Finding a film with the same mix of playful imagination, big laughs and real feeling as Toy Story can be harder than it sounds. This countdown gives you ten movies to watch if you love Toy Story, starting with a charming tale about a toaster and working up to a wildly inventive comedy built from the toys themselves.

Pixar’s 1995 classic made a simple idea feel enormous: what if your toys came alive as soon as you left the room? Woody and Buzz’s rivalry turns into a friendship, but the film is just as interested in the worries underneath the jokes: feeling replaced, finding your place and learning to trust someone who seems completely different from you. Pixar still describes the story through the eyes of its two rival toys, and the studio’s history recognizes the movie as the first feature-length computer-animated film. Pixar’s Toy Story page (https://www.pixar.com/toy-story) has more on Woody and Buzz’s introduction.

The films here take different routes to that same appeal. Some bring toys or household objects to life; others create worlds where animals, cars or computer-game characters have their own secret lives. A few are gentle adventures about friendship and belonging, while others are fast, funny animated movies that treat play as a serious creative force. They are all strong family movie-night choices, but they are not identical substitutes for the original.

The order follows the ranking you provided, presented as a descending countdown: The Brave Little Toaster begins at number 10, and The Lego Movie takes the top spot. Streaming details are for the UK and can change; each “Where to watch” link leads to a current listing so you can check before settling in. If you want to revisit the franchise first, our ranking of the Toy Story films (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/all-toy-story-movies-ranked-from-best-to-worst-including-toy-story-4) is a good companion.

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10. The Brave Little Toaster (1987)

If Toy Story makes you look at the toys in your cupboard differently, The Brave Little Toaster might make you reconsider the toaster itself. This 1987 animated adventure is gentler and stranger than Pixar’s later film, but it shares the idea that objects have feelings, loyalties and memories of the people who once cared for them.

The story follows a small group of appliances—a toaster, a lamp, a radio, a vacuum cleaner and an electric blanket—who leave an abandoned summer cabin to search for their former owner, Rob. They face a journey through the countryside and the wider world, where ordinary objects can be dangerous and being left behind feels painfully real.

The film’s strongest moments come from the appliances’ personalities and their determination to stay together. Toaster is brave without being invincible, while the others bring their own anxious, comic and affectionate energy to the group. It has a hand-drawn look that feels very different from modern CGI family movies, and its songs and darker scenes can catch younger viewers off guard. That slight edge is part of what makes the story linger.

At number 10, it is the most old-fashioned and least joke-packed pick here. Still, if you like animated movies about loyal friends, living objects and the fear of being forgotten, this is a distinctive family film worth seeking out.

Where to watch: It currently has no UK streaming option listed. Check JustWatch UK (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-brave-little-toaster) for changes.

9. Ron’s Gone Wrong (2021)

A broken robot friend is a pretty good modern-day equivalent of a toy that does not work quite as advertised. Ron’s Gone Wrong turns that setup into a colourful animated comedy about friendship, social pressure and the difference between having a popular gadget and having someone who actually knows you.

Barney is a lonely middle-schooler in a world where almost every kid has a B-Bot: a walking, talking device designed to be a best friend and social assistant. When Barney finally gets one, the robot—Ron—arrives with a long list of glitches. He cannot follow the rules other B-Bots use, and his unpredictability keeps causing trouble. But as the two spend time together, Barney begins to value Ron’s messy, unfiltered way of seeing the world.

The film has plenty of broad robot mishaps, but the emotional centre is a familiar one for Toy Story fans: a character’s value is not determined by whether they are polished, trendy or behaving exactly as expected. Barney and Ron’s friendship feels earned, and the animation mixes digital interfaces with lively physical comedy rather than letting the screens take over.

It lands at number 9 because its satire can be a little obvious, but its warmth is genuine. It is a strong pick for families looking for a funny animated movie about friendship in the smartphone age.

Where to watch: UK listings currently show digital rental or purchase options. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/rons-gone-wrong) for availability.

