Inside Out 2 (2024) – Growing Up With All Our Feelings
I watched Inside Out 2 a few days ago, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Pixar has a way of making movies that stay in your heart, and this one is no different. The first Inside Out was already special, showing how our emotions shape who we are. This sequel takes that same idea and pushes it into a new stage of life — the teenage years. It’s funny, honest, and sometimes even painful in a good way.
The story follows Riley, who is now a teenager. She is facing all the usual things that come with growing up — friendships changing, bigger dreams, and the pressure to fit in. But the movie shows this through her emotions again, which makes everything feel both funny and meaningful. We meet new emotions this time, including Anxiety, Envy, and Embarrassment. These new characters make everything more chaotic in Riley’s mind, but also more real. After all, most of us know how it feels when anxiety takes over or when embarrassment makes us wish we could disappear.
What I really liked about Inside Out 2 is that it doesn’t try too hard to be bigger or flashier than the first movie. Instead, it focuses on how our feelings grow more complicated as we do. Anxiety, for example, is not shown as a villain. She’s trying to protect Riley from getting hurt or making mistakes, but she ends up taking control and pushing the other emotions aside. That felt very real to me. It’s exactly what happens when we start worrying too much about the future — we stop enjoying the present.
The animation, as always with Pixar, is beautiful. Every color feels alive and carefully chosen. Riley’s mind looks even more detailed now, and there’s a lot to see in every scene. The movie also uses lighting and sound in clever ways. When Anxiety takes over, the colors get harsher and the music becomes louder and faster. It makes you feel exactly what Riley is feeling. Pixar really understands how to connect the visuals with emotions.
There are also some powerful quiet moments in the film. One scene that stood out to me was when Joy starts to realize that she can’t control everything anymore. It’s a touching reminder that growing up means letting go of some control and trusting yourself more. Another emotional moment comes when Riley has to face the idea that not all friendships last forever. That one hit me hard because it’s something most of us go through as we grow older.
What I appreciate about this movie is how it respects its audience. It’s made for kids, but it doesn’t talk down to them. It deals with real emotional struggles in a simple but honest way. As an adult, I found myself relating to Riley’s journey just as much as I did when I was younger. That’s what makes Pixar special — they make stories that speak to everyone, no matter their age.
The humor also works really well. There are plenty of funny moments, especially between the old emotions and the new ones. The way Joy and Anxiety argue feels like watching two sides of your own brain fighting over every decision. There’s a scene where Fear tries to calm everyone down by planning for every possible disaster, and it’s both hilarious and painfully accurate. We’ve all had moments where our mind feels like that — too many thoughts, all shouting at once.
If I had to point out one weak part, it would be that the middle of the movie slows down a bit. Some scenes feel a little repetitive, especially when the emotions are arguing inside Riley’s mind. But even then, the movie never loses its heart. Every scene has something meaningful, even when it’s not exciting. And the ending makes up for it completely. Without spoiling anything, it leaves you feeling hopeful and at peace.
The main message of Inside Out 2 is simple but powerful: all emotions matter. Happiness isn’t the only one we need. Sometimes sadness, fear, or anxiety help us understand ourselves better. That’s such a healthy and important message, especially for young people growing up in a world that often tells them to just “be happy.” This movie shows that it’s okay to feel everything — even the hard stuff.
After watching, I started thinking about how I handled emotions as a teenager. I used to think anxiety was something bad that needed to go away, but now I see it differently. The movie helped me remember that even uncomfortable feelings are part of who we are. They can guide us if we learn to listen instead of fighting them all the time.
I also really liked how the movie shows parents in a realistic way. Riley’s parents are caring but don’t always know the right thing to say. It’s a good reminder that even adults are still learning about emotions. The film doesn’t blame anyone; it just shows how complex life can be for both kids and parents. That’s another reason why this story feels so human.
By the time the credits rolled, I felt lighter. It’s rare for an animated film to leave you thinking about your own life, but Inside Out 2 does exactly that. It teaches something without sounding like a lesson. It feels more like a warm conversation with a friend who understands you. That’s what makes it special.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, worried, or unsure of who you are becoming, this movie will speak to you. And if you’re a parent, it might help you understand your kids a little better too. It’s one of those films that grows with you — the more you think about it, the more meaning you find in it.
In the end, Inside Out 2 is not just about emotions; it’s about growing up and learning to accept every part of yourself. It reminds us that life isn’t about being happy all the time. It’s about being honest with what you feel, learning from it, and moving forward.