The Thanksgiving box office weekend of 2024 saw an unprecedented surge, led by Disney's animated feature Moana 2, which raked in a staggering $225.4 million over its opening five days. Alongside Wicked and Gladiator II, the total domestic revenue reached a record-breaking $425 million, surpassing the previous high of $316 million set in 2018.
Despite a 10.6% decline in annual box office revenue from 2023, the post-Thanksgiving figures provide optimism for a potential recovery, with projections suggesting 2024 could see ticket sales reach between $8.5 billion and $8.6 billion. The success of Moana 2 and Wicked is attributed to their broad appeal, drawing diverse audiences.
Moana 2's debut included $139.8 million over the three-day weekend and is expected to surpass $600 million globally in its second weekend. Meanwhile, Wicked has already become the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation, with a domestic total nearing $300 million.
Industry experts express hope that this Thanksgiving success will encourage continued cinema attendance through December, particularly with upcoming releases like Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.