Disney’s “Moana 2” has achieved remarkable success since its release, garnering an astonishing $221 million in U.S. ticket sales during the five-day Thanksgiving weekend. This impressive figure not only marks the highest-grossing Thanksgiving release of all time but also contributes to a record-breaking holiday box office stretch. The film’s earnings surpassed the previous record held by “Frozen II,” which brought in $125 million during its Thanksgiving weekend debut in 2019. This new achievement illustrates the resurgence of theatrical attendance as audiences flock to see both established franchises and newly anticipated sequels.
The box office performance of “Moana 2” did not just break Thanksgiving records; it also set a benchmark for five-day openings. The film eclipsed the previous record of $204.6 million set by “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” earlier this year. In a competitive Thanksgiving week, “Moana 2” emerged as the standout, generating approximately $221 million alongside other major releases like “Wicked,” which earned $117.5 million, and “Gladiator II,” with $44 million in sales. Collectively, these films contributed to a Thanksgiving box office total approaching $420 million, significantly outperforming the previous record set in 2018.
“Moana 2” debuted on a strong note, pulling in $28 million on Thanksgiving Day alone. This robust opening set the film on a trajectory that exceeded initial expectations of around $175 million for the five-day holiday weekend. With this impressive performance, the animated adventure has drawn in a worldwide total of $386 million, which includes $165.3 million in international ticket sales as of now. These figures indicate not only a successful launch for the sequel but also strong international appeal, reinforcing Disney’s position in the global film market.
In the broader context, the success of “Moana 2” represents a bright spot for a U.S. box office that has generally struggled in 2023. Despite the record-breaking performance over the Thanksgiving weekend, total box office receipts for the year have reached just over $7.5 billion, trailing behind both last year’s figures and pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, which saw over $8.1 billion by this time in the year, disparities are evident. The stark contrast to pre-pandemic levels—over $10.1 billion in 2019—highlights ongoing challenges, including a shift toward streaming services and the lingering effects from last year’s actors’ and writers’ strikes.
“Moana 2,” a sequel to the beloved 2016 film “Moana,” has built upon the foundation laid by its predecessor. The original film garnered $82 million during its Thanksgiving opening weekend and became the most-streamed movie of the year in 2023. This sequel has effectively tapped into nostalgia while attracting new audiences, indicating Disney’s successful strategy of reviving and expanding on established franchises. The film’s ability to resonate with both returning fans and newcomers has been instrumental in driving box office success.
As “Moana 2” continues to dominate the box office landscape, its achievements also highlight an evolving film industry grappling with changing consumer preferences and competition from streaming platforms. Despite the hurdles faced this year, including overall box office declines, the success of high-profile releases such as “Moana 2” may signal a potential turning point. If studios can capitalize on the excitement generated by such films and adapt to the shifting dynamics of film consumption, there is hope for a stronger recovery in the industry moving forward. As audiences seek immersive cinematic experiences, films that effectively blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling are likely to thrive in this new era of entertainment.
