Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the first film of the year to surpass $1 billion at the global box office, per variety.com. Released on June 14, the animated sequel has captivated audiences with its exploration of the teenage mind, introducing new characters like Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke, alongside returning favourites such as Joy, voiced by Amy Poehler.
The film’s stellar performance includes $469.3 million in North America and $545.5 million internationally, making it one of the fastest animated films to reach the billion-dollar mark. Inside Out 2 opened to a staggering $151 million domestically, outperforming major releases like Dune: Part 2 and setting records as the highest-grossing movie of 2024.
Directed by Kelsey Mann in his feature debut, the sequel revisits Riley, now a teenager, as she navigates new emotions during a summer at hockey camp. The film’s success is attributed to its universal appeal, positive word-of-mouth, and the enduring popularity of the original Inside Out.
Michael O’Leary, president of the National Association of Theatre Owners, praised the film’s success, highlighting it as a beacon of hope for theatres and a testament to audiences’ desire for compelling cinematic experiences.