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In the battle known as the streaming wars, Disney+ came out strong, presenting a vast array of films and TV shows—with new additions frequenting. Watched everything on Netflix? Disney+ offers an extensive collection of Marvel flicks and a plethora of Star Wars and Pixar options as well. The challenge lies in the abundance of content, making it difficult to decide where to start. WIRED is at your service. Listed below are our selections for the top movies on Disney+ right now.
For more recommendations, check out our guides to the finest films on Netflix, the best films on Amazon Prime, and the top shows on Apple TV+.
Inside Out
Do not shed tears. Yet shed tears as well. Inside Out perfectly embodies the essence of what every Pixar movie aims for. On the surface, it presents a comedic perspective on human emotions, the intricate journey of a child maturing, and the fragile equilibrium of family dynamics. By delving into the mind of 11-year-old Riley, the film breathes life into emotions in a manner that is simultaneously comedic, profound, and often brilliant. It serves as an ideal viewing while anticipating its sequel, Inside Out 2, landing on Disney+.
Deadpool 2
Have you previously viewed Deadpool & Wolverine and desire to reassess the highlights? This foul-mouthed superhero flick signifies a clear deviation from the bland content initially available on Disney+ during its early years. Ryan Reynolds assumes the role of Deadpool, who possesses the power to recover from almost any injury—and is an irate, aggressive, wisecracking mercenary tasked with safeguarding a young mutant from a time-traveling soldier.
The Beach Boys
“There have definitely been peaks and valleys,” vocalizer/composer Mike Love expresses in The Beach Boys. “We have probably been overlooked at least six times.” Nevertheless, over 60 years after the band’s inception, these California Dreamers have consistently defied audience predictions—and reshaped the landscape of pop music in the process. Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny co-direct this enlightening documentary, featuring fresh interviews with Love, Brian Wilson, and Al Jardine—not to mention the numerous artists they have influenced (Lindsey Buckingham, Janelle Monae, Don Was, and Ryan Tedder among others).
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Wes Anderson gathered an ensemble cast and crew for this stunning stop-motion animation adaptation of Roald Dahl’s kids’ book. Mr. Fox (George Clooney) pledges to his wife (Meryl Streep) that he will cease his farm-raiding escapades upon learning she is expecting. Years later, the cunning vulpine begins feeling restless and tempted to revisit his criminal pastimes when an opportunity presents itself right next door. Yet Mrs. Fox grows suspicious as a plethora of fresh food mysteriously appears in their home. To exacerbate matters, the local farmers are displeased about being raided by a bothersome fox—and unite to address the issue. Noah Baumbach co-wrote the screenplay with Anderson, and the cast includes many of Anderson’s frequent collaborators, including Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, and Owen Wilson.
Jim Henson: Idea Man
Upon viewing the trailer for Jim Henson: Idea Man, the question arises: How has there not been a comprehensive documentary about Jim Henson until now? Muppets, The Dark Crystal, Sesame Street—the puppeteer contributed to all of them. In this new documentary, Ron Howard delves into his (unceasing) work, his remarkable influence, and the legacy he has left behind.
Let It Be
If Peter Jackson’s multipart 2021 docuseries Get Back (which is also on Disney+) left you yearning for more unrestrained access to the Beatles, here’s both good news and bad news: Let It Be is the 1970 documentary from which a significant portion of the footage in that series was derived. On the bright side, the original 16-mm print of the film—which has remained largely unseen for the past five decades—has been undergoing rennovation.a meticulous refurbishment, thanks to Jackson once more. Despite missing some of the subtleties of the series, with fewer glimpses of the occasionally uneasy exchanges of a band teetering on the edge of collapse, it serves as an enchanting relic of its time. Feel free to watch both consecutively for an extended binge session (and add in If These Walls Could Sing for good measure).
