Key Points:
- Moana 2‘s Rotten Tomatoes audience score is 88%, nearly matching the original’s 89%.
- The critical score is significantly lower at 66%, compared to 95% for the first Moana.
- Audiences appreciated the sequel, despite flaws like weaker songs and a less compelling villain.
- The movie’s performance is crucial as it competes with major releases like Wicked and Gladiator II.
Moana 2 has officially hit theaters, bringing back the beloved Polynesian heroine for another adventure. While critical reception has been lukewarm, the Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 88% suggests that fans are embracing the sequel just as warmly as the original 2016 hit.
Moana 2 Audience and Critical Scores: A Surprising Contrast
Based on Rotten Tomatoes data, Moana 2 has received an 88% audience score, just 1% shy of the 89% earned by the original. However, critics have not been as kind to the sequel, awarding it a 66% rating, a stark drop from the 95% acclaim received by the 2016 movie.
Notable criticism comes from Screen Rant, where Mae Abdulbaki rated the film 6 out of 10, citing that the villain and his motivations lacked depth, hindering the movie’s “true greatness.” Despite these critiques, audiences have been more forgiving, especially younger viewers, who seem captivated by the film’s vibrant world and relatable heroine.
Here’s a comparative overview of Moana’s scores:
| Movie | RT Critical Score | RT Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| Moana (2016) | 95% | 89% |
| Moana 2 (2024) | 66% | 88% |
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Why Audiences Are Loving Moana 2?
While Moana 2 has noticeable shortcomings, such as a loose plot, forgettable side characters, and weaker songs, fans still found the movie enjoyable. Many attributed the less impactful soundtrack to the absence of Lin-Manuel Miranda, whose work in the original contributed to its iconic status.
However, Moana 2 excels where it counts most: delivering entertainment and a strong sense of Polynesian cultural pride. The sequel reconnects the titular heroine with her ancestral wayfinding roots, and audiences praised its visually stunning oceanic landscapes and themes of exploration.
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Crucially, the film’s family-friendly appeal is helping it thrive in a competitive market. Its Thanksgiving weekend release has already broken several box office records, setting the stage for further success as word-of-mouth spreads. With heavy hitters like Gladiator II and Wicked already in theaters and upcoming competition from Mufasa and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Moana 2 needs this audience support to stay afloat.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
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