In a spectacular year for the film industry, Walt Disney stands out as the only studio to surpass $2 billion in box office revenue in the United States during 2024. This success is attributed to three productions that connected with audiences in extraordinary ways: Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2. Each of these films dominated theaters, sparked global conversations, and marked a milestone in the company’s history.
However, a special mention goes to *Inside Out 2*, which with Riley Andersen and her emotions: Anger, Disgust, Sadness, Joy, Fear, Anxiety, Shame, Ennui, and Envy, became a global and cultural phenomenon.
2024, the year of Inside Out 2
Since its release on June 14, 2024, Inside Out 2 has broken box office and Google search records, solidifying itself as the most-watched and searched animated movie of the year.
This Pixar sequel shows us a teenage Riley Andersen dealing with new emotions such as Anxiety, Shame, Envy, and Ennui. With a profound narrative and visually stunning presentation, the film resonated with audiences of all ages, addressing relevant and complex emotional themes.
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Inside Out 2 became a movie that made children laugh and perhaps brought tears to adults. It put emotional well-being and mental health in the spotlight, sparking great interest in everything related to the movie: from merchandising to its new spin-off series.
The cultural impact of Inside Out 2 extended beyond theaters thanks to its successful merchandising. Popcorn buckets, toys, coloring books, and plushies of the emotions were among the most sought-after items, boosting fans’ emotional connection to the story. These strategies not only generated additional revenue but also strengthened the bond between audiences and the brand.
The film grossed $652 million in the United States, making it the highest-grossing animated film in history. In Mexico, it is already the most-watched animated movie historically, with $102,299,578.
Globally, its box office earnings reached $1,698,641,117.
Additionally, it topped the global search rankings according to Google Trends, with terms such as “Inside Out 2,” “Riley Andersen,” and “emotions” among the most prominent.
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Deadpool & Wolverine and Moana 2, Disney’s other successes
While Inside Out 2 takes much of the spotlight, Deadpool & Wolverine is not far behind, with $636 million in box office revenue in the United States and $1,338,073,645 globally.
This crossover between two iconic Marvel characters captivated comic book fans and new audiences alike. On the other hand, Moana 2, released in November, managed to gross $339 million in the U.S. (724,506,810 globally), ranking fifth in the U.S. box office chart.
Dream Productions and the Inside Out universe
Following the overwhelming success of Inside Out 2, Pixar launched the series Dream Productions on Disney Plus, an expansion of the universe centered on the dream creators in Riley’s mind. This project, adopting a mockumentary format, has been a hit on the platform, achieving 5.6 million views in its first five days.
The miniseries explores themes such as creativity and teamwork, introducing endearing characters like Paula Persimmon and Xeni, who face the challenge of creating unforgettable dreams.
What’s next for Disney in 2024: Mufasa…
The year is far from over for Disney. Box office figures are expected to continue rising with the releases of Mufasa: The Lion King Prequel and the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet. These productions promise to close 2024 on a high note, reaffirming Disney’s leadership in the film industry.
