Moana 2's Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Box Office: A Deep Dive

Moana 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 Disney animated hit, has smashed box office records over the Thanksgiving weekend, raking in an impressive $221 million in its five-day domestic opening. This unprecedented success has fueled the biggest Thanksgiving box office of all time, with a total of $422 million, surpassing the previous record of $315.6 million set in 2018. Disney's animated adventure has not only dominated the domestic market but has also made a strong international debut, grossing $386.3 million worldwide in just five days.



The phenomenal performance of Moana 2 can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a robust marketing strategy, audience engagement, and the film's positive reception. Disney's decision to shift the sequel from Disney+ to theaters demonstrated confidence in its potential, as evident in then-CEO Bob Iger's statement. The film's appeal was further bolstered by the return of popular voice actors Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, who helped maintain audience connection. Moreover, the five-day Thanksgiving opening, traditionally a strong box office period, further boosted ticket sales.

Moana 2's record-breaking performance has not only benefited from its own success but also from the overall rise in movie attendance and Thanksgiving box office trends. The film's $221 million five-day domestic opening, which includes a $135.5 million three-day weekend, is a testament to this. The Thanksgiving weekend has consistently been a strong period for box office receipts, with 2018 reporting $315.6 million and 2024 already surpassing that with $422 million. Additionally, the five-day gross for Moana 2 alone is higher than the entire Thanksgiving weekend of 2013, which was $315.6 million. This demonstrates that Moana 2 is not only a hit in its own right but also a beneficiary of the broader trend of increased movie attendance and a strong Thanksgiving box office.

The film's positive reception from both critics and audiences significantly contributed to its record-breaking performance. Moana 2 received an "A-" CinemaScore from audiences, indicating strong word-of-mouth marketing. Additionally, it scored an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting widespread approval. This positive reception likely encouraged moviegoers to see the film, driving up box office numbers and contributing to its $221 million five-day domestic opening.



In conclusion, Moana 2's record-breaking Thanksgiving box office success is the result of a combination of factors, including a strong marketing strategy, audience engagement, and positive reception. The film's performance has not only benefited from its own success but also from the broader trend of increased movie attendance and a strong Thanksgiving box office. As the film continues to gain momentum, it is poised to become one of Disney's most successful animated films, potentially outpacing the original Moana, which grossed $643 million worldwide.

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