I have a confession that might get my Disney card revoked: I’ve never actually seen the 2016 animated version of Moana.

Growing up, my Disney rotation was strictly classic-era. I spent my childhood captivated by the masterpieces of the Disney Renaissance and earlier—films like Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid. And, of course, Beauty and the Beast, which has held the undisputed crown as my absolute favorite Disney film for as long as I can remember. Because of that nostalgia, I sometimes drag my feet when it comes to the newer properties. But when the buzz around the 2026 live-action adaptation of Moana started building, I decided it was time to finally dive in blind.

I am so glad I did. This movie is an absolute triumph—highly enjoyable, deeply moving, and an incredibly spectacular family film.

First, let’s talk about how it looks. I caught this at my local AMC in 3D, and it is a visual masterpiece. The ocean is practically its own character, rendered with a vibrant, shimmering depth that feels like it’s spilling right off the screen. From the lush, radiant greens of Motunui to the terrifyingly gorgeous, glowing heights of the lava demon, the cinematography and visual effects are stunning. It’s a rare modern film in which the 3D element actually elevates the world’s scale and immersion rather than feeling like a gimmick.

Because I didn’t know the plot beforehand, I found myself completely swept up in the narrative. The story is wonderfully compelling—a beautifully paced, high-stakes quest about identity, ancestral duty, and courage that feels ancient and mythic yet deeply human and urgent.

And then there’s the music. Coming from someone whose gold standard for movie soundtracks is Alan Menken’s work on Beauty and the Beast, I was blown away. The music in Moana is easily among Disney’s absolute best. While the entire soundtrack is incredible, the absolute standouts are “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome.” They are perfect, instant classics that beautifully carry the film’s emotional weight and energy.

Of course, a story like this only works if you care about the people on screen. The entire cast delivers terrific performances, but Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is excellent as Maui. He brings such a likable, humorous energy to the demigod, balancing massive charisma with great comedic timing. On the other end of the emotional spectrum, the true heartbeat of the entire film is Gramma Tala, played with breathtaking grace by the legendary Rena Owen. Owen brings a mischievous, soulful, and deeply comforting wisdom to the screen that anchors the entire first half of the film. Every scene she shares with Catherine Laga’aia (who is equally phenomenal as Moana) feels incredibly genuine.

You don’t need to have nostalgia for the animated original to love this movie. The 2026 live-action Moana stands entirely on its own two feet as a thrilling, gorgeous, and emotionally resonant epic. It is a spectacular family film that absolutely everyone should experience on the biggest screen possible.

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