Inside Out has become the first film of the year to surpass $1 billion worldwide, securing its position as the highest-grossing film of the year.

This achievement marks the first time a film has reached this milestone since Warner Brothers’ “Barbie” last year, and it has done so faster than any animated film in history.

“Inside Out” has maintained the top spot at the box office for the past three weekends following its release on 14 June.

The Pixar and Walt Disney collaboration centres on a young girl named Riley and the emotions she experiences as she grows up—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust.

Building on the success of the original 2015 movie, the sequel introduces new emotions—Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment—as Riley navigates her teenage years.

The film has successfully attracted the coveted teen demographic (ages 13-17) back to the cinema.

The voice cast features Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, and Kensington Tallman, with direction by Kelsey Mann.

Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, commented on the achievement: “On behalf of movie theatre owners across the country and around the world, we congratulate Disney’s ‘Inside Out 2’ for grossing $1 billion faster than any animated movie in history. The film’s stunning global success once again illustrates that audiences the world over respond to compelling, entertaining movies, and that they want to enjoy them on the big screen.”

“Inside Out 2” is one of only 11 animated movies to exceed $1 billion in box office revenue, joining the ranks of hits like “Finding Dory,” “Frozen” and its sequel, and the final two “Toy Story” instalments.

The next major family film release this year is Universal and Illumination’s “Despicable Me 4,” which will premiere in the UK in July, featuring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, and Joey King.