Moana 2
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: November 27, 2024 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
58
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 50 Critic Reviews
Positive:
19
Mixed:
29
Negative:
2
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
80
The Observer (UK)Wendy IdeDec 2, 2024
The main selling point remains Moana herself: the sparkiest and most intrepid Disney heroine of them all. Read full review
80
Little White LiesYasmine KandilNov 28, 2024
Moana 2 is one of those few exceptions where it doesn’t quite soar to the heights achieved by the first story but still stands tall in its own right. Read full review
80
EmpireJohn NugentNov 26, 2024
A touch less fresh than the original, but this is still bursting with energy, emotion, warmth and imagination. It knows the way.   Read full review
80
The TelegraphTim RobeyNov 26, 2024
The songs put Wicked to shame in every way. They cluster neatly around entwined themes: spreading your wings versus the tug of homesickness; finding your path but daring also to lose it. With a running time that brings us briskly ashore, the film is a grand voyage in miniature – a taster epic. Further feasts, if you stay seated for the end credits, are thrillingly promised. Read full review
80
Arizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzNov 26, 2024
I liked Moana 2 better than the original. Its story is darker and more challenging, its stakes are high and its message is surprisingly contemporary and relevant. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperNov 26, 2024
For a time, “Moana 2” seems more fixated with creating memorably weird imagery than telling a story, but it regains its footing in a third act filled with genuine emotion and a spiritually rousing finale. Read full review
75
USA TodayBrian TruittNov 26, 2024
The follow-up plots an extremely familiar course but at least does so with fresh new personalities and more inspired Pacific Island influence. Read full review
75
IndieWireKate ErblandNov 26, 2024
It’s always a tough ask to improve upon an original, but “Moana 2” is a sprightly addition to this sea-faring legacy. It does something nearly impossible in our sequel-glutted world: made me want further adventures. “Moana 3,” ahoy? Read full review
70
Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerDec 5, 2024
Moana 2 touts the power of human (and non-human) connection, and the film will certainly connect with its target audience. But it doesn’t trust viewers enough to feel for themselves. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKatie WalshNov 28, 2024
Moana 2 is indeed a worthy sequel, with gorgeous animation, a thoughtful representation of Polynesian culture and another exciting adventure for our inspiring heroine. Does it go “beyond” the first film? No, but that would have been too tall an order. That it stands up as a sturdy and satisfying sequel is more than enough. Read full review
70
SlashfilmBJ ColangeloNov 26, 2024
Moana 2 bites off a bit more than it can chew at times, and the pacing is as smooth as it can be for a series that was condensed into a feature film, but it's hard to be bothered by any of the film's shortcomings when "Moana" stories embody resilience, the pursuit of curiosity, community-building, defying gendered expectations, and embracing personal growth. Read full review
70
Total FilmLeila LatifNov 26, 2024
Moana remains as compelling a protagonist as ever in her much-anticipated sequel, whilst her reunion with Maui showcases the wonderful voice talents of Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. There’s plenty to admire in the animation and rich mythology of the tale, but it rehashes many of the themes and plot points of the original leading to a fun but less vital movie. Read full review
70
ColliderRoss BonaimeNov 26, 2024
Moana 2 explores the possibilities of this universe, and builds on the bond between Moana and Maui, but stays a bit too close to the original's formula. Read full review
65
Paste MagazineAmy AmatangeloNov 27, 2024
The missing ingredient here is no doubt Lin-Manuel Miranda, who lent his now iconic style to the first film (fret not, you can hear his work in the upcoming Disney film Mufasa: The Lion King). Read full review
63
LarsenOnFilmJosh LarsenDec 6, 2024
You can feel the warm ocean breeze against your cheek while watching Moana 2, so supple and visceral is the animated artistry on display. Read full review
63
ReelViewsJames BerardinelliDec 2, 2024
Rather than taking any sort of bold step forward, Moana 2 is more of the same. Although that can be seen as a positive, it feels a little disappointing that this is the best Disney was able to craft after an eight-year wait. Read full review
63
New York PostJohnny OleksinskiNov 26, 2024
The studio’s latest likable musical is nicely animated, has nice characters and a few nice songs. At risk of repeating myself: It’s nice. Read full review
63
Chicago TribuneMichael PhillipsNov 26, 2024
Moana 2 is more of an action movie with a few accidental musical numbers of varying quality. Read full review
63
The Seattle TimesSoren AndersenNov 26, 2024
Part 2 is undeniably lively and very obviously pitched to young kids. It’s colorful but not especially distinctive. Read full review
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