Moana (2026) Review: A Faithful Voyage That Loses Its Spark

This Moana review starts with a simple question: does the world need a live-action version of a film that still feels fresh? Disney's 2026 remake, directed by Thomas Kail, follows the 2016 animated hit very closely. The result is a pleasant family adventure, but a rather lifeless one.

Moana Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Moana plot is familiar to anyone who saw the original. Moana lives on the island of Motunui, where she feels the pull of the ocean. When the sea summons her, she leaves home for the first time and sails beyond the barrier reef.

She is joined by the demigod Maui, and together they set out to restore the well-being of her community. Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller wrote the screenplay. Critics have often described it as a near shot-for-shot retelling, so surprises are few.

The film is rated PG for action and peril, some scary images, rude humor and brief thematic elements. It runs about 115 minutes and arrived in US theaters on July 10, 2026. That Moana release date puts it squarely in the summer family-movie season.

What Works in Moana

The best thing here is the heart of the story. A teenager who wants more than her small world offers is still an appealing hero. The adventure beats are easy to follow, and the journey across open water keeps a sense of purpose.

• A confident, warm central performance.

• A story that stays clear and easy for young viewers.

• Real-world settings and people that give the tale a more grounded feel.

Fans of the original will also enjoy seeing favorite moments brought to life. If you love a good family movie, the basic ingredients are all here.

Moana Cast and Performances

The Moana cast is led by Catherine Laga'aia in the title role, and she is the film's biggest asset. Critics have singled her out for praise, and it is easy to see why. She brings energy and sincerity to a part that carries the whole movie.

Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui, the role he voiced in the animated version. Reviewers have been less kind here, and many call his live-action turn a step down. John Tui plays Chief Tui, Frankie Adams plays Sina, and Rena Owen plays Gramma Tala.

Jemaine Clement appears as Tamatoa, another character carried over from the original. The supporting players are solid, but the script gives them little room to surprise.

Where Moana Stumbles

The main problem is that the film feels unnecessary. It copies the original so closely that it rarely finds a reason to exist on its own. What charmed in animation can feel flat when transferred to live action.

Heavy CGI

Much of the ocean, the creatures and Maui's transformations rely on digital effects. Many critics found the CGI odd and overused. The look can feel artificial, which works against the sense of wonder the story needs.

Missing charm

The humor and musical energy land less sharply this time. Even at a modest runtime, the pacing can feel mechanical. Reviews have been largely negative: Rotten Tomatoes lists a 31% critics score, though audiences have been far kinder, with a 91% audience score.

Is Moana Worth Watching?

Yes, but mostly for families and younger viewers who have not seen the original. Moana is a decent, kid-friendly adventure with a strong lead, even if it pales beside the 2016 film. If you already love the animated version, you may wish to rewatch that instead.

The gap between critics and audiences is telling. Many viewers seem happy to enjoy a familiar story with a new face. Critics, meanwhile, wanted a fresh take, and did not get one.

For more lighthearted viewing, see our comedy reviews, or try a different pick such as our Runner (2026) review. You can also read background on the production on Wikipedia).

Who Will Enjoy Moana

• Families with children who have not seen the animated original.

• Fans of Disney remakes who want a faithful retelling.

• Viewers curious to see Catherine Laga'aia in her lead role.