8. Paddington (2014)

Paddington is live action with a computer-generated bear, rather than an animated film about toys, but its emotional outlook fits this list beautifully. Like Woody, Paddington is a character who has to find his place in a world that does not immediately understand him. Like the toys, he approaches ordinary life with enormous sincerity.

The story begins in Peru, where a young bear sets off for London after an explorer once promised his family that he would be welcome there. At Paddington Station, he meets the Brown family, who agree to take him in while he tries to find the explorer. His polite habits and deep love of marmalade quickly collide with the complications of city life—and with an ambitious taxidermist who sees him as a prize.

Ben Whishaw voices Paddington with a lovely combination of curiosity and quiet determination. Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins make the Browns feel like a real family, and the film’s visual jokes give the bear’s misadventures a playful storybook quality. Underneath the slapstick, it is a warm film about welcoming someone new and treating kindness as an active choice.

This one ranks eighth because it is a little more gentle than the high-energy animated adventures elsewhere in the countdown. If what you love about Toy Story is its heart, its comic mishaps and its belief that belonging matters, Paddington is in very good company.

Where to watch: The UK listing currently includes BBC iPlayer and several subscription options. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/paddington) for the latest.

You’ll also love: The 10 Best Animated Films of the 1990s (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/the-10-best-animated-films-of-the-1990s)

7. The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

If you have ever wondered what pets get up to after you leave for work, The Secret Life of Pets answers with a lively, very silly adventure. It takes the hidden-world premise of Toy Story and swaps Andy’s bedroom for a New York apartment building full of animals with their own routines, rivalries and social circles.

Max, a small terrier, enjoys a comfortable life with his owner, Katie—until she brings home Duke, a large stray dog. Max and Duke do not hit it off, and one disastrous outing leaves them lost in the city. They have to find their way back while a group of abandoned pets led by the rebellious rabbit Snowball complicates the journey.

The movie’s greatest strength is its bustling cast. Jenny Slate gives Gidget a wonderfully committed crush on Max, while Kevin Hart makes Snowball’s tiny rabbit into a loud, memorable force of chaos. The film moves quickly from one animal gag to another, with enough affection for its characters to keep the adventure from feeling like a string of sketches.

It is at number 7 because the story is more lightweight than Toy Story and less interested in complex character growth. Still, it is a fun family animation pick for anyone who enjoys a secret community, odd-couple friendship and a fast-paced city adventure.

Where to watch: UK listings currently include Sky Go, NOW TV Cinema and ad-supported Rakuten TV. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-secret-life-of-pets) for updates.

6. Cars (2006)

Cars shifts the idea of a community of living things from toys to automobiles. The characters are all cars, but the film’s most Toy Story-like quality is its interest in what happens when someone’s sense of identity is challenged by the people around them.

Lightning McQueen is a talented rookie race car who expects to win the Piston Cup and become a star. After a wrong turn leaves him stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs, he damages the road and is ordered to repair it. The residents—including tow truck Mater and the thoughtful Doc Hudson—force him to slow down and see the place, and the people in it, as more than an inconvenience.

Owen Wilson gives Lightning a breezy confidence that gradually softens, while Paul Newman’s performance as Doc brings a deeper, more reflective note to the film. Mater supplies much of the broad comedy, but the quieter pleasure is watching Radiator Springs become more than a pit stop. The movie’s Route 66 setting gives it a relaxed rhythm, and Randy Newman’s score helps the town feel lived in.

At number 6, Cars is one of the best choices if you enjoy fictional worlds with their own rules and a strong ensemble of characters. It is also a good family film for viewers who like racing, road trips and stories about learning to value a community over personal glory.

Where to watch: The UK listing currently shows Disney+. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/cars) before watching.

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5. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Monsters, Inc. is one of the closest matches here to the imaginative premise of Toy Story. Both films ask you to imagine what goes on when humans are not looking. This time, however, the secret world belongs to the monsters who live behind children’s bedroom doors.

