10 movies that are similar to Inside Out 2

Inside Out 2 was released on June 14, 2024. Two years after moving to San Francisco, 13-year-old Riley Andersen faces high school and new challenges. Her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust—now manage her "Sense of Self," which Joy attempts to fill with only positive memories.

At an ice hockey camp, a "Puberty Alarm" triggers an upgrade to Riley's emotion console, introducing new emotions: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. Anxiety's control causes Riley to struggle with self-doubt, affecting her performance and friendships.

The original emotions rescue Riley’s true "Sense of Self," realizing the importance of a balanced emotional life. Riley reconciles with friends and accepts her evolving identity, ultimately finding peace and success in her new high school life.

Here is a list of amazing movies that contain a similar message in one way or another. Details about their plots or how they mirror Riley's emotional journey are here. These films address emotional resilience, family bonds, and self-discovery, complementing Inside Out 2's themes.

From Inside Out to Turning Red, every movie here presents a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of growing up, making them excellent companions to Inside Out 2.

Disclaimer: The list is entirely based on the writer's opinion.

Ten movies similar to Inside Out 2

1) Inside Out (2015)

The list starts with the former part of the movie. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust navigate Riley's emotions in Inside Out (2015). This Pete Docter film explores Riley's emotions as she adjusts to life in San Francisco.

Joy (Amy Poehler) learns to work with Sadness (Phyllis Smith) to help Riley handle complex emotions. Then, there's a message about the bittersweet nature of growing up and the importance of accepting all emotions for emotional health.

Complex emotions and personal growth are the foundation for Inside Out 2. Currently, one can stream this movie on Disney+.

2) Up (2009)

Directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Bob Peterson, Up is a 2009 animated adventure film featuring Ed Asner as Carl Fredricksen, a widower who flies his house to South America to fulfill his late wife Ellie's dream. Young scout Russell, voiced by Jordan Nagai, becomes an accidental stowaway.

In South America, they meet Dug, a talking dog (Bob Peterson), and Kevin, a giant bird. Carl's childhood hero, Charles Muntz (Christopher Plummer), seeks to capture Kevin, revealing his sinister intentions.

After a series of adventures, Carl and Russell thwart Muntz's plans. Carl reconciles with his past and presents Russell with the "Ellie Badge" while the house lands at Paradise Falls, fulfilling Carl's promise to Ellie. Those who want to watch Up can stream it on Disney+.

3) Brave (2012)

Brave (2012) follows Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) of DunBroch, who defies tradition to choose her own fate. On her birthday, her father, King Fergus (Billy Connolly), gifts her a bow, which upsets her mother, Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson).

Years later, Merida rejects an arranged marriage, causing chaos. Seeking to change her fate, she obtains a spell from a witch, turning Elinor into a bear. To reverse the spell, Merida must "mend the bond, torn by pride." Merida and Elinor evade the demon bear Mor'du, who was once a prince.

In the climax, Merida saves Elinor, now fully a bear, and reconciles with her, breaking the spell. The film concludes with the kingdom's unity and renewed bonds. One can stream this film on Disney+.

4) A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Daniel Handler's popular book series inspired Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. The movie follows Violet (Emily Browning), Klaus (Liam Aiken), and Sunny's tragic story.

The evil Count Olaf (Jim Carrey) takes them after their parents die in a fire and plans to steal their fortune. The children survive several near-train collisions and deadly creatures. Their Uncle Monty (Billy Connolly) and Aunt Josephine (Meryl Streep) also take them in, but Olaf's schemes kill them.

Once Olaf's plan to marry Violet fails, the children must continue their journey alone. The film streams on multiple platforms, including Netflix.

5) Frozen II (2019)

Released in 2019, Frozen II follows sisters Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) as they journey to an enchanted forest to discover the origin of Elsa's powers. Accompanied by Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), Sven, and Olaf (Josh Gad), they uncover secrets about their family's past.

Elsa learns her powers stem from her mother’s selfless act of saving her father and that she is the fifth spirit, bridging humans and nature. The truth reveals a dam built to weaken the Northuldra tribe.

Anna destroys the dam to restore peace. Elsa saves Arendelle from flooding, and Anna becomes queen. Elsa remains in the forest as its protector, maintaining regular visits to Arendelle. The movie is on Disney+.

6) Coco (2017)

Coco- A must-watch if you like Inside Out 2 (Image via Disney+)

Miguel, played by Anthony Gonzalez, is the protagonist of Coco. This young boy loves music. To discover his family's history, he visits the Land of the Dead. The Lee Unkrich-directed film is about family, memories, and legacy. Miguel learns about his ancestors and why their stories matter.

Coco shows kids' emotions and the importance of family connection, like Inside Out 2. The film beautifully depicts how music and memories shape us. The movie is streaming on Disney+.

7) Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast (2014)

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast (Image via Disney+)

Tinker Bell and Fawn discover the mysterious character, NeverBeast, in Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast. The Steve Loter-directed film explores friendship, bravery, and acceptance.

Fawn must persuade her fellow fairies to protect the misunderstood creature, promoting empathy and understanding. Like Inside Out 2, this film highlights compassion and character growth. The movie is available on Disney+.

8) The Karate Kid (1984)

In The Karate Kid, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) teaches Daniel (Ralph Macchio) martial arts and emotional discipline. John G. Avildsen's film explores endurance, self-discovery, and emotional growth.

Karate helps Daniel balance his emotions and overcome obstacles, like Riley in Inside Out 2. The story stresses mentorship and personal growth. The Karate Kid is available on Amazon.

9) My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

While caring for their mother, sisters Satsuki (Noriko Hidaka) and Mei (Chika Sakamoto) discover a magical world of spirits in Hayao Miyazaki's My Neighbor Totoro. Family, nature, and emotional resilience are explored in the film.

As Riley's emotions guide her in Inside Out 2, the sisters' adventures with Totoro help them overcome their fears. My Neighbor Totoro beautifully depicts childhood emotions' wonder and complexity. It streams on Netflix.

10) Turning Red (2022)

A Must watch if you like Inside Out 2-Turning Red (Image via IMDb)

The 2022 animated coming-of-age fantasy comedy-drama Turning Red is set in 2002 Toronto. Rosalie Chiang plays Meilin "Mei" Lee, a 13-year-old girl who becomes a giant red panda when she feels strong emotions due to a hereditary curse. Domee Shi directs. Sandra Oh discusses her overprotective mother, Ming.

As a teen, Mei balances family and friends while hiding her change. With help from friends Miriam (Ava Morse), Priya (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), and Abby (Hyein Park), Mei accepts her uniqueness. The film addresses independence, family expectations, and self-acceptance. Turning Red is available on Disney+.

Inside Out 2 and the ten films listed here explore the emotional journey of growing up. From the thrilling Up to the heart-touching Coco, each film shows children's inner lives in a different way. These films entertain and illuminate our emotional journeys. They will move and inspire Inside Out 2 fans.

Edited by Gayatri Chivukula