Even though Toy Story 4 created an additional emotional ending for Woody and the rest of the toys, Toy Story 3 may have been a better conclusion to the franchise. Toy Story 3 keeps most of its main characters around, telling a story several years after the ending of Toy Story 2. In the third installment, Toy Story 3 portrays a tale about what it means to grow up and move on; a story brought about due to Andy going to college. Over the years, Andy had grown up, trading his childhood toys for teenage interests. But, Andy could never bring himself to give up his toys and kept them hidden away.

However, the main story rests with the toys and the desire to be enjoyed by children rather than ignored by Andy. However, when Sunnyside Day Care turns out to be run by a dangerous hierarchy led by Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear, the toys must escape and return to Andy. Toy Story 3 understands the emotional trials of growing up and what it means to part with something you once held dear. Growing up means moving on or trying to find the next step, and it plays an integral role with the toys as much as it does with Andy.

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Saying Goodbye to Andy

Toy Story 3 Andy and his mom
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Andy may not have been the main character, but he was always essential to the story. As a child, Andy loved playing with Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang of toys. The emotional arc of Toy Story found Woody jealous of Andy's love for Buzz. Woody's fear of being given up by Andy or never making it back to him are massive parts of Woody's journey during Toy Story 2. Therefore, when Toy Story 3 revealed Andy as a seventeen-year-old about to go off to college, it seemed like Toy Story 3 was the conclusion of his journey too. However, it is not just the toys that must part ways with Andy; the audience must also say goodbye to him also. Although his role has always been small in comparison to the toys, Andy was a staple of the franchise. He was the beloved owner of Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the crew, always excited about playing with his toys.

Passing On The Toys

Toy Story 3 Andy and Bonnie
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Before Andy leaves for college, he makes one last stop. Andy decides against keeping his toys in the attic to never be played with but will not bring them all to college either. Instead, Andy chooses to pass on his toys to Bonnie, a little girl with a big imagination and a desire to play. Although Andy did not anticipate passing on Woody, Andy could not separate Woody from the rest of the gang and handed over his long-time companion with the wish that Bonnie would take care of him. Passing on the toys from Andy to Bonnie was a monumental moment for the franchise, as many of the toys had never been connected to any human other than Andy. But, that decision so easily shapes up a natural ending for the franchise. Andy moves forward with his life, and his toys get another chance at life.

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The Emotional Moments

Toy Story 3 Hamm, Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bullseye
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Toy Story 3 lays it on thick by pulling on heartstrings from the early moments in the movie. Toy Story 3 gets the audience nostalgic by re-introducing the characters through Andy playing with his toys, then moves forward with a montage of Andy growing up. However, the proper understanding of the story is not comprehended until Woody's scheme goes awry. The toys are trapped in a toy chest, which seems odd until Andy comes to retrieve his cell phone, and a teenage Andy is shown. At this point, the audience understands where this has led without anyone having to say a word. But, the suggestion that the toys may be thrown out is a powerful emotional catalyst, especially after Andy's mother confuses the toys that are going to the attic for a trash bag filled with garbage.

Toy Story 3 continues its emotional story throughout the film, teasing the uncertainty of the future with the almost demise of all the toys. As the group prepares to die, they are saved by the claw and quickly journey back to Andy's house, making it just in time before Andy leaves. However, Andy and Bonnie playing with Andy's toys, followed by Andy waving goodbye as Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys watch him drive away, may be the most heart-wrenching moment of all. The scene suggests it to be the end of an era. Andy and his toys are separating, and it is the start of the next chapter for everyone.

Acknowledges Growing Up

Toy Story 3 Woody and Buzz
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Given the time difference between Toy Story 2 coming out in 1999 and Toy Story 3 premiering in 2010, many of the viewers who had watched the first two films as children had grown up by the time the third installment came out. In doing so, many of them may have been in the process of experiencing or have already dealt with a similar conflict that Andy and the toys face. Growing up is hard, and moving on or parting with things you cared so much for can be challenging. However, it can also be the start of the next great adventure. By choosing to age up Andy, the audience is given more insight into his relationships with the toys that represented his childhood and how he finds it challenging to give them away.

As for the toys, they know the chances of Andy playing with them again are a long shot. But, that does not mean they cared for him any less. On the contrary, they are devastated and angry when they believe Andy had considered them junk and thought he wanted them to be thrown away. However, it is also a big film for Woody. As much as Woody loves Andy, he knows that sticking around for Andy's entire life is not what is best for his friends, himself, or Andy. Andy has grown up, and Woody and the toys are more of a happy memory than a companion. However, Woody's arc allows him to finally acknowledge that Andy growing up does not mean it is the end of his story, and the toys have the chance to make a new little girl just as happy as they had made Andy.