Look, I get it. You've watched Moana approximately 847 times, your kids can sing every word of "How Far I'll Go" (in multiple languages if you have Disney+ set to auto-play), and you're desperately searching for something—anything—that captures that same magic without making you want to throw the remote into the ocean.
Moana hit differently because it wasn't just another princess movie. We got a protagonist who didn't need a love interest, stunning animation that celebrated Pacific Islander culture with actual respect and research, songs that absolutely slapped (thanks Lin-Manuel Miranda), and a story about identity, family, and environmental stewardship that didn't feel preachy. Plus, that grandmother? Chef's kiss.
The good news: there are absolutely more movies out there with similar vibes. The challenge: they're scattered across different streaming services, and not all of them hit quite the same way. Let me help you sort through what's actually worth your time.
Strong Female Leads on Epic Journeys
Raya and the Last Dragon (Ages 7+, Disney+) This is probably your closest match. Southeast Asian-inspired fantasy world, a warrior princess on a quest to save her people, themes about trust and unity, and a dragon sidekick that's actually funny. The action sequences are more intense than Moana (some parents report kids under 6 finding the villain genuinely scary), but the emotional core is similar. Plus, Awkwafina as the dragon Sisu is delightful.
Encanto (Ages 5+, Disney+) Another Lin-Manuel Miranda soundtrack, another story about family expectations and finding your own path. While Mirabel doesn't leave her village like Moana leaves her island, the themes of identity and breaking generational cycles hit hard. Fair warning: "We Don't Talk About Bruno" will live in your head rent-free for months. The Colombian cultural representation is gorgeous, and honestly, this one might make you cry more than your kids.
Brave (Ages 7+, Disney+) Pixar's Scottish princess who would rather shoot arrows than get married. The mother-daughter relationship is the real heart of this one—literally, since mom turns into a bear (it makes sense in context). Less oceanic adventure, more medieval fantasy, but the "girl who defies tradition to forge her own path" energy is strong.
Cultural Celebration and Mythology
Coco (Ages 6+, Disney+) If you loved how Moana honored Pacific Islander culture, Coco does the same for Mexican traditions around Día de los Muertos. It's about family, remembering ancestors, and following your passion. Warning: have tissues ready. Like, a whole box. This movie is beautiful but will absolutely wreck you emotionally. The music is incredible, and it's genuinely educational about cultural traditions without feeling like homework.
Kubo and the Two Strings (Ages 8+, various streaming) Japanese-inspired stop-motion animation that's absolutely stunning. It's darker and more intense than Moana—definitely for older elementary kids—but the themes of storytelling, family, and heroic journeys align beautifully. The craftsmanship alone makes it worth watching, and it tackles grief and memory in surprisingly sophisticated ways.
Adventure and Self-Discovery
The Croods: A New Age (Ages 6+, various streaming) Okay, hear me out. This isn't as culturally significant as Moana, but the daughter character Eep has similar "I want to explore beyond what my family says is safe" energy. It's lighter, funnier, and the whole family dynamic thing is actually pretty sweet. Great for younger kids who might find some of the other options too intense.
The Sea Beast (Ages 8+, Netflix) A Netflix original that's criminally underrated. Ocean adventure? Check. Young female protagonist who challenges the status quo? Check. Gorgeous animation and actual character development? Check. It's about questioning what society tells you is true and forming unlikely friendships. Some sea monster action that might be intense for sensitive younger viewers, but overall a solid choice.
Onward (Ages 7+, Disney+) Two brothers on a magical quest in a modern fantasy world. While it's more about sibling relationships than self-discovery, the journey aspect and themes about family and believing in yourself align well. Plus, it's got that Pixar emotional gut-punch we've come to expect (and secretly love?).
For Slightly Older Kids
Spirited Away (Ages 9+, HBO Max) Studio Ghibli's masterpiece about a girl navigating a magical bathhouse to save her parents. It's weird, it's beautiful, it's got that same sense of wonder and a protagonist who grows through her journey. Some scenes can be genuinely strange or unsettling for younger viewers, but older elementary kids usually find it captivating. The environmental themes echo Moana's message about respecting nature.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (Ages 8+, Netflix) This one's more comedy than epic journey, but the family dynamics and themes about being true to yourself really resonate. Plus, it's hilarious and has that same "outsider becomes the hero" arc. The animation style is unique and energetic—might be overwhelming for some kids, but most find it engaging.
Cultural Representation: One thing that made Moana special was the genuine respect for Pacific Islander culture. Coco, Raya, and Encanto follow this approach with different cultures. If this matters to your family (and it probably should), these are your top picks.
Intensity Level: Moana had some scary moments (that lava monster, Te Kā, was no joke), but overall skewed younger-friendly. Movies like Kubo and The Sea Beast go darker. Know your kid's tolerance for tension and peril.
Music Factor: If the soundtrack was a huge part of your Moana love, prioritize Encanto and Coco. If you're honestly kind of tired of kids singing Disney songs, maybe try Raya or The Sea Beast which have scores but not as many earworm songs.
The truth is, Moana is kind of lightning in a bottle—the perfect storm of great music, cultural authenticity, a compelling protagonist, and a story that works for both kids and adults. You're not going to find an exact replica, and that's okay.
What you will find are movies that capture different aspects of what made Moana special. Raya probably comes closest to the overall vibe. Encanto nails the music and family dynamics. Coco has that same cultural depth and emotional resonance. And honestly? Rotating through a few different options might save your sanity better than finding one perfect replacement.
The best part about all these movies is they continue what Moana started: showing kids (especially girls) that they can be brave, curious, and capable without needing to be rescued. They can mess up, learn, grow, and save the day themselves. That's the real magic worth seeking out.
Not sure which one to start with? Ask our chatbot which movie might be the best fit based on your kids' ages and what specifically they loved about Moana
. Or if you're trying to figure out how to balance movie time with other activities, check out how other families in your community approach screen time.
And hey, if your kids want to watch Moana for the 848th time? That's okay too. At least you know all the words now.