Instead of relaxing at home after Thanksgiving, many Americans chose to visit movie theaters, spurred by the premieres of Disney’s “Moana 2” and the appeal of Universal Pictures’ “Wicked” and Paramount Pictures’ “Gladiator II.” Together, these films created a record-breaking boost for the domestic box office.
The trio of blockbuster releases helped the five-day Thanksgiving weekend box office revenue soar to an estimated $420 million, surpassing the previous record of $315.6 million set in 2018. This significant milestone underscores the resurgence of the moviegoing experience during the holiday season.
Disney’s “Moana 2” led the charge, achieving the highest-grossing five-day opening in history by earning $221 million domestically. This figure eclipsed the previous record set by “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” which earned $204.6 million in 2023. Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm in a press release, stating, “‘Moana 2’ has far surpassed our high expectations this weekend and is a testament to the phenomenon that Moana has become.”
Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, highlighted the strategic advantage of releasing three major films during the same period. “Having all three of these films seems to be a strategy, whether by design or by accident, that really draws massive amounts of attention to the movie theater experience,” he said. He also noted that the unexpected $420 million box office haul reshaped perceptions of the year’s overall potential.
“Wicked” contributed significantly to the holiday success, grossing $262.4 million domestically, including $80 million earned between Friday and Sunday. Similarly, “Gladiator II” added to the momentum, with its cumulative earnings reaching $111.2 million after generating $30.7 million over the same three-day period. Both films, which debuted on November 22, have collectively been nicknamed “Glicked,” drawing comparisons to the summer 2023 trend of “Barbenheimer,” which paired the releases of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”
In fourth place, Amazon MGM Studios’ Christmas action movie “Red One” earned $12.89 million during its third weekend of release. Distributed internationally by Warner Brothers Discovery, this film was followed by Lionsgate’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” which grossed $3.27 million in its second weekend.
Industry analysts predict that the box office momentum will persist in the coming weeks. The three leading films are expected to maintain their strong performance, drawing audiences well beyond the holiday weekend. Daniel Loria, editorial director at The Boxoffice Company, pointed out that “Gladiator II” faces little competition until mid-December, when Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter” is set to release. Similarly, “Moana 2” will dominate the family animation genre until December 20, when “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” and “Mufasa: The Lion King” hit theaters. “Wicked” will continue its run with a special interactive experience starting December 25, allowing audiences in approximately 1,000 North American theaters to participate in sing-along showings.
Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, noted that some moviegoers have faced difficulties securing advance tickets. This demand could translate into extended interest and attendance in the coming weeks.
Industry experts attribute much of this success to a revitalized focus on theatrical-driven marketing. Loria emphasized how Universal, Paramount, and Disney capitalized on this strategy to ensure their films’ success. According to data from The Boxoffice Company, 75% of all showtimes during the Thanksgiving weekend were dedicated to “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II.” This approach allowed theaters to cater to a diverse audience base seeking animated adventures, musical fantasies, or epic historical action.
Dergarabedian remarked on the evolving relationship between theatrical releases and streaming platforms. “That was additive and complementary: having the big screen and the small screen for Disney working together to build up the potential revenue and viewership,” he explained, highlighting how the synergy between the two formats amplifies a film’s reach and profitability.
This record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend not only underscores the enduring appeal of the big screen but also signals a promising trajectory for the box office in the weeks ahead. With no direct competition for the leading films in the immediate future, theaters are poised to continue reaping the rewards of a strong holiday season.
