Why Does It Feel Good to See Someone Fail?

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In the Pixar animated film “Inside Out,” most of the plot plays out inside protagonist Riley’s head, where five emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger—direct her behavior.

The film was released to glowing reviews. But director Pete Docter later admitted that he always regretted that one emotion didn’t make the cut: Schadenfreude.