Poor Things
Emma Stone embarks on a quest as Bella Baxter, a youthful lady eager to explore everything this world has to offer her, regardless of societal norms. Unbeknownst to Bella, she is the brainchild of a deranged scientist (Willem Dafoe), a figure she reveres as God, who possesses an insatiable desire to turn any human body, whether living or deceased, into one of his daring experiments. However, Bella is unlike the rest. Despite initially exhibiting childlike traits, her emotional growth is rapid, and she swiftly learns to assert her impulsive desires over those around her. Stone recently clinched the Oscar for her extravagant portrayal in this audacious cinematic experiment helmed by director Yorgos Lanthimos, who refuses to offer audiences an easy way out. (The movie is also available for streaming on Hulu.)
Summer of Soul
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson marks his directorial debut with this documentary feature, chronicling the groundbreaking Harlem Cultural Festival—a six-week extravaganza celebrating Black culture in all its facets, from music to history to fashion. The film showcases rare footage of luminaries like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Sly & the Family Stone. Why is this event not more widely known? Potentially because it was overshadowed by Woodstock, which occurred concurrently in the summer of 1969. Ironically, when the documentary snagged the Oscar for Best Documentary at the 2022 Academy Awards, it found itself yet again in the shadow: It was the award that coincided with Will Smith’s infamous altercation with Chris Rock on stage. (Here’s your chance to catch up on that acceptance speech.)
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)
Were you fortunate enough to witness Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour live? Did you watch Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour in cinemas? Well, here’s a surprise for you! You can now enjoy it on Disney+ as well! Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) closely mirrors the AMC cinematic experience but also includes four new acoustic tracks: “You Are in Love,” “Death by a Thousand Cuts,” “I Can See You,” and “Maroon.” It also incorporates the folklore hit “Cardigan.” So, whether you attended the tour, caught the theatrical screening—or neither—there’s now another avenue to immerse yourself in Taylor’s world. Are you prepared?
The Marvels
Following the debut of Captain Marvel in 2019, Brie Larson has ascended as one of the MCU’s standout figures. Despite the hoopla surrounding The Marvels being the least financially successful film in the Marvel realm, don’t let that dissuade you from giving it a chance. In this sequel, Larson’s Captain Marvel teams up with Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) to devise a plan to manipulate space and time in a bid to avert a catastrophe—with a feline twist!
X-Men
Any franchise as beloved as X-Men is destined to draw a fair share of criticism when transitioning from comic panels to the big screen. However, the initial X-Men film managed to win over skeptical comic aficionados and newcomers to the mutant saga with its captivating plotline and stellar ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, and the then-novice Hugh Jackman. The movie kickstarted a sprawling franchise chronicling the clash between mutants and humans, encompassing 13 films and surpassing $6 billion in box office earnings. With X-Men now integrated into Marvel Studios, brace yourself for a deluge of characters—including a collaboration with Deadpool & Wolverine. In the meantime, revisit this 2000 gem and brace for what lies ahead.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Reaching the heights achieved by timeless classics like Temple of Doom or Raiders of the Lost Ark may seem unattainable, but this newest addition to the Indiana Jones franchise places the whip back in Harrison Ford’s capable hands, as he combats Nazis and potentially finds closure in his treasure-seeking exploits. The film, directedDirected by James Mangold, this film also showcases some superb wit and vitality from Phoebe Waller-Bridge, portraying Helena, the offspring of an aged associate of Indy’s who harbors possibly less-than-honorable interest in the Dial of Destiny, an ancient time-bending contraption that Dr. Jones, naturally, deems should be preserved in a museum.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Far From Home, featuring Tom Holland as the Spandex-clad superhero, stands out for being the inaugural installment in Phase Four of the MCU—and the initial appearance of an Avenger endeavoring to mend the fragments after the incidents of Avengers: Endgame. For Peter Parker, this entails embarking on a mundane school expedition to Europe, which swiftly spirals into something other than anticipated when Earth is besieged by a malevolent faction of Elementals, challenging Spidey to combat them with the aid of the enigmatic—and fittingly dubbed—Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal).
