Movie theaters have reason to celebrate as Disney's “Moana 2” set a new Thanksgiving box office record with $221 million over five days, surpassing 2019’s “Frozen II” ($125 million) and 2013’s “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” ($109 million).
"Moana 2" set a record for the largest five-day debut, surpassing "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" ($205.6 million). Its three-day total of $135.5 million is Disney Animation's best opening, beating "Frozen II" ($130.2 million). Ticket sales exceeded estimates of $135 million to $145 million. Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman remarked that "'Moana 2' has exceeded expectations, highlighting the phenomenon 'Moana' has become."
The nation's theaters are thriving with the success of the Polynesian animated adventure, Universal's "Wicked," and Paramount's "Gladiator II," which premiered last weekend. These blockbusters are driving a record-breaking Thanksgiving period, earning approximately $422 million, surpassing the 2018 record of $315 million. Attendance has rebounded from 2023's $125 million sales with films like Disney's "Wish" and "Napoleon." "Wicked" secured the No. 2 spot, earning $80 million over the weekend and $117.5 million over five days, grossing $262.4 million in North America and $359.2 million worldwide. It has become the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in domestic box office history, surpassing "Grease," and ranks fourth globally among stage-to-screen adaptations. Universal aims for "Wicked" to lead globally, as it is part one of a two-part saga, with each installment costing $150 million, excluding marketing.
“Gladiator II” ranked third with $30.7 million over the weekend and $44 million over five days, totaling $111.2 million domestically and $320 million globally. The sequel, costing over $250 million plus $100 million for marketing, follows the 2000 film.
“Moana 2” opened with $165 million internationally, reaching $386.3 million globally. This Disney hit follows “Inside Out 2” ($1.6 billion) and “Deadpool & Wolverine” ($1.3 billion) in 2024, marking a recovery from 2023’s flops. Theaters appreciate its shift from a Disney+ series to a theatrical release. The original “Moana” earned $680 million globally and was the most streamed movie in the U.S. in 2023. A live-action remake is planned for 2026.
Dwayne Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho reprise their roles as Maui and Moana in the sequel. Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear wrote the songs, receiving mixed reviews but strong audience reception. It has a 65% Rotten Tomatoes rating and an “A-” CinemaScore.
“Red One,” a Christmas action comedy starring the Rock, made $12.8 million over the weekend and $18.7 million over five days, totaling $75 million in North America and $148.7 million globally. Initially intended for streaming, it cost $250 million and struggles to recoup costs theatrically.
Lionsgate's "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" ranked fifth, earning $3.2 million over the weekend and $4.85 million during Thanksgiving. With a $10 million budget, it has grossed $32 million in North America over four weeks.