‘Inside Out 2’ Shatters Box Office Records With US$295 Million Global Debut

Disney and Pixar’s latest release, Inside Out 2, has made an extraordinary splash at the box office, securing a staggering global debut of US$295 million.

The film premiered in 4,440 theaters across the United States and Canada, amassing US$155 million in ticket sales, accompanied by an additional US$140 million from international markets. This launch not only signifies a triumphant return for Pixar, which has seen mixed success with recent titles like Elemental and Lightyear, but it also provides a much-needed boost to the global cinema industry.

Inside Out 2 has claimed the title of the biggest opening weekend since Barbie‘s US$162 million debut last July. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the sequel revisits the character Riley as she encounters the tumultuous emotions of becoming a teenager, introducing characters like Anxiety, Ennui, Envy, and Embarrassment into the mix. The film, celebrated for its engaging narrative and relatable themes, features the voices of Amy Poehler, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, and Phyllis Smith.

Critics have lauded the film, which currently holds a 92 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong potential for sustained interest. With the summer season well underway and schools out, Inside Out 2 faces little competition until Despicable Me 4 enters theaters in July, providing it with a clear run to attract family audiences.

The production budget for Inside Out 2 was around US$200 million, not including substantial marketing costs. Initial projections estimated a debut of US$90 million, making the actual figures a significant triumph for the studio. The film had an impressive start with US$13 million from Thursday previews and dominated the box office as the weekend’s sole major release.

Internationally, Inside Out 2 is performing exceptionally well, especially in Latin America where it pulled in US$61 million, marking record-breaking openings in several countries including Colombia and Mexico. In Europe, the film earned US$42 million, with Turkey reporting the largest opening weekend for any film ever in the country. The UK contributed US$13.9 million, the highest opening weekend in the nation this year.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Inside Out 2 generated US$37 million, with standout performances in Korea and the Philippines, where it recorded the second biggest animated opening weekend ever.

The film’s Imax screenings contributed US$14.5 million globally, ranking as the fourth biggest animated opening for the format, excluding China. This success underscores the film’s broad appeal and Pixar’s enduring ability to draw audiences with its innovative storytelling and emotional depth.

Overall, the release of Inside Out 2 not only revitalises confidence in the box office but also sets high expectations for future releases in the Pixar lineup. As the film continues to roll out across global markets, it remains poised to captivate audiences and critics alike, reinforcing Pixar’s reputation as a leader in animated cinema.