Nearly a month after its release on Friday, June 14, Inside Out 2 has surged past Incredibles 2 in box office revenue to become the highest-grossing movie in Pixar’s history. This milestone has been confirmed by Variety, which reported that Inside Out 2 has amassed a global total of $1.25 billion. With this staggering figure, it has edged out Incredibles 2’s $1.24 billion record, marking a significant achievement for both the film and the studio.
This remarkable triumph also means that Inside Out 2 now ranks as the fourth highest-grossing animated movie of all time. It trails only behind iconic titles such as Frozen, which earned $1.29 billion, The Super Mario Bros. Movie with $1.36 billion, and Frozen II, currently reigning with an impressive $1.45 billion.
The success of Inside Out 2 was somewhat anticipated, given the performance of its predecessor. The original Inside Out, released in 2015, garnered a respectable $859 million worldwide. However, the sequel quickly outpaced this figure, reflecting a significant leap in both audience interest and box office draw. The Walt Disney Company had already lauded the film’s early success, announcing that Inside Out 2 became the fastest animated film to hit the $1 billion mark globally, achieving this landmark in under three weeks since its release.
Adding to its accolades, Inside Out 2 has entered an exclusive club of animated films that have crossed the $1 billion threshold, making it one of only 11 animated movies to ever do so.
. It is also the first film to achieve this milestone since July 2023’s Barbie, underscoring its monumental impact on the industry.
The narrative of Inside Out 2 continues to captivate audiences by following 13-year-old Riley as she navigates new emotions during her formative high school years and the onset of puberty. The film, directed by Kelsey Mann, introduces several new emotions including Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui, and Nostalgia, expanding on the original quintet of Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust.
Amy Poehler, who continues to lend her voice to Joy, shared her enthusiasm for the sequel in an interview with PEOPLE. Reflecting on the natural progression from the first film, she said, “At the very end of the original, Joy has that great moment where she’s like, ‘Finally, everything the way it’s supposed to be.’ Then we see that big puberty button, ‘Should we press this?’ We do press it in the second movie.” Poehler, a steadfast advocate for a sequel, had been vocal about her desire for a follow-up for years. “I’ve been bugging Pete Docter [the Chief Creative Officer of Pixar] and the team, just saying, ‘When are you guys going to make another one? When’s that happening?’ When they finally told me their idea for the second one, I thought it was genius,” she recounted.
Inside Out 2’s impressive performance and creative storyline have solidified its place not just in the hearts of viewers but also in the annals of animated cinema history. The film’s mix of relatable emotional experiences and innovative character development has clearly resonated with a broad audience spectrum, contributing to its overwhelming success.
As Inside Out 2 continues its theatrical run, it serves as a testament to Pixar’s storytelling prowess and the enduring appeal of its characters. The film’s ability to explore complex emotional landscapes with humor and sensitivity ensures that it will remain a beloved entry in Pixar’s illustrious catalog. The studio, which has long been synonymous with animated excellence, can celebrate yet another feather in its cap with this latest box office triumph.
For fans eager to witness this landmark film, Inside Out 2 is currently playing in theatres worldwide, inviting audiences of all ages to experience the next chapter in Riley’s emotional journey. With this exceptional performance, the film not only secures its place in box office history but also sets a high bar for future animated features.
