Disney+ is among the best mainstream platforms to watch movies on right now. On top of animated classics from the Disney vault, there’s a wealth of exciting content, from Marvel Studios’ superhero adventures and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars epics to compelling documentaries from National Geographic.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed given the depth of content on offer. Thankfully, this monthly updated guide will help you parse through some of the best movies on Disney+ to watch right now.
If you haven’t considered it already, the Disney Bundle is also worth your money. This package deal gives customers access to Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s ad-supported plan for just $13 a month. It’s a great overall value.
If you want to expand your search, we’ve also rounded up the best shows on Disney+, as well as the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Amazon Prime, and the best movies on Hulu.
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The Space Race2023 -
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We Bought a Zoo2011
The Space Race (2023) new
Co-directed by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortés, The Space Race is a standout documentary film from National Geographic. The movie tells the story of the first Black astronauts who broke through racial barriers during the early days of the Civil Rights movement to become key figures within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight, and Charles Bolden.
It’s an enlightening and fascinating watch that revisits this story through a combination of decades’ worth of film archives and interview materials. The Space Race is a compelling documentary movie that covers a lesser-known aspect of American history.
X2 (2003) new
The early 2000s continued to be kind to one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic superhero teams with X2: X-Men United. Bryan Singer returned to the director’s chair for this sequel, telling a thrilling story that forces Professor Charles Xavier’s gifted students to team up with Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants to put an end to Colonel William Stryker’s genocidal plans.
The villain leads an onslaught on Xavier and his school of mutants in an attempt to reprogram the Professor’s tracking computer, Cerebro, to assassinate every known mutant on the planet systematically. As with the first movie in this series, X2: X-Men United was critically praised for balancing a well-rounded ensemble cast bolstered by commendable performances. Its engaging plot and impressive action set pieces further complemented what was one of the best superhero sequels of that decade.
Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy (2004)
With how wildly lucrative Lucasfilm’s Star Wars IP has continued to be nearly 50 years after the release of A New Hope, a documentary chronicling this success story was inevitable. Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy provides just that, going back in history to detail how the franchise was created, George Lucas’ involvement, and how the acclaim received by the Original Trilogy impacted pop culture for the decades to follow.
Co-directed by Edith Becker and Kevin Burns, this documentary will be an intriguing watch for any longtime Star Wars fan. Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy offers engaging interviews with Lucas and the iconic cast and the crew behind the scenes that helped make this trilogy happen.
Pete's Dragon (2016)
Though Disney remakes don’t always seem worth it compared to the originals, 2016’s Pete’s Dragon was an admirable effort. Directed by David Lowery, the movie revolves around the titular orphaned boy (played by Oakes Fegley) who befriends and lives with a dragon in the woods.
However, consequences arise when forest ranger Grace Meacham (played by Bryce Dallas Howard) and an 11-year-old girl named Natalie (played by Oona Laurence) investigate this relationship. The Pete’s Dragon remake was well-received for tastefully adapting the original story to a new format without losing the charm that made it so beloved to begin with.
X-Men (2000) new
While fans are still waiting on the X-Men to make their proper MCU debut, the original 2000 live-action movie is still an entertaining watch. X-Men details how several of the iconic Marvel mutants joined Professor Charles Xavier (Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s Patrick Stewart) and his titular team while focusing particularly on Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Rogue (Anna Paquin).
Xavier and his mutant allies find themselves in the middle of a violent conflict with the more extreme Brotherhood of Mutants, led by Magneto (played by Ian McKellen). Director Bryan Singer’s X-Men is a nostalgic watch in the modern age, filled with action and a packed ensemble cast. It contains just the right amount of early 2000s campiness to be an engaging story even today.
The Wolverine (2013)
Following up on the disappointing X-Men Origins: Wolverine, director James Mangold steps in to put the titular mutant hero’s story on the right track with The Wolverine. The movie sees Logan travel to modern-day Japan in the aftermath of X-Men: The Last Stand, where the hero has to deal with a dangerous nemesis without the benefit of his regenerative abilities, all while grappling with a sense of guilt over Jean Grey’s death.
While not the most compelling X-Men movie or Logan’s most engrossing solo story, The Wolverine was a solid and welcome return to form that leans into its dramatic action sequences. It does the character justice while boasting some striking production design.
Free Guy (2021)
Director Shawn Levy’s Free Guy was one of the more unexpected successes from 2021. The Ryan Reynolds-led movie sees a bank teller (played by Reynolds) discover that he’s a non-playable character in a massively multiplayer online video game, and he teams up with another player named Millie Rusk (played by Jodie Comer) to help her find the source code that a game company’s CEO stole.
