Warning: This article contains spoilers for Moana 2.
Moana 2 premiered in November 2024 and has been a huge success, grossing $606 million on a budget of $150 million. The film has a 61% critics score and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it a clear hit. This success raises the stakes for Disney’s upcoming sequels, as they will need to live up to the expectations set by Moana 2.
Moana 2’s success is not unique, as it joins other successful Disney sequels like Inside Out 2, which raked in $1.69 billion at the box office. However, this success also puts pressure on Disney’s next big sequels, including Zootopia 2, Toy Story 5, and Frozen 3, to match or exceed the success of Moana 2.
The film’s ending sets up a larger universe, with Moana’s demigoddess status suggesting that she will travel beyond her home to discover the power of her world. This teases the possibility of more sequels and spin-offs, potentially putting pressure on the franchise to live up to its own expectations.
While Moana 2’s success is a win for Disney, it also raises the bar for the company’s next big sequels. With a strong track record of successful animated films, including Frozen, Toy Story, and The Lion King, Disney has reason to be optimistic about its future releases. However, the company will need to continue to deliver high-quality films to maintain its success.
Disney’s upcoming sequels will be watched closely, especially Zootopia 2, Toy Story 5, and Frozen 3, as they attempt to match or exceed the success of Moana 2. With a strong slate of upcoming films, including Inside Out 2, it seems likely that Disney will continue to thrive in the world of animation.