"Inside Out 2" Scores Massive $155 Million Opening

Hollywood’s summer movie anxieties gave way to joy this weekend with the massive debut of Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2.”

With an estimated $140 million from international showings, “Inside Out 2” had a staggering, and record-breaking, $295 million global start. I Imag: Disney

The animated sequel earned $155 million in ticket sales from 4,440 theaters in the US and Canada, according to studio estimates, Lindsey Bahr reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Not only is it the second-highest opening weekend in Pixar’s 29 years of making films and the second-biggest animated opening ever (behind only the $182.7 million launch of “Incredibles 2” in 2018), it’s also the biggest of 2024, and since “Barbie.”

With an estimated $140 million from international showings, “Inside Out 2” had a staggering, and record-breaking, $295 million global start.

Tony Chambers, who heads theatrical distribution for Disney, was confident that the film would do “extremely well.” But even he was surprised at how much it exceeded already high expectations.

“People go to the theaters for great movies,” Chambers said.

“The reviews, the word of mouth just helped build this momentum … It’s becoming a bit of a phenomenon.” Importantly, “Inside Out 2” audiences spanned ages and all demographics.

Post-COVID, he said, breakout successes depend on attracting multicultural audiences.