Disney and Pixar made a significant impact at the box office this past weekend with the debut of “Inside Out 2,” which brought in an estimated $155 million domestically. This marks the second-highest theatrical opening of an animated film, with the first film to achieve this milestone since Warner Bros.’ “Barbie.” Notably, Disney does not classify its 2019 live-action remake of “The Lion King,” which had a $191.7 million debut, as an animated film. In total, “Inside Out 2” is expected to generate $295 million globally for its opening weekend. Shawn Robbins, the founder of Box Office Theory, stated, “Let’s issue a collective ‘welcome back’ to Disney, Pixar, and the summer box office.”
A Return to the Box Office for Pixar and Disney
After a challenging period where both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation struggled to regain momentum at the box office following pandemic restrictions, “Inside Out 2” served as a turning point. Disney had chosen to release several animated features directly on Disney+, conditioning parents to look for new Disney content on streaming platforms rather than in theaters. Additionally, some viewers felt that Disney’s content had become too introspective and focused on social issues that were beyond the comprehension of children. Shawn Robbins highlighted the significance of “Inside Out 2’s” successful launch as a refreshing change for the studios amidst recent narratives about their struggles.
“Inside Out 2” became the fifth Pixar film to exceed $100 million in North America during its opening weekend, ranking as the second-highest opening weekend for the studio after “The Incredibles 2.” Approximately 12 million moviegoers attended screenings of the film, demonstrating a significant win for theaters and Pixar alike. Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst at Comscore, remarked, “This is clearly a big win for theaters and an even bigger win for Pixar.”
The theatrical industry confronted several setbacks this year, including fewer film releases due to production shutdowns and labor strikes. Overall, there was a 26% decline in ticket sales compared to 2023 and a 42% drop from 2019 levels. The absence of major Marvel Cinematic Universe titles also contributed to the decline, with potential ramifications for the entire year’s box office revenue. Despite some successful films like “Dune: Part Two” and “Kung Fu Panda 4,” the industry struggled to maintain a consistent pace of releases and ticket sales in 2024.
“Inside Out 2” emerges as a bright spot in the box office landscape for 2024, achieving the highest domestic debut compared to other films such as “Dune: Part Two.” While questions remain about evolving consumer behavior and the impact of streaming strategies on traditional moviegoing patterns, the success of “Inside Out 2” underscores the enduring appeal of Disney and Pixar films. It paves the way for upcoming releases like Marvel’s “Deadpool and Wolverine,” which is anticipated to draw strong opening weekend numbers and sustain ticket sales throughout its theatrical run.
The performance of “Inside Out 2” represents a significant achievement for Disney, Pixar, and the theatrical industry as a whole. It not only demonstrates the enduring popularity of animated films but also signals a potential resurgence for box office revenue in the coming months. With promising titles on the horizon, such as “Deadpool and Wolverine,” audiences can look forward to captivating cinema experiences and a revitalized theatrical landscape.