Summary
Although I was cautiously optimistic — and healthily skeptical — ahead ofInside Out 2’s premiere, the Pixar sequel’s success makes me even more excited about Joy actor Amy Poehler’s five-movie plan for the series. When it hit theaters in 2015,Inside Outexceeded all of my expectations, even by Pixar movie standards, so the bar was exceptionally high for 2024’s follow-up. In the original film, viewers get a glimpse inside the mind of preteen Riley Anderson, who moves with her family from rural Minnesota to San Francisco, and is piloted by personified emotions, like Joy and Sadness.
What captivated me most was the film’s inventive world-building, which takes abstract and complicated concepts and transforms them into something accessible. For example,Riley’s core memories inInside Outhelp form her personality and sense of self. As Sadness' influence grows, those joyful core memories are “tainted,” reiterating the fact that feelings are complex and many-sided, which is okay. One of Pixar’s rare sequels that works, the follow-up centers on teenage Riley, withInside Out 2introducing 5 new emotionsto the fray. That said,I really believeInside Outcould be Pixar’s best multi-movie franchise.
Inside Out 2 Proves There Is Much More Of Riley’s Life Worth Exploring
The Pixar Sequel Justified Its Existence With Another Compelling Narrative
AlthoughInside Out 2’s $295 million opening destroyed box officeexpectations, the sequel is far from a cheap cash grab. Although the first twoToy Storysequels are some of Pixar’s best movies, other follow-ups haven’t really justified their existence. For me,theCarsfilms in particular feel like money-driven endeavors, whereas something likeFinding Dorydefinitely toes the line. All of this to say,Inside Out 2’s storyis almost as compelling as the first film’s narrative, with Joy and company coming face-to-face with Anxiety (Maya Hawke) and a bevy of other teen-specific emotions.
As Riley continues to grow, more storytelling opportunities will emerge.
By tapping into Riley’s newfound anxiety and other teenage emotions,Inside Out 2advances the character’s arc in meaningful ways. In the battle ofInside Outvs.Inside Out 2, Pixar’s original movie wins, but it’s a close contest.I believeInside Out 2is the perfect blend of the new and familiar, and a masterclass in how to build out a pre-existing world without losing any of its charm. As Riley continues to grow, more storytelling opportunities will emerge. In the wake of the sequel’s success, I’d love to see Pixar capture lightning in a bottle yet again.
Inside Out 2 Review: Anxiety & Envy Breathe New Life Into Formulaic Pixar Sequel
Inside Out 2 leans more towards greatness than redundancy & though it falls short of being one of Pixar’s best, it’s a worthy addition to the library.
Amy Poehler’s Inside Out 3, 4, & 5 Ideas Must Happen Now
The Joy Actor Has A Clear Vision For Inside Out’s Future
Given the 2024 follow-up’s successful formula,Amy Poehler’sInside Outsequel ideas are promising. In an interview, Poehler, who plays de facto leader of Riley’s emotions, Joy, pitched the idea of future sequels following Riley over the course of her life, delving into the feelings that come along with young adulthood, parenthood, and being middle-aged. I thinkfollowing Riley throughout some of life’s biggest moments and stages will keep futureInside Outsequels fresh, all while providing some connective tissue. If Pixar can replicateInside Out 2’s success, the franchise will certainly endure for many more movies.
Inside Out 2premiered in theaters on June 15, 2025.
Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 is the sequel to the 2015 original film, which starred a young girl named Riley with a head full of emotions. - literally. With Amy Pohler as Joy, Bill Hader as fear, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, and Lewis Black as Anger, the all-star cast brought to life the emotions that adolescents face as they grow, change, and adapt to new situations. This sequel, currently in development, will bring Amy Pohler back as Joy, with Riley, now a teenager.
