In a dazzling return to the top, Disney’s latest release, “Inside Out 2,” has leaped into the record books, surpassing $1.46 billion in global ticket sales. This milestone propels it to the status of the highest-grossing animated film ever, eclipsing the previous champion, Disney’s own “Frozen II.” And there’s more to come—Japan has yet to see the film, a market that played a significant role in the success of the original “Inside Out,” contributing nearly $33 million to its $850.5 million global tally.
This monumental success is a welcomed resurgence for Disney, especially given the rollercoaster ride the company has experienced with its animated offerings over recent years. Pixar, in particular, has faced a challenging landscape in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The shift to streaming platforms like Disney+ during lockdowns, and even after cinemas reopened, meant many of Disney’s animated gems missed out on the big-screen magic that has traditionally driven their financial success.
Preceding “Inside Out 2,” Disney’s animated releases struggled to hit high notes at the box office, with none of Pixar’s or Walt Disney Animation Studio’s features surpassing $480 million globally since 2019. It’s a notable shift from the golden years of animated blockbusters.
With “Inside Out 2” now setting the bar high, Disney seems poised to recapture its place at the forefront of animated film innovation and commercial success, proving once again that magic and imagination can indeed triumph at the box office.
(Source: Deadline)
