It’s safe to say no one expected Moana 2 to eclipse the original. Given Disney’s recent track record with sequels like Frozen 2 and Ralph Breaks the Internet, and the fact that this project started as a Disney+ series, its leap to cinemas feels more like a calculated pivot, perhaps even desperation following the lukewarm reception of Wish. Unfortunately, this move doesn’t change the reality that Moana 2, while visually breathtaking, struggles to recapture the heart and vibrancy that made the first film so universally beloved and cemented it as one of the most-streamed movies of the past five years.
Set three years after the original, Moana 2 follows its titular heroine, now a confident wayfinder, as she embarks on a new mission to lift a curse on the mysterious island of Motufetu. With a fresh crew at her side, Moana faces familiar foes and new threats, but the adventure treads far too close to the structure of the first film. By playing it overly safe, the story sacrifices emotional moments and narrative innovation, leaving little room for growth or surprises. There are no fun or creative obstacles along the way, and the stakes never rise beyond the mundane. The challenges Moana faces lack the same engaging, high-energy moments that kept audiences on the edge of their seats in the original.
Some of the first film’s achievements return here. The animation is as stunning as ever, with even more impressive water effects, and Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson slip back into their roles with ease. The returning side characters, Heihei, Pua, and Maui’s animated tattoos, provide the expected laughs, and the film’s humor is lighthearted and inoffensive. These elements ensure it’s an enjoyable watch for younger audiences or anyone simply craving more time in Moana’s world.
Yet, that sense of déjà vu is also the film’s downfall. Even lesser franchises like Ice Age, Hotel Transylvania, and Despicable Me had clear efforts to evolve their characters and explore new narratives. In contrast, where the first Moana was driven by her personal growth and self-discovery, this sequel fails to push Moana anywhere new. She starts the movie as a fully formed hero, leaving little room for the kind of character development that made her journey so compelling the first time around. The new characters, while offering occasional humor, lack the charm and depth of the original ensemble. The adventure itself feels muted, with no standout moments or emotional stakes to rival the intensity of Moana’s confrontation with Te Kā in the first film.
The music, one of the original’s crowning achievements, is also a downgrade. While Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foa’i return for the score, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence is deeply felt. The new soundtrack tries to recreate the magic of songs like “How Far I’ll Go,” but tracks like “Beyond” are weaker alternatives both melodically and lyrically. Maui’s solo number, provided by The Rock, stands out as a rare highlight, injecting some much-needed energy into an otherwise forgettable score.
Ultimately, Moana 2 is a visually polished but narratively unambitious sequel. It’s an enjoyable enough experience for fans of the original, especially families, but it lacks the bold creativity or emotional impact to stand on its own. It feels more at home on Disney+ than on the big screen, an entertaining diversion, but not a necessary voyage.
PS: There is a mid-credit scene that teases future adventures, Marvel-style.
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- Where to watch
Disney+- Where to watch
- Disney+
Play trailer
- Original title
- Moana 2
- Director
- David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
- Cast
- Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Temuera Morrison
- Rated
- PG
- Screenwriter
- Bryson Chun, Ryan Green, Bek Smith, Dana Ledoux Miller, Jared Bush
- Composer
- Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foaʻi
- Editor
- Jeremy Milton, Michael Louis Hill
- Country
- Language
- English
- Budget
- $150 million
- Box office
- $1.059 billion