Free Guy succeeds by leaning into its delightfully nonsensical premise. The movie plays well to its creative premise thanks to its colorful video game-themed world, and it featuresReynolds at his charmingly comedic best.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Even though the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been growing steadily more stale in recent years, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stands as a bright spot for many longtime fans. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the movie tells a story of self-discovery for the titular hero (played by Simu Liu) as he comes into conflict with his father, Wenwu (played by Tony Leung), when he and his terrorist organization attempt to invade a mystical village.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was seen as a refreshing new perspective from which to view the MCU, using its hero to incorporate more Asian culture into this superhero world. Leung was widely praised for hisstandout performance in the movie, which is a welcome change considering the franchise’s issues of producing mostly bland villains. Likewise, its martial arts sequences and action set pieces were well-received.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) new
The beloved Harrison Ford closes out his tenure as the adventurous archeologist in director James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. In this final outing, Indy and his estranged goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) team up in a race against time to find a dangerous ancient artifact.
Nazi scientist Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) intends to uncover this mysterious tool to change the outcome of World War II. Though the movie had a comparatively lukewarm reception when looking at more celebrated features like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Dial of Destiny still shows why Ford succeeded in making the swashbuckling action hero a household name.
Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford (2023) new
For fans looking to examine the legacy of the Indiana Jones character, the Disney+ documentary film Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford is the ideal watch. Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, this documentary recounts the actor’s beginnings and how he broke into the entertainment industry.
Of course, the movie then homes in on the impact and legacy the iconic swashbuckler left behind, along with some fascinating unseen footage. In addition to detailing when filmmaking legends Steven Spielberg and George Lucas created a team that led to this franchise, Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford also shows never-before-seen interviews with Lucas, Spielberg, Ford, producer Kathleen Kennedy, Dial of Destiny director James Mangold, and more.
We Bought a Zoo (2011) new
Adapted from author Benjamin Mee’s memoir of the same name, director Cameron Crowe’s We Bought a Zoo follows a family as they take on a massive project. Widowed father Benjamin Mee (played by Matt Damon) and his family move into a new home for a fresh start as they struggle to cope with his wife’s passing.
However, they’re only allowed to buy the new house if they buy the dilapidated zoo that’s also on the property. Head zookeeper Kelly Foster (played by Asteroid City‘s Scarlett Johansson) helps lead the renovation efforts in hopes that they will be able to reopen to the public. We Bought a Zoo is a rather predictable story, but its charming lead and feel-good tone make this a delightful comedy-drama for the family.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Alongside director James Gunn’s fairly recent Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, Iron Man 3 can still justify its place as a Christmas-themed Marvel movie. Director Shane Black’s installment of the Robert Downey Jr.-led trilogy has Tony Stark/Iron Man trying to find a way to cope with the aftermath of the Battle of New York that was waged in The Avengers.
Meanwhile, a grander conspiracy led by the shadowy Mandarin takes hold and threatens the U.S. Though it suffers somewhat from the MCU villain formula, Iron Man 3 is backed with thrilling action, an expectedly charismatic performance by Downey Jr., and meaningful growth for his character.
Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) new
The streaming availability for Spider-Man movies isn’t always clear-cut due to the complicated licensing rights between Disney/Marvel Studios and Sony. However, Disney+ now adds director Jon Watts’ sophomore endeavor from his trilogy with Spider-Man: Far From Home.
Peter Parker (Tom Holland) and his friends find themselves facing catastrophic supervillain threats while on a school trip across Europe, with the young man struggling to balance his life as a student with that of a hero with deadly serious responsibilities. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a spirited and connivingly entertaining performance as Mysterio, a disgruntled former Stark Industries employee looking to upend Peter’s life to tarnish Tony’s legacy.
Captain Marvel (2019)
With Marvel Studios and director Nia DaCosta’s sequel The Marvels releasing in theaters, now is the best time to revisit the 2019 original. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck’s Captain Marvel chronicles the origin story of Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) and her road to becoming one of the most powerful figures in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Carol finds herself stuck in the middle of an intergalactic conflict while trying to recollect the memories of her life on Earth. Set against the backdrop of the ’90s, the movie puts an entertaining superhero spin on the Top Gun formula, tying together elements of this world’s past with the events that would eventually lead to Avengers: Endgame.
Deadpool (2016)
A spinoff X-Men movie from the Fox era of the franchise, director Tim Miller’s Deadpool was a surprise hit for the superhero genre. Led by the funny and charismatic Ryan Reynolds as the titular antihero, the movie follows the tragic origins of Wade Wilson and his relentless hunt for the man who ruined his life.
