As the weekend kicks off, the box office is abuzz with the success of Disney+ and Pixar’s latest release, Inside Out 2. The film is set to have the biggest opening of the year to date, with projections ranging from $120M-$130M at an impressive 4,440 theaters. Some studios even believe the numbers could be higher, which has generated a lot of excitement in the industry. The film has already banked at least $56M, including a strong performance from Thursday night previews with $13M. One interesting trend to note is the significant turnout of Hispanic and Latino moviegoers, contributing to the film’s success.
Strong Competition and Consistent Performances
In a surprising turn of events, Sony’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die is holding its own against the powerhouse that is Inside Out 2. The film is only down around -50% in its second weekend, bringing in $28M with a $7.5M Friday. By the end of the weekend, it is projected to have a total of $107.2M at 3,885 sites. Another notable mention is 20th Century Studios/Disney’s Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, which is refusing to leave the top five in its sixth weekend, accumulating $4.45M at 2,600 locations and reaching a running total of $157M. Alcon/Sony’s The Garfield Movie follows closely behind, with a fourth-weekend total of $4.1M and a running total of $77.6M.
Amidst all the success, it is worth noting the positive signs for the movie industry as a whole. Paramount’s IF is entering its fifth weekend, seeing a steady performance with $3.3M, which will push it over the $100M mark by Sunday. This will mark Ryan Reynolds’ 11th headlining title to achieve this milestone, showcasing the enduring appeal of certain stars in the industry. The success of these films is a testament to the fact that moviegoing is still a lucrative pastime, despite concerns in the media about the industry’s future.
Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out 2 has set a new record with $13M from Thursday previews alone, making it the best opening of 2024 so far. The film has received glowing reviews from both critics and audiences, with a 93% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a 95% rating from moviegoers. The strong reception has set the stage for a potential $100M+ opening weekend, with the film already surpassing its global opening projection of $135M. One key factor contributing to the film’s success is the return of most of the original voice cast, creating a sense of nostalgia and continuity for fans.
Looking Ahead
As the weekend unfolds, it is clear that Inside Out 2 is poised to dominate the box office and set new records for Pixar and Disney. The film’s strong performance at the box office, coupled with positive reviews and audience reception, bodes well for its future success. With strong competition from other films in the market, including established franchises like Bad Boys, the success of Inside Out 2 is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality storytelling and beloved characters. As the industry continues to navigate changing consumer preferences and viewing habits, it is clear that a well-crafted and entertaining film like Inside Out 2 can still capture the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.