Disney/Pixar’s animated film sequel Inside Out 2 (pictured) broke domestic and international box-office records this weekend, earning US$155 million at home and US$295 million worldwide. This is the biggest opening weekend so far this year, and the second-biggest opening weekend of all time for an animated movie, with top honors belonging to Pixar’s Incredibles 2 (2018). 

The follow-up blew past original film Inside Out (2015), which opened to US$90 million and eventually earned US$858 million worldwide. It resonated strongly with kids and families and started a lot of conversations about emotions and wellness. And according to Pixar chief creative officer and film director Pete Doctor, this motivated the studio to make the sequel, which continues its protagonist’s emotional journey through puberty 

Inside Out 2‘s strong showing this weekend is a major shot in arm for the movie industry, which has seen sluggish box-office returns so far this year. Memorial Day weekend, for example, posted its lowest ticket sales since 1995. (Interestingly, Kidscreen readers foresaw the film’s success, with 26.4% of respondents to a spring poll predicting it would be the first 2024 kids movie to crack US$500 million at the box office). 

Animation producers and creatives are already rallying behind this hit-in-the-making as a signal of the resilience of an industry that continues to struggle with layoffs, studio closures and a tighter financing landscape. 

Disney already has more plans to expand the franchise with a new spinoff series called Dream Productions in the works for Disney+. Due out in spring 2025, it will revolve around the studio inside teenager Riley’s mind that creates her dreams at night.