'Moana' Tops Box Office With $95 Million, But Falls Short of Expectations

Disney's latest release, 'Moana,' the third installment in the popular saga, has opened to a global box office total of $95 million, a figure that falls below the studio's expectations. The film garnered $43 million in the United States and Canada, while international markets contributed $52 million.

This opening weekend performance is particularly noteworthy given the film's substantial production budget, estimated at $250 million before marketing costs. Industry experts suggest several factors may have contributed to the lukewarm reception at the box office.

One significant factor cited is the close release window to the previous installment, which may have diluted audience enthusiasm. Additionally, 'Moana' faced stiff competition from other major family-friendly releases, including 'Toy Story 5' and 'Minions & Monsters,' potentially limiting its ability to capture a larger share of the market.

In contrast, the original animated 'Moana' from 2016 was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $643 million worldwide. Its sequel, released in 2024, surpassed $1 billion globally. Despite a critical score of 35% on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience gave the new film an 'A-' CinemaScore, indicating a more favorable reception from viewers.

Meanwhile, the biopic 'Michael,' celebrating the pop star's life, has crossed the $1 billion mark worldwide, becoming the second film this year to achieve this milestone after 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.' 'Minions & Monsters' continues to perform well with $280 million globally, and 'Toy Story 5' has reached $879 million after four weeks. The horror film 'Evil Dead Burn' debuted with $40 million worldwide.