The highly anticipated sequel, Inside Out 2, has officially surpassed Frozen 2 to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time. This achievement solidifies its position as a landmark success in the international box office, setting new records in the process.
As of the latest reports, Inside Out 2 has amassed over $1 billion in international box office receipts, a feat unmatched by any other animated film to date. According to Deadline, the film led the international box office last week, outperforming major releases such as Alien: Romulus ($152.8 million), Despicable Me 4 ($537.1 million), and Deadpool & Wolverine ($634.1 million). With its current international earnings at $1.003 billion, and global earnings at $1.649 billion, Inside Out 2 has nearly doubled the global gross of its predecessor, which earned $858.8 million in 2015. The film now ranks as the 10th highest-grossing movie of all time, just behind the live-action remake of The Lion King ($1.663 billion).
A Sequel Nine Years in the Making
Since its release in June 2024, Inside Out 2 has shattered multiple box office records. It recorded the largest opening week for an animated movie, pulling in $295 million globally, and crossed the billion-dollar mark within just 19 days. It also holds the title of the highest-grossing film of 2024 so far. The long-awaited sequel, arriving nine years after the original, capitalized on the enduring fan anticipation, with audiences eager to see Riley’s story continue into adolescence. The film’s critical acclaim and positive reception have only fueled its impressive box office performance.
Hints of a Third Installment on the Horizon
With the runaway success of Inside Out 2, talk of a third installment is already underway. In an interview with Fandango, Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter hinted at the possibility of continuing the story. “We’re in the early stages, much like we were after the first Inside Out,” Docter said. “We’re just brainstorming ideas at this point. There’s a vast world we’ve only partially explored, and there’s so much more to discover.”
Docter also mentioned that several concepts from the first and second movies, which were ultimately left out for thematic reasons, could find their place in a potential Inside Out 3. For instance, the sequel originally planned to introduce nine new emotions, including a significant role for the emotion Shame, but these ideas were set aside to maintain the story’s coherence. Cast members, including Kensington Tallman (who voiced Riley in the sequel) and Amy Poehler, have shared their hopes for exploring these new emotions in future installments.
The Road Ahead for Inside Out 2
As Inside Out 2 continues its record-breaking run, the prospect of another sequel looms large. Fans and creators alike are excited about the potential to delve deeper into Riley’s emotional journey and the vibrant world within her mind. Whether or not a third film materializes, Inside Out 2 has already cemented its place in cinematic history as a groundbreaking achievement in animated storytelling.