This year, two epic franchises from my '90s childhood hit major milestones. Super Mario turned 40 and Toy Story celebrated its 30th anniversary. To really make us feel the passage of time, both have new films slated for 2026 (though Creative Bloq's editor can't bear to watch Toy Story 5).
It’s clearer than ever that their longevity isn’t just a triumph of storytelling or gameplay. It’s the power of their sound as identity, memory, and emotional architecture.
