Inside Out 2's Oscar Nomination Proves The Need For Inside…

Summary

Inside Out 2 was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2025 Oscars.
Fans are eager for Inside Out 3 to continue Riley's story with new plotlines.
The movie's focus on anxiety encourages emotional openness and humor, making it appealing.

Pixar makes amazing movies that of course appeal to children but also kids at heart, and Inside Out and Inside Out 2 are some of the most charming. It's no wonder that Inside Out 2 was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2025 Academy Awards. Other nominees include The Wild Robot, Wallace & Gromit, Memoir of a Snail, and Flow. The Inside Out movies are some of the most thoughtful and emotional Pixar movies but they also maintain a strong sense of humor. The sequel was impressive on many fronts, and now it could win an Oscar, too, which is great news.

Ever since audiences got to see Inside Out 2, there have been more than a few fan theories about Inside Out 3. Fans want to see more of Riley and know that there is so much potential. She has mastered her anxious thoughts and feelings and is ready for the next phase of her life. Now that Inside Out 2 has been nominated for an Oscar, hopefully, Inside Out 3 can become a reality.

Why Inside Out 3 Needs To Be Made

While Inside Out 2 is a satisfying tale about being a teenager who is anxious about all the changes that are taking place, that shouldn't be where Riley's story ends. Inside Out 2's Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination proves that this sequel checks all the boxes. It has well-written characters, beautiful and vibrant animation, and a positive message about resilience and change. When reflecting on what makes a strong animated feature-length film, the visuals are of course important, but the storytelling has to be there, too. Inside Out and Inside Out 2 both tell a thoughtful tale about vulnerability and strength while showcasing what can be done with this visual medium.

It would be a shame to say goodbye to such a promising franchise. Inside Out 2 proves that the Inside Out franchise has staying power and wasn't a one-off. Making Riley older was a great choice and shows that Riley could be an adult or even a parent in Inside Out 3. There are so many possible plotlines, from Riley dealing with self-esteem issues to this beloved character tackling what it means to be truly happy.

While there are plenty of well-crafted Pixar sequels, Inside Out 2 adds something crucial to the conversation about emotions and a third movie could go even further. Inside Out 2 focuses on anxiety, which is something that many people experience but not everyone feels comfortable talking about. The movie encourages audience members to open up to others in their lives, and that's a good reminder.

Most of all, Inside Out 2 proves that an animated movie can be both serious and humorous, and this balance is important. As one of the highest-grossing Pixar movies, Inside Out 2 appealed to so many people. The fact that Inside Out 2 earned more money at the box office than any other animated movie, according to Deadline, suggests there are more than a few fans waiting for more. The movie has commercial appeal and it's hard not to wish for a third heartwarming movie with plenty of jokes and smart lines of dialogue.

What Did Inside Out 2 Director Kelsey Mann Say About The Oscar Nomination?

Kelsey Mann shared his thoughts about Inside Out 2's Oscar nomination in an interview with Deadline. Mann said T was tricky to bring to life "technically, design-wise and really character-wise" and praised Maya Hawke's acting. Mann said Hawke ensured Anxiety was "so appealing and relatable."

Mann talked about going to sleep the night before the Oscar nominations and said:

“I’m normally used to having Anxiety drive me at night when something is coming the next morning, but I found that not only was she at the controls, but Joy was there too. I was really excited to get up and hear what possibly could happen.”

Mann continued:

“There’s always high expectations for any film that we do at Pixar, but to do one that’s a follow up to a film that everybody loves so dearly… The first Inside Out taps into a very deep personal side to people, and to be able to continue that to an even deeper level was quite an honor.”

There's no doubt that Inside Out 2 is an incredibly beloved Pixar movie, and that makes fans more than ready for a third film. Hopefully, now that the movie could win Best Animated Feature at the 2025 Oscars, an announcement could be coming soon.