Photo Credit: Disney
Hollywood breathed a collective sigh of relief this weekend as Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” smashed box office expectations with a massive $155 million debut across 4,440 theaters in the U.S. and Canada. This success not only marks the second-highest opening weekend in Pixar’s history but also positions it as the second-biggest animated opening ever, trailing only behind “Incredibles 2” which launched with $182.7 million in 2018.
Globally, the film added another $140 million, bringing its total to a staggering $295 million, the highest opening weekend worldwide for 2024 thus far. This overwhelming response signals a significant comeback for Pixar, which had faced challenges with recent releases like “Elemental” and “Lightyear.” The sequel, directed by Kelsey Mann, continues the story of Riley, now 13, introducing new emotions like Anxiety, Ennui, Envy, and Embarrassment, voiced by talents such as Maya Hawke and Ayo Edebiri.
The film’s success extends beyond Pixar, offering a much-needed boost to the broader Hollywood landscape. Theatrical exhibition has been struggling, operating at a 26% deficit before this weekend. The strong performance of “Inside Out 2” follows the momentum set by “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which earned $33 million in its second weekend, further lifting the summer box office.
Critics and audiences alike have responded positively to the film, earning it a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A CinemaScore, indicating strong word-of-mouth potential as kids head into summer vacation. With minimal competition until the release of “Despicable Me 4” in early July, “Inside Out 2” is poised to dominate theaters for weeks to come.
This success also underscores Pixar’s strategic shift back to theatrical releases after a period of prioritizing streaming during the pandemic. Films like “Soul,” “Luca,” and “Turning Red” were released directly to Disney+, which had diminished Pixar’s box office presence. The return to theaters is a welcome change for audiences and industry insiders alike, signaling a promising future for both Pixar and the wider animation genre.
As theaters fill with families and excitement builds, “Inside Out 2” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted animated stories, offering hope for a robust cinematic summer ahead.
