Movie collection
Moana Movies in Order: The Two Animated Films
Watch the animated Moana (2016), then Moana 2 (2024). The sequel continues her journey; the live-action Moana is a separate adaptation, not the third chapter in this animated sequence.
The watch order
Where should you start?
Start with the animated Moana, then continue with Moana 2. There is no alternate order to untangle: the first introduces Moana’s community, her calling and her relationship with Maui. The sequel builds on those foundations.
The animated films in order
This is a two-film animated collection. The live-action Moana is a separate interpretation of the story, so do not insert it after Moana 2 as an animated sequel.
Do you need to watch the first film?
We recommend it. Much of the pleasure comes from seeing Moana move beyond the questions that shaped her first journey. Starting with the sequel gives you the returning characters without the experience that made those relationships matter.
If you have already seen the original, a full rewatch is optional. Remembering Moana’s connection to her island and Maui is more useful than memorizing every encounter. Avoid detailed sequel summaries if you want the new voyage to unfold without advance explanations.
Our take on the collection
Moviebase editorial
Ocean imagery, movement and music are central pleasures. What gives the adventure its shape is the tension between exploring beyond home and accepting responsibility to a community. The first film makes a good single-evening choice because that question gives its journey a clear emotional direction.
The sequel is a reason to spend more time in the world, rather than a prerequisite for appreciating the original. Choose both if the characters, songs and sailing adventure are what you want from the evening. There is no obligation to make a complete-series project out of enjoying one film.
The colorful presentation does not mean every scene will feel gentle: storms, creatures and isolation can be intense for some younger viewers. Check local content guidance and leave room to pause if needed.
Planning your watchlist
Two evenings gives each voyage its own space. For a double feature, allow the combined runtime shown on the cards plus a proper break; finishing the first film is a useful moment to decide whether everyone wants to continue.
Keep the animated pair together and save the live-action adaptation separately if you want to compare interpretations later. For another ocean-set family pair, see Finding Nemo and Finding Dory in order.
Download Moviebase to create your list and mark each film watched. The app helps organize your viewing; it does not play the films or add this pair automatically.
Sources
Disney’s Moana 2 page identifies the animated sequel and its returning characters. The separate live-action listing is linked above to make the scope clear.
Film titles, release dates, runtimes, audience ratings and artwork come from TMDB. Viewing advice is Moviebase editorial opinion. Collection references: TMDB 1241984. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
