Discover which Pixar titles became box office failures when released in cinemas around the world
More than animations for children, Pixar has achieved a prestigious position among the studio’s grown-up fans, given that, despite the cute features of its characters, the narratives that involve them are sensitive and address existential, spiritual and emotional themes that are able to create identification in most age groups.
As a result, the label has titles with huge box office numbers, such as ‘Incredibles 2’, for example, a sequel released in 2018 that earned $1.243 billion by showing Helena Pêra back in action under the alter-ego of Elastigirl, leaving her super-powered children in the care of her husband and fellow hero, Roberto, Mr. Fantastic.
Even though the studio’s acclaim is high, Pixar’s film catalog is not just made up of great sales successes in cinemas, as some plots ended up being shown at not so propitious times, meaning they did not meet the financial expectations of the studio. studio.
With that in mind, RECREIO put together a list of Pixar’s 5 worst box office films. The values were not adjusted for inflation and are measured by the gross global value published by the Collider portal.
5. Lightyear — $226,425,420
With a budget of US$200 million, the Toy Story prequel, ‘Lightyear’ (2022), grossed just US$226.4 million in the period it remained in theaters. The portal Deadline estimates that the failure was due to the lack of connection between the new title and the original franchise, as well as the competition between the films being shown at the time, as the plot was released in the same period as ‘Jurassic World: Domain ‘ and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’.
It is worth remembering that the plot, led by Angus MacLanefollows the space ranger who inspired the creation of Andy’s favorite doll, Buzz Lightyear, on a dangerous mission across the galaxy, where he will face the feared villain Zurg and his army of robots.
4. Two Brothers: A Fantastic Journey — US$141,940,042
In Dan Scanlon‘Two Brothers: A Fantastic Journey’ (2020), came out at the moment when the world began to face the lockdown established due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing the title to remain in theaters for just two weeks, the which explains the value of US$ 141,940,042 collected at the box office.
The film follows Barley and Ian Lightfoot, elf brothers who embark on a fantastic journey to discover the magic that the world hides.
3. Soul — $121,977,458
‘Soul’ (2020) was also released during the pandemic and, for this reason, debuted directly in the Disney+ catalog. However, it was finally released in theaters in 2024, but only raised US$122 million, an amount that does not even cover the film’s investment, which was US$150 million.
Synopsis: “Why are you… YOU? In this Pixar animation, Joe Gardner is a music teacher who gets the chance to play at the city’s best jazz club. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York to o Pre-life – a fantastic place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before coming to Earth.”
2. Luca — $49,750,471
Like ‘Soul’, the film ‘Luca’ (2021) was first released on streaming and then released in theaters. During its release period, the film earned US$49,750,471 in ticket sales.
Synopsis: “Set on the beautiful Italian Riviera, this feature film from Disney and Pixar follows the adventures of boy Luca during an unforgettable summer alongside his friend Alberto. But a big secret threatens to put an end to the fun: beneath the water’s surface, they are sea monsters! ‘Luca’ is directed by Enrico Casarosa and produced by Andrea Warren.”
1. Red: Growing Up Is a Beast — $21,521,622
The story Mei Lee, a young woman who, in addition to dealing with the issues of adolescence and puberty, needs to face an overprotective mother and learn to control her emotions, because every time they intensify, the girl transforms into a large red panda, was featured in ‘Red: Growing Up is a Beast’ (2022).
The film was also released on Disney+ and was later released and, like the two previous films, could be watched earlier by the platform’s subscribers, it grossed the lowest box office in the studio’s history: US$21,521,622.
Source: Recreio
