TL;DR: Moana is no longer just a single movie; it’s a full-blown "universe" with a 2024 sequel, an upcoming live-action remake, and a heavy presence in games like Disney Dreamlight Valley. While the original Moana is a masterpiece of modern animation, the newer entries require a bit more discernment regarding pacing and marketing tie-ins.
- Best for Ages: 5+ (with some "scary monster" caveats)
- Key Media: Moana (2016), Moana 2 (2024), and the Moana Soundtrack
- The Vibe: Empowerment, ancestral connection, and catchy-as-hell music that will live in your head rent-free for three weeks.
If you feel like you’ve been hearing "How Far I’ll Go" on a loop since 2016, you aren't imagining it. But the "Moana-verse" just got a massive second wind. We’ve moved past the single-story era and into a multi-platform franchise.
Between the animated sequel that hit theaters in late 2024 and the live-action remake (starring the Rock, naturally) slated for 2026, Moana is the current queen of Disney’s digital and theatrical strategy. For parents, this means navigating more than just a 90-minute movie. It’s now about soundtracks on Spotify, character skins in Fortnite, and a constant stream of YouTube clips and "making of" shorts.
Moana broke the "Disney Princess" mold in a way that actually stuck. There’s no prince, no "love at first sight" subplot, and the conflict is internal and environmental rather than a standard hero-vs-villain trope.
Kids gravitate toward the autonomy Moana displays. She isn't waiting for permission; she’s solving a systemic problem (the blight) by reconnecting with her history. It’s also visually stunning—the water physics alone are enough to keep a toddler mesmerized, while the themes of identity and "finding your way" resonate with the 8-to-12-year-old crowd who are starting to figure out who they are outside of their parents.
The original is, quite frankly, one of the best things Disney has produced in the 21st century. It’s tight, the music by Lin-Manuel Miranda is top-tier, and the character arc is earned. If your kids haven't seen this yet, start here. It’s the foundation for everything else.
Here’s the no-BS take: Moana 2 started its life as a Disney+ TV series before the executives decided to smash the episodes together and release it as a theatrical movie. You can feel that in the pacing. It’s a bit more episodic and "busy" than the first one.
The music, handled by Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (of Bridgerton Musical fame), is catchy but lacks that specific Miranda lyrical punch. It’s a fun watch, and your kids will likely love the new crew members, but don't expect it to have the same emotional weight as the original.
If your child is into gaming, they’ve likely encountered Moana here. It’s essentially "Disney Animal Crossing." Moana and Maui are major NPCs, and kids can complete quests to rebuild their island. It’s a safe, "cozy" game, but be aware of the in-game currency and microtransactions that can sneak up on you.
Check out our guide on cozy games for kids
For the kids who want to go deeper, the books are actually a great way to bridge screen time and reading time. The novelizations often include internal monologues that explain why Moana is making certain choices, which is great for building empathy and reading comprehension.
While Moana is generally a safe bet for the whole family, there are a few things to keep in mind based on your kid's temperament:
- The Peril: Both movies feature giant monsters. Te Kā in the first movie is a literal lava demon, and the Kakamora (the coconut pirates) can be intense for the under-5 crowd. In the sequel, the stakes are similar, with some mystical threats that might be a bit much for very sensitive viewers.
- The Theme of Loss: The death of Gramma Tala in the first movie is handled beautifully, but it’s a heavy moment. If your family has recently dealt with a loss, this might trigger some big questions. (Which isn't a bad thing, just something to be ready for!)
- The "Demi-God" Ego: Maui is a fan favorite, but he’s also a narcissist for about 70% of the first movie. It’s a great opening to talk about humility and why "Thank You" shouldn't just be a song about how great you are.
Ask our chatbot about age-appropriate alternatives to Disney movies
One of the best things about the Moana universe is the "Oceanic Story Trust"—a group of anthropologists, linguists, and cultural practitioners from the Pacific Islands who consulted on the films.
However, as these movies become "content" in the Disney machine, it’s easy for the cultural significance to get flattened into just "cool tattoos" or "fun island vibes."
How to Talk About It:
- Wayfinding is Real: Talk to your kids about how the Polynesians actually navigated the Pacific using stars and currents. It wasn't magic; it was incredible science and skill.
- Ancestry: Moana’s strength comes from knowing who her ancestors were. This is a great prompt to talk about your own family history. Where did your "wayfinders" come from?
- Community over Individualism: In the sequel, Moana has to lead a crew. It’s not just about her anymore; it’s about the community. Ask your kids: "What makes a good leader? Is it being the strongest, or is it listening to the team?"
The Moana universe is one of the "cleaner" franchises in the current digital landscape. It lacks the snark of some Dreamworks projects and the "brain rot" pacing of some YouTube-native content.
That said, the transition of Moana 2 from a series to a movie is a reminder that Disney is a business first. The sequel feels a bit more like "content" and a bit less like "art." It’s perfectly fine for a Friday night movie, but it doesn't quite capture the lightning in a bottle that the 2016 original did.
Next Steps:
- Watch the original Moana again before hitting the sequel; the emotional callbacks are worth it.
- Listen to the Moana 2 Soundtrack in the car to see which songs actually resonate with your kids before buying the inevitable merch.
- Set boundaries if they are playing Disney Dreamlight Valley to ensure they aren't just "grinding" for digital Maui furniture.