What To Watch on Disney Plus – The Disney streaming platform has hundreds of movies and TV titles, drawing from its deep reservoir of classics and Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and more. Of all the companies to enter the streaming wars, Disney has the most significant advantage with Disney Plus.
It can draw from a deep vault of its own animated and live-action movies and popular shows on its cable networks, as well as from company properties like Marvel, Pixar, National Geographic, and Star Wars. And that’s not counting the platform’s slate of original TV shows and movies.
What To Watch on Disney Plus
That’s a lot of material: nearly 500 films and 7,500 TV episodes at the time of its debut. Below is our guide to the 50 best titles on Disney+, arranged in reverse chronological order with an eye toward variety. As the service continues to build its catalog, this list will change too.
Movies to Watch on Disney Plus
Here are some interesting movies to watch on Disney Plus:
. Venom (2018)
Tom Hardy (Inception) does double duty in this sci-fi action flick about Marvel’s murderous space glob-turned-antihero. Venom takes the Spider-Man nemesis out of the concrete jungle of New York and unleashes him onto the streets of San Francisco. Hardy plays both Eddie Brock, a down-on-his-luck reporter, and the titular Venom, who takes over his body to wreak havoc as Brock tries to uncover the story of the century.
The film has a lot of fun with the premise and lets Hardy be as big and hammy as possible, which adds a nice level of camp to the story.
. Deadpool 2 (2018)
Ryan Reynolds (Free Guy) returns as the Merc with the Mouth for a second round of hilariously violent depravity set to the incomparable sounds of WHAM! Deadpool 2 continues the misadventures of Wade Wilson as he struggles with the burden of being a father figure to a young, fiery boy who becomes a vengeful murderer if he goes down the wrong path.
Joining Reynolds in this jam-packed ensemble is Josh Brolin (Avengers: Infinity War) as Cable, an assassin from the future intent on killing the young boy to save his family from dying.
. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
“Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” is the first film of Marvel’s Phase 5, and it sees Paul Rudd’s Ant-Man return for a universe-bending adventure. He’s joined by Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kathryn Newton as Cassie Lang.
. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Tom Holland (Uncharted) swings into action for the latest imagining of the comic book web-slinger in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Taking place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming watches as the wall-crawler struggles to adapt to the mundane life of the high school, agonizing to be more than a local neighborhood hero.
. Chang Can Dunk (2023)
This sports drama follows Chang (Bloom Li), a 16-year-old Asian American high school student in the marching band, who bets the school basketball star that he can dunk by homecoming, according to Disney. As he embarks on his journey, he’ll have to “reexamine everything he knows about himself, his friendships, and his family.”
. Captain Marvel (2019)
Brie Larson dazzles in the titular role in Captain Marvel, a fantastic addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that takes place in the 1990s. Co-directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, Captain Marvel introduces the character with a cleverly nonlinear story, revealing her origins through heartfelt moments and cool action sequences. Supported by a de-aged Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Captain Marvel subverts expectations, especially by craftily altering the canon.
. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Following its November 2022 release, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has finally arrived on Disney+. Starring Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Martin Freeman, and Tenoch Huerta, the “Black Panther” sequel sees Wakanda and its inhabitants dealing with new threats and the loss of their leader, King T’Challa.
. Logan (2017)
There’s a case to be made that Logan is the best X-Men movie. While its hard-R rating allows it to get more violent than other films in the franchise, that’s not why it’s good. It’s good because it’s basically a neo-Western where Logan has to see if his life is more than the violence he’s doled out and if he’s able to be a caretaker and protector rather than an enforcer as he, a sundowning Professor X (Patrick Stewart), and a young girl (Dafne Keen) go on the run from nefarious forces.
Hugh Jackman is able to send the character out on a high note, and James Mangold’s soulful direction gives the movie a heft that belies its comic book origins. Logan is a somber affair, but all the stronger for it.
. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
No one expected Guardians of the Galaxy, a film based on a relatively obscure band of characters, to be this good. It sees Chris Pratt’s bumbling marauder Peter Quill accidentally setting up a crew of misfits who will go on to save the world on more than one occasion. It’s all quite tongue-in-cheek, and it worked; the films that follow it in the Marvel universe are far less serious than what came before, and it’s no coincidence.
Disney Plus Shows
Here are some of the best shows to watch on Disney Plus:
. Loki
Marvel’s Asgardian trickster finally gets his solo adventure in this Disney Plus original series that brings back MCU veteran Tom Hiddleston as the titular god of mischief. After the events of Avengers: Endgame cut Loki loose in the MCU timeline, this series explores what happens when the trickster finds himself forced to work with an interdimensional agency to prevent just the sort of chaos he’s accustomed to creating.
Owen Wilson joins Hiddleston in the show’s cast and new episodes of the series premiere weekly on Disney Plus.
. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Disney Plus’s second MCU series of 2021 sees the mismatched duo of Falcon and the Winter Soldier team up to take down an anarchist group, just after the events of Avengers: Endgame. It centers on Falcon, aka Sam Wilson (played by Anthony Mackie), picking up the Captain America shield, while the Winter Soldier, aka Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), tries to make amends after a lifetime as a brainwashed assassin.
