Toy Story 5 Hits Disney+ Sept. 23 After $1.13B Box Office Run
Disney has confirmed that Toy Story 5 will debut on Disney+ on September 23, following a record-breaking theatrical run that surpassed $1.13 billion globally. The film, which opened with $159 million in its first weekend, is the highest-grossing entry in the franchise and the third 2026 release to cross the billion-dollar mark. Alongside the streaming release, Disney unveiled a new piano-version music video for Taylor Swift’s original song 'I Knew It, I Knew You,' available on Disney+, Spotify, and Apple Music. Physical releases for 4K UHD and Blu-ray are scheduled for September 22.
Key points
- Toy Story 5 will stream on Disney+ starting September 23, 2026.
- The film has grossed over $1.13 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Toy Story movie.
- It opened with $159 million domestically, the best opening of 2026 and second-best for an animated film ever.
- A new music video for Taylor Swift’s song 'I Knew It, I Knew You' featuring film footage was released.
- Physical media, including 4K UHD and Blu-ray, will be available on September 22.
Background
Disney’s recent financial reports highlighted Toy Story 5 as a key driver for Q3 operating income, which rose 21% to $5.6 billion. The film’s success contributed to a strategic shift where consumer products revenue is moving to the studios division. Previous archive coverage noted the film’s digital release in August and its status as a major contributor to Disney’s streaming engagement and overall profitability.
How outlets are covering it
Deadline and Variety both confirm the September 23 Disney+ release date and the film’s billion-dollar global take. Deadline emphasizes the film’s ranking as the second-best animated opening ever behind Incredibles 2, while Variety highlights its status as the highest-grossing Toy Story film unadjusted for inflation. Both outlets note the release of a new music video for Taylor Swift’s song, with Variety specifying it is a piano version. Variety also notes that Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey have since joined the billion-dollar club, whereas Deadline focuses on the historical context of the June opening.
Why it matters
The strong performance of Toy Story 5 reinforces Disney’s dominance in the animated film market and validates the strategy of leveraging major theatrical releases to drive streaming engagement. The film’s success contributes to Disney’s broader financial health, including increased operating income and a shift in how consumer products revenue is managed. The continued relevance of the franchise, with original cast members returning, underscores the enduring appeal of the Toy Story brand.
What to watch
Disney+ subscribers can watch Toy Story 5 starting September 23. Physical copies will be available on September 22. The new music video for Taylor Swift’s song is already available on major platforms. Disney is expected to continue leveraging its streaming ecosystem to maximize the long-term revenue from the film.
- ‘Toy Story 5’ Lands Disney+ Streaming Date Deadline
- Taylor Swift drops animated music video as 'Toy Story 5' set for streaming ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- ‘Toy Story 5’ Sets Disney+ Streaming Release Date After Making Over $1 Billion at the Box Office Variety
- Taylor Swift Releases ‘I Knew It, I Knew You (Piano Version)’ Video as ‘Toy Story 5’ Gets Streaming Premiere Date IMDb
- 'Toy Story 5' heads to Disney+ on Sept. 23 Yahoo
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