The streaming service Disney+ has kept quite busy stacking its library with tons of premium content. And no, we're not just talking about movies for the kids. The Disney conglomerate runs many movie and television production companies and therefore owns the rights to a vast array of content that spans many genres. From Marvel superhero movies to nostalgic classics and award-winning dramas, the streaming service features films from nearly every category, with the exception of films with an R-rating.
Not only that, but new titles land on the service at least a few times a month, so there's always something new to check out. We're even obsessed with the huge collection of nature documentaries on Disney+. On those really tough days at home with kids, queue one up and call it homeschool. The family-friendly streaming service is the perfect place to find our own childhood favorites and introduce them to our own children — even some of the lesser-known '80s and '90s films that we were inexplicably in love with when we were little are available here.
Disney+ also does not remove content as often as some of the other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, because Disney owns the rights. Content is removed only when pre-existing contracts with other companies must be honored, so there's usually no rush to watch something that comes up. So keep reading to check out the best movies available on Disney+ to watch right now or maybe a little later.
'Soul'
The animated film Soul, starring Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, is the latest full-length feature film to be released on Disney+, and it is sure to transfix kids and adults alike. It's about a man who is unhappy with his life as a middle school music teacher, but finally gets his big shot as a jazz musician only to die suddenly in a freak accident. His soul ends up separated from his body and while he attempts to help another soul discover its passion, he learns what it truly means to live life to the fullest.
'Big'
Many of us watched 1988's Big starring a young Tom Hanks again and again when we were kids, and it's still just as charming as ever. It's about a boy who wishes to be "big" via a carnival fortune teller game and wakes up the next day in the body of an adult. But of course, he still thinks like a kid and acts like a kid. Throughout the movie he must figure out how to actually be a kid.
'Toy Story,' 'Toy Story 2,' 'Toy Story 3,' & 'Toy Story 4'
All four films in the Toy Story franchise are now available on Disney+, meaning it's possible to watch the entire story of Buzz and Woody straight through from its 1995 beginning to the 2019 culmination. Even more importantly, we can now introduce our own children to this touching tale of a young boy who outgrows his toys, but learns about love, loyalty, and friendship along the way.
'Hamilton'
Although the recording of the hit Broadway show Hamilton starring Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. dropped on Disney+ months ago, it's still one of the top offerings on the streaming service. This show is just so dang good that despite its nearly three-hour run time, it manages to hold the attention of elementary schoolers.
'Black Is King'
Beyoncé's innovative film Black Is King is at once her musical interpretation of the beloved Lion King story and a visual album. It's a cinematically gorgeous film, enhanced with the singer's lush vocals and powerful lyrics, and it's absolutely a must-watch for anyone looking for a deeper understanding of African and African American culture and history.
'Mary Poppins' & 'Mary Poppins Returns'
Both the original 1964 Mary Poppins film and its 2018 follow-up Mary Poppins Returns are now available to stream on Disney+, and they are both such a treat. The classic is full of the charming characters and catchy songs we came to know so well as children, and the sequel is absolutely beautiful to watch and a beyond endearing continuation to the story of the Banks family.
'Black Panther'
Marvel's Black Panther, starring the late Chadwick Boseman, revolutionized the superhero film genre and although there are many other Marvel movies now on Disney+, the story of the Wakandan superhero is by far one of, if not, the best. First, it's a story that not everyone was familiar with before its 2018 premiere. Second, the cast is so fantastically talented. And third, it is visually stunning.
'Coco'
Coco is one of our very favorite films from Disney/Pixar mainly because it's just so beautiful to watch. It's also a lovely reminder of the importance of family and we absolutely appreciate that it's an authentic and respectful representation of Mexican culture and the Día de los Muertos celebration.
'Inside Out'
Every kid should see Inside Out at least once. This animated film is a great way to help children learn about their emotions, to understand that they are normal, and to start managing them. Plus, it's absolutely beautiful and so much fun to watch that they are sure to enjoy it and probably won't even realize that they are internalizing some important lessons.
'10 Things I Hate About You'
This 1999 film based on William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew is definitely a teen classic. Starring Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger, it's about a girl who plots to help her stodgy older sister find love so that their dad will allow her to date. It's funny, it's romantic, and it's pretty darn cute, too – perfect for a girls' night in.
'Captain Marvel'
Although some critics weren't crazy about the casting of Brie Larson in this film, we flippin' loved this movie, as did many other Marvel fans. We especially love that our little girls now get to watch a female superhero take the lead, and for that alone, it's worth watching on repeat.
'The Greatest Showman'
The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya, and Michelle Williams, is arguably one of the best musicals of the past decade — and boy were we glad when it landed on Disney+ and we could watch it on repeat. For those who haven't seen it, it's the story of circus founder P.T. Barnum. The film takes us through his youth to the ultimate success of the famed Barnum & Bailey Circus.
'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'
Who Framed Roger Rabbit is the classic 1980s film about a grumpy, cartoon-hating detective who finds himself working for a cartoon rabbit who is convinced that his wife is being unfaithful. While the subject matter is a bit racy for kids (we all watched it though), the hybrid live-action/animated format was absolutely ground-breaking at the time — and it's a super-entertaining film.
'Free Solo'
Free Solo is a thrilling National Geographic documentary chronicling the journey of rock climber Alex Honnold to become the first person ever to free solo climb the El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park. The film not only showcases a true feat of athleticism and human achievement, but it also beautifully highlights the wonder of the national park itself.
'Newsies'
Based on the New York City newsboy strike of 1899, which occurred when publisher Joseph Pulitzer instituted rules that made it difficult for newsboys to profit from their work, Newsies is a fantastic musical starring Christian Bale, Bill Pullman, and Robert Duvall. Newsies has something of a cult following, and it's easy to see why. Not only is it a pleasure to watch, but it offers an informative peek into a significant moment in history.
'Miracle'
This 2004 film is the true story of hockey coach Herb Brooks who defied all odds and helped the American Olympic ice hockey team defeat the powerful Soviet team. The unbelievable win came during the 1980 games, amid Cold War tensions, and served to unite the nation, even if briefly.
