Pixar’s latest animated sensation, ‘Inside Out 2’, continues its meteoric rise at the global box office, setting new benchmarks in its second weekend. The film soared to a staggering $100 million in the United States alone, securing its place as the highest-grossing movie of the year with a total global haul of $724.4 million. Surpassing even ‘Dune: Part Two’, which held the top spot briefly with $711 million, ‘Inside Out 2’ has captivated audiences worldwide with its imaginative storytelling and emotional depth.
Centered around the inner workings of a young girl’s mind, the sequel has not only charmed critics but also defied box office norms. It joins a rarefied group of films that have earned over $90 million in their second domestic weekend, cementing its status as a powerhouse in the animation genre. Domestically, it posted the largest second-weekend gross for an animated film and ranks seventh overall, standing shoulder to shoulder with cinematic giants like the Avengers and Star Wars franchises.
In North America, ‘Inside Out 2’ demonstrated remarkable staying power, experiencing a mere 35% drop in ticket sales, the best hold for any blockbuster opening above $150 million. Internationally, it pulled in an impressive $164.4 million during its second weekend, maintaining strong momentum with only a 22% decline. The film achieved record-breaking debuts in key markets like Brazil and Spain, underscoring its universal appeal.
For Pixar, ‘Inside Out 2’ marks a triumphant return to form, poised to become the first billion-dollar grosser since ‘Barbie’. Its success, alongside other hits like Sony’s ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’, has injected new life into the box office landscape after a challenging period. Overall domestic revenues have seen consecutive weekend increases for the first time this year, signaling a robust recovery in theatrical attendance.
Elsewhere in the box office standings, ‘Bad Boys 4’ held steady in second place with $18.8 million, nearing the $150 million mark domestically. New entries like Focus Features and New Regency’s ‘The Bikeriders’, directed by Jeff Nichols, debuted impressively with $10 million, drawing in older male demographics across the country. However, Russell Crowe’s ‘The Exorcism’ struggled with a lackluster opening of $2.4 million, highlighting varied audience reactions in the competitive market.
In the specialty segment, Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘Kinds of Kindness’ made waves with a remarkable per-theater average of $70,000 in limited release, marking a standout achievement for independent cinema this year. Meanwhile, Magnolia’s wide release of ‘Thelma’ grossed a respectable $2.2 million, underscoring continued interest in niche offerings.
As ‘Inside Out 2’ continues to enchant audiences worldwide, its unprecedented success not only reaffirms Pixar’s storytelling prowess but also sets a high bar for future animated blockbusters. With major markets still on the horizon, including Asia and Europe, the film’s journey to the billion-dollar club seems increasingly assured, promising a lasting impact on the global cinematic landscape.
