The Biggest Thanksgiving Box Office Smash in History: Moana 2 Breaks All Records!

Christmas came early at the box office this year. "Moana 2" brought in a tidal wave of moviegoers over the Thanksgiving Day weekend, setting records with $221 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday. That, combined with "Wicked" and "Gladiator II," made for an unprecedented weekend in cinemas and left Hollywood hopeful for a continued resurgence at the movies.

The first "Moana" film premiered in 2016 and became an instant classic, capturing the hearts of both children and adults alike with its stunning animation and memorable soundtrack. The film follows Moana, a young Polynesian princess, as she embarks on an epic adventure to save her island and restore the heart of the ocean. The movie grossed over $640 million worldwide and picked up two Academy Award nominations.

The massive success of "Moana 2" can be attributed to the continued rise of the box office, which has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past year. With blockbuster hits like "Oppenheimer," "Dune: Part Two," and "Killers of the Flower Moon," audiences have been flocking to theaters in droves, eager to escape into a world of entertainment and excitement.

However, the Thanksgiving weekend has historically been a challenging time for movies to compete, as many families opt to spend quality time together at home instead of venturing to the cinema. Despite these odds, "Moana 2" defied expectations and shone brightly as a beacon of hope at the box office.

Coming in second place at the box office, "Wicked" grossed an impressive $120 million over the five-day weekend. The film is an adaptation of the hit Broadway musical of the same name and features a star-studded cast, including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The movie follows the untold story of the witches from "The Wizard of Oz" and offers a fresh take on the beloved classic.

Meanwhile, "Gladiator II" came in third place, with $90 million in ticket sales. The film serves as a sequel to the Academy Award-winning "Gladiator" and promises to deliver an epic and action-packed adventure that fans of the original will undoubtedly love.

With these impressive numbers, it is clear that the box office is experiencing a new era of resurgence, one that promises to bring exciting and thrilling movies to the big screen. Whether you are a fan of animated adventures, musical spectacles, or historical epics, there is something for everyone at the movies this season. So why not grab some popcorn, gather your friends and family, and experience the magic of the movies for yourself?