Mrs. Doubtfire
Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is a marginally employed voice performer and dedicated father of three children, facing rejection from his spouse and restricted visitation with his offspring to merely one day each week. Therefore, he opts for a logical course of action: enlists the help of his sibling, who conveniently is a makeup expert, to transform him into an elderly woman and applies for a position as a caretaker employed by his former spouse Miranda (Sally Field). That Miranda fails to recognize the individual she entrusts her children with is the gentleman she was united with for more than ten years might reveal more about her character. Disregard the implausible scenario and relish over two hours of Robin Williams being quintessentially Robin Williams. Bon appétit!
Big
Adolescent Josh Baskin (David Moscow) makes a wish on a Zoltar contraption to swiftly grow into an adult—and wakes up the following morning to find his elder self (Tom Hanks) gazing back at him in the mirror. Striving to conceal his accelerated transformation, Baskin seeks refuge in New York City, where he fortuitously lands his dream job at a toy firm and encounters the woman of his desires (Elizabeth Perkins). Big is the film that solidified Tom Hanks as the actor we know him as today (it also marked his initial Oscar nod). However, Robert De Niro was originally slated to star; when scheduling conflicts forced him to step down, Hanks seamlessly assumed the role.
Finding Nemo
Nemo (Alexander Gould) is a youthful clown fish with a flawed fin and a father (Albert Brooks) consumed by ceaseless worry for his son’s well-being. Understandable, considering Nemo’s mother—and all his siblings—perished at the mercy of a barracuda shortly before hatching. Therefore, when Nemo is ensnared during a swim in the Great Barrier Reef, it falls to Marlin to locate and rescue his lone offspring. Featuring a stellar cast of voice actors—headed by the consistently exceptional Brooks, and Ellen DeGeneres as a forgetful blue tang named Dory (who would eventually headline her own escapade)—Finding Nemo is a testament to the golden age of Pixar filmmaking where each release appeared to outshine its predecessor.
The Princess Bride
Directed by Rob Reiner, this adventure-comedy-fairy-tale, penned by William Goldman (the celebrated screenwriter who famously remarked of Hollywood that “nobody knows anything”) from his own book. The endlessly quotable narrative recounts the tale of a damsel named Buttercup (Robin Wright) betrothed to a prince (Chris Sarandon) yet in love with her former farmhand Westley (Carey Elwes), whom she believes perished in a piracy assault. As Buttercup is abducted on the cusp of her nuptials, a sequence of occurrences unfolds that may either reunite the love-struck duo or spell doom for one (or both) of them. Despite his self-criticism, Goldman didn’t shy away from taking credit for two of his films. The Princess Bride was one of them (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid being the other).
The Little Mermaid
Does the live-action rendition of The Little Mermaid enhance the cherished 1989 animated classic? Certainly not. Yet Disney is fervently reimagining the cherished films of yesteryear, and this stands out as one of the studio’s superior endeavors. Academy Award nominee Rob Marshall (Chicago, Mary Poppins Returns, Into the Woods) helms this chronicle of a young mermaid yearning to be (intoned in harmony) “a part of your world.” However, Halle Bailey, delivering a remarkable portrayal as Ariel, truly ensures that The Little Mermaid is a viewing pleasure.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
If you contemplate Henry Selick’s creative stop-motion journey as either a Halloween flick or a Christmas feature, it doesn’t truly matter. There’s never a wrong moment to append The Nightmare Before Christmas to your viewing (or rewatching) lineup. When the troublemakers in Halloweentown, led by the pumpkin monarch Jack Skellington, stumble upon the enchantment of Christmas, they opt to abduct Santa Claus and take over both festive seasons. Even amidst today’s CGI-saturated realm, the craftsmanship exhibited in The Nightmare Before Christmas remains remarkably striking—and the eerie yet child-friendly vibe makes it an enjoyable watch for the whole family.
