Moana 2 is now available to stream on Disney+, giving fans a chance to dive back into the oceanic magic from the comfort of home. Released theatrically on November 27, 2024, and streaming as of March 12, 2025, the animated sequel continues the story three years after the events of the original film—this time taking Moana on a deeper, more emotionally complex journey across uncharted waters.
A New Voyage: Plot and Characters
Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, Moana 2 reunites Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana) and Dwayne Johnson (Maui) for a powerful new adventure. The film introduces Moana’s younger sister, Simea, as part of her new sailing crew. Together, they set out to locate the long-lost island of Motufetu, guided by an ancestral call and the threat of a spreading oceanic curse. The story builds on themes of legacy, identity, and sisterhood, while staying rooted in Polynesian myth and tradition.
This sequel doesn’t simply retread familiar waters—it expands the world. We see new island cultures, mystical sea creatures, and more elaborate oceanic landscapes, all rendered with next-gen animation that surpasses even the original’s visual beauty.
Streaming and Home Release
After a record-breaking theatrical run, Moana 2 was released for digital purchase on January 28, 2025. Its Disney+ debut followed on March 12, 2025, where it quickly climbed to the top of the platform’s viewership charts. Within five days, the movie had racked up over 27 million views—marking one of the strongest streaming launches for a Disney animated film to date, only behind Frozen II and Encanto.
Box Office Success
Moana 2 became the third highest-grossing film of 2024, earning over $1.05 billion globally. It also broke Disney’s own Thanksgiving records, boasting the biggest five-day domestic debut for any of its animated features. The film proved that Moana remains one of Disney’s most bankable characters, bridging generational appeal with cultural depth.
Soundtrack: A New Era of Disney Music
The sequel features an all-new soundtrack led by Grammy Award winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear—Disney’s first all-female songwriting duo. Their work is a standout, blending Polynesian musical influences with contemporary pop and orchestral themes. Songs like “Beyond,” performed by Auliʻi Cravalho, and “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” featuring Dwayne Johnson, have become instant classics and earned nominations at the 2024 Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
Returning composers Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi also contributed, ensuring continuity with the original’s musical DNA while allowing space for bold innovation.
Cultural Representation and Language Versions
A major milestone for the sequel was its commitment to authentic representation. Disney released Moana 2 in multiple Pacific languages, including Hawaiian, Māori, Tahitian, and Samoan. Most notably, the Māori version—directed by Tweedie Waititi—launched day-and-date with the English-language release, marking the first time Disney has done so with an animated feature. This step was widely praised by cultural leaders and fans alike as a meaningful effort toward inclusivity and preservation of indigenous language.
Critical and Audience Reception
Critics gave Moana 2 mixed-to-positive reviews, citing its stunning animation and emotional resonance, though some felt it played it safe in terms of narrative risks. It currently holds a 61% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 58. However, general audiences were much more enthusiastic, awarding it an “A–” CinemaScore and an 89% positive rating on PostTrak.
The Future of Moana: Live-Action and Beyond
With the animated sequel now firmly anchored as a global hit, Disney is sailing full steam ahead into a live-action adaptation. Scheduled to release on July 10, 2026, the film will feature Dwayne Johnson reprising his role as Maui, while newcomer Catherine Laga’aia takes on the role of Moana. Directed by Hamilton alum Thomas Kail, the project is expected to blend traditional Polynesian storytelling with cinematic spectacle in a whole new format.
Watch the Trailer:
Get a preview of Moana 2‘s lush visuals and powerful story by watching the official trailer on YouTube.
Whether you’re revisiting the islands or experiencing Moana’s world for the first time, the sequel is a heartfelt, visually stunning journey worth watching—and rewatching—now streaming on Disney+.
Key Takeaways
- Moana 2 is now streaming on Disney+ as of March 12, 2025, bringing the adventure home for subscribers.
- The sequel takes place three years after the original film and features Moana reuniting with Maui for a new ocean voyage.
- The story focuses on Moana’s mission to reconnect with other islands after receiving an important call from her ancestors.
Production Insights
Moana 2 transformed from a planned television series into a full theatrical release, showcasing Disney’s flexibility in content development. The production journey reflects a strategic pivot that ultimately led to the film’s remarkable box office success before its Disney+ streaming debut.
Creative Team and Cast
The creative leadership behind Moana 2 includes Dana Ledoux Miller as one of the writer/directors who guided the film’s transition from TV series to theatrical release. This shift required significant adaptation of the storytelling approach and scope.
The beloved voice cast returned with Auli’i Cravalho reprising her role as Moana and Dwayne Johnson as demigod Maui. Their chemistry remains central to the sequel’s appeal.
David Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand contributed to the film’s creative vision, maintaining cultural authenticity while expanding the Moana universe. The team carefully balanced honoring the original film while crafting new adventures.
Animation and Music
The animation style in Moana 2 builds on the vibrant visual language established in the first film. Disney’s animators enhanced the ocean physics and island environments with improved technology since the 2016 original.
Music remains a cornerstone of the Moana experience. While Lin-Manuel Miranda was instrumental in the first film, new musical talent including Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear contributed to the sequel’s soundtrack.
The sequel features new catchy songs designed to match the impact of “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” from the original. Critics like Clarisse Loughrey noted the musical elements as essential to the storytelling approach.
The film’s unique visual style particularly shines in underwater sequences and during musical numbers, creating memorable moments designed to captivate audiences before its March 12 Disney+ streaming release.
Themes and Story
“Moana 2” expands on the original film’s themes while introducing new depth to the Polynesian-inspired world. The sequel explores connections between people, ancestors, and nature through Moana’s journey into dangerous, long-lost waters.
Cultural Representation
“Moana 2” continues Disney’s commitment to authentic Polynesian cultural representation. The film deepens its exploration of ancestral connections as Moana receives a call from her wayfinding ancestors, propelling her adventure beyond familiar seas.
This sequel introduces new characters who help expand the cultural narrative. The story weaves in elements of Polynesian myth, including apparent references to Matangi and the storm god Nalo. These mythological figures add richness to the storytelling.
The people of Motunui and their relationship with the ocean remain central to the plot. The film portrays their traditions, values, and spiritual beliefs with care, showing how these cultural elements guide Moana’s decisions as she faces new challenges in unknown waters.
Environmental Message
The environmental themes in “Moana 2” build naturally from the first film’s foundation. The sequel emphasizes humanity’s responsibility to protect our planet, particularly the ocean and its diverse ecosystems.
As Moana journeys through “dangerous, long-lost waters,” she encounters environmental challenges that threaten the balance of nature. The film presents a clear message about connection – not just between people, but between humans and their environment.
The motif of “being connected” plays out through Moana’s position as a “wayfinder,” highlighting how her people’s survival depends on understanding and respecting natural forces. This environmental message avoids being preachy by integrating it into the adventure storyline.
The introduction of new settings like Motu Fetu provides fresh environments that illustrate both the beauty of nature and the consequences when that balance is disrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moana 2 has arrived on Disney Plus as of March 12, 2024. Fans can now enjoy the animated sequel through various subscription options while learning about the movie’s availability, cast, and release details.
When is the Moana 2 release date on Disney Plus?
Moana 2 officially arrived on Disney Plus on March 12, 2024. The animated sequel became available to all Disney Plus subscribers on this date.
Viewers can watch Moana 2 with any Disney Plus subscription, including the ad-supported Basic plan which costs $10 per month.
Has the official trailer for Moana 2 been released on Disney Plus?
Yes, the official trailer for Moana 2 was released before the movie debuted on the platform. The trailer showcased Moana and Maui reuniting for a new adventure three years after the events of the first film.
The trailer highlighted the expanded voyage featuring Moana with a new crew of seafarers and teased the movie’s new songs and characters.
Who is included in the cast for Moana 2 on Disney Plus?
Moana 2 features the return of Auli’i Cravalho as the voice of Moana and Dwayne Johnson as the demigod Maui. These main characters continue their journey in the sequel.
The film also introduces new characters voiced by talented actors who join the adventure alongside the original cast. The voice talent maintains the cultural authenticity that was praised in the original film.
Will Moana 2 be available for streaming on Netflix as well as Disney Plus?
No, Moana 2 is not available on Netflix. The film is exclusively streaming on Disney Plus as it’s a Walt Disney Animation Studios production.
Disney keeps its animated features on its own streaming platform rather than licensing them to competitors like Netflix. Viewers will need a Disney Plus subscription to watch Moana 2.
At what time will Moana 2 become available to stream on Disney Plus?
Moana 2 became available to stream on Disney Plus at 12:00 AM PT/3:00 AM ET on its release date, March 12, 2024. This followed Disney’s standard release timing for new content.
Subscribers in different time zones saw the film appear in their Disney Plus library according to this release schedule.
Is Moana 2 exclusively released on Disney Plus or will it be in theaters as well?
Moana 2 had a theatrical release before coming to Disney Plus. The film premiered in theaters and then made its streaming debut on Disney Plus on March 12.
This release strategy follows Disney’s common approach of giving animated features a theatrical run before adding them to their streaming platform. The sequel has been described as a solid follow-up to the original, though some viewers note it doesn’t quite capture the same depth as the first film.
