Disney’s much-anticipated sequel, “Moana 2,” has made a remarkable entrance into the international box office arena, showcasing not just dominance but also a series of impressive milestones. With an opening day gross of $8.8 million across ten markets, it is evident that audiences around the world are eager to reunite with the beloved characters and follow their new adventures.
Record-Breaking Openings Worldwide
The movie’s rollout has generated significant buzz, particularly in France where it achieved the second-highest animated opening day of all time, only trailing behind “Incredibles 2.” Garnering $3.7 million on its initial day, “Moana 2” marked the biggest opening of 2024 and demonstrated a staggering 302% increase over the original “Moana” and a 43% rise compared to “Frozen 2.” The cultural impact of Disney films continues to thrive, and this statistical achievement speaks volumes about the sequel’s marketability.
Similarly, Indonesia celebrated an unparalleled animated opening day with “Moana 2,” contributing $1.2 million to its rapidly growing box office coffers. With an astonishing 83% market share, it outperformed its predecessor by more than eight times, making it a landmark event in Indonesia’s cinematic landscape. Such metrics not only suggest local enthusiasm but also underline the global appetite for engaging stories centered around themes of adventure, culture, and heart.
While the initial success has been compelling, context is essential. Notably, the international release of “Moana 2” does not coincide with a key holiday period, a factor that could have hindered attendance. Yet, the film has thrived, indicating an exceptional reception that seems poised to escalate as additional markets open in the following days. This absence of holiday celebrations may actually highlight the film’s overwhelming appeal since audiences are choosing to attend screenings even without the seasonal incentives typically associated with blockbuster releases.
In Korea, adverse weather conditions did not deter moviegoers, as “Moana 2” accrued $1.1 million, marking the third-largest opening day for any Disney animated film in the region. The film’s strong performance—154% ahead of “Moana”—underscores how meaningful the franchise has become across different cultural landscapes, blending storytelling with prominent local appeal.
As the film continues its rollout with releases in countries like Germany, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, the UK, Spain, and China, projections suggest that the total international opening weekend could soar to beyond $100 million. If trends observed in these early markets are any indication, it seems likely that “Moana 2” will shatter prior records, scaling significant new heights at the box office.
In terms of individual market performance, Italy contributed $900,000, ranking as the second-best launch day for a Walt Disney Animation Studios title. And in the Philippines, $700,000 was accrued on opening day, showcasing robust performance as the second-largest animated debut in the country, trailing only “Inside Out 2.” The data reflects not just a performance spike compared to its predecessors but also hints at the unique ability of Disney to resonate broadly across multiple demographics.
Ultimately, “Moana 2” is riding the wave of its strong early box office success. By breaking records and enchanting audiences worldwide, it has solidified its place as a cultural phenomenon. The return of Moana, Maui, and their friends has reignited the franchise’s allure, promising not only to entertain but also to inspire fans old and new. As the film expands its reach across international markets, the success story of “Moana 2” is only just beginning—an enchanting journey that may well reshape box office expectations for animated sequels in the years to come.