Disney’s Moana 2 delivered a blockbuster performance during the Thanksgiving weekend, raking in $221 million in domestic ticket sales, according to studio estimates. Combined with international earnings of $165.3 million, the sequel achieved a staggering $386 million global debut, making it the second-best worldwide launch of 2024. This milestone was part of a Thanksgiving moviegoing surge, with total box office revenue reaching a record-breaking $420 million.
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 animated hit surpassed expectations, breaking the Thanksgiving opening record previously set by Frozen 2. Originally conceived as a streaming series, Moana 2 was repositioned for theatrical release under Disney CEO Bob Iger’s strategic pivot back to cinemas. The move paid off, with Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprising their roles as Moana and Maui to critical and commercial acclaim.
Alongside Moana 2, Universal Pictures’ Wicked continued its strong showing, grossing $117.5 million over the weekend and accumulating $359.2 million globally in two weeks. Meanwhile, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II secured $44 million in its second weekend, pushing its global earnings to $320 million.
The synergy of three major blockbusters—Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II—propelled the Thanksgiving weekend into record territory. For the movie industry, which has faced challenges from the pandemic, streaming competition, and shifting consumer habits, the weekend offered a glimpse of a robust recovery.
Michael O’Leary, CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, heralded the box office boom as a turning point. “This weekend shows the power of compelling, big-budget movies with strong marketing,” O’Leary said, expressing optimism about the future of theatrical releases.
The success of Moana 2 highlights the resurgence of family moviegoing, a category that is set to contribute $6.8 billion in ticket sales for 2024. Disney is poised to see its third billion-dollar hit of the year, joining Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine.
The holiday season could sustain the momentum, with upcoming releases like Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, and A Complete Unknown vying for audience attention. As the movie industry looks to 2025, the success of Thanksgiving’s record-breaking lineup is a testament to the enduring appeal of big-screen experiences.
