It’s been a difficult few years for Pixar. During the pandemic, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek decided to drop movies like Soul, Luca, and Turning Red on Disney+, creating the impression that its films were only fit for streaming before Lightyear underperformed at the box office.
Last year, Elemental was quickly written off as a “flop” before proving it had legs (ultimately grossing shy of $500 million), so the pressure is on this weekend’s Inside Out 2 to deliver and prove there’s still plenty of life left in the studio beyond Toy Story.
Following the sequel’s premiere yesterday evening, the first social media reactions are in and they’re overwhelmingly positive. As you’ll see below, it sounds just as good – if not better – than its 2015 predecessor.
These come just days after Fandango revealed that Inside Out 2 has surpassed the first movie’s advance ticket sales, becoming the highest ticket pre-seller for Pixar since Toy Story 4 in 2019. For context, Inside Out grossed $858.8 million and Toy Story 4 made over $1 billion.
Take a look at the first reactions in the X posts below (via Toonado.com) and check back here soon for a review roundup and Tomatometer reveal.
No need to be anxious about Inside Out 2. The Pixar sequel approaches growing up in the same funny, inventive and affecting way as the first movie. It doesn’t hit quite as hard emotionally (no “take her to the moon” moment), but it delivers a relatable message in a winning way. pic.twitter.com/HRGUvhT7wa
— Ian Sandwell (@ian_sandwell) June 11, 2024
😡 Me before watching #InsideOut2 & me after 🤩
This movie is so important for kids of all ages to truly get a grasp on the plethora of emotions. It’s a fun film for the adults too! So heartfelt, well told, fun and BOY does #mayahawke embody anxiety like a champ! @DisneyAUNZ pic.twitter.com/iPaVLgQIEg
— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) June 11, 2024
Inside Out 2 is delightfully joyous and hands down the best @Pixar flick to date giving me all the feels lifting my spirits and mood to the heavens 💗Maya Hawke totally steals the show as Anxiety 😬 with a performance that is undeniably fantabulous! #InsideOut2 pic.twitter.com/eyGX24MI0h
— Carla Renata (@TheCurvyCritic) June 11, 2024
#InsideOut2 is a fresh sequel to the first movie that delves into the chaos of puberty, making new friends, trying to stand out, and the anxiety that comes with it.
Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui are wonderful new additions to a hilarious adventure. @Pixar pic.twitter.com/WiRbMnEO9T
— Jonathan Sim (@TheJonathanSim) June 11, 2024
#InsideOut2 heralds Pixar back to top form. Everything from animation to story and the introduction of Anxiety, Envy and Embarrassment make this one of the best sequels in ages. Filled with great laughs, plenty of easter eggs and lots of emotion. This is animated perfection. pic.twitter.com/U4dKmhHHLg
— Jazz Tangcay (@jazzt) June 11, 2024
#InsideOut2 is absolutely brilliant.
The first film isn’t just my favorite Pixar movie. It’s one of my favorite movies of all-time. What an utter joy (😉) seeing Kelsey Mann & co. expand the concept so successfully. It left me even more convinced that there are countless corners… pic.twitter.com/hiFVfKMv5Q
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) June 11, 2024
I saw INSIDE OUT 2!
It’s full of laughs, tears & cheers. #InsideOut2 is the rare film that truly resonates across all ages; laugh out loud funny & tear inducingly sweet.
Watch it with a loved one because it’s an experience that must be shared. #InsideOut #Pixar @Pixar pic.twitter.com/sNERO4zLj8
— POC Culture (@POCculture) June 11, 2024
#InsideOut2 is a MASTERPIECE! A JOYFUL WONDER from beginning to end that truly personifies anxiety. Maya Hawke and Amy Poehler are as lovely as ever, with newcomers adding even more brilliance. This touching Pixar classic will have you experiencing all the sweet emotions 🥹 pic.twitter.com/G8pxgfBDvi
— Shahbaz • The Movie Podcast (@shayhbaz) June 11, 2024
#InsideOut2 is ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTFUL and one of the most POWERFUL @Pixar films ever made. A beautifully crafted and emotionally mature sequel that stands side by side with the original. Maya Hawke is UNFORGETTABLE as Anxiety and steals the show. A MUST WATCH for all ages! pic.twitter.com/JrEbZmLWYP
— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) June 11, 2024
#InsideOut2 is magical, emotional and visually stunning. They really managed to reach the high levels of its predecessor.
The film has a huge heart and the new characters add the perfect touch to it. Maya Hawke is a massive standout.
Full review on Wednesday! pic.twitter.com/v6roy6ZeB4
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) June 11, 2024
Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as Headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions.
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment show up.
The voice cast includes Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paul Walter Hauser and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Inside Out 2 is directed by Kelsey Mann, produced by Mark Nielsen and executive produced by Pete Docter, Jonas Rivera and Dan Scanlon.
The movie features a screenplay by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein and story by Mann and LeFauve, with music by Andrea Datzman.
Inside Out 2 arrives in theaters on June 14.
