanton, who co-wrote the first four Toy Story films, will direct Toy Story 5.
Toy Story's legacy continues to resonate, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories come in the form of beloved toys coming to life. The film revolutionized animation by pushing the boundaries of what was possible with computer-generated imagery. The attention to detail set a new benchmark for visual storytelling.
