Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has emerged as a box office powerhouse, becoming the first film of 2024 to surpass the $1 billion mark in global ticket sales. The animated sequel achieved this milestone in just 19 days, setting a new speed record for animated films and injecting much-needed energy into a sluggish movie industry.
Disney’s executive vice president of theatrical distribution, Tony Chambers, celebrated the achievement, highlighting its significance for both the studio and the broader film industry. The movie’s success demonstrates the enduring appeal of high-quality animated features and the willingness of global audiences to return to theaters for compelling content.
Prior to “Inside Out 2’s” release on June 16, the 2024 domestic box office had been lagging significantly behind 2023’s performance. However, the film’s tremendous success has helped narrow this gap, with year-over-year deficit shrinking from 27% to 19%, according to Comscore senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian.
The animated sequel joins an elite group of Disney and Pixar films that have crossed the $1 billion threshold, including “The Incredibles 2,” “Finding Dory,” both “Frozen” movies, and the final two “Toy Story” installments. It’s also the first movie to reach this milestone since “Barbie” in July 2023.
Despite the impressive performance of “Inside Out 2,” industry projections for the overall 2024 domestic box office remain cautious. Daniel Loria of Box Office Pro estimates a total between $8.1 billion and $8.4 billion, down from 2023’s post-pandemic high of over $9 billion. However, Loria remains optimistic about the potential for further recovery in the second half of the year.
The success of “Inside Out 2” underscores the crucial role of movie theaters in the film industry ecosystem and demonstrates that when compelling content is available, audiences will respond enthusiastically. As the industry looks ahead to the remainder of 2024 and beyond, the hope is that this blockbuster success will pave the way for a stronger box office performance and a continued resurgence of the global cinema landscape.
CNN