Cinderella
In the event you’re unfamiliar with the tale: Following the loss of her beloved mother, Cinderella’s father weds a vile woman with two equally despicable daughters. While they spend their days tormenting the gentle-hearted Cinderella, Prince Charming, the most desirable bachelor in the realm, only has his sights set on her. Nearly 75 years after its initial release, Cinderella endures as a timeless Disney classic. It now returns with an impressive 4K overhaul that has been years in the making.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
While the expectations for James Gunn’s (presumed) closing chapter in the MCU saga might not have reached the euphoria of his initial installment, it unexpectedly delved into a sorrowful narrative as well. Alongside revealing Rocket Raccoon’s heart-wrenching background, a premise easily complemented by Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel,” the third Guardians installment probes the mental aftermath of Thanos’ Decimation on the cosmos. Dive in!
Avatar: The Way of Water
A mere week before Avatar premiered (initially) in cinemas in late 2009, James Cameron declared his intentions to transform the film into a full-scale saga. However, the director took his time in materializing this vision. Avatar: The Way of Water—checking in on the azure love duo of Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), now wed with offspring—made its debut in late 2022, a significant 13 years post the original’s launch. Yet, Cameron wisely elongated the narrative by setting the film 16 years post-Avatar, and despite mixed critical reception, it soared to become the third highest-grossing film ever, showcasing Cameron’s box office magic once more.
The Incredible Hulk
Mark Ruffalo is the sole Bruce Banner in the eyes of Marvel aficionados. However, this title was earned after Eric Bana donned the gamma-infused hero’s miniscule purple shorts in 2003’s Hulk—later transferring them to Edward Norton for this 2008 production, which unfortunately clashed with Iron Man‘s release by a mere month. The MCU’s chronology has always been a tad tangled, yet spectators should not hastily dismiss this feature, especially those seeking a breezy summer blockbuster. Norton may lack Ruffalo’s innate charisma, but he embodies the brilliant scientist aspect of the character. While the film has largely (and unjustly) slipped from memory, it’s resurfacing headlines anew, having recently arrived on Disney+ and with Liv Tyler reprising her role as love interest Betty Ross in the upcoming 2025 film Captain America: Brave New World.
The Skeleton Dance
Enthusiasts of vintage animation received exciting tidings in 2023 when Disney unveiled plans to incorporate over two dozen freshly remastered old shorts into the Disney+ catalog. Among the most captivating is The Skeleton Dance, which transformed animated culture back in 1929. Walt Disney helmed the macabre comedy himself, wherein a squadron of revived skeletons emerges from their tombs and, yes, dances. This scenario is far more amusing and/or remarkable than it may initially sound.
Stan Lee
Undoubtedly the most prominent moniker in comics, Stan Lee has left an indelible mark on the genre—on popular culture at large—that cannot be emphasized enough. The documentary crafted by Director David Gelb highlighting “The Man” provides insights not just into his heritage, but also his past. Exploring the life journey of the comics visionary from his formative years in NYC to his collaborative efforts in creating beloved characters such as Spider-Man and Black Panther and his appearances in favorite Marvel cinematic moments, Stan Lee is indispensable for any enthusiast.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Once you’ve watched The Dial of Destiny, delve into Indy’s beginnings in Steven Spielberg’s timeless ’80s action-adventure flick, crafted partly by the mind of George Lucas. The tale, set in 1936, follows a seemingly unassuming archaeology lecturer turned daring explorer, battling Nazis in a quest to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant. Indy’s subsequent escapades—The Temple of Doom (1984), The Last Crusade (1989), and (if you insist) The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)—are also at your disposal.
Spider-Man
Before the official MCU, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films starring Tobey Maguire laid the groundwork for the future Marvel universe, blending strong narratives, authentic humor, and spectacular visuals. Maguire shines as the awkwardly endearing Peter Parker, on a journey to master his newfound superpowers.
Venom
Venom might not have received critical acclaim, but WIRED senior editor Angela Watercutter aptly described the film as “a poorly executed film with potential to become a cult classic.” Despite boasting a cast stacked with talent—Tom Hardy in the lead, supported by Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed, also featuring Zombieland‘s Reuben Fleischer as director—the outcome was somewhat chaotic. Yet, it manages to grip viewers, especially when watching Hardy deliver an enigmatic performance, devouring scenes for over 100 minutes.
