Inside Out 2 continues 2024 domination long after cinema release
The highly anticipated animated sequel, Inside Out 2, has been making waves since its debut on Disney+ on 25 September. Surpassing all expectations, the film has become a box office phenomenon, grossing an impressive $1.6bn (£1.2bn) globally. The sequel follows 13-year-old Riley as she navigates new emotions such as Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment, alongside the original characters Joy, Fear, and Anger. The star-studded cast includes Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, and Amy Poehler, with newcomers Tony Hale and Liza Lapira taking on pivotal roles.
Transitioning from cinemas to streaming, Inside Out 2 has become the most-watched film from Walt Disney Animation Studios on the Disney+ platform since the release of Encanto in 2021. Deadline has reported that the movie has broken records as the top film premiere of all time in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.
Upon its theatrical release on 14 June, Inside Out 2 made an impressive $295m (£221m) at the global box office, instantly propelling it to become the third highest-grossing animated film ever. Since then, it has surpassed blockbusters like Frozen II and 2019’s The Lion King, securing its position as the highest-grossing animated movie to date.
In the realm of 2024 box office hits, Inside Out 2 has outperformed even superhero favourites like Deadpool and Wolverine, amassing over $1.3bn in revenue. Comparatively, other summer releases like Alien: Romulus and It Ends With Us have achieved around $300m (£228m) each.
The film’s success knows no bounds, as it currently sits as the eighth highest-grossing film of all time, overtaking classics like The Lion King and Jurassic World. Surpassing the original 2015 film, Inside Out, the sequel’s global earnings have set a new benchmark in the world of animated movies.
Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, praised Inside Out 2’s monumental achievement, stating, “The film’s stunning global success once again illustrates that audiences the world over will respond to compelling, entertaining movies, and that they want to enjoy them on the big screen.”
Inside Out 2’s enduring popularity and record-breaking success serve as a testament to the lasting impact of captivating storytelling and resonant characters in the world of animated cinema.