Moana is trending in the U.S. after appearing as a crossword clue. Here’s why the 2016 Disney movie remains one of the studio’s most memorable animated films.
A 2016 Disney movie is suddenly attracting attention in U.S. search results, and the answer is Moana.
The spike appears to be connected to a crossword clue asking for a “2016 Disney film.” The five-letter answer is Moana, the animated adventure that introduced audiences to a determined young woman from the Pacific island of Motunui.
For anyone who discovered the movie through today’s puzzle, here’s a quick look at why Moana became such an important Disney title.
What Is Moana About?
Moana follows Moana Waialiki, the daughter of the chief of Motunui.
Although she has been warned to stay away from the ocean beyond the island’s reef, Moana feels an undeniable connection to the sea.
When her island begins facing a mysterious ecological crisis, she sets out on a dangerous journey to find the demigod Maui and restore the heart of Te Fiti.
What begins as a mission to save her home becomes a much larger adventure about identity, courage and discovering where you belong.
Who Is Maui?
One of the movie’s most memorable characters is Maui, the legendary demigod voiced by Dwayne Johnson.
Maui is confident, powerful and often completely convinced that he is the most important person in any room.
His relationship with Moana provides much of the movie’s humor, but their partnership also becomes central to the story.
Moana needs Maui’s knowledge and strength, while Maui gradually learns that being a hero is about more than receiving praise.
Why Did Moana Become So Popular?
Part of Moana‘s appeal comes from its setting.
Rather than using the European fairy-tale worlds found in many earlier Disney films, the movie draws inspiration from Polynesian cultures, mythology and the vast Pacific Ocean.
The result is a visually distinctive adventure with a strong sense of place.
The film also gave Disney another memorable protagonist whose story isn’t centered on finding a romantic partner.
Moana’s journey is primarily about her relationship with her family, her island and herself.
The Music Became a Major Part of the Movie
The songs helped turn Moana into a cultural phenomenon.
The soundtrack includes “How Far I’ll Go,” performed by Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana, along with songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaʻi and Mark Mancina.
“How Far I’ll Go” became particularly recognizable and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Even years after the movie’s theatrical release, the song remains one of the most recognizable Disney songs of the modern era.
Moana Was Released in 2016
Disney released Moana in theaters in 2016.
The movie was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, the filmmakers behind Disney classics including The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Hercules.
It featured the voices of Auliʻi Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement and Alan Tudyk.
The film became a major success and established Moana as one of Disney’s most recognizable modern characters.
Why Is Moana Trending Today?
The current search spike doesn’t appear to be caused by a new Moana movie announcement.
Instead, today’s crossword clue simply asked for a 2016 Disney film, with Moana being the five-letter answer.
That small clue is enough to send thousands of people searching for the title, particularly people who recognize the description but cannot immediately remember the movie’s name.
It’s a good example of how crossword puzzles can unexpectedly revive interest in older movies.
More Moana Is on the Way
The popularity of the original film has continued well beyond 2016.
Disney has already expanded the franchise with Moana 2, while a live-action adaptation starring Dwayne Johnson as Maui is also in development.
That means the character is likely to remain part of Disney’s movie lineup for years to come.
For anyone arriving here because of today’s crossword clue, though, the answer is simple:
The 2016 Disney film is Moana.
And the reason the title is suddenly appearing in search results has more to do with today’s puzzle than with a new movie announcement.
