Disney and Pixar's "Inside Out 2" has proven to be a major success at the global box office, potentially becoming the first film since Warner Bros.' "Barbie" to surpass $1 billion in earnings. The animated feature has already reached $724.4 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2024 thus far. With its upcoming release in Japan, the film's total earnings are expected to continue to climb.
The success of "Inside Out 2" comes after a challenging period for both Walt Disney Animation and Pixar, as the companies struggled to regain traction at the box office following the pandemic. However, the film's ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, as well as its strong appeal to family audiences, has contributed to its box office success.
The film's performance in its second weekend, which saw a drop of only 35% in ticket sales, is notable in comparison to the typical 50% to 70% drop experienced by most films. Additionally, "Inside Out 2" has attracted the teen demographic back to cinemas, a group that has been largely absent from the market in recent years.
Overall, the film's success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its meaningful storyline, the goodwill towards the original film, Disney and Pixar's brand appeal, and pent-up demand for family-friendly entertainment. The strong performance of "Inside Out 2" is not only a win for Disney and Pixar but also a positive sign for the industry as a whole, as it signals a resurgence in moviegoing and the potential for future box office successes.