Black Friday 2024 etched its name into box office history, becoming the highest-grossing Thanksgiving weekend ever, raking in a staggering $109 million at the domestic box office. This monumental figure surpasses all previous Black Friday totals, solidifying its position as the second-best moviegoing day of the year in the US, trailing only July 26th’s $118.3 million (largely boosted by the success of *Deadpool* and *Wolverine*). The current trajectory suggests that Black Friday 2024 could even claim the title of the highest-grossing day of the entire year, eclipsing even the summer blockbuster record.
This unprecedented success wasn’t achieved by a single film, but rather a powerful combination of diverse offerings that resonated with a wide audience. The powerhouse performances of major releases, including *Moana 2*, *Wicked*, and *Gladiator II*, formed the backbone of this extraordinary weekend. The variety on offer—from family-friendly animations to epic sequels and captivating musical adaptations—catered to a diverse range of moviegoers, contributing to the spectacular box office numbers.
Key Performers:
*
Moana 2 (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures):
Disney’s *Moana 2* emerged as the undisputed champion of Black Friday, generating a phenomenal $54.5 million. This represents a significant jump from its Thanksgiving Day gross of $28 million. With 4,200 theaters showcasing the film, *Moana 2* achieved a remarkable average of $12,976 per theater, accumulating a cumulative gross exceeding $140 million within just three days of its release. The sequel’s success underscores the enduring power of the Disney brand and its sustained appeal to family audiences.*
Wicked (Universal):
Universal’s adaptation of the Broadway hit *Wicked* delivered a robust performance, bringing in $32 million on Black Friday alone, a significant increase from the $17 million earned on Thanksgiving Day. Playing in 3,888 theaters, *Wicked* averaged $8,230 per theater, and its total gross soared past $214.4 million after just eight days in release, demonstrating the sustained interest from its dedicated fanbase.*
Gladiator II (Paramount Pictures):
The highly anticipated sequel, *Gladiator II*, commanded $12.4 million on Black Friday, marking a noticeable increase from its Thanksgiving Day earnings of $6.7 million. Though not reaching the heights of *Moana 2* and *Wicked*, its $3,464 average per theater across 3,580 locations contributed to a robust $92.9 million gross after eight days, confirming its strong appeal to action movie enthusiasts.Beyond the Blockbusters:
The success story extends beyond the major releases. Smaller titles such as *Red One*, *Conclave*, and *Juror #2*, although not matching the revenue of the heavy hitters, played a significant role in driving the overall box office surge. These films found their niche audiences, capitalizing on the overall festive movie-going atmosphere created by the major releases.
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron celebrated the unprecedented success on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the diverse range of films and the return of audiences to cinemas: “Press reporting that Americans are pouring into movie theatres this holiday weekend for Moana 2, Wicked and Gladiator II. So many appealing movies in theatres. Smaller titles too like Red One, Conclave and Juror #2. Be part of a national phenomenon. Catch a flick at AMC!”
A Record-Breaking Weekend:
The exceptional performance across the board showcases the enduring appeal of the cinematic experience, particularly during the holiday season. With the weekend still ongoing, the final box office numbers are expected to be even higher, further cementing Black Friday 2024 as a truly record-breaking day for the film industry. The diverse slate ensured there was something for everyone, ultimately resulting in an exceptional turnout and a historic box office victory.
