Moana 2 Reviews: Critics Share Strong First Reactions

As initial reactions to Disney’s latest animated offering, Moana 2arrives online, can the sequel match the beloved 2016 original?

A recent update casts doubt on whether Moana 2‘s reviews would deliver, as the embargo on full reviews will reportedly not be lifted until Tuesday, November 26, just one day before the theatrical release.

First Moana 2 social reviews are full of praise

Ahead of its theatrical release on Wednesday, November 27, a lucky group of critics had the chance to watch Moana 2 early and share their first reactions on X (formerly Twitter). All in all, things are looking good.

Moana 2 offer “another emotional and empowering journey,” says Tessa Smith from Mama’s Geeky, who praised the music, humor, characters and animation:

“‘Moana 2’ is a worthy sequel! Hilarious, great music and tons of it. Another emotional and empowering journey at sea. The animation is AMAZING! New characters are great, but at their best when Moana and Maui are together. Their banter is everything. ! That mid-credits scene (breathtaking emoji)!”

Interestingly, Smith also hypes what happens after the credits by saying, “the mid-credits scene” followed by a heartbreaking emoji possibly hinting at its major implications for a potential third film.

The show-stealing character i “nice sequel” before Joseph Deckelmeier from Screen Rant turned out to be Moana’s little sister Simea:

“I absolutely loved ‘Moana 2’! The animation is breathtaking and Moana’s ensemble cast is amazing. Her little sister totally stole the show for me.

The story is strong and well done. It’s a nice sequel. I also enjoyed that loved the music!”

The songs may not be “just as catchy this walk around,” according to Chris Killian from ComicBook, but there are still “funny gags and heartfelt moments” along with one “delve deeper into Polynesian history:”

“Although the songs aren’t quite as catchy this time around, Moana and Maui are still an infectious pair that deliver hilarious gags and heartfelt moments. Brilliant animation, a deeper dive into Polynesian history, ‘Moana 2’ proves its worth to sail over the reef again.”

Why Moana 2 should be a win for Disney

For readers who may not be aware, the follow up to 2016’s Moana wasn’t always intended as a theatrical sequel, but a Disney+ series (read more about why Disney’s CEO changed plans for the release).

The story, now coming to cinemas, was originally planned for Moana: The Series but was officially switched to Moana 2 in February.

The change of plans naturally raised concerns about the quality of Moana 2as the story was originally planned for a vastly different format, and a nine-month turnaround to convert the series into a movie isn’t terribly long.

But alas, if initial reactions from critics are to be believed, Disney has pulled through with a successful follow-up to Moana.

Disney seems to be betting big on the aquatic franchise going forward with the sequel’s release imminent and a live-action of Moana now in production for theaters July 10, 2026 (starring Catherine Laga’aia and Dwayne Johnson).

As an early reaction to Moana 2 hyped up the mid-credits scene as mind-blowing, fans should expect a tease for Moana 3 to close the sequel. While no follow-up has been announced yet, it looks like one could be on the way if the second outing can make money at the box office once again.

Moana 2 hits theaters on Wednesday, November 27.