Record-Breaking Box Office Weekend With 'Moana 2' And More

Auli'i Cravalho, left and Dwayne Johnson pose for photographers upon arrival at the UK premiere of Moana 2 on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at a central London cinema. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

The Thanksgiving weekend brought an early Christmas gift to the box office this year with a trio of blockbuster films shattering records and delighting moviegoers.

The highly anticipated 'Moana 2' made a splash, raking in an impressive $221 million in ticket sales over the holiday weekend, setting a new record for Thanksgiving moviegoing. The film exceeded expectations and also garnered $165.3 million internationally, solidifying its status as a global hit.

Meanwhile, 'Wicked,' the Universal Pictures musical adaptation, continued its impressive run, pulling in $117.5 million over the five-day weekend and reaching a two-week global total of $359.2 million. The success of 'Wicked' now positions it as the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation, surpassing the iconic 'Grease.'

Wicked surpassed Grease as the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation.

Moana 2 set a new Thanksgiving record with $221 million in ticket sales.

Gladiator II collected $44 million in its second weekend.

Collectively, the three films drove over $400 million in ticket sales.

The industry sees this success as a sign of recovery post-pandemic challenges.

National Association of Theatre Owners predicts a strong finish to 2024.

Adding to the blockbuster lineup was 'Gladiator II,' the sequel to the Oscar-winning original, which collected $44 million in its second weekend. Despite facing profitability challenges due to its hefty $250 million budget, 'Gladiator II' has amassed $320 million worldwide, showcasing its enduring appeal.

Collectively, the three films drove the overall box office to over $400 million in Thanksgiving weekend ticket sales, marking a new record for the industry. This surge in box office revenue comes as a welcome sign of recovery for an industry that has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the impact of the pandemic and the rise of streaming services.

Industry experts and executives are optimistic about the future, with the National Association of Theatre Owners expressing confidence in a strong finish to 2024 and a promising outlook for 2025 and 2026. The successful weekend has reignited hopes for a return to normalcy in the movie industry.

The convergence of 'Moana 2,' 'Wicked,' and 'Gladiator II' at the box office has demonstrated the power of compelling big-budget films with strong marketing campaigns. The competitive landscape has proven beneficial for all stakeholders, from studios to theater owners, and most importantly, for moviegoers who have enjoyed a diverse array of blockbuster offerings.

As the industry looks ahead to a potentially brighter future, the recent box office success serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of cinema and the magic of the big screen experience.