Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has recently joined the exclusive billion-dollar club in terms of box office earnings. Surpassing $1.014 billion worldwide, the animated feature has become the highest-grossing film of 2024 and the first film since Warner Bros.’ “Barbie” to achieve such a milestone. The immense success of “Inside Out 2” has been acknowledged by industry professionals, with Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, praising the film for reaching $1 billion in record time for an animated movie.
This billion-dollar benchmark represents a significant triumph for Disney’s Pixar animation hub, which has faced challenges at the box office in recent years. The studio, renowned for its successful animated productions, encountered setbacks during the pandemic, as several of its films were released directly on Disney+ instead of in theaters. Prior to “Inside Out 2,” no Disney animated feature, whether from Pixar or Walt Disney Animation, had surpassed $480 million at the global box office since 2019. The success of “Inside Out 2” has highlighted the importance of engaging the family audience in driving box office success.
One of the key factors contributing to the success of “Inside Out 2” was its ability to attract specific audience segments, notably families and teenagers. The family demographic played a crucial role in the film’s box office performance, comprising more than 70% of the audience during its domestic debut. This underrepresented audience segment had limited options for entertainment until the release of films like Sony’s “The Garfield Movie” and Paramount’s “IF.” Additionally, “Inside Out 2” successfully drew in teenagers, with 14% of the audience coming from the 13 to 17 age group. Reconnecting with younger audiences has become a priority for the film industry, as they represent the future of moviegoing.
With the remarkable achievement of “Inside Out 2” under its belt, Disney and Pixar are poised to continue their winning streak in the animated film category. Upcoming releases, such as Universal and Illumination’s “Despicable Me 4,” are expected to further engage family audiences and teenagers, driving box office success during the holiday season. The ability to resonate with diverse audience segments and deliver compelling storytelling will be essential for sustaining the momentum gained from the success of “Inside Out 2.”