Moana 2 set to ride wave of success, following Disney-Pixar sequel triumphs.
With the highly anticipated release of Moana 2 just around the corner, fans and industry insiders alike are brimming with excitement. The sequel to the beloved animated film is poised to follow in the successful footsteps of other Disney-Pixar sequels, which have set record-breaking benchmarks at the box office, as seen with the most recent success of Inside Out 2 delivering the highest global animated opening of all time.
Three Disney-Pixar blockbusters that proved a smashing sequel success
Recent data shows that Disney-Pixar has a strong track record with sequels. Firstly considering Frozen 2, which amassed a staggering $40 million at the box office, securing its place as the 8th highest-grossing animated film of all time. The sequel saw an 11% increase in box office earnings compared to its predecessor, attracting 2.97 million admissions across Australia. This performance underscores the growing enthusiasm for continued stories from Disney-Pixar's magical worlds.
But the success story doesn't end there. After a 14-year hiatus, Incredibles 2 took the box office by storm, raking in $45.6 million. This impressive figure not only placed it as the 4th highest-grossing animated film of all time but also marked a 74% increase in box office earnings over the first film. With 3.3 million admissions, Incredibles 2 demonstrated that sometimes distance truly does make the heart grow fonder, with audiences' appetite for the superhero family adventures remaining at an all-time high.
The same can be said for Pixar’s smash hit, Finding Dory, which swam its way to a $48.4 million box office haul. Despite a 13-year gap between the first and second film, Finding Dory became the 3rd highest-grossing animated film of all time, with a notable 32% increase over the original Finding Nemo. Achieving 3.55 million Australian admissions, Finding Dory demonstrated that Pixar's underwater world continues to captivate audiences more than a decade after the introduction to Nemo and his fish friends.
With these box office results in mind, it is crucial to note the high skew of Pixar sequels towards audiences aged 14-24. This demographic, having grown up with the original films are now teenagers or in their 20s, and clearly still hold a strong affection for the franchises. For example, Finding Dory attracted 28% of its audience from this demographic, while Incredibles 2 drew 30%, and Inside Out 2 saw 37%.
Given this proven track record, there is every reason to believe that Moana 2 will sail to new heights of success. The combination of a beloved original film, a passionate fan base, and Disney-Pixar's knack for creating compelling sequels sets the stage for another box office triumph. As audiences prepare to revisit the adventures of Moana and her friends, they can look forward to another heartwarming and visually stunning journey.
Moana 2 sails into cinemas on November 28.