Moana 2is the latest offering from Disney Animation, but some parents may want to know what they’re getting into and if they’re kids are prepared for it. Building off the massive success of 2016’sMoana,Moana 2returns to the titular young woman three years later. Now committed to exploring the ocean and finding new corners of the world, Moana’s latest adventure reunites her withthe demi-god Mauiand brings along some new friends as she embarks in a mission to lift a powerful curse.

Moana 2’s cast of charactersare largely likable and don’t go through too extreme of an arc, with the film’s focus largely being centered on the adventure. Altogether, it’s a run story that might not quite reach the heights of the first one but proves to be an acceptable follow-up that tries to expand the universe. Given the quietly heavy themes of the first film, some parents might be curious about the film’s content. Here’s a breakdown of whyMoana 2is rated PG instead of G, and if that makes it too intense for children.

Moana looking shocked from Moana 2 in front of the Disney Plus Logo

Moana 2 Is Rated PG For Action & Peril

Moana 2’s Focus On Adventure Has Some Natural Elements Of Peril & Danger

Moana 2has been rated PG by the MPAA for “action/peril,“which reflects the film’s dangerous but ultimately family-friendly narrative.Moana 2is largely an adventure movie, following the titular Wayfinder as she crosses the ocean alongside a trio of villagers, her two loyal animal sidekicks, and her old friend Maui. Their mission is to lift a curse set upon the ocean by a dangerous deity, whose efforts to prevent human expansion are given as the in-universe explanation for why Moana’s tribe has never been able to encounter any other groups of people.

Why Moana 2 Was Originally Going To Be A Disney+ Show & Why Disney Changed It To A Movie

The feature-length Disney animated movie sequel Moana 2 was originally developed as a Disney+ series before changing course, for a variety of reasons.

By the very nature of the quest and the dangerous conditions of traveling the ocean (especially when it’s occasionally filed with monsters), there is some peril for the heroes. More than one character even comes close to dying, something the film quietly sets up as a somber turn of events for that person.This is quite similar to the MPAA rating forMoana. Both films' use of “Peril” explained their PG rating. The firstMoanawas also rated PG for “some scary images and brief thematic elements,” whileMoana 2’s “action” is a reason for the PG.

Moana waving her hand in Moana 2

Moana 2 Is Very Suitable For Children

Moana 2Is Never Too Intense For Kids

While some of the action in the third act especially can become explosive and may be a little intense for younger children,the overall movie benefits from a light touch that makes it very suitable for families. There are sweet morals at the core of the story, and the imagery lacks the occasionally unsettling elements introduced inMoana’s Realm of the Monsters.Moana 2is a colorful film with broad characters. Even in its darkest moments, the peril is met with a cheeky sense of humor or a triumphant turn that feels very reminiscent of the Disney Animation style.

WhileMoana 2’s focus on an exciting adventure justifies a PG-rating over a G-rating, it’s still a sweet and straightforward story that young audiences can enjoy.

Moana 2 (2024) official poster

There’s no overtly inappropriate content inMoana 2. While there is a fair deal of action to accompany the adventure, none of it is necessarily violent so much as reactive, with the heroes doing their best to survive the odds thrown their way. This makes it an ideal family film, as young children can enjoy the excitement and thrills of an epic adventure without being overwhelmed by massive battles or intense duels. WhileMoana 2’sfocus on an exciting adventure justifies a PG-rating over a G-rating, it’s still a sweet and straightforward story that young audiences can enjoy.

Moana 2

Cast

Moana 2 is the sequel to the 2016 animated film Moana. Directed by David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, the film continues the journey of Moana as she embarks on new adventures, exploring the vast Pacific Ocean while encountering new characters and challenges along the way.