Amy Poehler says 'Inside Out' movies 'fundamentally changed my life': 'I feel really lucky'

Amy Poehler credits her experience voicing Joy in Pixar's Inside Out franchise as a transformative journey, sharing how the films deeply impacted her personally and professionally. At the 12th Annual Bring Change to Mind Revels & Revelations gala, Poehler opened up to PEOPLE about her connection to the films and their profound themes.

"My experience in Inside Out and Inside Out 2 has truly, fundamentally changed my life," Poehler 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."

The 53-year-old actress reflected on how the franchise's exploration of emotions has influenced her own life and parenting style. Raising two teenage sons, Archie, 16, and Abel, 14, with ex-husband Will Arnett, Poehler noted that the films have reshaped how she approaches her role as a mother. "Joy has to let go," she explained. "When you're raising a kid, they're their own person. You can't protect them from pain, and you're really not supposed to."

Poehler also shared how the emotional depth of the films has prompted introspection during recording sessions. "It's so deep,” she said, comparing the process to "talking to your inner child, talking to you as a parent, talking to yourself, talking to the future version of you."

Set against the backdrop of Inside Out 2, where Joy grapples with Anxiety in 13-year-old Riley's mind, Poehler discussed how the storyline resonates with her teenage years. "I definitely was a mix of anxiety and joy, wrapped up in a Boston accent," she said humorously.

For Poehler, the films offer a reminder of the importance of letting children experience the full spectrum of emotions. "You're supposed to let them have all their feelings so they can figure out who they are," she said.

With Inside Out 2 generating buzz, Poehler’s reflections underscore why the beloved franchise continues to connect with audiences worldwide.