Moana 2 Sails Past New Milestone of $1 Billion at the Box Office
Moana 2 surpassed $1 billion globally, making it Disney’s third 2024 milestone. The Walt Disney Company continued its box office success over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend.
The film made about $442.8 million domestically and $567.1 million internationally, as reported by Disney. This is the fourth Walt Disney Animation film to cross $1 billion, with Frozen, Frozen 2, and Zootopia.
This goal highlights Disney’s recovery in animated films after a hard comeback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, multiple animated films debuted on Disney+, allowing many parents to expect new films at home instead of in theaters. Despite these challenges, Disney has regained its leadership in animated storytelling.
#Moana2 is an astonishing sequel that isn't afraid to raise the stakes.
— Aeron Eclarinal – The Direct (@aeronchino) November 23, 2024
Maui & Moana's chemistry never gets old and their banters are hilarious & emotional!
The story is moving & the soundtrack is BREATHTAKING! The mid-credits scene @TheDirect pic.twitter.com/goGEPHOowM
The Journey from Moana to Moana 2
The success of Moana 2 comes from the foundation laid in the first film, which premiered in 2016. Moana attracted audiences with its breathtaking animation, memorable music, and heartfelt story of a Polynesian teenager who goes on a daring journey to save her people. Songs like “How Far I’ll Go” are becoming a cultural phenomenon. The film grossed $682 million worldwide, making it one of Disney’s modern classics.
Moana 2 continues the story by bringing back favorite characters while exploring Moana’s central female character’s challenges and adventures. Fans and critics applaud the sequel for its unique visual, emotional depth, and beautiful soundtrack. The contributions of Lin-Manuel Miranda as a songwriter played a significant role in creating music that resonates with global audiences.
The sequel’s billion-dollar success reflects the love for the character of Moana and the Polynesian culture she represents. It also points to Disney’s ability to make sequels that respect the original while introducing new elements to engage their different audiences.
To the fans around the world, the ocean of love you’ve shown Moana 2 has put wind in our sails and gone so far beyond anything we could have imagined. On behalf of Disney Animation, our cast & crew & everyone who brought this film to life, thank you. (: Director, Jason Hand) pic.twitter.com/NkDF3IQf8a— Disney Animation (@DisneyAnimation) January 19, 2025
With Moana 2 successfully thriving at the global box office, it is clear that the legacy of Moana has only grown stronger.
You can stream Moana on Disney+ now.
