Disney's live-action “Moana” may be the top movie at the box office, but it didn't make a big splash in its first weekend.
Next photoThis image released by Disney shows Catherine Laga'aia in a scene from"Moana.
" Dwayne Johnson arrives at a special screening of Disney's"Moana" at the United Palace on Thursday, July 9, 2026, in New York. This image released by Universal Pictures shows minion Henry, voiced by Pierre Coffin, left, and Goomi, voiced by Trey Parker, in a scene from Illumination's"Minions & Monsters.
" This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Luciane Buchanan in a scene from"Evil Dead Burn.
" This image released by Disney shows Dwayne Johnson as Maui in a scene from"Moana.
" may be the No. 1 movie at the domestic box office, but it did not make a big splash in its first weekend in theaters. The movie, which cost a reported $250 million to produce, earned just $43 million from ticket sales in the U.S. and Canada, according to studio estimates Sunday. Internationally, it earned $52 million from 50 markets, adding up to a $95 million global debut.
The studio bet big on “Moana,” one of its most popular franchises. The 2016 animated film is the most watched movie on Disney+. Its sequel, which was stitched together from a planned streaming series, made over $1 billion and scored a Thanksgiving record when it opened with $225 million in 2024. This latest “Moana,” directed by Thomas Kail, brings Dwayne Johnson back as the demigod Maui and introduces as the adventuring Polynesian princess.
Despite praise for Lagaʻaia, the film set sail on a wave of dismal reviews from critics for being essentially a shot-for-shot remake of the original. It’s currently sitting at a 34% on Rotten Tomatoes. Audiences, the majority of whom were women , were less negative: According to PostTrak, 63% said they would “definitely” recommend the film to their friends. Parent reactions were even stronger, with 78% saying they would recommend it to other parents.
It also got a promising A- CinemaScore. Disney’s live action remakes of beloved animated films, new and old, have had their share of successes and disappointments. Some have made over $1 billion, including “Lilo & Stitch,” “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast. ” Others have floundered, most notably last year’s “Snow White,” which made only $205 million worldwide.
“Moana” opened more on par with “Snow White” . Paul Dergarabedian, the head of marketplace trends for Rentrak, said “Moana's” debut could also be a product of PG-rated oversaturation in the marketplace: Universal’swas in second place with $20.5 million and “Toy Story 5” was close behind in third place with $18.5 million.
“Families love going to the movies, but right now there are three of them,” Dergarabedian said. “That’s a lot of competition. ” PG-rated films outgrossed others in 2024 and 2025, so “Moana's” performance may not be a case of “family movie fatigue,” he said, but simply shows there can be a ceiling. Families have to make a choice, and after four weekends, “Toy Story 5” is still going strong with a running global total of $879.1 million.
There also are signs that these movies might not sink or swim based on the opening weekend alone. Although “Minions & Monsters” opened below expectations over the Fourth of July holiday, it also had a modest 45% drop this weekend. Its running domestic total is currently sitting at $108.3 million. The weekend’s other big new opener was definitely not PG: The R-rated horrora Warner Bros. release, opened in fourth place with $13.7 million.
It’s a significant dip from the previous two films in the series, which both opened in the $25 million range. Angel Studios’ George Washington movie “Young Washington” rounded out the top five films in its second weekend in theaters, with $6.4 million. Olivia Wilde’s chamber dramedy “The Invite” landed in sixth place in its first weekend in wide release, with $5.7 million from 1,610 theaters.
And though it has dropped out of the top 10 domestically, “Michael” has officially crossed $1 billion at the worldwide box office, only the second film this year to do so after “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. ” It’s also now the highest grossing musical biopic of all time, a title previously held by “Bohemian Rhapsody. ” The total domestic box office for the year is currently sitting just under $5.2 billion, up about 10.7% from this point last year.
While both May and June were very strong — both generating over $1 billion in North America — July, Dergarabedian said, has faced some headwinds with a string of underperformers, including “Supergirl. ” Things will likely pick up next week with the arrival of“They could power a stronger August than July at the box office, which would be very unusual,” Dergarabedian said.
With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak:4.
“Evil Dead Burn,” $13.7 million.9. “Disclosure Day,” $3.2 million. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Heavy rain in San Antonio causing street flooding in SouthtownBuying a gun for someone else is a felony — here's what you need to knowStolen Ambulance with Patient on BoardNearly 1,500 ICE arrests in SA — what families need to knowMan fires gun at neighbors — deputies respond with deadly forceNo Fanfare, No Drama — But Don't Call It RetirementAs Part of Toyota's Billion Dollar Expansion Neighbors Want a Seat at the TableSome San Antonio neighborhoods are way hotter than others — here's whyCDC warns of gut parasite spreading across 17 states
Please follow us on Google to support usPaul Dergarabedian Business Thomas Kail George Washington Entertainment Dwayne Johnson
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Disney's Live-Action Moana Faces Potential Box Office Failure and Severe Critical BacklashThe live-action adaptation of Disney's Moana is trending toward a disappointing box office debut and has received harsh reviews criticizing its visuals and lack of creative energy.
Read more »
'Moana' Review: Dwayne Johnson returns for Disney's lazy live-action remake that resembles AI slopFox News Digital reviews Disney's lackluster live-action adaptation of 'Moana' starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and newcomer Catherine Laga'aia.
Read more »
Box Office: ‘Moana’ Makes $18 Million on Opening Day'Moana' led the domestic box office, but didn't make the splash Disney was hoping for.
Read more »
Disney's Moana Live-Action Remake Draws Criticism Over Departures From OriginalDisney's live-action Moana remake faces backlash for changes compared to the 2016 animated hit, as debates intensify over cultural representation and creative liberties in reimagining classics.
Read more »