Moana 2, released in late 2024, has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While it boasts stunning visuals and keeps some of the charm of its predecessor, many feel it falls short of the originality and emotional depth of the first film.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 69% approval rating, with critics agreeing that “Riding high on a wave of stunning animation even when its story runs adrift, Moana 2 isn’t as inspired as the original but still delights as a colorful adventure.” Meteoritic has a score of 57 out of 100, writing down mixed or average reviews.

Critics like The Hollywood Reporter noted that while the original focused on Moana and Maui’s relationship, the sequel “divides its attention among more characters,” which results in underdeveloped personalities. Variety described the film as “an okay movie, an above-average kiddie roller-coaster, and a piece of pure product in a way that the first Moana, at its best, transcended.” On the other hand, Empire gave it 4 out of 5 stars, saying, “A touch less fresh than the original, but this is still bursting with energy, emotion, warmth, and imagination. It knows the way.” However, The Guardian was more critical, offering 2 out of 5 stars and saying, “It is all inoffensive enough but weirdly lacking in anything genuinely passionate or heartfelt, all managed with frictionless smoothness and algorithmic efficiency.”

I asked one of my classmates, Daisy Martinez if Moana 2 was good like the first one and she responded with “I like Moana 2 but it doesn’t have the same energy and fun as the first one and it’s kind of boring”

In summary, while Moana 2 has impressive animation and some enjoyable moments, it struggles to capture the magic of the original, leaving viewers divided on whether it lives up to its predecessor.