Entertainment website Collider has published an opinion listicle by writer Remus Noronha arguing that several family film franchises have matched or surpassed Pixar's landmark Toy Story series. The piece is framed around the release of Toy Story 5 in 2026 and acknowledges Toy Story's historic status as the first fully CGI animated feature, while contending that later franchises have equalled or exceeded it in emotional depth, world-building and cultural impact.

The article counts down eight family franchises, of which three are detailed in the available text. The Incredibles (2004–present), created by Brad Bird for Pixar, is praised for blending superhero action with dysfunctional family dynamics, with a third film due in 2027. DreamWorks' Madagascar (2005–present) is credited with improving across its sequels and building an expansive media world. Paddington (2014–present), based on Michael Bond's bear and directed by Paul King, is lauded for reviving simple, wholesome family cinema, with a fourth film slated for 2028.