The Original Star Wars Trilogy
Unquestionably, Star Wars is a standout among Disney+ content. It’s common knowledge that the original trilogy stands as the pinnacle—and the definitive choice for fans who opt not to binge-watch the dozen or so features. It’s worth noting that these are the versions that George Lucas tinkered with post-release. While some enhancements, like the augmented visuals in and around Cloud City, are appreciated, others remain subject to debate.
The Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
Over two decades post the debut of Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope (also known as Star Wars), George Lucas re-entered the space saga realm with a brand-new trilogy for a fresh generation of cinema-goers. The outcome was in line with expectations. While it’s impossible to assert that The Phantom Menace (1999), Attack of the Clones (2002), and/or Revenge of the Sith (2005) possess even a fraction of the heart, wit, or bravery seen in the original films, they have become must-see pop culture artifacts, inevitably introducing sci-fi aficionados to the reasons behind the disdain towards Jar Jar Binks.
The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
Upon Disney’s $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012, George Lucas essentially handed over the controls to the Millennium Falcon. While fans understandably harbored doubts about whether the Mouse House could recapture the slightly rebellious ethos that birthed the series initially, a common hope prevailed: Whatever Disney crafted had to be better than the Prequel Trilogy. And indeed, it was. Entrusting the series to J.J. Abrams (The Force Awakens), Rian Johnson (The Last Jedi), and Abrams once more (The Rise of Skywalker), the trilogy evolved into an homage to the original films and the legion of filmmakers—and fans—they influenced. Fortunately, actors Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver adeptly honored the legacy of the rogues, scavengers, Jedi mentors, and Sith adversaries who came before them.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
In his critique of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, WIRED’s senior writer Jason Parham touched on how the film resonates with the notable absence of Chadwick Boseman, the original King T’Challa of the Marvel Cinematic Universe who passed away after a fight with colon cancer in 2020. Writer-director Ryan Coogler had to navigate a different path for this superhero flick, one that acknowledges the departure of its lead character while propelling Marvel’s cinematic narrative into the forthcoming era. Parham noted, “It’s uncommon for MCU movies to capture the raw emotion of loss with such unwavering intensity.” He added, “Coogler has bestowed his sequel with a transformed language: It communicates just as powerfully from a standpoint of sorrow as it does from victory. Bereavement is its principal theme.” Consequently, the filmmaker leverages T’Challa’s demise to introduce a fresh Black Panther alongside new champions like Ironheart and former foes turned allies, such as Namor.
Turning Red
The protagonist, Mei Lee, grapples with a peculiar issue at 13: Whenever she experiences overwhelming emotions, common at that age, she morphs into a massive red panda. Eventually, Mei uncovers that this is a hereditary family trait. Despite potential exploiters of her supernatural abilities, she gradually realizes that only she possesses the ability to manage these powers. Think of this as a spiritual successor to the 2015 film Inside Out, which delved into an 11-year-old’s intricate emotional journey.
If These Walls Could Sing
Abbey Road Studios is renowned for hosting iconic recording sessions, notably those of the Beatles for their acclaimed albums, including…
Certainly, you are able to view the live-action/CGI rendition that Disney+ unveiled shortly after its inception, but why go through the effort when the original from 1955 is also accessible? Disregard the fairly crude portrayals that were prevalent at the time (the film now comes with a caution) and Lady and the Tramp persists as one of the most renowned Disney animations, and a romantic tale for the ages. When a pampered cocker spaniel named Lady finds herself in competition with a new infant for her parents’ attention, she ends up escaping and striking up a friendship with a scruffy yet charming mutt named Tramp. In the end, Lady must decide between the luxurious life she has always known with Jim Dear and Darling, or a life filled with discarded spaghetti dinners with the hopelessly romantic Tramp—unless there is an alternative.
