Is Inside Out 2 Suitable For Children? Parents Guide For Pixar’s Sequel

Like all of Pixar’s animated classics, Inside Out 2 is designed to appeal to all ages, but that doesn’t preclude it from venturing into some heavier subject matter. The sequel to the beloved 2015 that followed the escapades of five anthropomorphic Emotions in the mind of a preteen girl, Riley, will pick up a short while after the original ended, and will introduce new cast and Emotions as Riley becomes a teenager and deals with puberty. Inside Out is considered one of the greatest movies Pixar/Disney has ever produced, and it was nominated for two Academy Awards upon release.

Inside Out 2 will differ from its predecessor by dealing with some more advanced material. While the big emotional obstacle for Riley in Inside Out was moving to a new city, Inside Out 2 will deal with high school, relationships, and anxiety among other “big kid” problems. Justifiably, that calls into question just how appropriate the sequel is for children who aren’t yet teenagers. If Inside Out 2‘s box office projections are any indicator, there will be plenty of younger eyes on the movie.

Inside Out 2 Is Rated PG For Thematic Elements

Like most Pixar movies, there will likely be some peril and fear

Inside Out 2 is, like most Pixar movies, rated PG, indicating that some parental guidance is recommended. PG movies are widely recognized as being entirely appropriate for any child over the age of 8, but can still be suitable for children younger than 8 with the exception of some scenes that they might find scary. That looks like it’s the case for Inside Out 2, as it has been rated PG for “thematic elements.”

With the sequel set to introduce four new Emotions, the story may venture into some new elements from the original. The new emotion Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) in particular will likely be involved in some emotionally intense moments, which the youngest viewers in the theater could potentially find upsetting. Chances are there will be some moments of fear and danger, but nothing more objectionable than that. As an animated kids movie, there won’t be any sort of real violence or death, although there may be some sad moments, like Bing Bong disappearing in Inside Out.

Inside Out 2 Is Very Suitable For Children

Its bright characters return with a fun, heartwarming story

Overall Inside Out 2 is perfectly appropriate for the entire family. The most intense moments will almost certainly have a happy resolution, and any violence will be of the cartoon slapstick variety, designed to make kids laugh. The highly-anticipated sequel, which will have its first showtimes on Thursday, June 13th, will build upon the foundations laid in Inside Out, and will have more time to introduce the newest Emotions with no need to spend time establishing the world in which they live.

The full trailer for Inside Out 2 reveals that the new Emotions introduced (Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Nostalgia) fundamentally change Riley as a person as she becomes a teenager. That will definitely ensure that the movie strikes a chord with the viewers who have experienced becoming a teenager, and properly pushes the franchise forward. However, Inside Out 2 will undoubtedly still feature a heartwarming, enjoyable story that will delight viewers of all ages.

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.

Director

Kelsey Mann

Release Date

June 14, 2024

Writers

Meg LeFauve

Cast

Amy Poehler , Tony Hale , Maya Hawke , Liza Lapira , Lewis Black , Phyllis Smith , Diane Lane

Runtime

96 Minutes

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