SPOILERS AHEAD for Moana 2!When Disney’sMoanadebuted in 2016, it captivated audiences with its unforgettable songs and breathtaking animation, butMoana 2just may top it. The original movie’s emotionally rich storyline solidified its place as one ofDisney’s most beloved and comforting animated classics. The film’s blend of Polynesian culture, endearing characters, and a hero’s journey resonated with fans of all ages, cementingMoana as a new kind of Disney “princess”—one driven by independence and self-discovery. Fast-forward to 2024, and the much-anticipatedMoana 2has finally arrived, sparking debates among critics and fans about its place within Disney’s legacy.
Those who have not seen it yet may be wondering ifMoana 2successfully carries the torch,or if itfalls short of the original’s undeniable magic.Moanawas obviously a huge hit, butMoana 2has the chance to match or even best it at the box office and with audiences. That said, box office isn’t always an indicator of a movie’s quality, so it’s worth breaking down both movies in the franchise to see which comes out on top.
Moana vs. Moana 2: Which Has The Better Story?
Moana Has A Much Tighter And Memorable Story
The originalMoanafeatured a tightly woven story aboutself-discovery, courage, and reconnecting with one’s heritage.It struck a perfect balance between action, humor, and heartfelt moments. Moana’s journey to return to the heart of Te Fiti and restore balance to her island was simple yet deeply impactful, resonating with audiences of all ages. It did not need any convoluted plotlines or deep thematic themes to make an impact.
Moana 2 Review: The Disney Animation’s Heartwarming Story Is Undermined By A Questionable Villain
The animation is still strong and the character beats are affecting, but the villain and his motivations stand in the film’s way of true greatness.
Moana 2attemptsto raise the stakes with a more expansive storyline. It follows Moana as she journeys to the island of Montufetu, attempting to reconnect separated island communities affected by the god Nalo’s curse. While the premise is ambitious, the story feels fragmented, likely due toMoana 2’s origins as a planned Disney+ series. Nalo, the film’s villain, doesn’t even appear on-screen until the mid-credits scene, leaving much of the narrative weight on Moana battling natural elements rather than a compelling antagonist. WhileMoana 2has its moments, its sprawling narrative lacks the tight focus of the original.
Moana vs. Moana 2: Which Has The Better Characters?
Moana 2 Has A Far Better Character Roster
While the originalMoanaintroduced an iconic cast of characters, including Moana herself, Maui, and the wise grandmother Tala,Moana 2takes the opportunity to expand the roster in meaningful ways. Moana’s character development continues as she steps into a leadership role, taking on greater responsibility while still retaining her adventurous spirit.The addition of her younger sister Simeaadds a fresh and emotionally compelling dynamic, giving the sequel a more personal and relatable edge. Simea’s innocence and admiration for Moana make their bond a heartfelt cornerstone of the film.
Moana 2excels in its character relationships, with Moana’s interactions with Simea and her new seafaring crew providing emotional stakes and lighter moments.
Moana 2’s supporting cast also brings new energyto the story.Characters like Moni, a Maui superfan, and Kele, the grumpy farmer, are charming additions who help Moana on her journey.While a little underbaked, they bring humor and camaraderie to the group. Maui’s role is slightly reduced, but his scenes with Moana remain impactful, showcasing how their friendship has evolved since the first film.Moana 2excels in its character relationships, with Moana’s interactions with Simea and her new seafaring crew providing emotional stakes and lighter moments that surpass the moments of the original.
Moana vs. Moana 2: Which Has the Better Songs?
While Moana 2 Made A Commendable Effort, The Original Has The Better Soundtrack
The music ofMoana, led by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa‘i, and Mark Mancina, was a major reason for its success. Songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” became instant classics, blending Polynesian influences with catchy, emotionally resonant melodies.The original soundtrack not only entertained but also deepened the storytelling, making it one of Disney’s most memorable musical soundtracks.
One of the songwriters for the original film, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote classics like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome”,did not return forMoana 2.
