The Thanksgiving box office was nothing short of spectacular this year, with Disney's Moana 2 leading the charge. The film, a continuation of the beloved 2016 hit, smashed records, earning $135.5 million in its opening weekend and a staggering $221 million over the five-day holiday period, as reported by Deadline. This achievement marks a significant turnaround for Disney, which faced challenges in 2023 due to a string of underperforming releases.
What makes Moana 2's success even more remarkable is its origin as a project initially conceived for streaming before being retrofitted into a theatrical release. The film's performance exceeded all projections, reflecting a strong rebound in audience enthusiasm for Disney's animated ventures.
While Moana 2 claimed the spotlight, Universal's Wicked also showcased impressive staying power. In its second weekend, the adaptation of the popular musical earned $80 million, experiencing only a modest 29% drop. With a domestic total of $262 million and a trajectory pointing toward a $500 million finish, Universal has another hit on its hands, setting the stage for a sequel slated for next Thanksgiving.
Ridley Scott's Gladiator II maintained momentum, taking the third spot with $30.7 million and a domestic total of $111 million to date. The film's global performance will determine its chances for a third installment but has already cemented its place among the highest-grossing historical epics.
Other notable entries include Dwayne Johnson's holiday action-comedy Red One, which held strong with $12.8 million, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a low-budget faith-based film that continued its steady climb, earning $3.27 million this weekend.
Meanwhile, Venom: The Last Dance crossed $500 million globally, and A24's indie horror Heretic inched closer to $30 million. These performances underline the diversity of offerings that kept audiences engaged this holiday season.
The Thanksgiving weekend showcased a dynamic lineup of films catering to a broad spectrum of audiences. Moana 2's record-breaking debut is a testament to the enduring appeal of Disney's storytelling and the power of a well-loved franchise. Universal's Wicked also deserves recognition for its robust hold, underscoring the public's appetite for musical adaptations. It's exciting to see a mix of big-budget blockbusters and indie gems thriving simultaneously, reflecting a healthy and varied film landscape.
What do you think made Moana 2 such a massive success? Share your thoughts on the future of Disney's animated features below!
