Moana II Breaks Thanksgiving Box Office Records, Beating Wicked

Moana II has achieved a record-breaking milestone over the Thanksgiving weekend as moviegoers flocked to theaters to celebrate the holiday by watching the newly released animated film. This Thanksgiving brought a series of anticipated blockbuster films that collectively shattered box office records, particularly with Moana II, which dominated the weekend.

Box Office Bonanza: Thanksgiving Weekend Hits a New High

The holiday weekend saw the release of several high-profile films, including Wicked, Gladiator II, and of course, Moana II. These three films contributed to an astounding total Thanksgiving weekend box office revenue of $420 million, setting a new all-time record. The previous record, set in 2018, was $315.6 million, driven by Ralph Breaks the Internet, Creed II, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

Paul Dergarabedian, a senior media analyst, highlighted the significance of this achievement: Not only did we surpass previous records for Thanksgiving weekend, but this sets a completely new standard for what can happen during the holiday season for movie theaters.

The impressive revenue was largely driven by Moana II, which exceeded expectations by earning nearly $100 million more than anticipated. The film, which is a sequel to the hit Moana from 2016, has captured the hearts of both returning fans and new audiences alike.

Moana II’s Record-Breaking Debut

Since its release on Wednesday, Moana II has grossed $221 million across North America, surpassing expectations in a major way. The film’s five-day opening has become the largest Thanksgiving opening of all time, breaking several records in the process.

Previously, the highest-ever opening during Thanksgiving was The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned $204.6 million. In comparison, Moana II nearly doubled the opening revenue of Frozen 2, which earned $15 million on Thanksgiving Day in 2019.

This stunning box office performance has made Moana II not only the biggest opening of the year but also the largest animated opening in history. Disney’s Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, issued a statement praising the film’s success: The movie has far exceeded our high expectations this weekend, and it is a testament to the phenomenon that ‘Moana’ has become.

The incredible performance of Moana II reflects the enduring popularity of the franchise, as the first film’s message and characters have continued to resonate with audiences worldwide. The sequel has struck a chord with both families and moviegoers of all ages, making it a must-see holiday film.

Wicked and Gladiator II Also Perform Strongly

Though Moana II stole the spotlight, Wicked also saw significant box office success. The Broadway adaptation grossed an estimated $117.5 million during the week, marking it as the highest-grossing Broadway film adaptation in history domestically. This strong performance has fueled the growing excitement around the musical, which has been long awaited by fans.

Meanwhile, Gladiator II, the follow-up to Ridley Scott’s 2000 epic, earned an additional $44 million at the domestic box office over the five-day period, contributing to a strong performance for the action-packed film.

While these films performed admirably, Moana II emerged as the clear leader, redefining what’s possible during a holiday weekend. The success of these films underscores the power of beloved franchises and the continued dominance of major studio releases during key periods like Thanksgiving.

As Moana II continues to lead the charge in box office earnings, it also serves as a reminder of the power of animated films in capturing audiences’ imaginations. The film’s success is a testament to the widespread appeal of both its engaging characters and its heartfelt storyline.