What if we told you — it’s been 30 glorious years since Toy Story first released in theatres across the world and changed the lives of children forever.

That’s right, it’s time to pick your jaws up off the floor because everyone’s beloved childhood comfort watch turns 30 today, November 22.

Getting the elusive 100 per cent score on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, Toy Story (1995) was the film which confirmed what every child knew all along — of course our toys could talk.

With a star-studded cast voicing the film’s iconic characters, the John Lasseter directorial defined a generation (and its toys) as it reassured kids around the world that their most obvious suspicion was true.

Two-time Academy Award winner Tom Hanks voiced the character of Woody the lovable pullstring cowboy toy, while Tim Allen was the man behind the heroic spaceman action figure Buzz Lightyear. Joining this stellar voice cast were the legendary late greats Don Rickles and Jim Varney, alongside Wallace Shawn and Annie Potts.

The film centres on the kind-hearted cowboy doll, Woody, who sees his position as the young Andy Davis’s favourite toy jeopardised by the arrival of the new and shiny Buzz Lightyear action figure. What follows is heartwarming chaos as the very real, very sentient toys try to escape the evil clutches of the mean neighbourhood boy Sid Phillips and embark upon the journey of reuniting with their beloved owner who has moved to a new house.

With the film’s anniversary coming up, fans of the generation-defining movie are shocked at it turning 30 and have taken to social media in droves to exclaim their vivid surprise.

While one X (formerly Twitter) user asks: “Can’t believe Toy Story came out 30 years ago #FeelOldYet?”

Another fan, in an emotional post on X, said: “Toy Story is a huge part of my life. I still can’t believe it’s 30 years old. I remember the first time I saw it, my jaw genuinely dropped when Buzz first appeared. This movie always brings me unlimited joy. I’m forever grateful for Toy Story! #ToyStory #Disney #Pixar”

Yet another Toy Story lover couldn’t help but exclaim their surprise on the social media platform: “Can’t believe I’m seeing one of my favorite movies that came out the year I was born in the THEATER. Toy Story has always been a huge part of my life and I’m so PUMPED to see it on the big screen. Still a 30 year old in this theater may seem like a sad strange little man.”

While one blamed Disney for making them feel old: “Excuse me, disney, but did you have to email and say “Toy Story is 30 years old”, because now I feel ancient”

One fan of the film said: “I can’t believe that I have loved Toy Story for 30 years. There isn’t a single animated film that makes me happier.”

While another refused to face the reality as they wrote: “Can’t be that old, I refuse to believe Toy Story is about to be … 30!”

In a callback to a popular meme template doing the rounds of the internet, one Toy Story lover wrote: “Video essayist: ‘LOL I can’t believe Toy Story was made almost 30 years ago!’ Me: *shut up shUT UP SHUT UPPPP*”

While one exclaimed in all caps: “TOY STORY RELEASED 30 YEARS AGO WHAT THE F***”

Another fan had a glaring epiphany: “Just heard on the radio that Toy Story 1 was released in 1995. 30 years ago already. Tell me you’re old without telling me you’re old. Father time isn’t holding back for anyone.”

While one went on a larger trail of reminiscing: “POV: It’s 1 January 2025, 12:00am. But then you realize: COVID lockdown was 5 years ago. 2007 kids turn 18 years old. Toy Story 1 was made 30 years ago. The PS5 was released 5 years ago. Fidget Spinners were 8 years ago. GTA5 was released 12 years ago. Minecraft was 16 years ago”

Toy Story is available to stream on Disney+.