Move over Anxiety, because Joy is back and better than ever! Pixar’s "Inside Out 2" has taken the box office by storm, raking in an astounding $155 million in its opening weekend. Not only did this sequel surpass expectations, but it also set new records, proving that Pixar's magic is here to stay.
Who would have thought? "Inside Out 2" didn’t just meet projections; it obliterated them! With a jaw-dropping $155 million debut in the U.S. and a whopping $140 million internationally, it’s the biggest animated opening since "Frozen 2." Riley and her emotional entourage are definitely feeling the love worldwide.
This win couldn’t have come at a better time for Pixar. After a rough patch with films like "Turning Red," "Soul," and "Luca" going straight to Disney+, and the less-than-stellar performances of "Lightyear" and "Elemental," the studio needed a hit. Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief, pointed out that audiences got a bit too comfy watching their movies at home. But guess what? Families are now flocking back to theaters to experience the full emotional rollercoaster on the big screen.
Theaters have been in dire need of a blockbuster, especially after the slow start to 2024. Thanks to "Inside Out 2," this past weekend was the first in 2024 to see total box office sales surpass $200 million. That’s a massive win for cinemas everywhere, bringing the year-to-date box office deficit down significantly.
Critics and audiences alike are loving "Inside Out 2." With an "A" CinemaScore and a 92% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s clear that Riley’s new emotional adventures—featuring Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Nostalgia—are resonating with everyone. Directed by Kelsey Mann, this sequel has managed to capture the hearts of both kids and adults, almost a decade after the original film’s release.
The success of "Inside Out 2" is setting the stage for an exciting summer. Big titles like "A Quiet Place: Day One," "Despicable Me 4," and "Deadpool & Wolverine" are just around the corner, and if the momentum from "Inside Out 2" is any indication, we’re in for a treat.
Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax, is thrilled with the turnout, especially since "Inside Out 2" brought in $14.5 million from premium screens alone. He believes this is just the beginning of a major post-strike comeback for theaters.
This heartwarming sequel proves that Pixar’s magic still reigns supreme, drawing families out of their living rooms and back into the cinematic experience.