Critics Say Moana 2 Does Not Live Up to the Original

The sequel to Disney’s animated musical Moana has received mixed reviews from critics, with many describing it as enjoyable but not quite matching the magic of the original 2016 film.

The Telegraph awarded Moana 2 four stars, calling it a “giddily animated triumph.” Similarly, Empire also gave the sequel four stars, noting that while it was “a touch less fresh than the original,” it remained “bursting with energy, emotion, warmth, and imagination.”

However, The Guardian was more critical, giving the film just two stars. The review described the sequel as “frictionless” and lacking “genuine passion,” with critic Peter Bradshaw labeling it a “vacuum-packed slice of digital IP content.” He argued that while it was inoffensive, the film felt “weirdly lacking in anything genuinely passionate or heartfelt.”

The original Moana—which told the story of a Polynesian girl embarking on a mission to save her people—was a box office hit. Moana 2 reunites the titular character (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) and Dwayne Johnson’s demigod Maui for a new adventure to save islanders from the evil god Nalo. They are joined by a new crew of characters, including the wide-eyed Moni (Hualālai Chung), bratty Loto (Rose Matafeo), and grumpy farmer Kele (David Fane).

Variety’s Owen Gleiberman described the film as “more dutiful than inspired,” noting that while it was a “catchy action fairy tale,” it lacked the depth of the original. He pointed out that the new songs didn’t have the same magic as those by Lin-Manuel Miranda in the first film. He concluded that Moana 2 was “an above-average kiddie roller-coaster” but felt more like a “pure product” compared to the original’s transcendent qualities.

On a more positive note, The Telegraph’s Tim Robey called the sequel an “exhilarating, romping” adventure with “songs that put Wicked to shame,” praising its tunefulness and exciting pace.

However, Radio Times criticized the film for lacking emotional depth, stating that while it would likely appeal to younger audiences, parents might not be as invested. Screen Daily’s Tim Grierson agreed, saying the sequel was “not as bold as its heroine” and that the charm of Moana’s character felt “more convoluted and stilted” this time around.

BBC Culture’s Nicholas Barber acknowledged the difficulty of following up such a beloved film but still found the sequel to be lacking the joy and originality of the first. He described it as “a hurtling Disneyland rollercoaster ride” that felt disconnected, with outlandish episodes strung together.

While initially planned as a Disney+ series, Moana 2 was released theatrically, positioning it against the newly released Wicked film at the box office. Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, earned $114 million in its opening weekend. Moana 2 is also expected to perform well, with projections between $135 million and $145 million for its debut weekend.

For its UK premiere in London’s Leicester Square, the venue was transformed into a Polynesian island with palm trees, a beach, and dancers. Dwayne Johnson, known for his role as Maui, encouraged moviegoers to sing along, especially if they loved the music—a topic that has recently sparked debate on social media, particularly following the release of Wicked.