Is Moana 2 Better Than Moana?

SPOILERS AHEAD for Moana 2!When Disney’s Moana debuted in 2016, it captivated audiences with its unforgettable songs and breathtaking animation, but Moana 2 just may top it. The original movie’s emotionally rich storyline solidified its place as one of Disney’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, cementing Moana as a new kind of Disney “princess“—one driven by independence and self-discovery. Fast-forward to 2024, and the much-anticipated Moana 2 has 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 if Moana 2 successfully carries the torch, or if it falls short of the original’s undeniable magic.Moana was obviously a huge hit, but Moana 2 has 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 original Moana featured a tightly woven story about self-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 attempts to 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 to Moana 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. While Moana 2 has 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 original Moana introduced an iconic cast of characters, including Moana herself, Maui, and the wise grandmother Tala, Moana 2 takes 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 Simea adds 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 2‘s supporting cast also brings new energy to 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 2 excels 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 of Moana, 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.

For Moana 2, the music team includes Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear alongside 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 2 doesn’t quite achieve the same timeless quality of the original soundtrack, with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence in Moana 2 being keenly felt. While there are many bright spots, the overall soundtrack of Moana 2 struggles to live up to the high bar set by the first film.

Moana vs. Moana 2: Which Is More Emotional?

The original Moana was 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 2 takes these emotional stakes to a new level by introducing more personal relationships and deeper themes of responsibility.

One of the most touching elements in Moana 2 is Moana’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 2 feels 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

While Moana 2 doesn’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.

That said, Moana 2 falters 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 2 delivers 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.

Moana remains the better film, with its timeless storytelling and unforgettable songs cementing its status as a Disney classic. However, Moana 2 is 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 of Moana, and more stories to be told with these characters in a potential Moana 3.

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  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.

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  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.

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  Moana

  The Moana franchise 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.