Summary

• Inside Out's sequels may mirror Toy Story's success.
• Amy Poehler pitched a concept for Inside Out 3,4, and 5.
• Inside Out's themes, box office success, and potential make it a viable Toy Story replacement.

Pixar struck gold when they debuted Toy Story in the mid-1990s, as the film was just the beginning of a mega-popular franchise and one of the most successful animated movie series of all time, and now, the studio might have found Toy Story's replacement. The 1995 animated comedy film, directed by John Lasseter, introduced the world to iconic characters like Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) and a heartwarming story about a boy who loves his toys and vice versa. Following Toy Story's premiere, Pixar has released three more movies and is working on the fifth.

Toy Story 5 is set to be released on June 19, 2026.

It seems as though Pixar Animations Studios, which was bought by Disney in 2006, isn't ready to let the Toy Story franchise go just yet. However, if the company wants to avoid over-saturating its market with tales about Woody and Buzz, Pixar can easily look toward one of its other IPs that could achieve the same success as the Toy Story series. The animation studio has been producing sequels for many years to replicate the same accomplishments of Lasseter's first Pixar movie, and it might have finally found what it's looking for in one 2015 film.

Inside Out's Franchise Plans Create A Toy Story Parallel

Amy Poehler Has Ideas For Inside Out Sequels

Even though Pixar has only released one Inside Out story (with a second one coming very soon), the IP has the makings of becoming the next Toy Story. Rumblings of more sequels following Inside Out 2 are spreading, and the possible plan for them mirrors Toy Story. During an interview with Empire, Amy Poehler, who voices Joy in Inside Out and Inside Out 2, unveiled her idea for more sequels (including a third, fourth, and fifth film). The actress said:

"I just think that they should make these films like Seven Up, every couple of years in Riley's life. A young adult, and a young mother, and I think a middle-aged person – everyone's having these very distinct new emotions that are showing up all the time."

Poehler's Inside Out 3, 4, and 5 ideas are promising for Pixar's future because they follow a similar path to Toy Story. The first three movies in the Toy Story series followed Andy as he grew up, with the second sequel primarily focusing on what happens to toys when their kid heads off to college. If Inside Out follows suit, each addition to the franchise would be unique but familiar as they focus on different stages in Riley's life, with all of them introducing new emotions. Consequently, Inside Out could easily take Toy Story's place as one of Pixar's most successful franchises.

Inside Out Uses Similar Emotional Themes As Toy Story

Both Series Are About Growing Up

Even though Toy Story (obviously) revolves around toys and their connection to their kid and Inside Out chronicles the emotions in a young girl's head, their stories are quite similar. Joy in Inside Out somewhat mirrors Woody's character in Toy Story, as they are leaders whose top priority is caring for their respective kids (Andy and Riley), even when they sometimes don't know what is best for them. Both movies also focus on themes related to growing up and letting go of past beliefs as one learns more about the world (and themselves).

Inside Out grossed $858.8 million and received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, unique story, and vocal performances.

Toy Story and Inside Out's thematic similarities (while maintaining unique qualities) further indicate that the latter film can turn into a franchise worthy of replacing Pixar's most successful series. Inside Out caters to the audience's emotions and childhood experiences, just like Toy Story, and most viewers enjoy watching films that they can relate to (even if they're about talking toys or personified emotions). After 13 years of trying to make sequels that aren't Toy Story but are as successful, Pixar has finally won with Inside Out. All the studio had to do was look to Toy Story for inspiration.

Inside Out's Box Office Makes it A Worthy Toy Story Replacement For Pixar

The 2015 Film Was A Huge Hit

The Toy Story franchise's massive successes are reflected in its individual films' box office numbers (which add up to more than $3 billion), and by looking at Inside Out's earnings, one can see how it could become the new Toy Story. Inside Out grossed $858.8 million and received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, unique story, and vocal performances, resulting in Pixar ordering a sequel, which will debut in theaters on June 14, 2024, and likely be a box office success. Pixar hasn't had much luck regarding sequels following Toy Story, but that will undoubtedly change with Inside Out 2 (and more).

Source: Empire