Ralph Breaks the Internet, released on November 21, 2018, is an animated comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston, it serves as a sequel to the beloved Wreck-It Ralph. The story follows the titular character, Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly), and his best friend, Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman), as they embark on an adventure into the vast and unpredictable world of the internet. Their journey begins when they discover a Wi-Fi router in their arcade, leading them to seek a replacement part for Vanellope's game, Sugar Rush.
As Ralph and Vanellope navigate the digital universe, they encounter various challenges and colorful characters. One of the film's pivotal moments occurs when they participate in an auction on eBay, inadvertently driving the price of a steering wheel up to $27,001. With only 24 hours to gather the funds, they meet Yesss (voiced by Taraji P. Henson), the head algorithm of a viral video platform called BuzzzTube. Yesss helps them create viral content to raise money for the steering wheel. Throughout their adventure, Vanellope forms a bond with Shank (voiced by Gal Gadot), a character from a racing game, while Ralph struggles with feelings of insecurity about their friendship and his role in her life.
The film explores significant themes such as friendship, change, and self-acceptance against the backdrop of the rapidly evolving internet landscape. Critics have praised Ralph Breaks the Internet for its humor and emotional depth, noting that it successfully expands upon its predecessor while maintaining a strong focus on character development. Although it received a PG rating and has a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes, some reviews were mixed regarding its narrative compared to the first film.
Commercially, Ralph Breaks the Internet was successful, grossing over $529 million worldwide against a budget of approximately $175 million. This indicates its popularity despite some critiques about its storyline. Overall, the film is recognized for its vibrant animation and clever commentary on internet culture, making it a notable entry in Disney's animated film repertoire and an entertaining experience for audiences of all ages.