Moana

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

moana movie

“Moana,” also known as “Moana: A Sea of Adventures” in some regions, is a 3D computer-animated musical adventure film released by Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2016. The film is directed by Ron Clements and John Musker and features an ensemble cast with the voices of Auli’i Cravalho as Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Maui.

The story is set in ancient Polynesia and follows a spirited young girl named Moana Waialiki, who is the daughter of the chief of the island village of Motunui. Moana has an adventurous spirit and an undeniable connection to the ocean. However, her father, Chief Tui, insists that she follows tradition and becomes the next chief, believing that venturing beyond the reef is dangerous.

However, when the island’s resources begin to dwindle, Moana’s grandmother, Tala, reveals the true history of their people and their seafaring past. She encourages Moana to embrace her destiny as the chosen one to restore the heart of Te Fiti, a sacred stone that was stolen by the demigod Maui, causing ecological imbalance and destruction in the islands.

Determined to save her people and her home, Moana sets sail across the ocean, defying her father’s wishes, to find Maui and return the heart of Te Fiti to its rightful place. Along her journey, she faces numerous challenges, encounters various mythical creatures, and learns about her own strength and identity.

“Moana” is celebrated for its beautiful animation, captivating musical score composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, and powerful storytelling. The film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a strong and independent female protagonist and for its celebration of Polynesian culture, music, and traditions.

The film’s themes of courage, self-discovery, and the importance of preserving one’s cultural heritage resonated with audiences of all ages. “Moana” was a box office success, earning over $600 million worldwide, and it won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song “How Far I’ll Go.”

“Moana” has become a beloved Disney classic and continues to inspire and entertain audiences with its empowering message and heartfelt storytelling. It stands as a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties.


Fun Facts

  • This is the 56th animated Disney feature film.
  • The movie title was originally “Waialiki.”
  • The character Moana’s name was changed to Valana in some countries.
  • The movie title was changed to Oceania in Italy.
  • This was the first film to be fully dubbed for the Tahitian language.
  • This was the 12th biggest movie of 2016.


Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 2016
  • Type of Movie: Animated
  • Box Office: $643 million
  • Awards: Nominated for two Academy Awards
  • IMDB Link

Cast

Crew

  • Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker
  • Producer: Osnat Shurer
  • Music by: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i and Mark Mancina

Movie Trailer:


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Related Song(s):

    An Innocent Warrior (Song)

    “An Innocent Warrior” is a song from the Disney animated film “Moana“. The song was written by composer Lin-Manuel Miranda and is performed by the…


    How Far I’ll Go (Song)

    “How Far I’ll Go” is a song from the Disney animated movie “Moana“. The song is sung by the movie’s protagonist, Moana, and was written…



    Know Who You Are (Song)

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    Logo Te Pate (Song)

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    Shiny (Song)

    “Shiny” is a song from the 2016 Disney animated film “Moana“. The song is performed by the character Tamatoa, a giant, glittering crab who is…


    Tulou Tagaloa (Song)

    “Tulou Tagaloa” is a song featured in the 2016 Disney animated film “Moana.” The song is performed by the character Sina, who is Moana’s mother,…


    We Know the Way (Song)

    “We Know the Way” is a song featured in the 2016 Disney animated film “Moana.” The song is performed by the character Tala, and the…


    Where You Are (Song)

    “Where You Are” is a song from the 2016 Disney animated film “Moana“. The song was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina,…


    You’re Welcome (Song)

    “You’re Welcome” is a song from the 2016 Disney animated film, Moana. The song is written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer and lyricist best known…


Related Park Attractions(s):

    Journey of Water | Disney World

    Here is everything you need to know about the amazing Moana Journey of Water attraction at Walt Disney World’s Epcot including history, reviews, fun facts, photos and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!


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About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.