The long-awaited sequel to Pixar’s beloved 2015 animated film Inside Out is finally arriving. Inside Out 2, which builds upon the imaginative world of emotions inside a young girl’s mind, has been highly anticipated by fans of the original film, which was both a critical and commercial success. The first Inside Out movie not only delighted audiences but also received acclaim for its creative storytelling and insightful portrayal of emotions, particularly in the context of growing up. With the announcement of a sequel, fans have been eagerly awaiting its release date, especially on Disney’s streaming platform, Disney+. So, when will Inside Out 2 be available to stream on Disney+?
What Is Inside Out 2 About?
Before diving into the specifics of the film’s release timeline, it’s important to first explore the premise of Inside Out 2. The original Inside Out revolved around Riley, an 11-year-old girl, and the emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear—that control her mind as she navigates the challenges of a big move across the country. The film was widely praised for its inventive look at emotional development, using the setting inside Riley’s mind as a metaphor for emotional growth during her transition into adolescence.
In Inside Out 2, the story shifts to focus on Riley’s teenage years, dealing with new challenges, complexities, and evolving emotions as she matures. The sequel introduces new emotions that reflect the changes Riley goes through, such as Anxiety and Pride. The emotions continue to operate within Riley’s mind, reacting to the trials of adolescence, including friendships, romance, and identity exploration. As is typical for Pixar films, the movie is expected to blend humor and deep emotional resonance, providing a meaningful story for both kids and adults.
The Announcement of Inside Out 2
Fans of the original Inside Out were thrilled when Pixar officially announced Inside Out 2 in 2022. The announcement came as part of Pixar’s slate of upcoming projects, and it was revealed that Inside Out 2 would be directed by Kelsey Mann, who previously worked on The Good Dinosaur and other Pixar films. The return of original cast members, including Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, and Mindy Kaling as Disgust, was also confirmed, which added to the excitement of longtime fans.
With the success of the first film, it made sense for Pixar to revisit the world of emotions, particularly given how much growth and new experiences Riley would face in her teenage years. The film’s writers and creative team were clearly eager to continue exploring the emotional complexity of growing up in a modern world.
When Will Inside Out 2 Be Released in Theaters?
Before we get to the streaming date on Disney+, it’s worth noting that Inside Out 2 will initially have a theatrical release. According to Pixar and Walt Disney Studios, the movie is scheduled to hit theaters on June 14, 2024. This will be a highly anticipated release for fans of the original Inside Out, as well as families looking for a fun and heartfelt film to enjoy together.
The film’s theatrical release will likely feature all of the usual Pixar magic—state-of-the-art animation, heartfelt storytelling, and engaging characters that appeal to both children and adults. In theaters, Inside Out 2 will have the chance to take advantage of a big-screen experience, which is important for a studio known for its breathtaking visuals. As such, fans who are excited to see Inside Out 2 as soon as it comes out may want to catch it in theaters in June.
When Will Inside Out 2 Be on Disney+?
Now, the question that’s on everyone’s mind: when will Inside Out 2 be available to stream on Disney+?
Historically, Disney has followed a somewhat predictable pattern for releasing films on its streaming service after a theatrical debut. The length of time between a film’s theatrical release and its arrival on Disney+ typically depends on whether the film is a major blockbuster or a more niche release. For Pixar films and major Disney releases, the window has generally been around 45 days to 3 months between their theater debut and availability on streaming platforms like Disney+.
For example:
- Toy Story 4 (released June 2019) debuted on Disney+ in October 2019, about four months after its theatrical release.
- Soul (released in December 2020), due to the pandemic, was released directly on Disney+ on the same day as its theatrical premiere, so there was no delay.
- Lightyear (released in June 2022) arrived on Disney+ in August 2022, just over two months after its theatrical release.
Given the trend of Pixar films being released on Disney+ relatively soon after their theatrical debut, it is safe to assume that Inside Out 2 will follow a similar pattern. While Disney has not officially confirmed the exact streaming date for Inside Out 2, it is reasonable to expect that the film will be available on Disney+ in late summer to early fall of 2024.
This would give families plenty of time to enjoy the movie in theaters during the summer, and then have the option to rewatch it from the comfort of their own homes not long afterward.
Why the Streaming Date Matters for Inside Out 2
For many families, Disney+ has become the go-to platform for streaming family-friendly films. The convenience of watching movies from home, along with Disney’s ever-growing library of content, is a huge draw for subscribers. The streaming date for Inside Out 2 will be important not only for Pixar fans but also for the company’s ongoing strategy to keep subscribers engaged with fresh content. The window between theatrical releases and streaming debuts has become an important part of the marketing and revenue strategies for Disney, particularly as they continue to navigate the competitive streaming market.
For parents and young viewers, the release of Inside Out 2 on Disney+ represents an opportunity to experience the film at home once the summer movie season winds down. This makes it a perfect fall movie for families, who can now revisit the characters they love with the added convenience of streaming. Whether watching together or in repeat viewings, Inside Out 2 is likely to become a household favorite.
Should You Wait for Disney+ or See It in Theaters?
With the impending release of Inside Out 2, you may be wondering whether it’s worth seeing the film in theaters or waiting for the Disney+ release. There are a few factors to consider.
- Theatrical Experience: If you’re a fan of Pixar’s animation and want to see the film in the best visual quality, then watching it on the big screen is a fantastic option. Pixar films are known for their incredible animation, and Inside Out 2 will likely feature stunning visuals that are best enjoyed in a theater setting.
- Family Experience: The summer release date of Inside Out 2 makes it a perfect movie to watch with your family on a summer outing. Pixar films are known for being enjoyable for both children and adults, so this will likely be a great choice for a family movie day.
- Convenience of Disney+: If you’d rather wait and watch from home, Disney+ offers the convenience of rewatching the film at your leisure. Additionally, if you’re already a subscriber to Disney+, waiting for the streaming release might be more budget-friendly than purchasing multiple theater tickets.
Conclusion
With Inside Out 2 poised to be one of Pixar’s biggest releases in 2024, there’s a lot to look forward to. The film promises to be a deeply emotional journey through the teenage years, blending humor with the kind of heart that Pixar is known for. Fans who want to see the film as soon as possible will be able to catch it in theaters on June 14, 2024. For those who prefer to watch it from the comfort of their homes, expect the movie to stream on Disney+ sometime in late summer or early fall of 2024, likely within a few months after the theatrical release.
In any case, Inside Out 2 is shaping up to be another standout chapter in Pixar’s legacy, and whether you experience it in theaters or at home, it will surely provide a memorable and meaningful experience for audiences of all ages.
