20 best movies on Disney+

Disney+ has a massive catalogue. The streaming service features traditional Disney fare like its ‘90s hand-drawn animations, classic musicals, and live-action reimaginings. But it’s also home to Marvel movies, Star Wars stories, and other magical tales worth exploring. 

Though picking favorites is no easy task, we’ve rounded up 20 of the finest films available for your viewing pleasure. Whether you’re looking for a world-saving superhero adventure or a lighthearted family comedy, there’s something here that’s bound to be the watch you’re wanting.

Here are the best movies on Disney+ streaming right now (in no particular order).

While Black Panther has everything it needs as a superhero blockbuster, what with its exhilarating action and high stakes, its charismatic cast and originality are what really set it apart. Set in the African nation of Wakanda, the movie focuses on the soon-to-be king T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) as he is met by Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), an enemy who aims to challenge his throne. 

Image: Film Frame © Marvel Studios 2018

Black Panther is fully immersive thanks to its impressive set design, powerful soundtrack, and compelling characters. Its greatness — alongside Boseman’s legacy — will live on.

How to watch: Black Panther is streaming on Disney+.

2. The Incredibles

In The Incredibles, ex-superhero Bob Parr, tired of his office job, jumps at the chance to fight a high-tech robot on an island after receiving a secret invitation. His wife Helen aka Elastigirl decides to chase after him, and his kids stow away for the journey. This leads to an exciting adventure that tackles surprisingly complex subjects like identity and worth in between the whole fighting-an-evil-villain thing.

While the story is great, so is the Pixar film’s relatable family and super-cool retrofuturistic setting. It’s an entertaining movie adventure for viewers of all ages. (You can also keep your adventures with the superhero family going with Incredibles 2, also on Disney+.)

How to watch: The Incredibles is streaming on Disney+.

The Lion King opens with Mufasa showing off his newborn lion cub, Simba, to the animals of Africa while “Circle of Life” resounds gloriously through the Pride Lands — and it just gets better from there. This ‘90s musical about a lion who must reclaim his rightful place as ruler is vibrantly animated and emotionally stirring. The comic relief that comes in the form of sidekicks Timone and Pumbaa and the fantastic soundtrack dreamed up by Elton John make it even better.

How to watch: The Lion King is streaming on Disney+.

This tale as old as time is one of Disney’s finest animated films. Beauty and the Beast follows Belle as she journeys to an enchanted castle in France only to discover a prince-turned-beast and a spell in need of breaking. The movie is also home to clever songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston,” a sweeping romance, and dazzling animations. How can you not be pulled into the fairy tale world from the moment Belle begins to sing about the little town she longs to escape?

How to watch: Beauty and the Beast is streaming on Disney+.

Inconceivable! This quotable cult classic movie can be watched whenever you want? Absolutely.

The Princess Bride, which involves farmhand Westley embarking on a quest to rescue the love of his life, Princess Buttercup, has something for everyone: Sword fights, romance, comedy, and a snappy script that’s impossible to forget. If it’s not already your comfort watch, it’ll probably become it.

How to watch: The Princess Bride is streaming on Disney+.

Look around, look around at how lucky we are to stream Hamilton now.

Image: © 2020 Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nevis Productions, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The live recording of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s popular Broadway show about America’s Founding Fathers hit Disney+ last July and hasn’t gone anywhere since. With memorable songs, impressive dance numbers, snazzy costumes, and a moving story, Hamilton doesn’t grow old. Cheer through Act 1, and get those tissues ready for Act 2.

How to watch: Hamilton is streaming on Disney+.

7. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Ready for a swashbuckling adventure? In the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, the governor’s daughter, Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), is kidnapped by a group of pirates, so Captain Jack Sparrow and the blacksmith who’s in love with her (Orlando Bloom) team up to track her down.

Curse of the Black Pearl is a thrilling high-seas adventure with just enough fantasy sprinkled in to give it some flavor. And how can you beat that witty script and daring soundtrack? The later movies in the franchise just can’t compare.

How to watch: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is streaming on Disney+.

8. Mulan (1998)

While you could check out the new live-action Mulan movie, it’s hard to beat the 1998 original — especially because it features compelling songs like “Reflection” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” plenty of funny moments, and everyone’s favorite dragon: Mushu.

Mulan’s stunningly animated journey is full of heartfelt themes of family and honor as she takes her father’s place in the Chinese army. But it’s also loaded with excitement as the woman-in-disguise fights the Huns and saves her fellow soldiers, all while keeping her identity a secret.

How to watch: Mulan is streaming on Disney+.

Now that you’ve watched the Ratatouille musical play out on TikTok, it’s time for you to catch the creative film it was inspired by. The comedic Pixar animation zooms in on a rat with a knack for cooking (Patton Oswalt) as he attempts to turn a talentless garbage boy into a top chef at a famous restaurant. And while Ratatouille’s twinkly depictions of Paris and its quirky plot add to the fun, its moving explorations of perseverance and purpose set it apart from the traditional family film.

How to watch: Ratatouille is streaming on Disney+.

10. Tangled

Disney’s imaginative retelling of Rapunzel turns the traditional princess story into a hilarious adventure. 

Tangled has Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), unaware that she’s a princess, recruiting a dashingly handsome thief, Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), to take her to see the floating lanterns in the town on her birthday. This sends the pair on a spirited romp through the forest where they encounter musical thugs, cute animal sidekicks, and a blossoming romance. With summery visuals, a snappy script, and even a few dynamic songs, Tangled is easy to fall for.

