Families all over the world are in need of some serious relaxation time right now. Whether the kids are doing virtual school, home school, or socially distant school, this fall presents a whole set of uncharted challenges. When managing so much uncertainty, sometimes, it's nice to settle in with some familiar faces in the form of our favorite movie characters. It's also fun to just check out for a couple of hours and embark on a new adventure from the comfort of the couch.
Because it appears it might be a while before movie theaters will be fully open to the public again, streaming services are here to provide the entertainment families need. Disney+ is on the scene as one of the power players in family entertainment, and we couldn't be happier.
The platform is chock full of titles — from classic Disney cartoons to new animated films and live-action movies the whole family can enjoy. There are so many to choose from.
Here are 20 of the most popular family-friendly movies to watch on Disney+. We definitely recommend an evening in — or morning or afternoon — for some cinematic enjoyment.
'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'
It's a detective movie. It's a cartoon. It's a detective movie about cartoons. Drawings and real life come together in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The movie won wide praise for its visual and technical innovations at the time, and there haven't been too many movies like it since. Sultry Jessica Rabbit and goofy Roger Rabbit are legendary characters now — and Bob Hoskins (rest in peace) as the cartoon-hating detective provides a perfect comic foil for the animated characters. Even though it's more than 30 years old, Who Framed Roger Rabbit has an element of novelty that should keep young family members entertained.
'The Princess Bride'
Fencing, fighting, revenge, and so much more adventure awaits in this cult classic. Like Fred Savage as the grandson in this movie, kids might think The Princess Bride will be boring. But its epic sword scenes, subversive wit, and timeless catch phrases will surely win over the younger set.
It's a movie that keeps on giving: Adults who enjoyed it as children can watch it over and over again. Totally not inconceivable!
'Free Solo'
This documentary details Alex Honnold's nail-biting attempt to climb El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park. The mere idea of climbing such a tall cliff is overwhelming to most people. Doing it without any ropes is nearly unimaginable. Watching Honnold overcome barriers both mental and physical to meet this challenge should be thrilling to anyone, especially to couch potatoes watching from home.
'A Bug's Life'
Back in 1998, A Bug's Life was one of the first CGI-animated films after Toy Story and Antz. Its story line is something everyone can relate to because it's based on the Aesop's fable The Ants and the Grasshopper. Kids and parents will laugh out loud as Flik tries to save his colony from some very hungry grasshoppers.
'Ratatouille'
The Academy Award that Ratatouille won for Best Animated Feature Film confirmed how beloved this movie is. Remy, a rat with gourmet sensibilities and an unnatural talent for cooking, goes on wild adventures as he tries to become France's most renowned chef. Through the ups and downs, he achieves his dreams — which is a terrific lesson and inspiration for young and old alike.
'Coco'
The Day of the Dead is an increasingly popular observance outside of Mexico. Coco tells the story of exactly what it's all about, beyond the spooky but gorgeous sugar skull makeup most of us are familiar with. Twelve-year-old Miguel is transported to the Land of the Dead and is motivated by his love of music to learn the truth about his family's history. Coco was the first film of its scope and size to feature an all-Latino cast.
'Freaky Friday'
Body-switching movies are a classic film genre, and Freaky Friday fropm 2003 is one of the most entertaining. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan switch bodies, which lands Curtis's character in high school and Lohan's character as a famous therapist. Freaky Friday should be especially enjoyable for families who sometimes struggle to understand the trials and tribulations of being a parent — or a teenager.
'The Princess and the Frog'
This charming retelling of the classic story The Frog Prince won over audiences with its fresh take and the casting of Disney's first African American princess. It helped that it's a classic princess story set against a modern and decidedly nonroyal backdrop. Tiana works as a waitress in New Orleans before becoming a princess, marrying Naveen and achieving her dream of opening her own restaurant.
'The Sound of Music'
The Sound of Music is a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, with a soundtrack that transcends generations. Details of the real-life singing von Trapp family were adapted for the movie, and the film gives a bit of a history lesson as it is set just before Austria is annexed by Nazi Germany. But families will find the themes universal: The von Trapp children are a bit rowdy, and Maria, played by Julie Andrews, wins them over with her personality and love of music.
