Disney’s much-anticipated sequel, Moana 2, has made a stunning impression on the international box office shortly after its release. Accumulating an impressive $8.8 million on its opening day across ten markets, the film has achieved the remarkable feat of debuting at the top spot in each of those territories. This is no small accomplishment, especially given the competitive landscape of animated films. By the end of its opening week, Moana 2’s global tally reached a substantial $66.3 million, showcasing its appeal among audiences globally.
However, one must consider the context of these figures. Such a strong international debut takes place outside of the traditional holiday period, making the success even more extraordinary. Instead of benefiting from seasonal boosts, Moana 2’s triumph demonstrates the enduring popularity of the franchise, the star-studded voice cast including Dwayne Johnson and Auli’i Cravalho, and effective marketing strategies that piqued the interest of fans both young and old.
In this context, certain markets have emerged as front-runners for Moana 2’s international success. France, for instance, reported an electrifying opening day of $3.7 million. This figure not only represents the second-largest animated opening day in history, following Incredibles 2 but also marks the best opening day of 2024 so far. Such figures illustrate the insatiable appetite for animated family content in one of Europe’s largest film markets. Comparatively, the film outperformed its predecessor, Moana, by an astonishing 302% and surpassed competitors like Frozen 2 and Inside Out 2.
Indonesia’s performance was equally astonishing, with the film raking in $1.2 million on its first day—marking the largest animated film opening day in the country’s history. The overwhelming 83% market share highlights the cultural resonance of the Moana franchise within the region, illustrating how global franchises can tailor their narratives to local audiences effectively.
Interestingly, even adverse weather conditions could not dampen the spirits of Korean viewers. Despite experiencing its heaviest snowfall in 117 years, Moana 2 still managed to capture $1.1 million, ranking as the third-largest opening day for any Disney animation in the territory. These figures speak volumes regarding the film’s demand and potential longevity in theaters.
When analyzing the early numbers from various international markets, it’s essential to place them in a broader historical context. For instance, a comparative analysis demonstrates that Moana 2 is not just performing well against its predecessor but is also outshining many other animated features. The initial figures showcase Moana 2 achieving a remarkable 308% uptick compared to Moana’s first-day earnings. This trajectory is mirrored in various other markets, emphasizing the sequel’s strong foundation and nostalgic pull.
Furthermore, additional markets, including Italy and the Philippines, have yielded promising results. In Italy, Moana 2 garnered $900,000, marking the second-greatest launch day for a Disney animated title in that region, while in the Philippines, it achieved the second-best animated debut ever. Each of these metrics highlights how well the film is resonating with its audience, paving the way for a promising box office run across international territories.
As Moana 2 rolls out into additional markets, including Germany, Mexico, Australia, and Brazil, projections indicate a substantial increase in international earnings likely reaching or surpassing $100 million by the end of the opening week. With the United Kingdom, Spain, and China launching this Friday, the film will have almost fully captured its international footprint, excluding Japan, which will join the fray a week later. This gradual rollout allows for sustained attention across demographics as the film gains traction in multiple cultural contexts.
The initial success of Moana 2 reflects not only the continued appeal of beloved characters and engaging narratives but also the effectiveness of Disney’s strategic release planning. The film is posed to become a significant entry in the pantheon of animated cinema, and as additional international markets output their figures, the storyline of Moana 2’s global rise is just beginning.