As tragic as his origins are, Deadpool seamlessly weaves in the character’s signature raunchy comedic edge from the comic book source material. The movie’s success further popularized the idea of R-rated superhero productions, with Reynolds’ casting proving to be a match made in heaven.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Director David Leitch takes the reins for Deadpool 2, which sees the beloved Merc With a Mouth take on a wider array of threats from the X-Men universe. Wade forces the X-Force superhero team to help save a young mutant boy from a ruthless time-traveling soldier named Cable (Josh Brolin).
Overall, Deadpool 2 doubles down on the action and comedic elements that made the original such a hit, and it largely pays off. Reynolds’ performance as the foul-mouthed mercenary with a heart of gold is as charismatic as fans would hope, and his chemistry with Brolin’s Cable is effortlessly entertaining.
Haunted Mansion (2023) new
Continuing the trend of Disney looking at anything and everything it has IP-wise to turn into a live-action film, director Justin Simien brings the Haunted Mansion theme park ride to the big screen. Haunted Mansion follows the the supernatural exploits of Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and Travis (Chase W. Dillon), as the pair form a team comprised of characters played by LaKeith Stanfield, Danny DeVito, Owen Wilson, and Tiffany Haddish to exorcise the titular mansion.
Though the movie doesn’t do anything spectacular in terms of scares or humor, this impressive ensemble cast puts together a charming and entertaining show. It’ll be an especially fun movie night for families during this Halloween season.
Werewolf by Night (2022)
Technically qualifying as a TV special and short film all at once, director Michael Giacchino’s Werewolf by Night is arguably the most inventive production from Marvel Studios in recent years. The composer for Matt Reeves’ The Batman made a strong impression with this feature, telling the story of a group of treasure hunters competing to find an ancient relic — all the while the titular Werewolf stands against them.
Gael García Bernal puts on a standout performance as the conflicted Jack Russell, backed up by Giacchino’s direction and a compelling story by Heather Quinn and Peter Cameron. Complete with smart use of practical effects and stunning black-and-white cinematography to capitalize on the vintage “creature feature” atmosphere, the standalone Werewolf by Night is a refreshing and much-needed change of pace for the MCU.
Logan (2017)
Perhaps one of the best superhero movies in general, director James Mangold brought to screen Wolverine’s best theatrical outing in Logan. Set in an alternate canon separate from the mainline X-Men movies, this gritty tale sees a punished and battered Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) in a post-apocalyptic countryside where mutants are vehemently persecuted, killed, and experimented on for nefarious purposes.
Along the way, the aged pair ends up defending a young mutant girl named Laura from the mutant-hunting Reavers. A masterful blend of the superhero, neo-noir, and Western film genres and bolstered by Oscar-worthy performances from Jackman and Stewart, Logan is one of the most impactful comic book movies since The Dark Knight.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
As the most lucrative singular superhero in pop culture, it was only a matter of time before Spider-Man was rebooted into Marvel Studios’ MCU. Tom Holland’s iteration of the Wall-Crawler came in Captain America: Civil War, but Spider-Man: Homecoming is the hero’s first solo outing.
Directed by Jon Watts, Peter finds himself grappling with the burden of being a responsible hero who still has to balance his day-to-day life as a high schooler, and he’s faced with Michael Keaton’s imposing Vulture as the villain leads crime sprees powered by alien technology. Spider-Man: Homecoming was a solid debut for the MCU’s rendition of this young hero, with Keaton’s villainous performance being a highlight.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) new
After an extended delay, James Gunn finally came back to put his finishing touch on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy with Vol. 3. Set after the events of Avengers: Infinite War and Endgame, Quill and the rest of the misfit superhero crew are still dealing with the death of their timeline’s Gamora.
Now joined by an alternate version of Gamora introduced in Endgame, the Guardians take off on a mission to rescue Rocket Raccoon from the High Evolutionary (played by Chukwudi Iwuji), an alien cyborg scientist who seeks to create his twisted idea of a perfect society. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has been praised for its relentlessly emotional approach and sendoff for this beloved team of underdog superheroes.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) new
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) new
In preparation for Harrison Ford’s last hurrah as Indiana Jones, Disney+ is adding the series’ beloved classics. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, Raiders of the Lost Ark marks the debut of the fan-favorite adventurer trying to stop Nazi forces from securing a dangerous treasure.
