The sequel to Pixar's animated movie has smashed box office records, becoming the year's biggest opening weekend and boosting the theatrical industry after a dismal summer movie season.
- Jun 17, 2024
AceShowbiz - Pixar's long-awaited sequel, "Inside Out 2", has not only lived up to expectations but has also set impressive records since its release. The film began its box office journey with a dominant $155 million in the first weekend across 4,440 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, making it the highest opening weekend of 2024 and the second-biggest opening in Pixar's history, right behind "The Incredibles 2".
The international box office numbers further catapulted the film's success, bringing in an additional $140 million, thus achieving a staggering $295 million globally in just three days. This solidifies "Inside Out 2" as a global phenomenon, much needed for Pixar after its series of lukewarm launches.
John Docter, Pixar's chief, emphasized that the unprecedented success dispelled anxieties brought about by the pandemic, which had trained audiences to watch films at home. With releases like "Soul", "Luca" and "Turning Red" being relegated to Disney+, and subsequent theatrical releases like "Lightyear" and "Elemental" struggling, "Inside Out 2" signifies a robust recovery.
Critics and audiences alike have been charmed by the sequel, directed by Kelsey Mann. The addition of new emotions like Anxiety and Envy, voiced by Maya Hawke and Ayo Edebiri respectively, has resonated well with viewers, earning the film an "A" CinemaScore and a commendable 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film's success is a triumph not just for Pixar, but for the entire theatrical industry, struggling with a 26% deficit before its release. This trend looks promising as cinemas observed palpable excitement among families engaging in generational movie-going experiences.
The impact of "Inside Out 2" extends beyond Pixar, benefiting the entire industry. As Tony Chambers of Disney noted, "Everybody needed this because success begets success." This win is a turning point for the summer box office as well, setting a strong precedent for upcoming heavyweights like "Despicable Me 4" and "Deadpool & Wolverine".
Meanwhile, Sony's "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" also managed a strong showing despite competition, earning $33 million in its second weekend and signaling a healthy box office season. With "Inside Out 2" anchoring this resurgence, the future looks bright for cineplexes and movie enthusiasts globally.
By providing much-needed confidence in theatrical releases, "Inside Out 2" marks a vital step in the revival and continuity of cinema's golden experience.
Top 10 of North American Box Office (Jun. 14-16, 2024):
- "Inside Out 2" - $155 million
- "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" - $33 million
- "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" - $5.2 million
- "The Garfield Movie" - $5 million
- "The Watchers" - $3.7 million
- "IF" - $3.4 million
- "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" - $2.4 million
- "The Fall Guy" - $1.5 million
- "The Strangers: Chapter 1" - $760,000
- "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" 2024 Re-release - $632,910
