Amy Poehler reflects on how 'Inside Out' movies changed her life

Amy Poehler’s approach to life has been transformed inside and out—fittingly, since starring in the Inside Out movies.

The actress and comedian, who voiced the character Joy in the 2015 original and its 2024 sequel, told People how the role has opened a new window for her in understanding and navigating emotions.

"My experience in Inside Out and Inside Out 2 has truly, fundamentally changed my life," she said. "Playing a character like Joy, having big conversations about what our emotions do to us and how they live in us and how we’re supposed to experience them."

This isn’t the first time the Saturday Night Live alum has opened up about the emotional weight of her role in the Disney-Pixar's films. 

Reflecting on how the positivity-packed role led her to a slew of moments of epiphanies, she previously told the outlet, "It’s so deep."

"Because it's like talking to your inner child, talking to you as a parent, talking to you as yourself, talking to the future version of you," Poehler, 53, explained. "You have to really go there."

"It's really satisfying to do it," though she found the experience challenging but rewarding.

Inside Out 2 delves into new emotional territory as Riley navigates the turbulent waters of puberty as she turns 13.

The teenager faces the confusing mix of emotions as Joy and the team's newest member, Anxiety, compete for dominance in Riley's brain. 

Poehler shared that she could relate to the struggles depicted in the animated film, having experienced similar challenges at that age. 

Additionally, as a mother to two teenagers—sons Archie, 16, and Abel, 14—she is gaining fresh insight through her children’s experiences.

With the exploration of emotional growth, Inside Out movies appears to be as transformative for its audience as it has been for Poehler herself.