Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” Becomes Highest-Grossing Film of 2024 with $1 Billion in Box Office Revenue

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has joined the prestigious billion-dollar club, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2024. This feat is particularly remarkable considering the challenges faced by the animation industry during the pandemic. With a worldwide box office total of $1.014 billion, “Inside Out 2” has surpassed Warner Bros.’ “Barbie” to become the first animated film since 2019 to achieve such a milestone.

The success of “Inside Out 2” not only celebrates the film itself but also highlights the enduring appeal of compelling and entertaining movies on the big screen. Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, congratulated Disney for this achievement, emphasizing that audiences worldwide still have a strong desire to enjoy movies in theaters.

For Disney’s Pixar animation hub, reaching the billion-dollar mark is a much-needed win. The studio faced difficulties during the pandemic due to Disney’s decision to release several animated features directly on its streaming service, Disney+. This strategy had a significant impact on Pixar’s box office performance, with no film surpassing $480 million globally since 2019. However, “Inside Out 2” has proven that there is still a demand for Pixar’s brand of storytelling on the big screen.

The success of “Inside Out 2” also underscores the importance of the family audience in driving box office numbers. Data from EntTelligence reveals that more than 70% of attendees during the film’s domestic debut were from this underserved demographic. This aligns with the trend seen in other successful family films like Universal’s “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which generated over $1.36 billion globally.

Moreover, “Inside Out 2” successfully attracted the elusive teen demographic, with 14% of foot traffic falling within the 13 to 17 age range. This younger generation has been largely absent from movie theaters in recent years, making their return a top priority for studios and theater operators. Recognizing their potential as the future of moviegoing, the industry is keen to provide them with compelling content that entices them back to the big screen.

Looking ahead, Universal and Illumination’s “Despicable Me 4” is set to captivate both families and teens during the July Fourth holiday weekend. This highly anticipated release is expected to continue the trend of successful family-oriented films, further solidifying the importance of this audience segment.

In conclusion, Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing the billion-dollar mark and becoming the highest-grossing film of 2024. Its success not only represents a win for Pixar but also highlights the enduring appeal of movies in theaters. The film’s ability to attract both the family and teen demographics underscores their importance in driving box office numbers. As the industry strives to recover from the pandemic, capturing the attention of these audiences remains crucial. With upcoming releases like “Despicable Me 4,” the future looks promising for both studios and movie theater operators.