Pixar and Disney’s Inside Out 2 has officially joined the US$1 billion club at the global box office, achieving this milestone faster than any animated film in history. Just 19 days after its release, the film has not only rejuvenated the summer box office but also set a new standard for animated movies globally.
Released on 16 June, Inside Out 2 has played a pivotal role in reviving a sluggish 2024 box office scene. Prior to its release, North American box office sales were trailing more than 25% behind the previous year’s numbers. However, the film’s success has turned the tide, according to Comscore.
Tony Chambers, Disney’s Executive Vice President of Theatrical Distribution, expressed his excitement about Inside Out 2‘s performance. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have reached this phenomenal milestone in record time, and it once again proves that global audiences will come out for a great movie,” Chambers said. “The film’s remarkable success is a testament not only to the incredible creativity of the Pixar team but an example of moviegoing at its very best.”
In its third weekend, Inside Out 2 continued to dominate the box office charts, grossing US$57.4 million domestically, bringing its North American total to US$469.3 million. Internationally, the film added another US$108 million, reaching a foreign tally of US$545.5 million and a global cumulative total of over US$1.015 billion, making it the first 2024 movie to reach the US$1 billion milestone.
Inside Out 2 is the first movie since Barbie nearly a year ago to surpass the US$1 billion mark. It’s the 11th animated film to reach this milestone, with Disney owning eight of these high-grossing releases: The Incredibles 2, Finding Dory, Frozen, Frozen 2, and the final two Toy Story movies are among these releases.
The sequel, directed by Kelsey Mann, introduces new emotions — Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment — as the young protagonist, Riley, enters her teenage years. These newcomers join the original cast of emotions in navigating this challenging stage of life. Inside Out 2‘s voice cast features returning star Amy Poehler as the emotion Joy and newcomers such as Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Paul Walter Hauser, and Adèle Exarchopoulos who bring life to the expanding emotional landscape within Riley.
Inside Out 2 continues to break records and captivate audiences worldwide, it stands as a monumental achievement for Pixar and Disney, highlighting the enduring appeal of well-crafted, emotionally resonant storytelling.