The Unofficial Inside Out 3 Emotions List: 10 Complex Feelings Set To Join Riley’s Mind

As of December 2025, the excitement surrounding a potential Inside Out 3 is at an all-time high, especially following the massive success of the second installment which introduced the 'teen emotions' like Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. While Pixar has yet to make a formal, public announcement, a third film is widely considered to be in the works, with promising updates coming directly from Pixar writers and voice actors involved in the franchise. The biggest question now is: which complex emotions will emerge as Riley transitions from adolescence into the turbulent world of young adulthood?

The pattern established by the first two films—focusing on Riley's core life stages (childhood and teenage years)—strongly suggests that Inside Out 3 will explore her college years, early career, or even first serious relationships. This next phase of her life demands a new, more sophisticated set of emotional characters to manage the pressures of independence, identity formation, and adult responsibilities. Based on industry speculation and the psychological concepts the franchise explores, here is a deep dive into the most likely candidates for the new Headquarters crew.

The Confirmed Status and Riley's Next Chapter: Moving to Adulthood

The development of Inside Out 3 has been subtly confirmed by those close to the production. Pixar writer Dave Holstein, who worked on Inside Out 2, has stated that he has "no doubt" a third film is happening and is already in early development. This is a strong indicator that the creative team is already mapping out the next phase of Riley's emotional journey, which will logically move beyond the high school setting.

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The most compelling plot speculation centers on Riley heading off to college or navigating her early 20s. This period is a psychological goldmine for the franchise, as it involves major life changes: moving away from home, forming a new adult identity independent of her parents, and experiencing the complexities of adult romance and career ambition. Each of these new challenges necessitates a fresh wave of emotional entities to help Riley cope and evolve.

If the first film was about the core five (Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, Anger) and the second was about the Puberty Crew (Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment), the third will likely introduce the 'Adult Emotional Spectrum.' This shift will allow the film to tackle more nuanced and mature psychological concepts, continuing the franchise's tradition of blending entertainment with genuine emotional literacy.

The Unofficial Inside Out 3 Emotions List: 10 Highly-Anticipated New Characters

While no official character list has been released, the following ten emotions are the most frequently discussed and psychologically relevant candidates to join Riley’s Headquarters as she enters her twenties. These characters would represent the complex feelings associated with self-discovery, deep connection, and the existential challenges of adult life.

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• 1. Love (or Affection): The most highly anticipated addition. As Riley begins to navigate serious romantic relationships, an emotion dedicated to deep, committed connection—distinct from simple 'crush' or 'lust'—becomes essential. Love would likely be a powerful, unifying force, potentially clashing with Anxiety or the original five.
• 2. Shame: A darker, more complex emotion that is a hallmark of adult psychological struggle. Shame is different from Embarrassment (which is situational) in that it is a deep, painful feeling about one's self-worth. Its introduction would allow the film to explore themes of vulnerability and self-acceptance.
• 3. Hope: A crucial emotion for navigating the uncertainty of the future, especially in college or a new career. Hope would serve as a powerful counterpoint to Sadness and Anxiety, representing optimism and the drive to pursue long-term goals.
• 4. Nostalgia: As Riley moves away from home, the feeling of longing for the past becomes a significant part of her emotional landscape. Nostalgia could be a gentle, wistful emotion that helps Riley appreciate her memories but must be managed so it doesn't prevent her from focusing on the present.
• 5. Lust (or Passion): A more mature and intense feeling related to romantic and physical attraction. Given Riley's age, this emotion would be a natural, if challenging, addition, representing the biological and psychological drive for intimacy.
• 6. Confusion: The state of being bewildered or uncertain, which is common when making major adult decisions like choosing a career path or defining personal values. Confusion would be a chaotic, humorous character that constantly second-guesses the other emotions.
• 7. Annoyance (or Irritation): A lower-level, persistent form of Anger that deals with the daily frustrations of adult life—roommates, bureaucracy, traffic. Annoyance would be a relatable, passive-aggressive emotion that adds levity to the Headquarters.
• 8. Independence (or Autonomy): While not a core emotion, this could be personified as a character representing Riley's drive to be self-sufficient and make her own decisions, often rebelling against the control of the original five. This entity is crucial for the college plotline.
• 9. Serenity (or Calm): A desirable, mature emotion that represents the ability to find peace and balance amidst stress. Serenity would be a goal for Riley, perhaps a character that the other emotions struggle to let take the console, symbolizing emotional maturity.
• 10. Compassion: As Riley's social circle expands and she encounters more complex worldviews, the ability to feel sympathy and concern for others' suffering becomes vital. This emotion would be a key player in her adult relationships and ethical development.

Why These Complex Emotions Are Crucial for Riley's Adulthood

The introduction of a new set of characters in Inside Out 3 goes beyond simply adding new faces; it reflects the deepening complexity of the human psyche as we age. The first film dealt with primary emotions, and the second with the turbulent onset of hormones and self-consciousness. The third must address the formation of a stable, integrated adult self, where feelings are no longer black and white.

Emotions like Shame and Love are particularly significant. Shame is one of the most destructive forces in adult mental health, often leading to hiding true feelings and self-isolation. For Riley to achieve true emotional maturity, she must learn how to process and integrate Shame without letting it take over her self-concept. Similarly, the concept of Love in adulthood involves vulnerability, sacrifice, and long-term commitment, which will test the entire Headquarters team in ways that Anxiety and Envy never could.

Furthermore, the inclusion of an emotion like Hope is vital for the narrative structure. It provides a necessary counterbalance to the negative emotions that dominate the adult world, such as Depression (another frequently speculated, though perhaps too heavy, emotion). Hope ensures that even as Riley faces the inevitable disappointments and setbacks of her twenties—from career failures to relationship heartbreaks—she maintains a core belief in a positive future.

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The evolution of the Headquarters itself will be a major topical authority point. The console will undoubtedly need to be expanded once again to accommodate the new arrivals. The dynamic between the Original Five (Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, Anger), the Puberty Crew (Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, Embarrassment), and the new Adult Emotions will form the core conflict. Learning to integrate all these entities into a cohesive, functional self is the ultimate goal of the Inside Out franchise.

This integration is what psychologists call emotional regulation, a key skill in adulthood. Riley must learn that a balanced life requires not suppressing any emotion, but rather allowing each one to play its appropriate role in a complex system. The film will likely explore how the new, mature emotions like Serenity and Compassion help mediate the conflicts between the more volatile feelings like Anxiety and the original Anger.

Ultimately, Inside Out 3 is poised to be an exploration of identity and meaning in the context of adult life. By introducing sophisticated feelings like Nostalgia, Independence, and the deep connection of Love, the film will continue its groundbreaking work of making complex psychological concepts accessible to a global audience, proving once again that the most exciting drama takes place not out in the world, but within our own minds.