movie review for moana

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Love Lies Bleeding Link to Love Lies Bleeding
• Problemista Link to Problemista
• Late Night with the Devil Link to Late Night with the Devil

New TV Tonight

• Mary & George: Season 1
• Star Trek: Discovery: Season 5
• Sugar: Season 1
• American Horror Story: Season 12
• Parish: Season 1
• Ripley: Season 1
• Loot: Season 2
• Lopez vs Lopez: Season 2
• The Magic Prank Show With Justin Willman: Season 1

Most Popular TV on RT

• 3 Body Problem: Season 1
• We Were the Lucky Ones: Season 1
• Shōgun: Season 1
• A Gentleman in Moscow: Season 1
• X-Men '97: Season 1
• The Gentlemen: Season 1
• Palm Royale: Season 1
• Invincible: Season 2
• Quiet on Set:The Dark Side of Kids TV: Season 1
• American Rust: Season 2
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Steve! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces Link to Steve! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

Box Office 2024: Top 10 Movies of the Year

MonsterVerse Movies and Series Ranked: Godzilla, Kong, Monarch by Tomatometer

Women’s History

Awards Tour

The Rotten Tomatoes Channel: Watch on Samsung, Roku, And More

The Visibility Dilemma

• Trending on RT
• Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire
• 3 Body Problem
• Play Movie Trivia

Moana Reviews

A very good bit of escapism with the top notch Disney music and important social themes about respect for nature.

Full Review | Jan 17, 2024

Great fun. A traditional Disney Princess film but with a little more depth to it, being abut personal discovery and bravery.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 4, 2023

... A great example of the studio putting a modern sheen on traditional formulas.

Full Review | May 1, 2023

Some great songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda...

Full Review | Dec 21, 2022

Moana proves so visually stunning that all other qualities recede, and the audience beams afterward in awe of its sheer beauty.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 5, 2022

Memorable characters, an empowering message and a catchy soundtrack combine to make this incredible movie. Beautiful use of animation.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Apr 4, 2022

Finally, Disney gives us a princess that truly breaks the mold.

Full Review | Aug 26, 2021

It's a deeply moving and beautiful film that celebrates it's main character, her culture and her self-empowerment... but she could have been a lot more meaningful and authentic if she reflected and honored a specific Pacific Island culture.

Full Review | Aug 18, 2021

Better than Finding Dory but not quite reaching the level of Zootopia, the latest Disney animated effort of 2016 adheres pretty much to the formula we've come to expect in recent years from the storied studio.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 17, 2021

Best of all, you have a new style princess, one who looks to the future while paying homage to the past.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 3, 2021

With everything you expect of Disney, Moana has the magic to instantly solidify itself as a Disney classic.

Full Review | Jan 2, 2021

The look of the film is one of the first elements to astound.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 5, 2020

People can poke fun at the 'Disney Machine' all they want, but when they're on their game they're on their game.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jul 11, 2020

Moana would be a positive addition to popular media, but in the current sociopolitical climate, it feels downright vital and indispensable.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jul 2, 2020

Moana is a beautiful animated movie that reminds us that the magic of Disney movies have always stays on over the years. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 7/10 | Jun 27, 2020

The worst thing about it is that it's too long.

Full Review | May 7, 2020

This movie needed a little bit more Blue Crush.

Its animation style is warm, inviting and features a lush color pattern that suits its Polynesian roots; it's characters are charming and full of personality; and the songs are soaring and catchy while being inspirational and funny.

Full Review | Apr 28, 2020

Moana brings hope to our young ladies. This Disney princess (who doesn't see herself as one), responds to a strong testament that you don't need a man to be strong woman.

Full Review | Feb 4, 2020

Moana is one of the most gorgeous pictures Disney has ever produced. Nevermind the onslaught of stunning technical achievements... Moana is a brilliantly designed animation.

Full Review | Jan 15, 2020