In a stunning achievement for Disney/Pixar, Inside Out 2 has surpassed the 2019 remake of The Lion King at the global box office, cementing its place as one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The sequel, which hit U.S. theaters on June 14, 2024, has garnered an impressive $1.666 billion worldwide, edging out The Lion King‘s $1.6569 billion haul.
Inside Out 2: A Box Office Triumph
Inside Out 2 has taken the world by storm, and as of September 1, 2024, it holds the ninth spot on the list of the highest-grossing films ever. The movie’s financial success is even more remarkable considering its budget of $200 million, making it a more cost-effective venture than The Lion King remake, which had a production budget between $250 and $260 million.
This box office milestone is a testament to the enduring appeal of Inside Out. The original film, released in 2015, earned $858.8 million globally. The sequel’s significant increase in earnings reflects Disney’s successful strategy of developing sequels, spin-offs, and remakes that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Inside Out 2 vs. The Lion King: A New Era of Success
The race to the top of the box office has always been fierce, but Inside Out 2’s triumph over The Lion King remake is particularly noteworthy. The 2019 remake was a major success for Disney, but Inside Out 2 has now taken its place in the top ten highest-grossing films of all time. While Avatar (2009) remains the reigning champion with $2.923 billion, Inside Out 2’s achievement showcases the power of original storytelling and character-driven narratives in capturing the hearts of audiences.
A Blockbuster Summer for Disney
The success of Inside Out 2 is just one highlight of what has been an incredible summer for Disney. The studio has dominated the box office with a series of high-profile releases. In addition to Inside Out 2, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (through 20th Century Studios) made close to $400 million worldwide, while Deadpool & Wolverine and Alien: Romulus continue to perform strongly in theaters, with $1.258 billion and $283.5 million respectively.
Disney’s diverse slate of films this summer—from the action-packed Deadpool & Wolverine to the emotionally resonant Kinds of Kindness (Searchlight Pictures)—demonstrates the studio’s ability to cater to a wide range of audiences, ensuring its continued dominance in the global box office.
The Future of Inside Out
With the overwhelming success of Inside Out 2, Disney and Pixar have once again proven their mastery in creating films that resonate deeply with audiences of all ages. The sequel’s box office performance suggests that there is still plenty of love for the world of Inside Out, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more stories from this beloved universe in the future.
As Inside Out 2 continues to capture hearts and break records, fans can look forward to what Disney and Pixar have in store next. The future looks bright for this iconic franchise, and its recent success is a clear indication that the magic of Inside Out is far from over.