'Mary Poppins'
Before The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews brought singing joy to the world in Mary Poppins. Again, Andrews unites a struggling family with her music and whimsy. Images of Andrews swooping down into scenes with her umbrella are iconic. For those who've only been familiar with these images and not the songs, this film is definitely worth checking out this fall.
'Inside Out'
The inner emotional world of an almost-teenager — really, of anyone — are complex. Sometimes, it's hard to put a label on them, but Inside Out not only names these emotions but also gives each one its own personality. Joy, Fear, Anger, Sadness, and Disgust are the living, breathing emotions inside Riley, a girl who struggles when her family moves from her familiar home. Inside Out is an amazing way to teach young people that life's joys aren't possible without life's pains and that we can learn important lessons from both.
'Muppet Movie'
The Muppet Movie is the classic original in Jim Henson's legendary franchise. Viewers get totally invested in the success of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and the rest of the Muppet gang as they pursue dreams of Hollywood success. Parents and grandparents will enjoy the numerous cameos of 1970s stars, such as Richard Pryor, Mel Brooks, Carol Kane, and many others — and children will love seeing the Muppets fight bad guys along the way.
'Moana'
Moana is a wonderful movie for anyone who's felt they've had a lifelong calling to something greater than what's in front of them. Moana is a girl from a Pacific island and is destined to be her village chief, but when the island begins to die, she must defy her parents and follow the ocean's calls to restore life to her home and the surrounding lands. She learns to sail, and to wayfind, and along the way, learns that she can do anything she sets her mind and heart on.
'Queen of Katwe'
Competitive board game movies — especially chess — are always inspirational, and Queen of Katwe sees Phiona, a young Ugandan girl, overcome life in a slum to become a champion chess player. Her interest in the game brings her out of Africa to the highest levels of play in Russia. This movie explores the universal challenges of entering a world that is vastly different than the ones we grew up in. Oh, and it also stars Lupita Nyong'o.
'Frozen II'
Frozen was an immediate modern classic, but Frozen II explores where Elsa's powers to create snow and ice come from. The plot is a bit more sophisticated and darker than the original, as we discover that Elsa and Anna's family history has some unsavory moments. We get to see Arendelle residents interact with other tribes, and of course, are treated to more magical musical numbers. One of our faves is the cheeky "When I Am Older" by Olaf.
'Hamilton'
The film adaptation of Hamilton dropped on Disney+ at just the right time — just before the Fourth of July and right in the middle of the global health issue that had everyone at home instead of celebrating with fireworks and massive BBQ parties.
Will younger family members be interested in the story of Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton? We're willing to bet that between the cast's incredible vocal skills and the dense, humorous lyrics of Lin-Manuel Miranda's raps, the answer is yes.
'Fantasia'
A true Disney classic, Fantasia was just the third animated feature film from Disney. Released in 1940, it's a series of classical music works, most performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, paired with animations that were revolutionary at the time.
It is a feast for the eyes and ears and essentially served as a show-off piece for what Disney studios would come to be known for in the following decades. The movie cemented Mickey Mouse's legendary status as Disney's unforgettable icon.
'Ever After'
Ever After has three things we absolutely love: the story of Cinderella, a dash of post-modern feminism, and Drew Barrymore. It strips the fairy tale of its fantastical elements and retells the story as a historical narrative. But the timeless good versus evil plot remains, and the love between Danielle and Henry, the prince of France, is a real, heartwarming tear-jerker.
'Remember the Titans'
A story of the tensions of desegregation — told through the unifying theme of sport — Remember the Titans is based on a true story of a football team at a Virginia high school that was forced to integrate in the 1970s. Denzel Washington is hired as the head of the team over a white football coach, and the squad's victories unite the community in unexpected ways.
'Toy Story 4'
There were rumors that Toy Story 3 would be the final in the beloved franchise, but then 2019 brought us Toy Story 4 — and we are so thankful it did. If families haven't watched this latest installment yet, be prepared to pony up some cash for yet another toy in the collection. This one is "Forky," and although ya could make it out of trash — like Bonnie from the movie did — the plastic version will probably be more durable.
At any rate, Toy Story 4 brings back Bo Peep transformed as a wild and adventurous ringleader, and the ending leads Woody to a place we never thought we'd see. After finishing the fourth installment, we highly recommend going back to revisit the first three.