In Monstropolis, Sulley and Mike Wazowski work at a factory that powers the city by collecting children’s screams. Sulley is the company’s top scarer, with Mike as his quick-talking partner. Their carefully managed routine falls apart when a human child, Boo, wanders into their world. The monsters are terrified of her, but Sulley soon finds himself trying to keep her safe and get her home.

The buddy comedy between John Goodman’s warm, imposing Sulley and Billy Crystal’s relentlessly energetic Mike is a delight. Boo’s playful trust in Sulley gives the story its heart, while the door warehouse sequence turns the film’s workplace concept into a thrilling visual playground. Pixar’s official page describes how the team used contrasting design choices to build a drab industrial town full of bright, childlike monsters. Explore the film’s world on Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. page (https://www.pixar.com/monsters-inc).

It sits at number 5 because its central idea and emotional payoff are so strong that it nearly tops the list. If you love Toy Story for its secret society, memorable character pairings and surprisingly moving friendship, Monsters, Inc. is an essential watch.

Where to watch: The UK listing currently shows Disney+. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/monsters-inc) for changes.

🎧 Taking a break from the screen? Listen to original romance and drama stories from That Love Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes).

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4. Small Soldiers (1998)

For a more mischievous, action-heavy take on toys coming to life, try Small Soldiers. Joe Dante’s 1998 film takes the idea of action figures with personalities and pushes it into a suburban science-fiction adventure. The toys are not simply misunderstood; some of them have been programmed for battle, and they take that assignment far too seriously.

Teenager Alan Abernathy works in his father’s toy shop when a shipment of high-tech action figures arrives. The Commando Elite are designed as soldiers, while the Gorgonites are their strange, peaceful opponents. Once the toys’ military programming activates, Alan and his neighbour Christy discover that the miniature conflict has become a very real problem.

The film’s appeal is its blend of practical effects, miniature mayhem and satire about toy marketing. Tommy Lee Jones voices the relentless Chip Hazard, while Frank Langella brings unexpected gentleness to Archer, the Gorgonites’ leader. Small Soldiers has a sharper edge than the animated family comedies on this list; its battles and jokes about consumer culture make it feel more like a rowdy adventure than a cosy bedtime story.

That edge is exactly why it ranks fourth. It is a strong recommendation for older kids and adults who enjoyed the toy-world idea in Toy Story but want something more chaotic. Parents may want to check the age rating first: UK listings classify the film as 12.

Where to watch: UK listings currently include Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go and NOW TV Cinema. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/small-soldiers) for current options.

You’ll also love: Toy Story 3 (2010) Review (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/toy-story-3-2010-review)

3. The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

The Mitchells vs. the Machines is an animated family comedy with the same affectionate interest in awkward, imperfect characters that makes Toy Story so rewatchable. It also has a gloriously chaotic visual style: drawings, captions and phone-screen graphics spill into the action, as if the movie itself has the energy of someone excitedly telling you a story.

Katie Mitchell is an aspiring filmmaker preparing to leave home for college. Her dad, Rick, is not sure how to connect with her, so he plans one final family road trip. The trip goes sideways when a robot uprising traps the Mitchells on the road, leaving this mismatched family to become humanity’s unlikely chance of survival.

The film’s action sequences are inventive, but its real strength is the family dynamic. Katie and Rick both want to be understood; they just have different ideas about how to make that happen. Abbi Jacobson, Danny McBride and Maya Rudolph give the Mitchells a messy, affectionate chemistry, and the family dog Monchi is a superb source of visual comedy.

It ranks third because it turns a broad robot-apocalypse premise into a surprisingly personal story about growing up and staying connected. If you like Toy Story for the characters’ relationships as much as the adventure, this is a superb family movie night choice.

Where to watch: The UK listing currently shows Netflix. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines) for availability.

2. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

Wreck-It Ralph understands that being labelled the villain does not mean you have to stay one. That idea gives the film a connection to Toy Story: both movies take characters who seem to have fixed roles and let them discover what they want for themselves.

Ralph is the heavy who wrecks buildings in the arcade game Fix-It Felix Jr. Felix gets the medals and praise, while Ralph ends each round alone. Tired of being treated as the bad guy, Ralph leaves his game to prove he can be a hero. His travels take him into other arcade worlds, including the candy-coloured racing game Sugar Rush, where he meets the unpredictable Vanellope von Schweetz.

John C. Reilly gives Ralph a bruised warmth, and Sarah Silverman makes Vanellope funny without sanding away her stubbornness. Their friendship develops through teasing, shared frustration and small acts of trust. The arcade setting is packed with visual references, but you do not need to recognise every game to understand the story. It works just as well as a comedy about wanting to be more than the role other people chose for you.

At number 2, it is a near-perfect follow-up for anyone who likes animated movies about characters with inner lives. The film’s world-building is playful, its emotional turns are clear without feeling forced, and its central friendship earns its place beside the best animation has to offer.

Where to watch: The UK listing currently shows Disney+. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/wreck-it-ralph) for the latest.

🎧 Before we reveal our No. 1 pick, discover original romantic audio dramas from That Love Podcast. Listen here (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes).

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1. The Lego Movie (2014)

The Lego Movie is the best pick for Toy Story fans because it understands how much meaning can fit inside a toy box. Its characters are Lego figures rather than dolls, but its story is built around the same imaginative question: what if the little figures had their own lives, dreams and disagreements when the people playing with them were elsewhere?

Emmet is an ordinary construction worker who follows instructions, sticks to the rules and expects his days to be much like the last one. When he is mistaken for a prophesied hero, he is pulled into a rebellion against Lord Business. Along the way, he meets Master Builders who can create extraordinary things from whatever pieces they find—and discovers that imagination is not reserved for the naturally gifted.

Chris Pratt gives Emmet a winning mix of eagerness and self-doubt, while Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett and Morgan Freeman add comic spark to the ensemble. Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller fill the movie with rapid-fire jokes, visual invention and clever changes in scale. Yet the film never treats play as empty silliness. It celebrates creativity, collaboration and the pleasure of making something your own.

At number 1, The Lego Movie is the most complete recommendation for someone asking what to watch after Toy Story. It has the joke density for adults, the bright adventure for kids and the emotional belief that ordinary characters can surprise themselves. It is funny, inventive and unexpectedly touching—the combination that made the original Toy Story feel like more than a movie about toys.

Where to watch: The UK listing currently shows NOW TV Cinema. Check JustWatch (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-lego-movie) for current streaming and rental options.

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• All Toy Story Movies Ranked from Best to Worst (Including Toy Story 4) (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/post/all-toy-story-movies-ranked-from-best-to-worst-including-toy-story-4)

Conclusion

The best movies to watch if you love Toy Story do more than make objects move or give animals human voices. They build worlds with rules, give their characters real fears and let friendship change the course of the story. That is why Monsters, Inc., Wreck-It Ralph and The Mitchells vs. the Machines sit near the top: they pair strong comic ideas with relationships that feel worth caring about.

For a nostalgic, hand-drawn adventure, seek out The Brave Little Toaster. For family warmth, put on Paddington. For big, fast animated comedy, The Lego Movie is the one I would recommend first. It earns the top spot by combining imagination, humour and a heartfelt belief that creativity belongs to everyone.

Which film would you rank first? Tell us what you would change—or share another movie you would recommend to a Toy Story fan.

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FAQs

1. What is the best movie to watch if you love Toy Story?

The Lego Movie is the strongest overall choice on this list. Like Toy Story, it brings a toy world to life and uses its playful premise to tell a sincere story about identity, friendship and creativity. If you prefer a closer Pixar-style match, try Monsters, Inc. or Wreck-It Ralph.

