Disney sequel Moana 2 made an extraordinary start in global box offices, breaking every record and expectation. Moana 2, the animated feature, debuted on November 29, 2024, but already it has left a memorable mark in cinematic history.
Record-Breaking Weekend
Moana 2 earned the highest opening weekend ever for an animated film, with a staggering $389 million worldwide, surpassing the previous record holder, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned $377 million during its opening weekend.
The numbers are as follows: $221 million in the U.S. domestic market, breaking the record for animated films.
$163.8 million from international markets, slightly lower than initial projections but still contributing significantly to its monumental debut.
Historical Context
The film broke every record for the biggest animated opening but also topped Disney’s previous record holder, Frozen II, in every metric. It now ranks second to the top three-day opening weekend of 2024 just behind the most highly anticipated film of next year, Deadpool and Wolverine crossover.
On the Road to More Success
Global Box Office: Moana 2 will likely carry on its winning streak, raking in a total close to $400 million. This is only a short distance of $10 million away from overtaking the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes ($397.37 million) and, hopefully, into the top 10 highest-grossing films of 2024. Featuring the return of Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Auli’i Cravalho as Moana, the sequel has been celebrated for its stunning visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and captivating performances. The lack of major competing releases in the coming weeks further bolsters its box office prospects.
Outlook
With its incredible opening and continuous momentum, Moana 2 is sure to stand as a milestone for history in Disney and in animation cinema. It has captured the hearts of audiences as a worthy successor to the original as well as the most happening cultural phenomenon of its kind.
