Disney is celebrating a new milestone as “Inside Out 2” surpasses “Frozen II” to become the highest-grossing animated film in history. After six weeks in theaters, “Inside Out 2” has achieved remarkable success, grossing $601 million domestically and $861 million internationally, for a global total of $1.46 billion.
“Frozen II,” released in 2019, previously held the record with $1.45 billion, surpassing the original “Frozen” from 2013. While Disney’s 2019 remake of “The Lion King” earned $1.65 billion, it is categorized as live-action due to its computer-generated animation and does not compete in the animated film rankings.
Box Office Records- Inside Out 2

- Global Ticket Sales: “Inside Out 2” overtook “Barbie” ($1.446 billion) to become the 13th-highest-grossing movie of all time.
- Fastest to $1 Billion: It is the fastest animated film to reach the $1 billion mark, doing so in just 19 days.
- Highest-Grossing Movie of 2024: It is currently the highest-grossing movie of the year and the only 2024 release to join the billion-dollar club.
Factors Behind Success
Several factors contributed to the theatrical success of “Inside Out 2”:
- Goodwill for the Original: The success of the original 2015 film, which grossed $858 million globally, created a strong foundation for the sequel.
- Stellar Word-of-Mouth: Positive reviews from critics and audiences bolstered ticket sales.
- Four-Quadrant Appeal: The film’s broad appeal across different demographics, including children, teenagers, adults, and families, ensured a wide audience.
Plot and Production

The PG-rated “Inside Out 2,” with a production cost of $200 million, reinvigorated Pixar’s box office performance. The sequel revisits the mind of a now-teenaged Riley, with familiar emotions like Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), and Anger (Lewis Black) leading the narrative. New emotions, such as Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Nostalgia (June Squibb), add to the mix as Riley heads to summer camp, bringing a fresh and chaotic dynamic to the story.
Conclusion
“Inside Out 2” has not only set new records but also reaffirmed Pixar’s ability to create compelling, emotionally resonant stories that captivate global audiences. Its unprecedented box office performance underscores the enduring appeal of well-crafted animated films.