Inside Out 2 breaks record with huge opening weekend

Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has shattered box office records this weekend, raking in an estimated $295 million (£232.6 million) globally, according to Disney.

This makes it the highest-grossing opening for an animated film ever. In North America alone, ticket sales reached approximately $155 million, surpassing “Dune: Part Two” to claim the top box office opening weekend of the year.

This milestone is a significant victory for cinemas, which have struggled with underwhelming box office returns for several new releases this year.

The sequel’s opening weekend vastly outperformed the original “Inside Out,” which debuted with $90 million before grossing $858 million worldwide. It ranks as Pixar’s second-best opening in North America, just behind the 2018 release of “The Incredibles 2.” This blockbuster opening provides a much-needed boost for Pixar, following a series of relatively weak performances from some of its recent releases.

“Inside Out 2,” the first sequel to the 2015 Oscar-winning hit, continues the story of Riley and her emotions. While the original film explored feelings such as joy, fear, and anger, the new installment delves into issues like envy and anxiety.

The film’s success is a rare bright spot in an otherwise sluggish summer for the film industry. Typically, a significant portion of annual ticket sales occurs from early May to early September. However, last year’s strikes by actors and screenwriters have resulted in fewer films being ready for release this year. Additionally, the industry continues to face stiff competition from streaming services, both for content and audience attention.

According to media market research firm Comscore, the number of cinema tickets sold in North America so far this year is down by nearly 25% compared to the same period in 2023. This makes “Inside Out 2’s” record-breaking performance even more remarkable, offering a glimmer of hope for the traditional cinema experience amid challenging times.