The Muppet Movie
Between The Muppet Show and The Muppet Movie, Jim Henson and the Muppets were ubiquitous in 1979. Their inaugural big-screen outing functions more as a backstory, tracing Kermit the Frog’s voyage from a marsh in Florida to Hollywood, where he is on a quest to pursue his aspirations of becoming a film star. Throughout the journey, we witness how he encounters and befriends the other members of his felt-constructed crew, from Fozzie Bear to Miss Piggy. Chaos ensues when a restaurateur named Doc Hopper does not take kindly to Kermit rejecting his proposal to be the spokesperson for his chain’s renowned fried frog legs, and pursues the frog to exact revenge.
Luca
Enrico Casarosa’s Luca received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature in 2022 for its endearing and soulful narrative about a young lad named Luca concealing a somber secret: He is a sea creature residing in a town on the Italian Riviera that harbors deep animosity towards his kind. Ultimately, Luca is a touching coming-of-age flick about companionship, family, and conquering our own biases—and undeniably one of Pixar’s finest works.
Captain Marvel
Marvel’s most conspicuous oversight in the comprehensive MCU collection (thus far) was delaying Captain Marvel. The film, set in the past, unveils the ascent of Marvel (Brie Larson) as she unearths her genesis and hones her abilities. This inaugural installment in the Marvel universe with a female protagonist encapsulates the essence of the 1990s both in its backdrop and demeanor, featuring ample doses of Samuel L. Jackson and all the complexity and grandeur of a blockbuster action flick. Larson injects a substantial amount of sarcasm to temper her character’s formidable might, and Jackson’s performance is strikingly brilliant, resulting in an immensely enjoyable 123 minutes.
Ant-Man
Who can resist a robbery motion picture? Paul Rudd’s debut in the MCU acted as a sort of fresh start following the weighty, quite literally world-shaking events of Age of Ultron. Rudd portrays Scott Lang, a reformed felon who collaborates with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his daughter (Evangeline Lily) to safeguard Pym’s shrinking technology from falling into the wrong hands. The film’s representation of quantum physics may not hold up to rigorous scrutiny at CERN, but it delivers tremendous amusement—largely due to Michael Peña’s standout portrayal as Lang’s former cellmate Luis and, naturally, Rudd’s universally appealing personality. If you’re inclined towards a Rudd movie marathon, both Ant-Man and the Wasp and last year’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania are also available for streaming.
Mulan
Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and its shutdown of nearly the entire film industry, Disney opted for a different approach with its live-action adaptation of Mulan by offering it to Disney+ subscribers instead of a theatrical release. The film is among Disney’s recent lineup of live-action reimaginings and stars Liu Yifei in the titular role, with critics lauding the…display, visuals, and fighting sequences.
Avengers: Endgame
There comes a moment in the grand cinematic finale of all epic movies when you realize that screenwriters Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus have completely immersed the MCU in a similar fashion to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Beyond the somewhat somber beginning lies the familiar territory of any Avengers film: Tony Stark delivering witty lines; Doctor Strange performing mysterious gestures; Professor Hulk dissecting the scientific aspects of the situation; and Black Widow and Captain Marvel showcasing their strength, both emotionally and physically. It’s a chaotic yet grand handover taking the shape of a dramatic portal-driven clash. And truth be told: We’ve indulged in viewing those audience response clips, which also bring a sense of delight.
Hamilton
If your exposure to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s theater masterpiece has been limited to the exorbitant ticket prices and snippets of the musical score, now is the opportunity to uncover the essence of the hype. A rendition of the play, captured through a comprehensive six-camera setup during two live Broadway performances by the original cast, was released on Disney+ after the plans for a theatrical release were abandoned. Except for a couple of sanitized expletives and the directorial touch of Thomas Kail, it remains essentially unchanged—an energetic, compassionate, clever, and rhythmic hip-hop portrayal of US founding father Alexander Hamilton.
