The North American box office witnessed a monumental achievement this Thanksgiving weekend, as three major blockbusters—Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II—drove an unprecedented surge in moviegoers. With over 30 million people visiting theaters, the box office grossed an all-time high for the holiday period. This marks a dramatic resurgence for the industry, underscoring the ongoing appeal of large-scale cinematic experiences, even as the entertainment landscape continues to evolve. The Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the busiest times for movie theaters, and this year, the box office broke all expectations, setting new records across the board.
North American Box Office Gets Its Biggest Thanksgiving Weekend
This year’s Thanksgiving weekend delivered the highest box office earnings in North American history, eclipsing previous records and sending a clear signal that audiences are returning in full force. The combined total of Moana 2, Wicked, and Gladiator II contributed to a weekend gross of more than $400 million—an impressive feat that shows the lasting power of big-screen spectacle. Over 30 million people flocked to theaters, creating a festive atmosphere for movie lovers. The stellar performance of these three films reflects not only their popularity but also the broader recovery of the film industry, which has been rebounding from the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Picture Credit: Walt Disney Pictures, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures
Moana 2 Grosses USD 221 Million Over the Thanksgiving Weekend; Wicked Enjoys Gravity Defying Run
Moana 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Disney’s 2016 animated hit, opened to a phenomenal $221 million in its first weekend, setting a new benchmark for animated films during the Thanksgiving period. The movie’s success is a testament to the strength of Disney’s brand, particularly in the family-friendly market, where Moana 2 found its sweet spot. Audiences of all ages flocked to theaters to see the latest adventure featuring the iconic character Moana and her friends, cementing its place as one of the biggest animated openings in history.
Also read: Cinema Lovers Day: Holdover releases benefit; Moana 2 makes its presence felt at Box Office
Meanwhile, Wicked, the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, continued its gravity-defying box office run in its second weekend. Grossing an additional $117 million, Wicked is on track to reach a total domestic gross of around $450 million. The movie has already garnered significant attention for its star-studded cast and its loyal fanbase, who have embraced the big-screen version of the magical story. The adaptation’s ability to hold strong in its second weekend demonstrates the lasting appeal of the source material and its ability to translate to a cinematic format. With word-of-mouth buzz and positive reviews, Wicked is positioned to maintain its momentum well into the coming weeks.
Gladiator II Aims for a USD 200 Million Domestic Finish
Gladiator II, the long-awaited sequel to the Oscar-winning 2000 epic, has also exceeded expectations, grossing $44 million in its second weekend. Directed by Ridley Scott and featuring the return of the intense Roman Empire saga, Gladiator II is poised to achieve a domestic total of around $200 million by the end of its theatrical run. While the film has faced competition from other holiday releases, it has carved out a niche with its action-packed sequences and dramatic storytelling, ensuring that it continues to draw audiences in. Given the strong performance so far, Gladiator II is on track to join the ranks of recent hits that have found success even in a crowded marketplace.
Watch the Moana 2 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDZ7y8RP5HE&t=3s
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving weekend has proven to be a turning point for the North American box office, highlighting the enduring power of blockbuster cinema. With Moana 2 leading the charge and both Wicked and Gladiator II enjoying remarkable success, the industry is poised for a strong finish to the year. These record-breaking performances underscore the importance of big-budget films and the role they play in attracting mass audiences. As we look ahead to the rest of the holiday season, it’s clear that the appetite for immersive cinematic experiences remains as strong as ever, signaling a bright future for the film industry in 2025 and beyond.
[…] Also read: Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Weekend in North America: 30 Million movie lovers visit theatres to wat… […]