---
title: "Moana 2"
year: 2024
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/moana-2"
fi1m_id: "moana-2"
imdb_id: "tt13622970"
tmdb_id: 1241982
wikidata_id: "Q124457266"
fi1m_score: 55
critics_score: 56
critics_reviews: 20
published: "2026-09-09"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:57.388670+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Moana 2 (2024)

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller · 1h 40m · MPA PG · Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

## Identity

Moana 2

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/moana-2
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** moana-2
- **IMDb ID:** tt13622970
- **TMDB ID:** 1241982
- **Wikidata ID:** Q124457266
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13622970/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1241982, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124457266

**Fi1m score: 55** · Critics 56 from 20 reviews

*In a sentence:* A bigger boat, a bigger crew, and not one song you will still have in your head at the car park

> This return to Moana’s ocean is as handsome as the first film and a good deal emptier. The water is a wonder, Cravalho is still the reason to watch, and the new songs go in one ear and out the other.

## Synopsis

Some time after her first voyage, Moana (Auliʻi Cravalho) is a wayfinder with a title, a canoe of her own and a small sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), who does not want her to leave. A vision from an ancestor, Tautai Vasa (Gerald Ramsey), sends her out again: somewhere beyond the reef is a lost island that once joined the peoples of the ocean, and a storm god has sunk it. She recruits a crew, the builder Loto (Rose Matafeo), the storyteller Moni (Hualālai Chung) and the farmer Kele (David Fane), plus a chicken, and goes looking for the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who has troubles of his own with a bat-winged woman called Matangi (Awhimai Fraser).

## Review

Moana is back on the water, and this time she has taken a boatload of people with her. Jason Hand, David G. Derrick Jr. and Dana Ledoux Miller share the directing, Jared Bush and Miller the script, and the film began life as a television series before it was cut down and sent to cinemas. You can tell. *Moana 2* is bright, kindly, well drawn and nearly weightless, a sequel that keeps announcing danger and never quite produces any. It is fine for an evening with children. It will not stay with anyone afterwards.

The ocean is still the star. Ian Gooding’s production design gives the sea a dozen moods, from flat turquoise shallows to a night storm where the swell comes up black and the lightning shows the whole canoe for a frame at a time, and the water behaves like water: it slops, it pools on the deck, it goes green when the light is behind it. Matangi’s lair, a dark hollow hung with bats and lit purple from below, is the one place the film looks like it belongs to somebody in particular. A sequence inside a giant clam is handsome too, and over quickly. Auliʻi Cravalho carries the rest. Her Moana is older and a little more tired, and she sings the new material with more conviction than it deserves.

The best scene is in the first twenty minutes and involves nobody magical. Moana’s small sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda) does not want her to go, and the parting between them on the beach, with Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger standing back as the parents, got to us more than we expected. It is short, plainly staged and the film’s only moment of real loss. Nothing in the following eighty minutes reaches that pitch again, and we spent a fair part of them waiting for it to.

Dwayne Johnson’s Maui is kept offstage for a long stretch, held by Matangi, and Awhimai Fraser makes her the liveliest newcomer: sly, bored, half on Moana’s side, and given the one song in the film with a pulse in it. When Maui finally arrives, Johnson and Cravalho pick up exactly where they left off, needling each other across the deck, and the film is at its easiest whenever they share a scene. Alan Tudyk’s Heihei is again the funniest thing aboard and again says nothing.

The trouble is the crew. Loto (Rose Matafeo), Moni (Hualālai Chung) and Kele (David Fane) are each issued one trait, an inventor, a fan, a grump, and the film then has to find something for three extra bodies to do in every scene. Jeremy Milton and Michael Louis Hill cut the voyage into short episodes, an island, a monster, a squabble, a song, and the joins show. Twice we felt one episode end and another begin, with a beat of dead air between them where a title card might once have gone. Matafeo gets a laugh or two. Fane and Chung mostly get to be on the boat.

Then the songs. Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina are credited with the music, and the score is the strongest part of it, drums and chant under the sailing scenes doing the work the songs should be doing. The songs themselves are tuneful, well sung, and gone. We tried, on the way out, to hum any of them and found the old ones from the first film had moved back in instead. For a musical built on a voyage, that is a real problem.

Against the first film, which gave its ocean a real monster, a real grandmother and a real ending, this one has a storm god who is talked about far more than he is seen and a quest whose rules are explained twice and still feel loose. Most critics have landed somewhere in the middle on it, and so have we. Take children under ten and they will be perfectly happy; the sea alone is worth their hour and forty minutes. Adults may find themselves looking at the water and thinking about the first film, which is a strange thing for a sequel to want. It runs 100 minutes and carries a PG.

*Fi1m score 55, published 9 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews lean mixed, with about as many critics finding it a pleasant enough sequel as finding it a tired one. Where praise lands, it lands in the same places: the animation, especially the water and the light on it, is admired almost universally, and Auliʻi Cravalho’s voice work and the sparring between Moana and Maui are singled out again and again. Several critics also credit the care taken with Polynesian culture and myth.

