Our take
Disney's live-action reimagining of the 2016 animated hit follows Moana (Catherine Laga'aia) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on the same ocean voyage to restore her island. PG-rated adventure, songs, and fantasy peril suit most school-age viewers familiar with the animated original.
Uplifting themes
The original story emphasizes courage, identity, and protecting one's community. Disney positions the remake as celebrating Polynesian culture and self-discovery Moana is a determined heroine who learns from Maui and serves her island. Catherine Laga'aia debuts in the title role; Johnson returns as Maui The franchise introduces Polynesian navigation, mythology, and community values. Johnson has publicly framed the story as emblematic of Pacific Islander culture
Story (may spoil tone)
Teenage Moana answers the Ocean's call and, for the first time, voyages beyond the reef of her island of Motunui with infamous demigod Maui on an unforgettable journey to restore prosperity to her people.
What we flagged
Scores are 0–5: 0 means none; 5 means the strongest we flagged in that category.
Details
Violence The story includes battles with lava demon Te Ka, Kakamora pirates, and…
The story includes battles with lava demon Te Ka, Kakamora pirates, and ocean storms, matching the animated original's fantasy action
Language The animated original had mild language; the PG rating suggests compara…
The animated original had mild language; the PG rating suggests comparable family-friendly dialogue
Sex / nudity No sex found in this title
No sex found in this title
Drugs / alcohol No drugs found in this title
No drugs found in this title
Frightening Lava monster Te Ka, Tamatoa the giant crab, and ocean storms provide fa…
Lava monster Te Ka, Tamatoa the giant crab, and ocean storms provide fantasy scares similar to the animated film. Younger children may find Te Ka intense in live-action
Self-harm / suicide No self-harm found in this title
No self-harm found in this title
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse Teen Moana faces ocean storms, shipwreck peril, and lava demon confront…
Teen Moana faces ocean storms, shipwreck peril, and lava demon confrontation on her voyage
Bullying / discrimination No bullying found in this title
No bullying found in this title
Gore / death / weapons Fantasy combat includes spears, hooks, and ocean battles without realis…
Fantasy combat includes spears, hooks, and ocean battles without realistic gore. Kakamora use coconut armor and weapons
Dangerous behaviour Moana sails alone beyond the reef against her father's rules. Parents c…
Moana sails alone beyond the reef against her father's rules. Parents can discuss water safety and respecting adult guidance
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health No mental health found in this title
No mental health found in this title
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement No grief found in this title
No grief found in this title