Toy Story helped to launch Pixar as a titan of the animation world, and the best Toy Story quotes throughout the franchise show the humor and heart of these movies. The story of Woody, Buzz, and the other toys in Andy’s room has captured the hearts of fans, delivering four movies to date with the unexpected announcement of Toy Story 5 proves that Pixar is reluctant to let this franchise go. It’s not surprising they want more given the Toy Story quotes that have stayed with fans and made these movies so beloved.
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The simple premise of exploring what toys do when humans are not around is a fun jumping-off point. However, the movies have gone far beyond by looking at the enemies-to-friends relationship between Woody and Buzz, dealing with a child outgrowing their toys, and the purpose these toys have in the world. The best Toy Story quotes reflect all these aspects of the movies, leaving audiences laughing and crying along the way. The upcoming Toy Story 5 will only add to these great franchise lines.
30 “The Panic Is Attacking Me.”
Rex (Wallace Shawn)
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Rex has long been an entertaining and relatable part of the Toy Story franchise. He’s a toy that looks like a fearsome dinosaur, and yet, he’s one of the most anxious toys of the bunch. Rex has trouble adjusting to the changes that happen as the children around him grow up, and he’s always very vocal about it with the other toys.
In Toy Story 4, Rex gives this line as a way to explain his stress about the new batch of changes the toys are facing. For a lot of kids, this line will simply be an amusing way for Rex to relate his feelings. For a large number of children, however, this line will be a great way to explain how they feel themselves when facing change or upheaval in their own lives. Adults will recognize the impending “panic attack” that kids won’t.
29 “One More Rip And Andy’s Done With Me.”
Woody (Tom Hanks)
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If the original Toy Story sees Woody worry that another toy might be more interesting than him, Toy Story 2 helps him realize that it’s not necessarily more interesting toys that are the problem. In the second movie, when he is slightly damaged after Andy has been playing with him, Andy opts to leave him behind at home instead of fixing him at one point. That single moment in the movie makes Wood think that if he’s too damaged, Andy simply won’t want him anymore.
As the movies show, that’s not the case as Andy has a special place in his heart for Woody, who is possibly his favorite toy ever. All of the joy Woody has experienced taking care of Andy while he’s growing up, however, is in doubt when Woody fears one damaged limb or tear in his clothes could have Andy leaving him behind forever. It’s a sad thought for Woody and the audience.
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28 “I Have A Question. No. Wait. I Have All The Questions.”
Trixie (Kristen Schaal)
Though the later Toy Story movies appeal as much to modern adults who grew up watching the first as kids, all of the movies in the franchise are very much made for families to watch together. That means that even as emotional moments pull at the hearstrings of adults, there’s a natural wonder and curiosity of the characters that appeals to kids. That’s part of the character of Trixie, a triceratops introduced in the third movie.
Much like Rex, Trixie also exhibits some anxiety in the face of changes around the toys. Her curiosity and her anxiety combine to create this particular line. Those traits combine when Trixie and the other toys are faced with the new toy Forky in Toy Story 4, a toy made from a plastic fork that Bonnie creates at school. The toys don’t really know what to make of Forky, and the new toy makes many of them uncomfortable.
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27 “Yeah, I’d Like To Loosen His Stitching.”
Slinky (Blake Clark)
…one of the most creative insults used in the franchise.
There can be some animosity between the toys, particularly Buzz and Woody since they’re so different from one another. When Lotso is introduced in Toy Story 3, however, the toy brings out the animosity in toys who might otherwise usually have a much more easy-going demeanor.
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Slinky the dog is one of those toys. Slinky is always one of the friendliest toys in the group. He’s also usually an optimist, ready to see the bright side when everyone else might be worried. That’s why it’s very disarming for the audience to hear Slinky speak badly about another toy. He, however, sees something sinister in Lotso and is quick to admit when Lotso is out of earshot that he would “like to loosen his stitching,” which is certainly one of the most creative insults used in the franchise.
26 “I’m Always Sure.”
Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)
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This particular line actually comes from Buzz Lightyear toys in multiple Toy Story movies. Originally, it’s not said by the Buzz Lightyear that fans get to know throughout the franchise. Instead, it’s said by the toy that impersonates the original Buzz in Toy Story 2.
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The line comes from the impersonator from Big Al’s Toy Barn when the group of toys are attempting to get into Big Al’s home through the air vents. Rex question whether “Buzz” is sure about where they’re supposed to be going, and of course, the always confident Buzz Lightyear gives this line.
