7 Disney movies to watch if you liked 'Moana 2'

Moana 2 continues Disney's tradition of animated films that explore meaningful themes. The movie follows courageous Moana as she faces new challenges and strengthens her bond with her community. Fans of the sequel often enjoy stories that combine self-discovery, cultural richness, and a strong sense of purpose.

Movies like Wish and Encanto mirror Moana's story, exploring themes of personal growth and family dynamics. Here's a look at seven Disney movies with strong protagonists and magical worlds that deliver a similar sense of wonder and the signature Disney magic for fans who loved Moana 2.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinions and is listed in no particular order.

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Movies with themes of courage and magic for fans of Moana 2

1) Wish

Still from Wish (Image via Disney)

Disney's Wish captures the essence of dreaming big and believing in the impossible, much like Moana 2's themes of hope and determination. Set in a kingdom where wishes are granted, the story follows Asha, a spirited young girl whose heartfelt wish leads to an incredible adventure.

Similar to Moana's friendship with the sea, Asha forms a bond with a celestial being, Star, who helps her on her journey. The film highlights themes of trust, bravery, and following one's true path, echoing the inspiring tone of Moana's story.

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2) Brave

Brave is about Merida, a princess who, like Moana, refuses to conform to societal expectations and instead carves her own path while healing her fractured bond with her family.

Moreover, both movies also feature stunning landscapes (Merida's Scotland and Moana's Polynesia) deeply tied to their culture. Merida's courage, resourcefulness, and resilience are similar to Moana's as she tries to restore harmony to her world.

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3) Raya and the Last Dragon

Still from Raya and the Last Dragon (Image via Disney)

Set in the magical land of Kumandra, Raya and the Last Dragon tells the story of trust, unity, and redemption. Much like Moana 2, it centers on the strong-willed lead, Raya, a warrior princess, who embarks on a daring journey to save her father and her kingdom.

Raya's quest, aided by the dragon Sisu, parallels Moana's connection with Maui and the ocean. Both films, considered visually stunning, emphasize the importance of teamwork, making them great additions to Disney's lineup of adventurous tales.

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4) Pocahontas

Still from Pocahontas (Image via Disney)

Pocahontas follows the story of a Powhatan woman, Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan. It shows how she forms a special bond with John Smith (an English settler) while trying to bring peace between her community and the newcomers. Pocahontas's bravery, cultural pride, and the quest to bridge two different worlds reflect the themes of Moana 2.

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5) Encanto

Still from Encanto (Image via Disney)

Disney's Encanto, akin to Moana 2, celebrates family dynamics, exploring personal growth and connections with loved ones. The story revolves around Mirabel, who feels ordinary in a family blessed with extraordinary powers.

However, despite being ordinary, it shows how the protagonist ends up becoming the key to saving her family. The colorful animation, catchy music, and inspiring message about individuality make it a perfect match for fans of Moana's empowering journey.

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6) Luca

Luca is a story about two sea monster boys who explore life on land while hiding their true identities to fit in. The story centers around friendship and self-acceptance. The movie, set in a picturesque Italian seaside town, captures the excitement of discovering new worlds, finding one's place, and breaking barriers, much like Moana 2.

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7) Onward

Still from Onward (Image via Disney)

Onward is about two elf brothers who embark on a magical journey to spend one last day with their deceased father. The movie draws parallels to Moana 2 by balancing humor and emotion while exploring themes of family and personal growth. Onward, a quest filled with mythical creatures and challenges highlights the importance of belief in oneself.

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These seven Disney movies, filled with heart and adventure, capture themes of exploration and self-discovery. For viewers who enjoyed Moana's latest journey in Moana 2, these movies are worth watching as they offer new worlds to explore and lessons to take to heart.