Disney and Pixar's 'Inside Out 2' becomes the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, surpassing the previous record holder, Walt Disney Animation's 'Frozen II.' 

As of Tuesday, July 23, CNBC reported that the film has amassed an impressive $1.46 billion in global ticket sales, a figure that is expected to grow further. Notably, 'Inside Out 2' has yet to open in Japan, a key market that contributed nearly $33 million to the $850.5 million global total of the first 'Inside Out' film in 2015.

This record-breaking success for the sequel comes after a period of mixed results for Disney's animated releases. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted Pixar's box office performance, with several films being released directly on the streaming service Disney+ instead of theaters. 

Consequently, no Disney animated feature from Pixar or Walt Disney Animation had generated more than $480 million at the global box office since 2019 until 'Inside Out 2.'

READ MORE: 'Inside Out 2' Hits $1 Billion Globally, First to Achieve Milestone Since 'Barbie'

Inside Out 2 vs The Lion King

Interestingly, Disney does not classify its 2019 release of 'The Lion King' as an animated feature, despite it being almost entirely computer-animated. The company considers it a live-action remake, a categorization that box office analysts have adhered to. 

Now, if it were considered an animated film, 'The Lion King' would hold the top spot with over $1.6 billion in global earnings, according to Box Office Mojo.

For Disney, the success of 'Inside Out 2' in the box office signifies a strong return, reaffirming its dominance in the animated film industry. With Amy Poehler and Maya Hawke voicing the characters Joy and Anxiety, respectively, the film has been a hit with audiences worldwide.

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