June 22 (Reuters) - Animated Pixar movie "Inside Out 2"

has become the highest grossing film of the year domestically

and crossed $500 million at the worldwide box office, according

to a Walt Disney ( DIS ) statement released on Saturday.

The movie had previously generated about $155 million in

U.S. and Canadian ticket sales over its first weekend,

according to estimates.

The last two Pixar releases, "Elemental" and "Lightyear,"

had mediocre ticket sales. Three prior Pixar films were sent

straight to streaming during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results could prove to be a boost for theater owners,

who have fewer movies to show this year because of delays caused

by strikes in Hollywood last year.

"Inside Out 2" is a sequel to the 2015 hit about the inner

workings of a young girl's mind. In the second installment, lead

character Riley has become a teenager and is grappling with new

emotions including anxiety and envy.

The original "Inside Out" opened with about $90 million in

its first weekend in the summer of 2015.