The reservations cluster just as tightly. Most critics say the new songs do not come close to the first film’s, and many find the story a rerun of the original with more characters and less jeopardy. Its origins as a planned television series come up repeatedly as an explanation for the episodic feel. The spread is wide: The Telegraph rates it an exhilarating four stars, while The Times calls it a soulless rehash never meant for cinemas and The Guardian dismisses it as passionless product.

## Straight answers

**Is Moana 2 worth watching?**

*Moana 2* is worth watching for families with children under ten, and not much beyond that; we scored it 55. The sea is drawn as well as it was in the first film and Auliʻi Cravalho is still the reason to watch, but the new crew is thin and the songs do not stay in the head. Adults may spend it thinking about the first film.

**How long is Moana 2, and what is it rated?**

*Moana 2* runs 1h 40m and is rated PG by the MPA in the US. It is an adventure and animation film.

**Where can I watch Moana 2 in the US?**

*Moana 2* is streaming on Disney+ in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Moana 2 compare to Moana?**

*Moana 2* is the weaker of the two films, handsome to look at but emptier than the first [*Moana*](https://film.one/film/moana). The original gives its ocean a monster worth fearing, a grandmother worth losing and songs that stay put; the sequel talks about its storm god more than it shows him and adds three crew members with one trait each. Start with the first film.

**What should I watch after Moana 2?**

After *Moana 2*, try [*Moana*](https://film.one/film/moana) (2016, Fi1m 82): The first voyage, with a monster worth fearing and songs that stay put. Then [*Song of the Sea*](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea) (2014, Fi1m 82): Irish hand-drawn seals and selkies; quieter, sadder, and the water is just as lovely; and [*Kubo and the Two Strings*](https://film.one/film/kubo-and-the-two-strings) (2016, Fi1m 83): A quest with a lost parent and a real villain, in stop-motion that earns its awe.

