Moana 2 continues to make waves at the box office, now securing a spot among the Top 30 highest-grossing films in domestic history. With a total of $453.9 million in North America, the animated sequel has overtaken Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which ended its domestic run at $453.8 million. This milestone places Moana 2 alongside some of Disney’s most successful animated releases.
A Box Office Journey Worth Noting
Following the success of 2016’s Moana, this sequel takes the beloved heroine on a new adventure across the far seas of Oceania after receiving a mysterious call from her ancestors. Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson return as Moana and Maui, alongside new cast members Rose Matafeo, David Fane, and Awhimai Fraser.
According to box office data, Moana 2 had a strong opening with $139.7 million and has maintained steady momentum week after week. Its domestic earnings have now surpassed those of The Lion King (1994) and Toy Story 4, both of which were major successes for Disney. Compared to the first Moana, which earned $248.7 million domestically, Moana 2 has nearly doubled its predecessor’s total, solidifying its place among Disney’s top animated films.
How Moana 2 Stands Against Other 2024 Hits
In 2024, few films—animated or live-action—have managed to match Moana 2’s success. The sequel has outperformed other animated releases like Kung Fu Panda 4 ($193.5M) and Despicable Me 4 ($361M). Even high-profile live-action films such as Dune: Part Two ($282.7M) and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire ($196.8M) haven’t reached Moana 2’s domestic numbers. This highlights animation’s continued ability to attract massive audiences and compete with major Hollywood blockbusters.
The Future of the Moana Franchise
Disney has a long history of producing successful animated sequels, and Moana 2 proves that audiences are eager to return for more. With its impressive box office run, the chances of a Moana 3 becoming a reality seem higher than ever. While Disney hasn’t made an official announcement, the financial and fan response to Moana 2 makes it clear: Moana’s journey is far from over.