2. What movie is most similar to Toy Story?

Small Soldiers is the most direct match if you want toys to come alive, while The Lego Movie is the closest in spirit. Both explore what happens when playthings have lives of their own. Wreck-It Ralph offers a similar idea through video-game characters.

3. What should I watch after the first Toy Story?

Try Wreck-It Ralph for a colourful secret world, Monsters, Inc. for a funny partnership and a heartfelt friendship, or The Lego Movie for rapid-fire jokes and an imaginative adventure. Each has memorable characters who discover they can be more than the role assigned to them.

4. Is The Lego Movie good for Toy Story fans?

Yes. It shares Toy Story’s affection for toys, imaginative play and characters who surprise themselves. It is a little faster and more self-aware, with dense jokes and a wide range of pop-culture references, but the emotional story remains easy to follow.

5. Is Monsters, Inc. like Toy Story?

Both movies create a hidden world that exists alongside the human one and build their comedy around characters with distinct personalities. Monsters, Inc. is a buddy comedy about Mike and Sulley, while Toy Story focuses on Woody, Buzz and the wider toy group.

6. Which movie on this list is best for young children?

Paddington and The Secret Life of Pets are accessible family choices, though age suitability depends on the child. Small Soldiers has more intense action and is rated 12 in the UK, while The Brave Little Toaster includes some scenes that may feel unexpectedly dark to very young viewers.

7. Which film has the most emotional story?

The Brave Little Toaster has a tender story about objects trying not to be forgotten, while The Mitchells vs. the Machines focuses on the changing bond between a parent and child. Monsters, Inc. also builds a moving friendship between Sulley and Boo.

8. Are these movies streaming on Disney+ in the UK?

Some currently are. UK listings show Cars, Monsters, Inc. and Wreck-It Ralph on Disney+ at the time of checking. Other titles are on different services, available to rent or buy, or—like The Brave Little Toaster—not currently listed for UK streaming. Availability changes, so check the linked listings before watching.

9. Where can I stream The Lego Movie in the UK?

The current UK listing shows The Lego Movie on NOW TV Cinema, with digital rental and purchase options also available. Streaming rights can change, so use the JustWatch UK page (https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/the-lego-movie) to confirm the latest options.

10. What should I watch if I like animated movies about friendship?

Start with Wreck-It Ralph, The Mitchells vs. the Machines or Monsters, Inc. All three put friendship at the centre of a lively adventure. For a gentler live-action and CGI mix, Paddington is a warm alternative.

For more animation information, visit Pixar’s official film pages (https://www.pixar.com/feature-films).

More Places to Find Great Movies and TV Shows

If you're on the hunt for your next favorite TV show or movie, there's no shortage of resources to help you discover something worth watching. Whether you're looking for a new release, an underrated gem, or a timeless classic, these websites are useful places to continue your search:

ScreenRant (https://screenrant.com/) – News, reviews and features on movies, TV shows and entertainment trends.

CBR (https://www.cbr.com/) – Pop-culture news and coverage of comics, movies and television.

Collider (https://collider.com/) – Movie news, trailers, interviews and reviews.

IMDb (https://www.imdb.com/) – Cast details, credits, trivia and audience reviews.

Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/) – Critic reviews, audience scores and film information.

MovieWeb (https://movieweb.com/) – Film and television news, trailers and features.

Slashfilm (https://www.slashfilm.com/) – Film and TV news, reviews and interviews.

ComicBookMovie.com (https://comicbookmovie.com/) – News and updates about superhero films and pop culture.

Explore these platforms for more recommendations and keep finding movies worth your time.

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12 Alternative Article Titles

1. 10 Best Movies to Watch If You Love Toy Story

2. Movies Like Toy Story: 10 Animated Adventures to Watch Next

3. 10 Family Movies to Watch After Toy Story

4. What to Watch If You Love Toy Story: 10 Great Picks

5. 10 Movies About Toys and Objects That Come to Life

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