In a triumphant return to form, Pixar has reclaimed its position at the top of the box office with the release of “Inside Out 2.” The highly anticipated sequel opened to an astounding $295 million worldwide, marking a significant milestone for the animation studio and its parent company, Disney. This impressive debut includes $155 million from domestic theaters and $140 million from international markets, making it the biggest animated opening of all time when adjusted for exchange rates in like-for-like markets.
“Inside Out 2” has not only exceeded expectations but has also set new records. Domestically, it secured the second-largest animated opening weekend ever, trailing only behind Pixar’s own “Incredibles 2,” which opened to $182.7 million. Internationally, the film broke records across various regions, including Latin America, where it achieved the second-biggest opening of all time, just behind “Avengers: Endgame.” In Mexico alone, the film grossed $30.2 million, while South Korea and the U.K. contributed $14.9 million and $13.9 million, respectively.
The film’s success is a much-needed boost for Pixar, which has faced several challenges in recent years. The decision by the former Disney regime to release several Pixar films directly to streaming platforms had left the studio in a precarious position. However, “Inside Out 2” has proven that Pixar still has the magic touch when it comes to captivating audiences worldwide.
Directed by Kelsey Mann, “Inside Out 2” continues the story of Riley, who is now a teenager. The film introduces new emotions such as Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment, joining the original cast of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust. Amy Poehler reprises her role as Joy, leading a star-studded voice cast that includes Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, and many others.
The film’s strong performance began with $13 million from Thursday evening previews, far surpassing initial expectations. By Friday, it was clear that “Inside Out 2” would open to at least $130 million to $140 million domestically. Rival studios even speculated that the film could reach $150 million, but Disney and Pixar maintained a conservative estimate of $140 million-plus.
The success of “Inside Out 2” has also positively impacted the overall domestic box office revenue, which saw an increase for the first time this year. The film’s release coincided with Father’s Day weekend, contributing to a 30% increase in box office revenue compared to the same weekend in 2024. This resurgence is a welcome change for an industry that has been struggling with strike-related delays and a decline in moviegoing.
In addition to its box office success, “Inside Out 2” has received glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film boasts a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore, with a 96% audience score, the highest ever for a Pixar film. This positive reception suggests that “Inside Out 2” will continue to perform well in the coming weeks.
The film’s success is not just a win for Pixar but also for the broader Hollywood ecosystem. The theatrical exhibition industry has been facing a 26% deficit, and “Inside Out 2” marks the biggest opening since “Barbie” launched to $162 million last July. This strong performance is a testament to the enduring appeal of Pixar’s storytelling and the continued demand for high-quality animated films.
“Inside Out 2” is estimated to have cost around $200 million to produce, not including marketing expenses. Initially, the film was tracking for a debut in the $90 million range, which would have been in line with the first film’s opening weekend. However, the sequel’s performance has far exceeded these expectations, making it the biggest opening of the year and setting a new benchmark for animated films.
The film’s success is also a testament to the enduring appeal of the family audience, who continue to flock to theaters for a shared cinematic experience. With kids out of school and an open market until the release of “Despicable Me 4” over the Fourth of July, “Inside Out 2” is poised to continue its strong performance.
In conclusion, “Inside Out 2” has not only brought joy to audiences worldwide but has also reaffirmed Pixar’s position as a leader in the animation industry. The film’s record-breaking opening weekend is a testament to the studio’s ability to create compelling stories that resonate with audiences of all ages. As the film continues to perform well at the box office, it is clear that Pixar is back on top, and “Inside Out 2” is just the beginning of a new era of success for the beloved animation studio.
