What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedMoana
John Musker · Film · 2016
If you loved Moana, start with Moana (Thomas Kail, 2026) — a film from the same story. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Moana across media.
What hooked you in Moana was the way a headstrong hero’s personal journey of self-discovery transforms into a vital quest to protect their world.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Moana
Thomas Kail · Film · 2026
Books on the same thread
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Hayao Miyazaki · Book · 2004
Shares a thread with Moana: Environmentalism.
Like Moana, Nausicaä centers on a courageous young leader who champions environmental stewardship, proving that one individual’s empathy and connection to nature can heal a world on the brink.
Shuna's Journey
Hayao Miyazaki · Book
Explores: hero's journey, environmental stewardship, self-sacrifice.
Shuna’s Journey captures the same mythic scope found in Moana, focusing on a determined hero who ventures into the unknown to secure a future for their people through self-sacrifice.
Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the South Seas
Herman Melville · Book · 2022
Explores: South Seas exploration, cultural clash, shipboard life.
Readers who enjoyed the oceanic scale of Moana will appreciate this foundational narrative, which mirrors the adventurous spirit of exploring the vast, mysterious South Seas and encountering new cultures.
The Sea of Monsters
Rick Riordan · Book · 2006
Explores: Greek mythology in modern settings, Coming-of-age, Found family.
Much like the mythology-infused path taken by Moana, this story follows a young protagonist navigating a world where ancient legends and divine forces directly impact their modern, coming-of-age journey.
Series on the same thread
The Legend of Korra
Bryan Konietzko · Series · 2012
Explores: Coming-of-Age, Spiritual Journey, Balance and Harmony.
Korra shares Moana’s rebellious, feisty spirit, as both characters must break away from traditional expectations to find balance within themselves and fulfill a monumental, world-changing destiny.
Maya and the Three
Jorge R. Gutierrez · Series · 2021
Shares a thread with Moana: Cultural Heritage.
This series reflects the heart of Moana by following a spirited princess warrior who embraces an ancient prophecy to save her people from the wrath of powerful, vengeful gods.
Future Boy Conan
Series · 1978
Shares a thread with Moana: Environmentalism.
The world of Future Boy Conan mirrors the ocean-centric setting of Moana, focusing on a resilient hero who strives to protect the natural world after a global ecological disaster.
Steven Universe
Rebecca Sugar · Series · 2013
Shares a thread with Moana: Self-discovery.
Steven Universe mirrors the emotional core of Moana, as the protagonist steps into a legacy larger than himself, learning to harness his unique powers through a transformative coming-of-age arc.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
Those who loved the camaraderie found in Moana will enjoy this epic fantasy journey, where group dynamics and improvised storytelling create a sense of adventure in a high-stakes world.
Let's Keep Moving with Risha
Podcast
Explores: personal growth, positive thinking, well-being.
If the motivational spirit of Moana resonated with you, this podcast offers a similar focus on personal growth, mindfulness, and the courage required to keep moving forward in life.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Moana the 2016 movie the same as the 2026 adaptation?
No, they are distinct projects. Moana was released as an animated film in 2016 by John Musker, while Moana is also the title of a separate 2026 adaptation. These represent different productions within the same franchise.
What is the plot of the 2016 Moana movie?
In the 2016 Moana movie, a chieftain's daughter living in Ancient Polynesia answers the call of the ocean. She sets out on a journey to find the demigod Maui and restore order to her island after a terrible curse reaches her home.
Should I watch the 2016 Moana before the 2026 adaptation?
Watching the 2016 Moana provides the original context for the story of the chieftain's daughter and the demigod Maui. Since the 2026 Moana is a separate adaptation, viewing the original film first establishes the foundational narrative of the curse and the ocean's call.
How does the curse in Moana drive the story?
The curse in Moana serves as the primary catalyst for the protagonist's journey. Because the curse reaches the island of the chieftain's daughter, she is forced to leave her home and seek out the demigod Maui to set things right for her people.