The reason it’s so memorable is because it speaks to that confidence that all of the versions of Buzz have. It also gets used again in the movie Lightyear. The movie might not have been a theatrical success, but it did give an interesting look at the character the toys is based on. There, the astronaut refuses help with the line, “I’m Buzz Lightyear. I’m always sure,” demonstrating where the toy has modeled his confidence from.
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25 “So Play Nice.”
Woody (Tom Hanks)
The entire Toy Story franchise has Woody and the others going to great lengths to hide the fact that they are alive. However, they do break that rule one special time to teach the adolescent villain Sid a lesson. In the first movie, Sid takes his toys and breaks many of them to create new monstrosities.
He uses things like firecrackers to blow other toys up. This quote happens when the toys show that they are real beings with feelings and that they can feel pain and hurt and they set out to prove a point to Sid.
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Many fans have pointed out that Sid didn’t really do anything wrong when he destroyed his toys, as they were just plastic objects to him. That doesn’t stop this moment from being any more satisfying as Sid’s mistreated toys suddenly rise from the grave with Woody giving this final warning that seems to drive the point home. It is a horrific moment and one that possibly scarred young Sid forever.
24 “Ride Like The Wind Bullseye.”
Woody (Tom Hanks)
Toy Story 2 introduced Woody’s Roundup, the Western show where Toy Story‘s Woody originated from. Also introduced is his Roundup gang, which includes the lovable and loyal horse named Bullseye.
Woody is filled with pride and wonder seeing himself in action on the beloved children’s series and, in a charming moment at the end, he adopts his catchphrase from the series, “Ride like the wind, Bullseye,” as he and his trusty horse charge into action.
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Though the popularity of Woody’s Roundup ended, Woody gets to be that cowboy hero in his own way. It is a nice moment because Woody never really knew anything about his past, only focusing on his life with Andy. The fact that he realizes the history of his character is a nice moment and the fact that he is finally able to experience that moment is something that really helps his character develop, leading to his eventual ability to become independent in the fourth movie.
23 “The Claw!”
Aliens (Jeff Pidgeon)
The alien toys are introduced in the first Toy Story movie as a franchise cult-like group of prizes inside the claw machine at Pizza Planet. The way the toys look at the claw as some higher power who selects the chosen ones is a hilarious bit of world-building in this universe.
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The way the aliens exclaim this in unison makes it even funnier. However, the gag gets a wonderful callback later in the franchise. It is the aliens who save Woody and the others from their fiery fate in Toy Story 3 with a crane, proudly declaring “The Claw!” as they save the day.
The ways the later Toy Story movies call back to moments like this in smart ways makes them a joy to watch for older fans. The juxtaposition between the aliens looking at the claw as a higher power to the point where they control the claw is a small moment that shows the toys growing and becoming more important as the series rolls on.
22 “Where’s Your Kid Now, Sheriff!”
Lotso (Ned Beatty)
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There are some great Toy Story villains throughout the franchise, but the most detestable is easily Lotso, the cuddly teddy bear who is also a cruel and vindicative antagonist. After getting replaced by his former kid, Lotso doesn’t want anyone to be happy with their kid.
He ends up at the trash dump with Woody and the others, and despite proving how evil he is already, Woody saves his life. It seems like Lotso could be heading for redemption as he has the opportunity to save the others, but instead mocks Woody and leaves them to be destroyed.
It is a shockingly dark moment that cemented him as a great Disney villain. This is also a really sad moment because it shows that Lotso was ruined so many years before my being shunned, cast aside, and neglected. When Woody was discarded, he fought to get back to his kid. For Lotso, he just gave up and became the villain in his own story.
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21 “And That Box Gets Taken Away.”
Woody (Tom Hanks)
The relationship between Woody and Bo Peep was a fun little detail in the other movies, but it is made much more significant in Toy Story 4. The opening scene of the film shows just how important Bo Peep is to Woody as there is a flashback to the day she was given away.
As Woody comes out to talk to her as she waits in the box to be taken away, she suggests he get in the box as well. For a moment, Woody considers joining her and leaving Andy. It is a heartbreaking moment as his responsibilities to Andy have to come before his love for her.
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It is also another sobering moment that these toys, even though they are intelligent and have their own lives to live on their own, are at the mercy of the kids (and the parents) who control where they live, even if it is a dark, musty attic. For Bo Peep, she offers Woody a way out, but he still wouldn’t have his freedom even if he leaves with her.
