After nearly a decade of waiting, Moana 2 sails in as not just a worthy sequel, but a resounding triumph in Disney's modern animation legacy. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film picks up three years after the events of the 2016 original and brings with it a treasure trove of adventure, cultural storytelling, and emotional depth that expands and deepens Moana’s heroic journey.
A Grand Return to the Ocean
Moana (voiced once again with soul and strength by AuliÊ»i Cravalho) is no longer the uncertain teenager of the first film. Now an experienced wayfinder, she is driven by a vision from her ancestor, Tautai Vasa, to rediscover the sunken island of Motufetu. The stakes are higher than ever: if she fails, the people of Motunui may lose their connection to the ocean — and to their identity — forever.
The plot is as mythical and meaningful as any in the Disney pantheon. The return of the demigod Maui (voiced with charisma and comedic flair by Dwayne Johnson) adds both tension and heart. This time, the challenge is greater, as they face Nalo, a storm god whose wrath threatens to extinguish oceanic cultures and magic alike. The message? Unity, legacy, and the power of ancestral guidance — all wrapped in sweeping Polynesian mythology.
Animation & Visual Splendor
Moana 2 is the first feature film produced at Disney’s Vancouver animation studio, and it shows. The film is visually breathtaking. From the glowing ocean depths of Motufetu to the swirling tempests conjured by Nalo, the visual storytelling is on another level. Maui’s animated tattoos — brought to life again under the expert hand of Eric Goldberg — remain a standout, continuing the blend of 2D and 3D animation in a way that pays homage to traditional artistry.
This is a film best experienced on the big screen, though rewatching it on home release in 4K brings out even more of the detailed textures and vibrant color palettes. Whether seen in theaters or streamed later, Moana 2 is a visual feast that demands attention.
The Music – A Fresh Voice for a New Journey
The music of Moana 2 had big shoes to fill following Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic contributions to the original. But composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia FoaÊ»i, along with new songwriting duo Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, have composed a worthy successor. Their fresh approach brings new emotional layers, combining traditional Polynesian instrumentation with lyrical storytelling.
Cravalho’s anthem “Beyond” feels like a spiritual continuation of “How Far I’ll Go,” while Dwayne Johnson’s “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” cleverly flips expectations with an empowering tribute to Moana’s strength. It’s catchy, emotional, and thematically powerful — the hallmarks of great Disney music.
Performances & Character Growth
The voice acting in Moana 2 is nothing short of stellar. Cravalho’s performance adds nuance and maturity to Moana, reflecting her growth not just as a wayfinder, but as a leader ready to sacrifice everything for her people. Johnson brings warmth and humor to Maui, but this time with a vulnerability that adds layers to his godly bravado.
Newcomers like Matangi, Nalo’s conflicted enforcer, and the quirky Kakamora ally Kotu, enrich the world of Moana with humor and complexity. The crew Moana assembles—Loto, Moni, and Kele—each have unique personalities that contribute to the story's themes of teamwork and cultural legacy.
Box Office & Streaming Triumph
It’s no surprise that Moana 2 has made waves both in theaters and on streaming platforms. With a global box office of $1.059 billion, it has outperformed its predecessor and landed as the third highest-grossing film of 2024. The response on Disney+ was equally impressive, where the movie racked up over 27 million views in its first five days, and earned a staggering 3.9 billion minutes of watch time by March 2025. Such numbers confirm what fans and critics alike are saying — Moana 2 is more than just a sequel; it’s a cultural event.
Moana 2 is everything a sequel should be — emotionally resonant, visually stunning, musically moving, and narratively bold. It honors its roots while exploring new depths of Polynesian storytelling. The film beautifully showcases the power of community, legacy, and the unbreakable bond between people and the natural world.
Whether you’re discovering it in theaters or watching from home, we highly recommend experiencing Moana 2 through the MovieKaTicket Films Review App, your go-to companion for trusted, detailed film analysis. Don’t forget to check out more reviews like this on MovieKaTicket.com, and let your next adventure start with Movie Ka Ticket!
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A triumphant journey that honors its legacy and charts a powerful new course.