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Evening Standard**, India Block (80/100, inferred): The critic finds this a delightful, well-paced sequel that delivers wholesome lessons, strong animation, and emotional appeal, especially for families. She singles out the beautiful animation and the positive audience reaction for praise. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/moana-2-review-maui-dwayne-johnson-b1196400.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Yasmine Kandil (3/4/3): The critic sees it as a solid sequel that delivers joy through familiar favorites, fun new characters, and strong visuals, though it falls short of the original's heights. Cravalho's voice performance and the authentic cultural representation stand out positively. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/moana-2)
- **The Telegraph** (4/5): The film is an exhilarating, romping sequel whose songs outshine those in Wicked, with strong animation and a brisk pace. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/moana-2-review-dwayne-johnson/)
- **Empire**, John Nugent (75/100, inferred): The critic calls it a charming, high-standard retread that remains delightful and gorgeous, celebrating Polynesian culture authentically. He singles out the stunning animation and engaging hero Moana for praise while noting it plays it relatively safe. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/moana-2/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (70/100, inferred): A worthy sequel with gorgeous animation, thoughtful Polynesian representation, and an exciting adventure for the inspiring hero, though the songs are not as addictive as the original's. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-11-27/moana-2-review-sequel-dwayne-johnson-animation-disney)
- **The AV Club**, Jacob Oller (C+): This haphazard sequel is lost at sea, feeling like a second-rate follow-up from its forgettable songs to its thin story, though the vivid animation and ocean visuals provide some enjoyment. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/moana-2-review)
- **Radio Times**, James Mottram (3/5): The critic finds it a colourful, laidback ride that pays homage to Polynesian myth but lacks emotional impact and jeopardy due to a wayward script and too many characters. It appeals to young fans despite not innovating. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/moana-2-review/)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (3/5): The review calls it a fun but throwaway sea-sequel that recycles the original's formula without the same freshness or songwriting spark. It praises the dazzling visuals, Polynesian culture celebration, and Moana's character dynamic with Maui. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/moana-2-review-2024)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (55/100, inferred): An okay, above-average kiddie roller-coaster and piece of pure product that is more dutiful than inspired, with songs that lack the indelible magic of the first film. [Read](https://au.variety.com/2024/film/reviews/moana-2-review-dwayne-johnson-auli-i-cravalho-2-18898/)
- **Screen Daily** (50/100, inferred): The review notes beautiful visuals but criticizes the convoluted and stilted story and weaker songs that make the journey feel perfunctory. It highlights Cravalho's lively performance but finds the plot less bold and charming than the first film. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/moana-2-review/5199480.article)
- **The New York Times**, Natalia Winkelman (50/100, inferred): This benign sequel abides by the 'if it ain’t broke' rule and charts a parallel course to its predecessor without the same resonance. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/movies/moana-2-review.html)
- **Total Film**, Leila Latif (50/100, inferred): The critic notes Moana and Maui remain dynamic but finds the story a stale rehash of familiar themes. She singles out the dynamic duo for praise while complaining about the lack of freshness in the narrative. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/animation-movies/moana-2-review/)
- **RogerEbert.com**, Brian Tallerico (40/100, inferred): The film is another Disney sequel content to go through the motions, with thin storytelling, little actual adventure, and few memorable songs despite gorgeous visuals. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/moana-2-disney-film-review)
- **The i Paper**, Francesca Steele (40/100, inferred): The critic argues the film lacks the original's fearless spirit and narrative spark, feeling episodic and less inventive despite strong visuals. She singles out the beautiful animation for praise but complains about less catchy songs and a muted overall impact. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/moana-2-review-lost-magic-3400342)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (30/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel a frictionless, algorithmic piece of IP content that lacks genuine passion or heart despite its inoffensive nature. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/nov/26/moana-2-review-vacuum-packed-disney-ocean-adventure-that-will-leave-you-cold)
- **Vulture** (30/100, inferred): The film lacks clear stakes, meaningful drama, memorable songs, and compelling antagonists, resulting in a boring, also-ran extension of the IP that feels like a souped-up direct-to-video sequel. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/moana-2-review-whats-a-girl-gotta-do-to-get-some-conflict.html)
- **The Times** (20/100, inferred): The messy follow-up feels like a soulless, flabby rehash that was not originally intended for cinemas. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/moana-2-review-disneys-soulless-sequel-is-a-flabby-rehash-fms8l067g)
- **Financial Times**, Simran Hans (★★★☆☆): Visually joyous with a clear colonial critique, but let down by new songs that lack buoyancy compared to the original's score. [Read](https://www.ft.com/content/f3f43d8a-49f7-4f6f-b441-4ccecc1062f6)
- **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland: The film occasionally feels episodic due to its TV-series origins but ultimately delivers a spirited and delightful package as a theatrical sequel. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/moana-2-review-disney-sequel-1235069079/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Lovia Gyarkye: The sequel boasts stunning animation and visuals but suffers from a scattered, shallow narrative that lacks the emotional intimacy of the original and shortchanges supporting characters. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/moana-2-review-disney-dwayne-johnson-aulii-cravalho-1236070676/)
- **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (7/10): The review finds Moana 2 a solid Disney animated sequel that expands the world and deepens the Moana-Maui relationship, marking the best such film since Encanto. It criticizes the new songs for failing to match the originals and notes the story structure too closely mirrors the first film. [Read](https://collider.com/moana-2-review/)
- **/Film**, BJ Colangelo (7/10): The critic finds the sequel enjoyable and forward-looking despite its origins as a planned series, praising the mature evolution of Moana, strong sibling dynamic with her younger sister Simea, and new songs that suit her character growth. Pacing and crew development suffer from the condensed format, but the film succeeds in themes of community, responsibility, and cultural resonance. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1723102/disney-moana-2-review/)
- **Polygon**, Matt Patches (45/100, inferred): The review sees Moana 2 as mostly a disappointment that adds little beyond one strong new song while relying on serviceable but unmemorable tracks and a disjointed script. It singles out the Motown-infused villain song for praise amid broader complaints about pacing, character work, and failure to match the original's magic. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/review/485444/moana-2-review-songs/)
- **Deadline**, Dessi Gomez: The critic finds the sequel delivers a firm, satisfying follow-up to the original despite high expectations, with higher stakes and humor that works for the whole family. The universal theme of connection at its heart stands out as a strength, along with strong character banter and new additions like fresh crew members and music. [Read](https://deadline.com/2024/11/moana-2-review-disney-sequel-1236187846/)

## Details

- **Director:** David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
- **Director:** David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller
- **Screenplay:** Dana Ledoux Miller, Jared Bush
- **Story:** Bek Smith, Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller
- **Editor:** Jeremy Milton, Michael Louis Hill
- **Music:** Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foaʻi
- **Production design:** Ian Gooding
- **Producer:** Yvett Merino, Christina Chen
- **Cast:** Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana (voice); Dwayne Johnson as Maui (voice); Hualālai Chung as Moni (voice); Rose Matafeo as Loto (voice); David Fane as Kele (voice); Awhimai Fraser as Matangi (voice); Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda as Simea (voice); Temuera Morrison as Chief Tui (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 40m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG
- **Release (the US):** 27 November 2024
- **Genres:** Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
- **Budget:** $150 million
- **Box office:** $1.06 billion
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdSl4RMNtGE

## Where to watch in the US

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2025: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Moana* (2016), Fi1m 82: The first voyage, with a monster worth fearing and songs that stay put. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/moana.md)
- *Whale Rider* (2002): A Māori girl, a sceptical grandfather and the sea, told without a single song.
- *Song of the Sea* (2014), Fi1m 82: Irish hand-drawn seals and selkies; quieter, sadder, and the water is just as lovely. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/song-of-the-sea.md)
- *Ponyo* (2008): Miyazaki’s ocean flooding a small town, drawn as if by a delighted child.
- *Kubo and the Two Strings* (2016), Fi1m 83: A quest with a lost parent and a real villain, in stop-motion that earns its awe. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/kubo-and-the-two-strings.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/moana-2