Exclusive: Disney says "Toy Story" franchise has driven $16B in revenue
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Tom Hanks and Tim Allen attend the Toy Story 5 premier at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on June 9, 2026. Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Disney
Disney and Pixar's "Toy Story" franchise has driven $16 billion in total revenue for the company over the past 30 years, according to excerpts from an economic study commissioned by the company and provided to Axios.
Why it matters: It speaks to the power of multi-generational franchises in supporting Disney's business model.
Zoom in: The report, compiled by impact advisory firm Steward Redqueen, found that nearly half ($7.5 billion) of franchise revenue was generated domestically, while the rest came from global audiences.
- It also found that the film generated nearly $50 billion in "overall economic impact" globally. Roughly half of that occurred domestically, reaching all 50 states.
- Economic impact was measured across a range of variables, including sales margins for downstream suppliers like manufacturers, retailers and other distributors.
- The majority (81%) of the total economic impact of the franchise has been felt by non-Disney entities, such as suppliers, retailers, small businesses and service providers, per the report.
Between the lines: A spokesperson provided Axios with this data ahead of an advanced screening of the latest installation of the franchise, "Toy Story 5," in Washington D.C. on Thursday.
- The company plans to publish the full report in the next few weeks.
- The screening, marks the second premiere in the U.S., following Los Angeles. The film debuts in theaters June 19.
By the numbers: "Toy Story 5" is expected to bring in between $150 million and $175 million domestically during its opening weekend, which would top the roughly $120 million and $110 million brought in for the debuts of "Toy Story 4" (2019) and "Toy Story 3" (2010), respectively.
- The franchise has driven roughly $3 billion in total box office revenue across its first four films, with the last two installments grossing over $1 billion globally.
Catch up quick: Disney paid $7.4 billion for Pixar in 2006, 11 years after it first distributed the first Toy Story movie in 1995.
- In that time, the studio has created some of Disney's most valuable hits, which the entertainment giant has been able to monetize across merchandise, streaming, theme parks and experiences, in addition to box office revenue.
Yes, but: With the exception of "Inside Out 2" in 2024, Pixar has struggled to regain the box office momentum of its dominance in the 2000s and 2010s.
What to watch: Sequels that have arrived years, if not decades after their original films premiered have taken the box office by storm as nostalgia continues to fuel box office attendance.
What's next: Disney is looking for ways to expand the culture and societal impact beyond economics.
- As a part of that effort, a spokesperson said Disney will partner with Starlight Children's Foundation to bring "Toy Story 5" to nearly 400 children's hospitals, including a special screening at Children's National Hospital in D.C. next week.
