Critics laud “Inside Out 2” for its genuine depiction of adolescent emotions, resonating deeply with audiences.
On June 23rd, Variety reported that “Inside Out 2” amassed $724 million globally, surpassing “Dune: Part Two” to become the year’s highest-grossing film. With its current ticket sales momentum, it is poised to be the first movie of the year to cross the $1 billion threshold.
In terms of quality, the film earned an A on Cinemascore. On Rotten Tomatoes, both critics and viewers gave it a “fresh” rating exceeding 90%, making it a contender for the Best Animated Feature category at the 2025 Oscars.
The trailer premiered domestically on June 14th. According to Box Office Vietnam, the film has so far grossed over 54 billion VND. Video: Walt Disney Studios Vietnam
ScreenRant attributes part of the project’s success to the influence of the first film. The narrative revolves around Riley’s life, guided by her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear. These five personified emotions steer Riley’s actions.
Pixar’s distinctive storytelling lies in its portrayal of everyday experiences, such as the awkwardness of adjusting to new environments, teenage family conflicts, and the stumbles of early life, all expressed through core emotions. Through various scenarios, the characters learn the importance of allowing themselves to feel sadness instead of resisting it.
The sequel continues to explore human nature and the significance of emotions. It captures Riley’s attempts to navigate the turmoil of adolescence. As she matures, Riley seeks to explore the world and find her place in it, causing friction with her family and peers, and even abandoning hobbies to fit in with new friends.
While children’s TV shows and movies typically deliver simple lessons that mistakes don’t define a person, “Inside Out 2” expands on this, delving into the essence of negative emotions like anxiety, sadness, and jealousy, and exploring how they influence thoughts, actions, and relationships.
The film addresses various aspects of growing up, encouraging audiences to confront and understand their true selves. By telling the story of a teenage girl, the movie opens up a complex world, illustrating how emotions profoundly shape human behavior.
Initially, Riley often thinks, “I am a good person,” or “I am brave.” As the film progresses, guided by her emotions, she recognizes the importance of balancing her mood, leading to thoughts like, “I am brave, but sometimes I am afraid,” or “I am a good person, but sometimes I am selfish.”
“These details evoke empathy from the audience, helping young people see that anxiety and depression are normal parts of character development,” ScreenRant writes.
Several film sites find “Inside Out 2” appealing to all ages. According to Variety, the movie speaks to the human desire for acceptance and recognition. It encourages viewers to embrace experiences and learn from mistakes, while appreciating imperfection. Time magazine notes that during the opening week, the largest viewing demographic was under 12 (23%), with 18% aged 18-24, and 19% aged 25-34.
In recent years, Disney has leveraged marketing to attract a wide audience. The studio releases teaser videos revealing key plot points. For instance, the “Inside Out 2” teaser trailer introduced the character of Anxiety without divulging crucial details. ScreenRant believes these teasers provide a broad concept of the film without revealing the main content, sparking curiosity among viewers.
While superhero films have seen a box office slowdown in recent years, animated projects continue to dominate, setting the stage for “Inside Out 2.” This genre is ideal for family viewing, with ticket sales rising as parents take their children to see these films.
Last year, animated features in the global top 10 included “Super Mario Bros.” (first place), “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (sixth), and “Elemental” (tenth). Similarly, besides “Inside Out 2,” this year saw three animated films in the top 10 highest-grossing films of the first half of the year, including “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “The Garfield Movie,” and “IF.” Disney is also set to release animated projects such as “Moana 2” (scheduled for domestic release on November 29th) and “Mufasa: The Lion King” (December 20th).
Moreover, “Inside Out 2” faced little competition upon its release. In June, only a few Hollywood films hit theaters, like “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “A Quiet Place: Day One.”
“Inside Out” premiered in 2015, directed by Pete Docter, and achieved both critical and commercial success. The film won the 2016 Oscar for Best Animated Feature, grossing $858.8 million worldwide. The sequel is set two years after the events of the 2015 film, with Riley now 13 years old and experiencing significant emotional and psychological changes. As Riley transfers to a new school, her emotions clash over how to manage their host’s mood.
As Riley transitions to her new school environment, her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear—each vie for dominance in navigating this pivotal stage of her adolescence. The nuanced portrayal of these inner conflicts not only enriches the narrative but also resonates deeply with audiences who have experienced similar tumultuous periods.
The film delves into Riley’s struggles with fitting in, finding her identity, and balancing familial expectations with her burgeoning desire for independence. Joy, ever the optimist, tries to keep Riley’s spirits high, while Sadness, more introspective, encourages her to process the inevitable disappointments that come with growing up. Disgust offers a critical perspective on social norms and peer pressure, Anger channels her frustrations into assertive actions, and Fear safeguards her from potential pitfalls.
“Inside Out 2” captures these dynamics with a blend of humor and poignancy, illustrating how each emotion plays a vital role in Riley’s development. The film’s success lies in its ability to present these themes in a way that is both accessible to younger audiences and profoundly relatable to adults.
The sequel’s storyline not only follows Riley but also expands on the emotional journeys of other characters. Her parents, portrayed with more depth, grapple with their own anxieties and hopes for Riley’s future. This multi-layered approach allows the film to explore generational perspectives on emotional well-being and personal growth.
Furthermore, the animation’s visual artistry complements the narrative complexity. Pixar’s signature style—vivid, expressive, and imaginative—brings the characters and their inner worlds to life. The creative depiction of the mind’s landscapes, from bustling brain headquarters to the abstract thought realms, offers a visually engaging experience that enhances the storytelling.
“Inside Out 2” also addresses the broader societal context of mental health. By normalizing the conversation around negative emotions and their impact, the film contributes to a growing movement that encourages emotional literacy and resilience. It subtly educates viewers on the importance of acknowledging and healthily managing emotions, promoting a message of self-compassion and empathy.
As the film continues to break box office records and receive critical acclaim, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that combines entertainment with meaningful insights into the human condition. “Inside Out 2” is more than just a sequel; it is a poignant exploration of the intricate tapestry of emotions that define our lives, presented with the creativity and heart that Pixar is renowned for.
In summary, “Inside Out 2” transcends the typical animated film framework by offering a rich, multi-dimensional narrative that appeals to both children and adults. Its success is a reflection of its ability to touch on universal themes of growth, identity, and emotional complexity with authenticity and depth. As audiences around the world continue to engage with Riley’s journey, the film reinforces the enduring impact of understanding and embracing our full emotional spectrum.