Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out did not steal the top domestic box office spot during its opening weekend, but the animated flick’s performance was far from lackluster. In fact, even up against box office juggernaut Jurassic World, the family movie’s debut was record-setting. Inside Out managed to rake in an impressive $90.4 million, in spite of Jurassic World gobbling up $106.6 million. According to Forbes, Inside Out’s earnings beats out the opening weekend of all other original films ever — animated or otherwise.
It’s also interesting to note that this is among the biggest female-centric debuts ever. As far as female-driven films go, only installments in The Hunger Games and Twilight franchises have topped Inside Out‘s figures during their first weekends, and they certainly each had a following prior to their release. Studios often target pre-existing fan bases by opting for adaptations, remakes, reboots, sequels, and prequels, rather than gambling on completely original storylines.
Like so many Pixar titles before it, Inside Out has proven itself a gamble that paid off. Its ticket sales this weekend beat the record set by James Cameron’s 2009 juggernaut, Avatar, for the highest-grossing opening for a wholly original movie. On top of that, Inside Out now has the distinction of earning the most in a weekend without actually winning the box office. That may not seem like the most desirable record, but it really speaks to the appeal of the movie that it took the might of Jurassic World, a global box office record holder, to top it. And that’s just this weekend — who knows what will happen over the course of the coming weeks.
Father’s Day seems to have been the perfect time for Inside Out to make its debut. Pixar movies are known for entertaining the whole family, after all, and this particular plot may have been especially appealing to parents. Directed by Pete Doctor, the movie takes place in the mind of Riley Anderson, a young girl who is adjusting to a move to a new city, and her personified emotions, Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness try to lead her through the transition. Angsty youngsters? Yeah, we’re thinking parents could relate.
