If you loved the enchanting tale of Moana, the adventurous Polynesian princess who sets out to save her island, then you’re in for a treat! We’ve rounded up 18 of the best animated movies that capture the same spirit of adventure, heart, and magic. From classic Disney fairy tales to modern Pixar masterpieces, these films will transport you to faraway lands filled with unforgettable characters, soaring musical numbers, and breathtaking animation. So grab some popcorn, get cozy, and let’s dive in!
1. Encanto (2021)
Encanto is a vibrant and heartwarming tale set in the mountains of Colombia. It follows the extraordinary Madrigal family, who live in a magical house called an Encanto. Each child in the family is blessed with a unique gift – except for Mirabel. But when the magic of the Encanto is threatened, Mirabel discovers that she may be her family’s last hope.
With stunning animation, catchy songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and themes of family, identity, and self-acceptance, Encanto is a must-watch for any Moana fan. It’s a celebration of Latin American culture that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
2. The Croods (2013)
Travel back in time to the prehistoric era with The Croods, a hilarious and heartfelt adventure about the world’s first family. When their cave is destroyed, the Croods must venture out into the unknown, facing dangerous creatures and breathtaking landscapes along the way.
With a star-studded voice cast including Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds, The Croods is a delightful romp that explores the importance of family, embracing change, and finding your place in the world. The stunning computer animation and slapstick humor will keep you entertained from start to finish.
3. Brave (2012)
Set in the rugged highlands of Scotland, Brave tells the story of Princess Merida, a skilled archer who defies tradition and challenges her fate. When a witch grants Merida a wish that goes horribly wrong, she must rely on her bravery and wits to undo the curse and save her kingdom.
Brave is a beautifully animated fairy tale with a feminist twist. Merida is a strong, independent heroine who refuses to be defined by gender roles or societal expectations. With its lush visuals, stirring score, and themes of mother-daughter relationships and finding your own path, Brave is a must-see for any Moana fan.
4. Frozen (2013)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Frozen, the mega-hit Disney musical that took the world by storm. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Snow Queen,” Frozen follows fearless princess Anna as she sets out to find her estranged sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.
With its iconic songs (let’s be honest, we’ve all belted out “Let It Go” in the shower), lovable characters like Olaf the snowman and Sven the reindeer, and themes of sisterhood and self-acceptance, Frozen is a modern classic that will melt your heart. Its stunning 3D animation and Broadway-worthy musical numbers make it a feast for the eyes and ears.
5. Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
From the visionary animators at LAIKA Studios comes Kubo and the Two Strings, a breathtaking stop-motion adventure set in ancient Japan. Kubo, a young boy with magical origami powers, must locate a legendary suit of armor to defeat the vengeful Moon King and his army of evil spirits.
With its jaw-dropping visuals, epic scope, and poignant storytelling, Kubo and the Two Strings is a masterpiece of animation. It explores weighty themes like loss, memory, and the power of storytelling with sensitivity and depth. If you loved the mythological elements and emotional resonance of Moana, you won’t want to miss this gem.
6. Tangled (2010)
Before Moana, there was Rapunzel – the long-haired princess who yearned to leave her tower and explore the world. Tangled is a delightful retelling of the classic fairy tale, complete with dashing thieves, magical hair, and a chameleon sidekick.
With its gorgeous computer animation, witty banter, and soaring musical numbers by Alan Menken, Tangled is a joyous celebration of adventure, romance, and following your dreams. Its themes of self-discovery and breaking free from overprotective parents will resonate with any Moana fan.
7. Frozen II (2019)
The eagerly-anticipated sequel to Frozen takes Elsa, Anna, and the gang on a thrilling journey beyond the kingdom of Arendelle. When Elsa hears a mysterious voice calling to her, she must embark on a quest to discover the truth about her past and save the future of her kingdom.
Frozen II ups the ante with even more spectacular animation, epic musical numbers, and complex themes of identity, colonialism, and environmental stewardship. It’s a darker, more mature story that isn’t afraid to tackle big ideas while still delivering plenty of humor and heart. If you loved the world-building and mythology of Moana, you’ll be enchanted by the expanded universe of Frozen II.
8. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Set in the fantasy world of Kumandra, Raya and the Last Dragon follows a warrior princess on a quest to find the legendary last dragon and save her divided land from an ancient evil. Along the way, she must learn to trust others and work together to restore peace and unity.
With its stunning Southeast Asian-inspired visuals, thrilling action sequences, and themes of empathy, forgiveness, and community, Raya and the Last Dragon is a worthy addition to the Disney canon. Its diverse cast and celebration of Asian culture make it a landmark film that will inspire a new generation of fans.
9. Coco (2017)
Get ready to be transported to the vibrant Land of the Dead in Coco, Pixar’s heartwarming tribute to Mexican culture and the power of music. When aspiring musician Miguel accidentally enters the afterlife on Día de los Muertos, he must seek the help of his deceased great-great-grandfather to return to the Land of the Living and pursue his dreams.
