SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — During its opening weekend, “Moana 2” recorded $221 million in ticket sales. This performance set a new record for Thanksgiving moviegoing. The previous best was $125 million for “Frozen 2” in 2019. Additionally, “Moana 2” added $165.3 million internationally and $386 million worldwide.
The film was a huge part of a strategy shift for Disney. Originally, it was fashioned as a series for streaming. But when Bob Iger returned as CEO, he reconsidered the balance between theatrical and streaming. This likely comes after the original “Moana” was the most streamed movie on Disney+ in 2023.
Nonetheless, “Moana 2” may become the third $1 billion-grossing movie for Walt Disney Co. in 2024, along with “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.” While the movie only received 65% of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences gave it an “A-” CinemaScore.
“Moana 2” is also part of a major rebound for family moviegoing. According to a film consultant, family moviegoing in 2024 is going to account for approximately $6.8 billion in ticket sales. That number is roughly the total of 2022 and 2023 combined.