Wicked has been in theaters for nearly two weeks and has already become the most popular film of 2024.
Its immense success reflects its widespread appeal and impressive box office performance, captivating audiences around the world.
This Wizard of Oz spin-off follows the unlikely friendship between witches Elphaba and Glinda. With such a captivating storyline, the question arises: how much money has Wicked earned so far? According to Deadline, the movie has generated a staggering $385 million globally as of Sunday, December 1.
This impressive figure places Wicked as the fourth highest-grossing movie based on a Broadway musical, following Mamma Mia! ($611.2M), Les Misérables ($442.7M), and Grease ($396.2M). However, it has set a new record in the United States, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation in domestic history.
During its first week, Wicked earned $214.3 million in the U.S. alone, with projections estimating it would rise to $263 million by December 1. The film’s strong domestic performance underscores its exceptional reception among American audiences.
Globally, Wicked shattered records in its first week of release. It achieved the largest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing Les Misérables ($103M) and Into the Woods ($31M). These milestones solidified its status as a cinematic phenomenon.
Additionally, Wicked marked a career milestone for its star, Ariana Grande. It became both her biggest global and domestic opening, setting a new benchmark for pop stars transitioning into film. Grande outperformed Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born ($42.5M), Harry Styles in Don’t Worry Darling ($19.3M), and Britney Spears in Crossroads ($14.5M) by a significant margin.
However, Moana 2, which premiered just a week after Wicked, achieved even more impressive numbers. The Disney animated sequel exceeded expectations, earning $389 million globally during its opening weekend alone. This extraordinary figure highlights its massive worldwide popularity.
Moana 2 also broke records, claiming the title of the highest-grossing opening weekend for an animated movie. It surpassed the previous record-holder, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which earned $377 million. Disney’s latest hit demonstrated the enduring appeal of beloved animated franchises.
Of the $389 million grossed by Moana 2, $221 million came from U.S. audiences, while $165.3 million originated from 48 international markets. These numbers reflect its broad global appeal and strong presence across diverse regions.
Moreover, Moana 2 achieved the second-highest opening weekend of 2024, falling short only to the highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine. This accomplishment underscores the continued dominance of major franchise films in shaping box office records.
As Wicked and Moana 2 continue their theatrical runs, they highlight the competitive nature of 2024’s box office landscape. Both films have delivered groundbreaking performances, captivating audiences with their storytelling and cultural significance.