The movie was revolutionary for its time, pushing the boundaries for action set pieces and the evolution of the pulpy adventure genre. Indiana Jones is still an iconic character, with the swashbuckling archeologist’s first theatrical outing holding up well even today.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) new
Director Steven Spielberg followed up on the blockbuster hit that was Raiders with the solid Temple of Doom. The plot follows Harrison Ford’s treasure-hunting adventurer arriving in India to retrieve a mystical stone and stop a bloodthirsty cult. The local villagers are desperate for Indy’s help, as the Thugee cult indulges in ritual sacrifices, sacrifices, and blood magic.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was well-received for its intense new story and darker approach, though, it was more controversial in the ’80s for its comparatively bleak atmosphere to Raiders.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) new
Once again helmed by Spielberg, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a strong finish to the original three movies. While Temple of Doom was technically a prequel to Raiders, Last Crusade moves the timeline forward as Indy travels around the world to rescue his missing father Henry Jones (played by Sean Connery).
Jones Sr. went missing on a hunt for the Holy Grail and was held hostage by Nazis. Temple of Doom retroactively received the positive reception it deserved, but Last Crusade does well to reintegrate the lighter, swashbuckling atmosphere of the first movie.
Spider-Man 2 (2004) new
Spider-Man (2002)
Spider-Man distribution rights are something of a tussle between Sony and Disney, but Disney+ now hosts some excellent legacy movies. Sam Raimi made his mark on the beloved character’s history with the Tobey Maguire-led Spider-Man.
Co-starring Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane, James Franco as Harry Osborne, and Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin, 2002’s Spider-Man is a soulful origin story with exhilarating action. It still holds up well over 20 years later and is a love letter to the iconic superhero’s comic book lore.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe built itself into a wildly lucrative property since 2008’s Iron Man. 11 years later, Avengers: Endgame was released to become a pop-culture phenomenon and the crossover event of the decade.
Reeling from the catastrophic events of Infinity War, the Avengers gather who remains to lead a final assault on the galactic conqueror Thanos. The Russo brothers managed to make Endgame a satisfying payoff to 11 years’ worth of mythos and cap off the Infinity Saga.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
One of the biggest comic book movie events in recent years, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War is a jam-packed crossover event. The first in a two-part story with the sequel Endgame, Infinity War finally sees the cosmic threat Thanos — played menacingly by Josh Brolin — take his universe-wide fight to Earth and its mightiest heroes.
It delivers a long-awaited series of clashes and interactions between various heroes and villains, and is a major bright spot in the MCU’s catalog. Infinity War is constantly tense with action and revelations, setting the stage for this universe’s biggest narrative payoff.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Since the tragic passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, the sequel to Black Panther was always going to have a somber atmosphere about it. However, Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever succeeds in being a tasteful and touching tribute that advanced the story from this corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In the wake of King T’Challa’s death, the leaders of the nation need to rally together as Namor — the king of an ancient underwater civilization — leads an assault on Wakanda. Angela Bassett, in particular, leads the film with a commanding performance.
Finding Nemo (2003)
Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios can always be trusted to put together a memorable animated family movie. 2003’s Finding Nemo has since been regarded as a modern classic, transcending the decade it debuted in theaters.
Starring the likes of Ellen DeGeneres, Geoffrey Rush, and Willem Dafoe, Finding Nemo tells the story of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin who goes on an ocean-wide quest with his forgetful friend Dory to find his lost son Nemo. The movie was released to critical acclaim for its charming brand of humor and heartfelt story that appeals to all audiences.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Avatar (2009)
Black Panther (2018)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Toy Story (1995)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Frozen (2013)
How many times can you watch Frozen? Only your children know for sure. With the 10th anniversary of its release coming up soon, it has to be said that Frozen has earned its place in Disney history as perhaps the studio’s most popular film since the ‘90s. Idina Menzel stars as Elsa, the estranged Princess of Arendelle who is ostracized from the kingdom because of her incredible ability to bend ice and cold to her will. Kristen Bell also stars as Elsa’s sister, Anna. The sisters haven’t seen each other in years, but they will have to emotionally reconnect if they want to save the kingdom and each other.
Star Wars (1977)
Forty -five years ago this week, the original Star Wars hit theaters and changed the movies forever. It was subsequently given the “Episode 4: A New Hope” name, but to the first generation of fans, it all starts here. In a desperate bid to keep Darth Vader (David Prowse with James Earl Jones as Vader’s voice) from retrieving the plans for a super weapon called the Death Star, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hides them with two droids. From there, destiny awaits a restless young man named Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), an exiled Jedi called Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), the Wookie Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and the scoundrel known as Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Even after all of these years, it’s still a rousing space adventure.
Iron Man (2008)
The Avengers (2012)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
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