Ranking the Moana Trilogy: From Originals to Live-Action Adaptation

It is undeniable that “Moana” has secured its status as a beloved Disney classic, with the allure of the 2016 film only strengthening over time. Audiences have been captivated by the tale of the film’s protagonist, Moana, voiced by Auli’i Cravalho, a spirited Polynesian teenager who embarks on a daring oceanic journey to rescue her island, Motunui, from an impending famine threatening its resources.

To fulfill her quest, Moana seeks the aid of Maui, a shapeshifting demigod portrayed by Dwayne Johnson, whose boastfulness about his powers adds to the adventure’s charm. Together, they traverse the ocean on Moana’s canoe, aiming to restore the heart of the living island, Te Fiti, and return balance to nature.

The extent of “Moana’s” success was unpredictable at its release in 2016. Although it grossed $300 million less than “Zootopia,” another Disney animation blockbuster of the same year, “Moana” garnered two Oscar nominations, became a staple in streaming libraries, and its anticipated sequel in 2024, “Moana 2,” achieved an impressive $1 billion at the box office. Disney’s effort to extend this enchanting coming-of-age musical into a multi-platform franchise was inevitable, leading to sequels, theme park experiences, and the recent debut of a live-action adaptation, now available in theaters nationwide.

With three films already in the “Moana” series and “Moana 3” currently in the works, it’s time to evaluate which movie has the courage, or perhaps the heart, to contend with the fiery entity, Te Kā.

Critics frequently voice concerns about Disney’s live-action remakes, accusing the company of focusing too much on faithfully reproducing the animated originals without innovation, rendering them somewhat redundant. The 2026 rendition of “Moana” follows in the footsteps of earlier remakes such as 2017’s “Beauty and the Beast” and 2019’s “The Lion King.” It’s considered by many as another unnecessary adaptation most likely aimed at maintaining brand loyalty. However, this version has managed to set an even lower standard according to some detractors of the genre.

Critics didn’t hold back on this soulless retread that’s pretty much the exact same movie down to the shot compositions, story beats, dialogue, songs, and even jokes. It’s a dispiriting experience in which director Thomas Kail turns one of Disney’s best animated movies of the 2010s into sludge and feeds it back to you through an aesthetically ugly cash-in that hopes you’ll see through the facade.

Dwayne Johnson’s live-action turn as Maui always looks like he’s doing a tired bit for “Saturday Night Live,” as he sports one of the worst screen wigs in recent memory. It’s hard to believe this is the same guy who brought such gusto, humility, and humor to the beloved character in spite of working from the same material. While she can definitely sing, newcomer Catherine Laga’aia appears lost, her Moana stranded among a sea of artificial green screen backgrounds and mechanical rigs. You can’t help but notice that Laga’aia and Johnson have no spark to their screen chemistry, and often don’t even occupy the same frame together.

2026’s “Moana” possesses everything you loved about the less-than-a-decade-old phenomenon, albeit without a shred of humanity. This makes you wonder why they went through with this (besides the obvious answer) when about 70% of the film is animated. In short, it’s the live-action remake the Generative AI generation deserves.

The Mouse House initially planned to bring Moana back to the screen in a television series for Disney+, which was developed throughout the early 2020s. Somewhere along the way, the project was retooled as a proper theatrical sequel. But much like this year’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” “Moana 2” still can’t help but feel like a bunch of episodes of a streaming series stitched together.

It takes place three years after the events of the first film, with Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) embracing her position as both a chieftess of Motunui and a wayfinder of the seas. Her ancestors inform her that the reason the people across the ocean are so fractured from one another is because of the storm god Nalo (Tofiga Fepulea’i), who sank the island beacon of Montufetu to the bottom of the ocean. Moana sets out along with a motley crew of islanders to find Maui (Dwayne Johnson), battle monsters, and restore the connection.

On paper, the plot of “Moana 2” sounds like a fun idea that sends the spunky wayfinder out on another oceanic adventure, as well as a timely story about communal reconciliation, but it can’t escape the narrative pacing of a television series condensed to a movie. You can clearly see where each episode is meant to end. Even the songs are completely forgettable, as are the raft’s batch of generic occupants. In that way, the film fails to recapture the magic of the original.

Otherwise, it’s still a gorgeously animated follow-up with its own share of colorful imagery. Allowing Cravalho to play Moana as older helps establish the passing of time and moves the story forward. “Moana 2” is able to stick the landing just enough that it presents an opportunity for the next movie to take advantage of the wayfinder’s newfound abilities.

Disney legends John Musker and Ron Clements continued their winning streak of directing some of the company’s most memorable animated features with 2016’s “Moana,” which still holds up insanely well. The pair’s original idea was meant to be centered around Maui and his place in Polynesian mythology as a demigod, but their research in the Pacific Islands led them to rework the project to center around a chief’s daughter, who would ultimately become Moana. 

It was a wise decision that gave audiences a contemporary Disney protagonist who could sing, be funny, learn from her mistakes, and leap into action at a moment’s notice. Then-newcomer Auli’i Cravalho (who believes she’s one and the same with her animated counterpart) is so effortlessly charming in the role, embodying a great role model. She doesn’t set out to shirk her responsibilities, so much as retrofit them to satiate her sense of adventurous yearning.

Cravalho’s presence is matched by Dwayne Johnson bringing an extraordinary amount of expressiveness, pathos, and humor to Maui. They’re an excellent screen pair who always keep each other on their toes. The tradition of earworm Disney songs is maintained with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s buoyant tunes, like “You’re Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go.” It also helps that, in addition to being a very fun family adventure flick, “Moana” is deeply reverential of Polynesian culture in a manner that lends it a great deal of authenticity.

“Moana” is a movie that continues to reach the hearts and minds of many people through its stunning animation, lovable characters, and timeless lesson of environmental protection ensuring our future.