“Inside Out 2,” the highly anticipated sequel from Disney-Pixar, has achieved a remarkable milestone by surpassing $1 billion at the international box office. This feat places it among an elite group of only 12 films that have ever reached this coveted benchmark through overseas ticket sales alone. More impressively, it stands as the first-ever animated film to achieve this honor, cementing its place in cinematic history.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
While 55 films have grossed $1 billion globally, encompassing both domestic and international markets, only a dozen have reached that figure solely through international sales. Until “Inside Out 2,” all but one of these films were live-action, with Disney’s 2019 “The Lion King” technically categorized as a live-action remake despite its computer-generated imagery. This makes “Inside Out 2” the first true animated release to join this exclusive club, highlighting its global appeal.
The film’s success across diverse markets has been staggering. The top-performing international territories include Mexico ($102.2 million), Brazil ($80 million), the United Kingdom ($72.7 million), France ($62.6 million), and South Korea ($60.8 million). These figures underscore the film’s universal resonance, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The Year’s Biggest Blockbuster
With a global gross of $1.649 billion, “Inside Out 2” is not only the highest-grossing film of the year but also the highest-grossing animated film in history, surpassing the previous record-holder, “Frozen II.” The film’s domestic earnings contribute $646.3 million to its overall haul, while the international market accounts for $1.002 billion, reflecting its widespread popularity.
Disney has enjoyed a particularly successful summer, with “Inside Out 2” leading the charge alongside another billion-dollar hit, the Marvel superhero sequel “Deadpool & Wolverine.” However, while “Deadpool & Wolverine” has generated a respectable $634.1 million internationally, its R-rating limits its audience, making the family-friendly appeal of “Inside Out 2” a clear advantage in reaching a broader demographic.
Comparative Success in the Disney Portfolio
“Deadpool & Wolverine,” with $1.21 billion in total global earnings, currently stands as the eighth-highest-grossing installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is on track to overtake “Iron Man 3” ($1.215 billion) and claim the seventh spot in the MCU hierarchy. However, the scale of “Inside Out 2’s” success, particularly in the international market, highlights the enduring power of animated storytelling.
Disney’s strong box office performance this year extends beyond these two films. Another major release, “Alien: Romulus,” has also contributed to the studio’s success. The latest installment in the iconic sci-fi horror franchise added $41.6 million internationally and $57.8 million globally over the weekend, bringing its worldwide total to $225.4 million. The film’s performance in China, where it has grossed $73.3 million, underscores its appeal in one of the world’s most significant markets.
New Releases Struggle to Make an Impact
While Disney’s major releases have dominated the box office, other new films have struggled to find their footing. “Blink Twice,” a psychological thriller directed by Zoe Kravitz in her directorial debut, opened to a disappointing $6.7 million from 73 overseas territories. With a global debut of $14 million, the film faces an uphill battle to recoup its $20 million budget, not including the cost of reshoots.
Lionsgate’s “The Crow” reboot fared even worse, generating just $3.8 million from 44 international markets and a meager $4.6 million domestically, for a total of $8.5 million globally. The film, a reimagining of the 1994 cult classic, stars Bill Skarsgård as a resurrected musician seeking revenge. Despite its $50 million production budget, the film’s lackluster performance suggests it may struggle to break even.
Conclusion
The success of “Inside Out 2” at the international box office is a testament to the universal appeal of animated films and the enduring power of Pixar’s storytelling. As the first animated film to surpass $1 billion internationally, it has set a new standard in the industry, highlighting the potential for animated films to achieve massive success on a global scale. Disney’s impressive box office performance this year, bolstered by hits like “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” continues to affirm the studio’s dominance in the cinematic landscape.
FAQs
What milestone has “Inside Out 2” achieved?
“Inside Out 2” has become the first animated film to surpass $1 billion at the international box office.
How many films have grossed $1 billion internationally?
Only 12 films have grossed $1 billion internationally, and “Inside Out 2” is the first animated film to do so.
What are the top foreign markets for “Inside Out 2”?
The top foreign markets for “Inside Out 2” include Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, and South Korea.
How does “Inside Out 2” compare to other Disney releases?
“Inside Out 2” is the highest-grossing animated film of all time and has outperformed other major Disney releases like “Deadpool & Wolverine” in the international market.