20 “You’re My Favorite Deputy.”
Woody (Tom Hanks)
Pull on Woody’s string, and a variety of phrases will be shouted out by the toy. One Toy Story quote that has been repeated across the franchise is “You’re my favorite deputy.” It’s a simple phrase that would have been chosen by the toy cowboy manufacturer. Within the context of the story, it has a much larger meaning, though.
It’s a saying that includes the child in Woody’s world and allows them to feel loved. It initially creates a bond between Woody and Andy, before Bonnie learns that she now has the new deputy in town.
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Woody takes his place as Andy’s protector in the
Toy Story
franchise
Woody takes his place as Andy’s protector in the Toy Story franchise, and it is likely because he has heard this quote so many times, and even Andy understands that it means that Woody is in charge. It shows who the real leader is, even if Woody still has a lot to learn about himself before the franchise is finished with him.
19 “I Can’t Stop Andy From Growing Up, But I Wouldn’t Miss It For The World.”
Woody (Tom Hanks)
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Andy’s appearance changes throughout the Toy Story movies and his feelings toward his toys also evolved over time. Nothing resonated more than the young adult Andy going off to college and saying goodbye to his friends — the toys that spent so much time with him. Woody is very concerned with the changes happening in Toy Story 3, but he makes a point of saying “I can’t stop Andy from growing up, but I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
It’s a poignant moment that paints this team much like a family. Woody has grown a lot since the first movie. He has learned that he can share Andy’s love with Buzz and he also understands that a day will come when Andy won’t need them anymore. Andy is growing up, and Woody is self-aware enough to understand that it was his job to help along the way, but like parents, one day it will be time to let go and watch Andy make it on his own.
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18 “I Don’t Believe That Man’s Ever Been To Medical School.”
Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)
Sid was the main antagonist of the original Toy Story. He was a terrifying creation of Pixar, who tortured and destroyed toys as a hobby. Woody and Buzz were trapped in his house, awaiting their dark fate, so a moment of levity is needed from the script to add some humor to the situation. After watching Sid’s disturbing experiments Buzz remarks that “I don’t believe that man’s ever been to medical school.”
It’s a hilarious moment that cuts through some of the tension, although the reality of the situation effectively sets in after this Toy Story quote. This is also a funny moment because it shows how much Buzz has to learn about the real world. Since he was one of the last ones to understand that he was a toy, he looked at everything in a logical and unimaginative manner. When he makes this comment about a child, it is funny, but it also shows that Buzz is not ready yet to survive in the real world.
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17 “It Was Cold And Dark. Nothing But Sand And A Couple Of Lincoln Logs.”
Mr. Potato Head (Don Rickles)
Toy Story 3 sees the gang venture to Sunnyside Daycare Center, where they quickly learn that playtime isn’t always fun. Some of the younger kids simply didn’t know how to look after the toys properly and Mr. Potato Head realizes the horror of the situation in a funny moment. After disappearing for some time, Mr. Potato Head reveals that he got left behind in the sandpit.
He describes his harrowing experience as being “cold and dark. Nothing but sand and a couple of Lincoln logs.” Of course, those paying attention will know that those probably weren’t Lincoln logs. This is a moment that shows how frightening it can be when a toy is left behind, as Mr. Potato Head has no idea if he will be saved. However, since these movies need to add humor to offset the fearful moments, the joke about what he saw in the sandpit was added, and it really helps lighten the mood.
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16 “You Have Saved Our Lives. We Are Eternally Grateful.”
Aliens (Jeff Pidgeon)
Some of the most memorable side characters in the Toy Story movies are the space aliens. Introduced in the first movie as toys in the crane machine at Pizza Planet, they reappear in Toy Story 2 when Mr. Potato Head saves their lives.
Their gratitude spoken in unison to their savior is funny enough as it shows that the aliens are as delusional as Buzz was in the first movie, but the fact that they continue repeating their thanks over and over adds to the hilarity.
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However, the joke is made even funnier in Toy Story 3, set years later, when they are still thanking Mr. Potato Head. When the aliens save everyone else later with their claw, they show that they are more than willing to repay the favor. This is yet another moment in the series when the toys grow and develop as characters, understanding their place in the world and knowing that they play a big role in their own existence.
15 “She’ll Be Okay.”
Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)
The final goodbye between Woody and Buzz in Toy Story 4 is a really beautiful moment. Woody is about to leave Bo Peep behind and join the rest of Bonnie’s toys on the RV when Buzz tells him, “She’ll be okay.”
Bonnie will be fine without him
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For a second, both Woody and the audience think that Buzz is talking about Bo Peep, but then Buzz adds, “Bonnie will be okay.” He can see that Woody’s place is with Bo, and Bonnie will be fine without him, so he encourages his old friend to follow his heart.
Toy Story 4 is a love story between Woody and Bo Peep in many ways and Buzz allows them to have their happy ending. This is the biggest moment in Woody’s transition from a toy that only exists to care for his kid to a toy who realizes that his job is done when Andy leaves for college, and he can finally start to live for himself. The movies are not just about kids giving up toys, but parents watching their kids grow up. Soon, it is time to let go, and Woody realizes the time is now.
14 “I’m Trash!”
Forky (Tony Hale)
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The existential crisis faced by the incredibly quotable Forky in Toy Story 4 is one of the loftiest and most philosophical storylines from the franchise. When Bonnie glues googly eyes and pipe-cleaner arms to a spork and calls him “Forky,” he gains sentience as a toy. However, he’s not supposed to be sentient. He’s not supposed to have thoughts.
And that alone is enough to terrify him, as Forky comes to terms with his own existence and makes sense of being more than just a piece of trash. This moment adds deeper meaning to the Toy Story quote.
The franchise starts with toys kids love and care for, and the toys care for the kids as well. They are toys but this switches gears and has a kid create a toy that isn’t supposed to be a toy, and it has no idea what life is all about. Forky’s story also shows that someone can change into something different later in life, and at that point, people just need to accept that is who they are now. Forky is no longer trash. He is a toy.
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13 “So Long, Partner.”
Woody (Tom Hanks)
While Toy Story 4 has a story worth telling and concluded in a really poignant way, it didn’t quite beat the bittersweet emotion of Toy Story 3’s ending. As Andy leaves his toys with Bonnie and drives off to start his college education, Woody watches his kid’s car disappear over the horizon and says, “So long, partner.”
It’s a really heartfelt moment that wrapped up the Toy Story saga (seemingly) in the perfect way. Of course, with news of Toy Story 5, it seems this was not the end after all. Woody spent his entire life with one purpose. He was Andy’s favorite toy.
Woody realized that Andy was growing up and didn’t need to be cared for anymore
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He had to be there for him through all his tough moments as a child and was a comforting possession for a child growing into a young adult. However, soon, Woody realized that Andy was growing up and didn’t need to be cared for anymore. It was time to let him go, and Woody bid him farewell. Once again, this parallels parents losing their kids but letting them go and watching them become adults in their own right.
12 “Let’s Caboom!”
Duke Caboom (Keanu Reeves)
Arguably, the most memorable new character added to the Toy Story ensemble in last year’s fourth installment — except for maybe Forky — is Duke Caboom. He is voiced by Keanu Reeves, who actually contributed many ideas to the Toy Story character’s personality. He’s an Evel Knievel-type daredevil toy on a stunt motorcycle who’s filled with remorse as he’s unable to perform the stunts that his commercials promised he could do.
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By the end of the movie, he proves himself by pulling off an amazing jump to save the day. There are many moments in the franchise where fans can watch their favorite characters grow and develop and find their true purpose. For Duke Caboom, he only gets one movie, and in his small amount of screen time, Duke is able to do the same thing that Woody did through four movies. He finally figured out his place and was finally able to do the one thing he never dreamed was possible.
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11 “He’s Not Lost. Not Anymore.”
Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen)
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When Woody leaves the group to stay with Bo Peep at the fairground, Buzz breaks the news to the rest of the gang. Rex asks if this means that Woody is a lost toy — which the sheriff thought would be the worst thing in the world back in the first movie — and Buzz says, on a more symbolic front, “He’s not lost. Not anymore.”
It suggests a finality to Woody’s arc in the franchise, allowing him to find his own purpose in life outside of just being a toy and finding something he always wanted. This is a poignant moment as ever since the first movie, Woody has taken it upon himself to keep all the toys together for Andy, and then later for Bonnie.
If one toy gets lost, Woody takes it upon himself to set out to find them and bring them back. He has taught all his friends the same lessons — no toy is left behind. However, Buzz understands that things are different this time. Woody isn’t lost as he’s finally found his purpose after Andy. Just like Woody let Andy go, Buzz is not letting Woody go.
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