Moana
As a potential follow-up to Frozen and Frozen 2, Moana surpasses its predecessor. It boasts a superior soundtrack, a more compelling heroine, enhanced visuals, and captivating side adventures. Moreover, it features a noteworthy performance by Dwayne Johnson as a tattooed demigod and Jemaine Clement as a colossal crab channeling Bowie. Placed in an imaginary Polynesian realm thousands of years ago on the island of Motunui, Moana’s voyage of self-discovery follows a classical narrative, yet the lush animation and enchanting music by Lin-Manuel Miranda elevate it to the top echelon of Disney movies. (While an intriguing concept, the absence of Taika Waititi’s initial script is a detail we can overlook.)
Free Solo
Imagine if a friend informed you that they intended to scale the sheer, 3,000-foot tall granite monolith of El Capitan in Yosemite, California, without any safety ropes—you’d question their sanity. Yet, this was the audacious goal Alex Honnold set for himself in 2017. Honnold’s audacious undertaking to ascend the vertical rock wall was chronicled by his two filmmaker friends, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, as he strove to be the first person worldwide to free-climb El Capitan. However, the narrative transcends the climb itself, delving into Honnold’s intricate life, emotional challenges, and motivations driving him towards one of the most perilous feats ever attempted in the realm of free climbing. The breathtaking cinematography of Free Solo is equally stunning, ensuring that the entire experience will have you clinging to the edge of your seat in terror.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Wayne Szalinski (portrayed by Rick Moranis) is an innovative experimenter who invents an electromagnetic device capable of shrinking objects. In a series of comedic mishaps, he inadvertently miniaturizes his own children, along with the neighboring kids, before mistakenly discarding them as household refuse. To return to their normal size, the tiny adventurers must navigate the now vast expanse of the family yard and find their way back to the safety of the house—a perilous endeavor when you’re smaller than a commonly-used headache remedy.
Toy Story (Every Installment)
While Pixar’s original 1995 Toy Story set a high standard, each succeeding film in the series contributes depth to the franchise’s lore. These critically acclaimed movies are all accessible on Disney+. Collectively, the four films narrate a tale of maturation and the inevitability of change in life. From learning to adapt to new circumstances to grappling with loss, Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and his companions traverse a journey of emotional growth. This transformative journey extends to the cast, as evidenced by the innovative approach in Toy Story 4, where the late Don Rickles’ portrayal of Mr. Potato Head was crafted using archived recordings after his passing before the film’s premiere.
The Lion King
Recall the frightening wildebeest stampede in the 1994 rendition of The Lion King? That was actually computer generated, as hand-drawing them would have been a considerably time-consuming task. Special effort was made to seamlessly integrate it with the cel-shaded backgrounds, all before the release of Toy Story in the subsequent year. This just goes to show that not only is the ’90s version a flawless film that absolutely did not require a lackluster 2019 remake (also available for streaming on Disney+ if you wish to compare), it also stands as the most superior Lion King utilizing CG animation.
10 Things I Hate About You
Heath Ledger crooning “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” on the bleachers. That scene is legendary in this high-quality high school romantic comedy. The narrative is extracted from The Taming of the Shrew, the ensemble cast—featuring Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt—is utterly charming, and the late ’90s nostalgia is incredibly strong. Providing a refreshing change from the dominance of sci-fi and animation in the Disney+ launch lineup, 10 Things I Hate About You is peak comfort-cinema material.
Tron & Tron: Legacy
Tron and its contemporary sequel, Tron: Legacy, deviate from the typical Disney film formula. The original showcases a programmer (Jeff Bridges) getting trapped within a computer system where he encounters and allies with programs, including the titular hero Tron, who are rebelling against a growing artificial intelligence, the Master Control Program. It evolved into a sci-fi cult favorite, leading to the development of a modern sequel that progresses the tale and boasts a grandiose soundtrack co-crafted by Daft Punk. Both movies are enjoyable diversions, despite the sequel feeling somewhat lacking in certain aspects.
