Inside Out 2 becomes first movie of 2024 to top $1bn at global box office

Inside Out has become the first film of the year to take over $1bn worldwide, becoming the highest grossing film of the year.

It is the first to reach the milestone since Warner Brothers’ movie Barbie last year, gaining the accolade faster than any animated film in history.

It has held the top spot at the box office for the last three weekends, following its release on 14 June.

The Pixar and Walt Disney collaboration is about a young girl called Riley, and the emotions she experiences as she learns and grows (Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust).

Following the success of the first movie, which was released in 2015, the sequel introduces new emotions into the mix – Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment – as Riley becomes a teenager.

The Disney Pixar movie has helped entice the coveted teen demographic (13-17) back into the auditorium.

‘Audiences will respond to compelling, entertaining movies’

The voice cast includes Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke and Kensington Tallman, and is directed by Kelsey Mann.

Commenting on the achievement, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners Michael O’Leary said: “On behalf of movie theatre owners across the country and around the world, we want to congratulate Disney’s Inside Out 2 for grossing $1bn faster than any animated movie in history.

“The film’s stunning global success once again illustrates that audiences the world over will respond to compelling, entertaining movies, and that they want to enjoy them on the big screen.”

The movie is one of only 11 animated movies to make over $1bn, joining hits including Finding Dory, Frozen and its sequel, and the final two Toy Story instalments.

The next big family film out this year is Universal and Illumination’s Despicable Me 4, which comes to the UK in July, and stars Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Joey King.

Inside Out 2 is in UK cinemas now.