Here is a table summarizing the release dates and box office performance of some of the top films of 2024:

"Inside Out 2" has emerged as a major box office success, breaking records and potentially reshaping Pixar's fortunes.

• "Inside Out 2" achieved unprecedented success at the box office. It set a new global opening record for an animated film, earning $295 million. In North America, its gross reached $154 million, surpassing "Dune: Part Two." Additionally, it became the first film to reach $1 billion since "Barbie."

• The film is a top pick on Polymarket to be the #1 film of the year, boasting an 82% chance, marking significant success for Pixar amid recent challenges such as layoffs and a shift to direct-to-streaming releases during the pandemic.

• The success of "Inside Out 2" has boosted investor confidence in the entertainment sector, potentially benefiting stocks like Disney, AMC Entertainment, and Cinemark Holdings.

"Deadpool & Wolverine" has emerged as a strong contender in the 2024 box office race, rapidly gaining ground on the leading films, including "Inside Out 2."

• Released on July 19, 2024, it has grossed $581.1 million globally, ranking as the second-highest-grossing movie of the year.

• The film's success is driven by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman's star power and the excitement of Deadpool joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

• Despite opening later than "Inside Out 2" and "Despicable Me 4," it shows strong box office staying power, attracting audiences consistently.

• Industry analysts note a 6% chance on Polymarket odds for it to become the top movie of 2024, as it trails "Inside Out 2" in total gross but could challenge for the top spot by year's end.

• "Joker 2," scheduled for release in October 2024, is projected by Polymarket to have a 4% chance of becoming the highest-grossing movie. Historical examples, such as "Barbie" in 2023, demonstrate that box office surprises are possible.

• The upcoming sequel to "Beetlejuice," set to hit theaters in September 2024, is also in the spotlight, with Polymarket giving it an 8% chance of reaching the top, relying on nostalgia and innovative storytelling.

• Audience preferences are unpredictable and can significantly alter predictions. Both films must navigate these variables to achieve box office success.

2024 is poised to be a landmark year for the global box office, potentially surpassing previous high-earning years. As of August 2024, "Inside Out 2" has amassed an impressive $1.67 billion worldwide, with "Deadpool & Wolverine" following at $1.26 billion. These figures highlight a robust box office performance reminiscent of other significant years in cinema history, such as 2019 when "Avengers: Endgame" dominated the charts.

Other notable films contributing to this year's success include "Despicable Me 4" with $915 million, "Dune: Part Two" at $711 million, and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" with $568 million. The consistent crossing of the $500 million mark by multiple films indicates strong audience engagement across various franchises. With anticipated releases like "Joker 2" still on the horizon, 2024 has the potential to challenge previous records for annual global box office totals. However, the final outcome will hinge on the performance of upcoming films and sustained interest in current blockbusters.