AFI (2007) • AFI-099
Toy Story
1995 • John Lasseter
AVAILABLE EDITIONS
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ABOUT THIS FILM
RUNTIME
81 min
FAMOUS QUOTE
“To infinity and beyond!”
Pixar’s groundbreaking animated film tells the story of toys that secretly come to life when humans are not around. Woody, a loyal cowboy doll, enjoys his role as favorite toy until a flashy new space ranger action figure named Buzz Lightyear arrives and threatens his position. Their rivalry eventually evolves into an unexpected friendship as the two embark on an adventure to return home. As the first fully computer-animated feature film, Toy Story revolutionized animation and storytelling in cinema. With humor, heart, and memorable characters, the film launched Pixar as a major creative force in modern filmmaking.
Why it matters
- A defining work in the AFI canon, it showcases the craft of classical Hollywood storytelling (or its modern evolution) at a high level.
- Its influence shows up in later films—through structure, tone, or visual language—making it a useful reference point for how the medium developed.
- It endures because its core conflicts feel human and repeatable, letting new audiences find fresh meaning in familiar moments.
Watch for
- How the opening establishes tone and stakes—often more is set up visually than in dialogue.
- Key scenes where performance choices (pauses, glances, timing) do the emotional heavy lifting.
- Editing and transitions: notice what the film hides, what it reveals, and when it decides to do each.
Vibe
Animated ComedyBuddy AdventureChildhood ImaginationToybox JealousyFriendshipDigital MilestoneSuburban WonderPlayroom PhilosophyHeartfelt FunPixar Breakthrough
AFI RANK
1998: —
2007: #99