How to watch: Tangled is streaming on Disney+

11. 10 Things I Hate About You

Need a solid ‘90s rom-com? 10 Things I Hate About You is there to be the feel-good coming-of-age tale you so desire.

Based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, the story catches up with a handful of high schoolers, including headstrong Kat (Julia Stiles), who might let her guard down just enough to fall for the charming Patrick (Heath Ledger) — but what she doesn’t know is he’s been bribed to date her. The teens have effortless chemistry that clicks right into the modernized tale. It’s just as engaging and nostalgic on the first watch as it is — well — the tenth. And there’s absolutely nothing to hate about it.

How to watch: 10 Things I Hate About You is streaming on Disney+.

DIsney+ is the place to watch all your favorite Marvel movies. But if you’re looking for the funniest superhero film on the streaming service, look no further than Thor: Ragnarok.

The third installment in the Thor series has the god of thunder (Chris Hemsworth) attempting to race home to Asgard to battle his vengeful sister. But his journey back to his home planet is a wild one after he crash-lands on a colorful new planet and is pit against Hulk in a battle arena.

With a witty script and talented performances from MCU favorites (Tom Hiddleston, Mark Ruffalo) and newcomers (Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Tessa Thompson) alike, it’s hard hard not to laugh all the way through.

How to watch: Thor: Ragnarok is streaming on Disney+.

13. Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

The force is strong with this one — and how could it not be? The Empire Strikes Back sends viewers on an immersive galactic journey alongside Luke (Mark Hamill), Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), only this time the stakes are higher, the excitement is bigger, and the story is darker. It’s one of those rare examples of a sequel that found a way to be even better than its already-great original, thanks to its mix of heart-pounding action and rich emotion.

How to watch: Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back is streaming on Disney+.

Inspired by Margot Lee Shetterly’s nonfiction book of the same name, Hidden Figures follows the lives of the Black female mathematicians who became the unsung heroes of the space race while doing behind-the-scenes work at NASA. The drama’s script is captivating, but the talented cast — led by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe — is what makes this movie really blast off. The well-executed ‘60s setting is a visual bonus.

How to watch: Hidden Figures is streaming on Disney+.

15. The Emperor’s New Groove

Need a laugh? Try The Emperor’s New Groove.

This cartoony 2000s buddy comedy, which has the selfish emperor-turned-llama Kuzco (David Spade) attempting to journey back to his palace with the help of a kind village leader (John Goodman), has one of the sharpest scripts out there. Nearly every line is a joke — and with supporting characters like the villainous ex-advisor Yzma (Eartha Kitt) and her not-too-bright assistant Kronk (Patrick Warburton) filling in the gaps, it’s never boring. Not a second of that 78-minute runtime goes to waste.

How to watch: The Emperor’s New Groove is streaming on Disney+.

16. Toy Story 2

Though every Toy Story movie has its own appeal, the 1999 sequel is the most amusing. The comedy sends Andy’s toys, led by Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), on a quest to track down Woody (Tom Hanks) after he’s nabbed by a greedy toy collector. This setup leads the action figure and cowboy to ask weighty questions about their belonging. But while the film has its quieter, more reflective moments, it’s also loaded with playful jokes and easy to love characters like Jessie and Bullseye. It’s one good ol’ time.

How to watch: Toy Story 2 is streaming on Disney+.

17. Mary Poppins (1964)

A spoonful of sugar might make the medicine go down, but a Mary Poppins viewing is sure to make your spirits go up. The delightful musical has everything one could want, including catchy songs, dancing chimney sweeps, and yes — animated penguins. It’s also a treat to see Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews make magic happen by simply existing together onscreen. 

And if you’re a really big Andrews fan, you can stream The Sound of Music or The Princess Diaries on Disney+ (or both!) when you’re done with this one. If you’re really just a Mary Poppins fan, try the 2018 sequel starring Emily Blunt or the 2013 period drama about the creation of the original, Saving Mr. Banks.

How to watch: Mary Poppins is streaming on Disney+.

Pixar’s Coco tells the story of 12-year-old Miguel who, after getting trapped in the Land of the Dead while very much alive, must find a way to get back to his home in Mexico — only he wants to track down his musical idol first.

Image: © 2017 Disney • Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The fantasy shows off glowy visuals and spirited songs that easily entertain. But it’s also sentimental and thought-provoking as it dives into weighty discussions about life and legacy.

How to watch: Coco is streaming on Disney+.

19. Frozen

Although you’ve probably heard “Let It Go” played one too many times, don’t let it distract you from how good the original movie actually is. Frozen sends Anna (Kristen Bell) on an adventure to rescue her queen sister Elsa (Idina Menzel) from the frosty winter she’s created with her ice powers. Her journey to the North Mountain is accompanied by fun characters, unforgettable musical numbers, frosty animations, and sweet sisterly love. The twist, modern ending wraps up the story with style.

How to watch: Frozen is streaming on Disney+.

While all the Avengers films offer superpowered thrills, only one knows how to really get those tears flowing.

Endgame has all of the MCU’s biggest heroes coming together to save the world from Thanos’ evil doings once and for all. With an ensemble cast, a 3-hour runtime, and a massive final battle, the last installment in the Avengers series makes for an epic conclusion to the long-running series. It’s a powerful one.

How to watch: Avengers: Endgame is streaming on Disney+.