Willow
Another trip down memory lane, this time targeting fans of ’80s fantasy. Willow is a family-friendly, fantastical quest that should be viewed as George Lucas and Ron Howard’s jolly, $35 million Tolkien homage. The tale of a farmer entrusted with safeguarding a mystical infant from an evil queen may not be the most innovative storyline, yet it has solidified its status as a classic, with Warwick Davis portraying Willow Ufgood and Val Kilmer brandishing a sword. It’s classic Sunday afternoon entertainment.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Winter Soldier ranks high among the finest Marvel movies. It allocates time for more subdued character interactions, and the action, while still breathtaking, feels somewhat more realistic and grounded compared to the CGI-laden spectacle of other mainstream films. In this installment, Captain America confronts a rogue faction of SHIELD under the leadership of Robert Redford’s Alexander Pierce.
Thor: Ragnarok
The initial two Thor films were deemed among the weakest in the entire series—Chris Hemsworth’s thunder god possessed a somber and unappealing demeanor. However, in this instance, director Taika Waititi injected some much-needed vibrancy into the storyline, drawing heavily from the Planet Hulk narrative in the comics. Thor finds himself marooned on a peculiar planet governed by Jeff Goldblum (essentially playing himself). There, he intersects with Bruce Banner’s Hulk, who has been absent since the events of Civil War. It’s abundantly humorous and arguably the most exceptional entry in the series.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
The newer standalone Star Wars films elicit strong viewpoints, and Rogue One is no exception. Despite its drawbacks, it fills a significant void in the saga and showcases some of the most impressive action sequences in the entire franchise. Its primary flaw is the rather questionable CGI rendition of Peter Cushing’s Grand Moff Tarkin, yet it remains an entertaining adventure devoid of the narrative baggage of the latest trilogy.
Black Panther
Black Panther left a significant mark on culture. It was wonderfully uncommon to witness a high-profile superhero movie with such a varied ensemble cast—and the futuristic African setting was unlike any previous Marvel endeavor. Michael B. Jordan steals the limelight as Killmonger, who seeks to reclaim the throne from T’Challa (the late Chadwick Boseman).
Jurassic Park
Debuting in 2008, when for many, the environmental crisis seemed remote and abstract, Jurassic Park is quintessential Pixar. It’s a tale of love—of sorts—that focuses on two robots. Yet, it’s also a narrative about resilience, self-belief, and elegantly gliding through the vastness of space driven by a fire extinguisher. The animation, particularly on the desolate, lifeless Earth, is truly captivating. The initial sequences of the movie essentially resemble a silent film, with the music and mechanical sounds effectively conveying the emotion and intensity of the scenes.
Onward
Onward exhibits one of the most emotionally moving opening sequences in cinematic history. Despite being released over ten years ago, in 2009, the animation remains timeless and enchanting. In just a little over 90 minutes, director Pete Docter takes us on a journey with Carl, an elderly widower who is on a quest to reach Paradise Falls. Carl’s aerial voyage in his house is a tribute to his late wife, Ellie, who dreamt of visiting the falls. The film secured two Oscars—Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score—but also clinched three additional nominations, including Best Picture, making it only the second animated film to receive such a nod at the time (1991’s Mulan—also available on Disney+, is the first and definitely worth revisiting).
The Lion King
No matter the mood you’re in, Disney+ offers The Lion King to suit your needs. The platform presents both the 1967 animated classic, known for its catchy tunes and comedic moments, alongside the 2016 live-action adaptation. The two renditions couldn’t be more contrasting. Opt for the original for complete family-friendly enjoyment, or venture into the darker tones of the modern reimagining. (Fun fact: The entire live-action production was filmed in a single warehouse.)
Avengers: Endgame
The initial installment of Avengers: Endgame didn’t join the Marvel Cinematic Universe until 2014, a relatively delayed entrance compared to the inaugural Thor in 2008. Nevertheless, it swiftly became a favorite among fans, introducing some of the franchise’s most memorable (and pivotal) characters. Characters like Quill, Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Nebula possess unique qualities and in many aspects are more endearing than other prominent MCU figures. A revisit to Avengers is recommended if you wish to recall a somewhat less complicated era before the events of Thanos’ Snap.
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