The advancement of Virtual Reality (VR) technology has ushered in a new paradigm for content production, establishing VR animation as a medium where spatial direction—informed by the viewer’s perspective—plays a critical expressive role. This study investigates the influence of lighting on the composition of mise-en-scène in VR animation, specifically focusing on how lighting contributes to visual immersion and emotional engagement. The subject of this analysis is Back to the Moon, a representative VR animation produced by Google Spotlight Stories. Five key sequences were selected to examine the specific applications and narrative functions of lighting design. Notably, the study analyzes lighting effects by categorizing them into artificial and natural light to evaluate their distinct roles within the visual narrative. Elements such as color temperature, directionality, intensity, shadow rendering, spatial separation, and gaze guidance were closely examined in each sequence. The findings demonstrate that lighting functions synergistically with various mise-en-scène components to facilitate emotional expression, spatial composition, gaze control, and narrative reinforcement. Ultimately, this study positions lighting not merely as a visual attribute but as a strategic directorial tool that enhances narrative depth and viewer immersion, offering a foundational framework for effective lighting design in future VR content production.