Recently, Nielsen has announced that Moana is the most-streamed animated film over the past five years on all major streaming platforms. According to the provided data, the animated blockbuster has recorded 80 minutes of viewing time, equivalent to 748 million views, since Disney+ was launched globally in 2019. This achievement highlights the fact that even iconic franchises like the MCU or Star Wars from Disney cannot compete with the enchanting charm of Moana.
The key to the unexpected popularity of Moana lies significantly in its emotional connection with younger audiences. According to a general consensus, Moana represents a modern princess who embodies traits of a contemporary young woman: confidence, independence, and the readiness to “break out” of her shell and pursue her dreams. Thus, she is seen as an inspiration not only for children but also for those seeking to discover their true selves.
Disney has crafted a visually stunning experience that captures the audience’s imagination with a vibrant palette reminiscent of a tropical feast. The film opens up a vast space filled with the lush green of the islands, bright blue seas, and golden sunlight filtering through the leaves, all combined with mythical elements that create a unique visual masterpiece. The soundtrack features the essence of Polynesian culture, incorporating distinct sounds from the coastal region while evoking feelings of love, which help guide Moana’s journey straight to the hearts of viewers. Songs like “Where You Are,” “How Far I’ll Go,” and “We Know the Way” have amassed hundreds of millions of views on YouTube, with the MV for “You’re Welcome” nearing 1.6 billion views, a staggering feat for a movie soundtrack.
Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) is the only daughter of the chief of the island of Motunui. She is destined to follow in her father’s footsteps and take care of the community living on this isolated paradise amidst the vast ocean. Raised on traditional stories and the lore of her people, Moana constantly yearns to explore the world beyond, seeking the spiritual connection to her ancestors, as told in her grandmother’s stories. With a deep-seated passion and a fearless heart, she must rescue the demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
Maui serves as the guiding mentor, protector, and teacher for Moana, helping her learn how to become a skilled navigator much like a detective. Together, they face perilous sea creatures and explore the hidden realms beneath the ocean while uncovering ancient cultural narratives. Throughout this journey, Moana also embarks on a path of self-discovery.
Despite not being as commercially successful as its sister film Frozen, Moana is still regarded as a cultural phenomenon. The film has grossed approximately $645 million worldwide, including $220 million from domestic box office sales, while the remaining $425 million came from international markets.
On November 27, the second installment of Moana will officially hit theaters worldwide, expected to be a major box office success. Notably, the early ticket sales for Moana 2 have already topped the charts this year for animated films, following Deadpool & Wolverine, Wicked, and Dune: Part 2. Given the current climate, Moana 2 is poised to rival the blockbuster hit Inside Out 2 at the box office, ensuring a strong reopening for the franchise.
