Is the age of toys really over, now that tablets, phones and smart gadgets have a starring role in our kids’ lives?
With Toy Story 5 on the horizon, Pixar’s much-loved franchise is once again nudging parents (and kids) to think about how children play, connect and imagine in a tech-heavy world. That conversation feels more relevant than ever for families in Singapore, especially with the new smartphone rules implemented by MOE and conversations around healthy screen time habits dominating our parenting platforms! What will Toy Story 5 add to the conversation?
Toy Story 5 lands exclusively in cinemas in Singapore on 18 June 2026!
Toy Story 5 synopsis
Toys meet tech in Toy Story 5, the latest addition to the beloved Toy Story franchise! In Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, playtime gets a modern upgrade as Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the gang face their biggest challenge yet: competing with the glow of screens and the pull of technology in the form of ‘Lilypad’. As today’s kids become increasingly obsessed with electronic gadgets, the toys must rediscover what makes them truly special in a world where play looks very different from before.
From Woody to Wi-Fi: Will Toy Story 5 condemn or condone screen time?
Since the first Toy Story film introduced us to Woody, Buzz and the gang back in 1995, the wildly popular films have tugged at our heartstrings and our conscience. Whether it be battling bullies, overcoming differences to become unlikely best friends, and making all of us want to hold on to our toys and the memories, the series has always mirrored real-life experiences. Shifts from childhood and bedroom floors scattered with action figures to adulthood, and what happens to ‘forgotten’ toys, the next phase of Toy Story is introducing us to a highly relevant focal point – playtime shaped by screens.
We are really interested to discover how Toy Story 5 leans into the digital phenomenon. Screen time for our kids is an ongoing discussion for us as parents, raising kids in a city at the forefront of technology where screens are literally everywhere, and technology is inescapable. From learning apps to long-haul flights and restaurant survival tactics, the question that continues to be asked is ‘how much is too much?’ Also, how can tech gadgets fit alongside hands-on, imaginative play? We’re keen to see how Toy Story 5 taps into this familiar parenting challenge, and if it casts judgement or offers any particularly relatable advice!
Why toys still matter for child development in a digital age
What makes Toy Story endure, is its emotional intelligence. Traditionally, the films don’t demonise change or shame our modern habits. Instead, they gently remind us why tactile play still matters. For younger children, toys support fine motor skills, creativity and storytelling, while older kids often find comfort and emotional connection in physical playthings, something no app can fully replace.
Developmental experts continue to highlight the importance of open-ended play in early childhood, and many Singapore parents already aim to strike a balance between screen time and traditional toys at home. Building sets, puzzles and role-play toys encourage problem-solving and social skills, complementing, rather than competing with, educational technology.
Why we’ll be heading to the cinema to watch Toy Story 5
The Toy Story movies usually feel less like run-of-the-mill children’s films and more like family conversation starters. The storylines invite us to reflect on how play looks today, and in this case it might just be a plush toy tucked under one arm, and a smart tablet under the other!
We are keen to see what Toy Story 5 has to teach us. So if you’re planning a family movie date, Toy Story 5 promises nostalgia for parents, humour for kids, and plenty to talk about on the ride home. Because even in a digital age, some stories, and some toys, are timeless.
Will you be watching Toy Story 5? DM us to share your thoughts!
