10 Reasons Why Lightyear Failed
6. Animation Is Generally Struggling At The Box Office
It's easy to overlook the fact that animation as a medium is struggling at the box office, and while many have been quick to cite audiences getting used to watching Pixar movies day-and-date on Disney+, that doesn't explain the bleak wider picture.
Since the pandemic started, the highest-grossing animated film has been Sing 2, which scored a relatively mediocre $407.5 million, putting it far behind the pandemic-era's biggest live-action hits.
The reason for this? Families are struggling to justify a trip to the cinema - which, factoring in petrol, parking, and snacks, can easily exceed $100 for five people - when they can wait no more than six weeks and watch the movie at home for a fraction of the price.
With the current global inflation crisis causing families around the world to tighten their belts, such a large expense for a mere two hours at the movies is an easy one to cut.
In Lightyear's specific case it certainly didn't help that it was going up against Top Gun: Maverick and Jurassic World Dominion - both of which were far more appealing to the Father's Day crowd - but the prevailing fact is that animation as a whole is continuing to stumble theatrically.
The industry's eyes are now very much looking towards the upcoming Minions: The Rise of Gru, praying that it can finally lure families back to the multiplex en masse. As ever, we'll have to wait and see.