ForMoana 2,the music team includes Abigail Barlow and Emily Bearalongside returning composers. While songs like “Beyond” and “Get Lost” are catchy, the sequel’s soundtrack lacks some of the authenticity and soul of the original. While still in the upper echelons of modern Disney music,Moana 2doesn’t quite achieve the same timeless quality of the original soundtrack, withLin-Manuel Miranda’s absence inMoana 2being keenly felt. While there are many bright spots, the overall soundtrack ofMoana 2struggles to live up to the high bar set by the first film.
Moana vs. Moana 2: Which Is More Emotional?
The originalMoanawas quite emotional, with powerful moments like Moana’s reunion with her grandmother’s spirit and the climactic reveal of Te Fiti. These scenes beautifully underscored themes of self-discovery, cultural pride, and familial connection. However,Moana 2takes these emotional stakes to a new level by introducingmore personal relationships and deeper themes of responsibility.
Why Moana 2’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Is So Much Lower Than The First 95% Movie
Moana 2’s Rotten Tomatoes score is significantly lower than the original movie’s 95% rating. Here’s what critics are saying and what it means.
One of the most touching elements inMoana 2isMoana’s bond with her younger sister Simea.Their relationship adds a heartfelt layer to the story, as Moana’s journey becomes about more than herself—it’s about protecting and guiding someone she loves. This dynamic brings a fresh sense of vulnerability to Moana’s character, showing her growth as both a leader and a sister. The sequel also delves into Moana’s fears of failure and the immense weight of her responsibilities, creating moments of introspection and doubt that deeply resonate.
Additionally, the theme of unity contrasts poignantly with the isolation caused by Nalo’s curse. Moana’s determination to reconnect the separated island communities carries emotional weight, particularly in scenes where she faces overwhelming odds. While the first film had memorable emotional beats,Moana 2feels more grounded in the struggles of its heroine, making her victories and setbacks hit even harder.
Moana Is Better Than Moana 2
However, The Gap Is Not That Large
WhileMoana 2doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor, the gap between the two films is smaller than expected.The sequel excels more in many areas, boasting breathtaking animation, heartfelt character dynamics, and new relationships that enrich the story. Moana’s bond with her sister Simea, along with her evolving role as a leader, adds emotional depth that are better than the original’s most touching moments. Additionally, the film expands on the themes of unity and responsibility, offering fresh perspectives on Moana’s journey.
Despite its drawbacks,Moana 2delivers exhilarating adventure sequences and emotionally resonant moments that make it a worthy continuation of Moana’s story and one of Disney’s better films of the decade.
That said,Moana 2falters slightly with its uneven pacing and a villain, Nalo, whose off-screen presence greatly diminishes the overall stakes. The soundtrack, while enjoyable, lacks the iconic feel of the original’s songs. Despite its drawbacks,Moana 2delivers exhilarating adventure sequences and emotionally resonant moments that make it a worthy continuation of Moana’s story and one of Disney’s better films of the decade.
Moanaremains the better film, with its timeless storytelling and unforgettable songs cementing its status as a Disney classic. However,Moana 2is an admirable follow-up that nearly matches the original’s magic, reminding the world why Moana is one of Disney’s most beloved heroines. Fans of the first film will find a lot to love in this sequel, which proves there’s still plenty of heart in this ocean-faring saga ofMoana, and more stories to be told with these characters ina potentialMoana 3.
Moana 2
Cast
Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana as she embarks on new adventures, exploring the vast Pacific Ocean while encountering new characters and challenges along the way.
Moana
Moana is a 2016 animated film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Set in Ancient Polynesia, the story follows the journey of a young Chieftain’s daughter named Moana as she seeks the demigod Maui to lift a curse affecting her island, exploring themes of adventure and self-discovery.
TheMoanafranchise began with the 2016 animated film, which became a major success for Disney. The story follows Moana Waialiki, the daughter of a Polynesian chief, as she embarks on an oceanic journey to save her people with the help of the demigod Maui. The film is celebrated for its vibrant animation, engaging characters, and its deep respect for Polynesian culture. The franchise has since expanded with an upcoming sequel and a live-action adaptation in the works, making it one of Disney’s prominent modern franchises.
