Although I was cautiously optimistic — and healthily skeptical — ahead of Inside 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 Out exceeded 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 in Inside Out help 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, with Inside Out 2 introducing 5 new emotions to the fray. That said, I really believe Inside Out could 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

Although Inside Out 2‘s $295 million opening destroyed box office expectations, the sequel is far from a cheap cash grab. Although the first two Toy Story sequels are some of Pixar’s best movies, other follow-ups haven’t really justified their existence. For me, the Cars films in particular feel like money-driven endeavors, whereas something like Finding Dory definitely toes the line. All of this to say, Inside Out 2‘s story is 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.

By tapping into Riley’s newfound anxiety and other teenage emotions, Inside Out 2 advances the character’s arc in meaningful ways. In the battle of Inside Out vs. Inside Out 2, Pixar’s original movie wins, but it’s a close contest. I believe Inside Out 2 is 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.

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’s Inside Out sequel 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 think following Riley throughout some of life’s biggest moments and stages will keep future Inside Out sequels fresh, all while providing some connective tissue. If Pixar can replicate Inside Out 2‘s success, the franchise will certainly endure for many more movies.

Inside Out 2 premiered in theaters on June 14, 2024.