With its breathtaking animation, catchy songs, and poignant themes of family, legacy, and following your passion, Coco is a masterpiece that will make you laugh, cry, and hum its tunes for days. Its respectful and authentic portrayal of Mexican traditions and beliefs is a refreshing change of pace for Hollywood animation.
10. Moana (2009)
No, this isn’t a typo – there’s another Moana movie out there! This one is an Italian animated film that follows a young girl named Moana who lives on a tropical island with her pet pig Meeka. When an ancient prophecy threatens her home, Moana sets out on a journey across the ocean to save her people.
While not as well-known as its Disney counterpart, the Italian Moana is a charming and beautifully animated adventure with plenty of heart. Its themes of courage, friendship, and environmental stewardship will feel familiar to fans of the 2016 film.
11. Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Lilo & Stitch may seem like an odd choice for this list, but hear us out. This offbeat Disney comedy follows a lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo who adopts a mischievous blue alien she believes is a dog. As Stitch wreaks havoc on the island, Lilo must teach him the meaning of ohana – family.
With its quirky humor, Elvis-heavy soundtrack, and themes of belonging and unconditional love, Lilo & Stitch is a one-of-a-kind delight. Its depiction of Hawaiian culture and focus on found family will resonate with Moana fans, while its sci-fi elements and irreverent tone make it stand out from other Disney fare.
12. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Set in the jazz-filled streets of 1920s New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog tells the story of Tiana, a hardworking waitress who dreams of owning her own restaurant. When she kisses a prince who’s been turned into a frog, she becomes a frog herself and must find a way to break the curse.
With its gorgeous hand-drawn animation, toe-tapping musical numbers, and themes of hard work, love, and following your dreams, The Princess and the Frog is a modern fairy tale with a lot of soul. Its diverse cast and celebration of African American culture make it a landmark film in the Disney canon.
13. Mulan (1998)
Before Moana, there was another Disney princess who defied tradition and saved her country – Mulan. Set in ancient China, Mulan follows a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army and fight the invading Huns.
With its stunning animation, memorable characters, and themes of honor, bravery, and being true to yourself, Mulan is a classic that still holds up today. Its depiction of Chinese culture and focus on a strong female protagonist paved the way for films like Moana.
14. Aladdin (1992)
Aladdin may not seem like an obvious choice for this list, but it shares many similarities with Moana. Both films feature a plucky protagonist who dreams of a life beyond their small world, a magical sidekick with a penchant for wisecracks, and a journey across exotic lands.
With its iconic songs, unforgettable characters (who can forget Robin Williams’ manic Genie?), and themes of love, friendship, and being true to yourself, Aladdin is a classic that still enchants audiences today. Its depiction of Middle Eastern culture and focus on a street-smart hero make it a refreshing change of pace from typical Disney princes.
15. The Road to El Dorado (2000)
This underrated DreamWorks gem follows two con artists who stumble upon the legendary city of gold, El Dorado, and are mistaken for gods by the locals. As they enjoy the perks of their new status, they must also confront the city’s ruthless high priest and protect the innocent people from his schemes.
With its lush animation, witty banter, and themes of friendship, greed, and doing the right thing, The Road to El Dorado is a fun and exciting adventure that deserves more love. Its depiction of Mesoamerican culture and mythology make it a great companion piece to Moana.
16. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)
This wacky Disney comedy follows the selfish Emperor Kuzco, who is transformed into a llama by his scheming advisor Yzma and must rely on the kindly villager Pacha to help him reclaim his throne. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, empathy, and the true meaning of leadership.
With its irreverent humor, fourth-wall-breaking gags, and themes of personal growth and redemption, The Emperor’s New Groove is a hilarious and heartwarming romp through the Inca Empire. Its depiction of South American culture and focus on an unlikely friendship make it a great pick for Moana fans.
17. Hercules (1997)
This Disney classic puts a modern spin on Greek mythology, following the demigod Hercules as he tries to prove himself worthy of joining the gods on Mount Olympus. Along the way, he battles monsters, falls in love with the snarky Megara, and learns the true meaning of heroism.
With its gospel-infused soundtrack, slapstick humor, and themes of identity, love, and sacrifice, Hercules is a fun and heartfelt adventure that still holds up today. Its depiction of Greek mythology and focus on a flawed but lovable hero make it a great companion piece to Moana.
18. Treasure Planet (2002)
This sci-fi twist on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel “Treasure Island” follows young Jim Hawkins as he sets out on a galactic voyage to find the legendary Treasure Planet. Along the way, he befriends the cyborg cook John Silver, battles space pirates, and learns valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and finding his place in the universe.
With its stunning blend of 2D and 3D animation, swashbuckling action, and themes of adventure, friendship, and personal growth, Treasure Planet is an underrated gem that deserves more love. Its epic scope and coming-of-age story make it a great pick for Moana fans.
So there you have it – 18 magical movies that capture the same spirit of adventure, heart, and wonder as Moana. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic fairy tale, a modern Pixar masterpiece, or an offbeat comedy, there’s something on this list for every Moana fan. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these enchanting films transport you to faraway lands filled with unforgettable characters and timeless stories. Happy watching!