. The Simpsons
For the first time, the longest-running and most beloved animated series of all time is available to stream. Yes, it went downhill after series eight or so, and yes, you’ve seen all of the good episodes dozens of times on linear TV. But now the power is in your hands to revisit classics such as the Cape Fear spoof, Marge vs. the Monorail, and the one with Bleeding Gums Murphy. It’s time to get stuck in.
. Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Before the TV side of Marvel was folded into Marvel Studios, the studio put out a successful, long-running spy drama centered around Nick Fury’s S.H.I.E.L.D. The aptly named Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. sees actor Clark Gregg reprise his role as Agent Phil Coulson as he and his supporting cast tackle a series of strange cases—with enemies to match.
This series introduced a variety of characters into the overall Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time, with Chloe Bennet’s Quake being one of the highlights. It’s an exciting series of original adventures and crossovers with the MCU’s feature films.
. Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire
While Black Panther may have gotten an official sequel with 2022’s Wakanda Forever (which, of course, is available to stream on Disney Plus), This animated anthology series is, in many ways, a spiritual successor to that Oscar-winning MCU flick. More than a dozen up-and-coming African storytellers were handpicked to write and/or direct these 10 short films, which build up on the makers’ cultures and histories to paint a fascinating, gorgeously animated—and often dystopian—picture of Afrofuturism.
. Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins
It’s never too late to find your calling. Just ask travel journalist Jeff Jenkins. Who had never stepped on an airplane until the age of 20? Fifteen years later, Jenkins has certainly made up for lost time. In this new adventure series, which will air simultaneously on National Geographic, Hulu, and Disney+, Jenkins is setting out to learn about the world and its many cultures through travel—and test his limits.
Because, as he explains in the series, “As a chubby black guy, I don’t see a lot of folks who look like me exploring the world.” Jenkins’ enthusiasm for what he does is infectious.
. Secret Invasion
From the moment it launched, Secret Invasion sparked conversation—although not for the reasons Marvel might have hoped. It turns out that the studio used artificial intelligence to create the show’s opening credits, a move that turned off some fans. Whether it’s curiosity about those mid-journey-looking visuals or general interest in what Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) has been up to, Secret Invasion is worth a look.
Captain Marvel co-stars Jackson and Ben Mendelsohn (Talos) team up again, and the show follows the two as they investigate a clandestine invasion of Earth by a shape-shifting alien race known as the Skulls. If that doesn’t do it for you, you might want to tune in for Olivia Colman’s and Emilia Clarke’s first forays into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Surely this won’t be the last time they show up in the MCU.
. Star Wars: Visions
Lucasfilm delivered a new spin on Star Wars with this anime anthology series that includes nine short films produced by Japanese animation studios and inspired by the beloved sci-fi saga set in a galaxy far, far away. Set throughout the Star Wars timeline—and in some cases, outside of it—the films filter the franchise through a fresh lens that also offers some fascinating new stories voiced by an all-star cast of actors.
Among the highlights in Star Wars: Visions are the Akira Kurosawa-inspired tale The Duel, and the surprising post-Rise of Skywalker story told in The Ninth Jedi, among other great episodes.
. Andor
The latest installment in the Disney Plus “Star Wars for Adults” spin-off roster, following the likes of Obi-Wan Kenobi, is Andor, the prequel-to-prequel movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. It centers on the eponymous hero of Rogue One, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), and dropped in September to great reviews from critics, with many considering it the best Star Wars property since the final trilogy bowed with something of a damp squib.
Some have even put it up there with the latest prestige fare. That’s largely because it’s a great spy thriller in and of itself, even without the franchise bells and whistles, and Luna makes for one hell of a TV lead.
. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany) may be one of the most normal people in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She just happens to be the She-Hulk as well. In She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Jennifer’s life is transformed after she is infected with the blood of her famous cousin, Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).
Despite Bruce’s best efforts to turn her into a superhero, Jen resumes her career as a lawyer only to find herself at the forefront of a law firm’s superhuman law division. Unfortunately for Jen, her life only gets stranger from there.
Top 10 Movies on Disney Plus for Adults
Here are the top 10 Disney Plus adult movies that need to be watched:
. Enemy of the State
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Will Smith is and has consistently been, despite myriad questionable projects, a tremendous performer. (And don’t let Slap Gate distract from that.) Enemy of the State, a frenetic thriller with Smith at the helm, ranks among the best: he plays a labor lawyer who, through sheer happenstance, falls foul of the NSA and is relentlessly pursued by the U.S. government. A heart-racer from start to finish.
. Remember the Titans
A white and a black high school combine in suburban Virginia to create T.C. Williams High School. The integration of the schools wasn’t seen until the football team hit the field, and the black school coach got hired as head coach over the more experienced one from the white school. The team starts working and depending on one another to create one of the best teams the town has ever seen.
Crazy Streamers calls Remember the Titans a great movie that deals with some real-life situations that are perfect for adults.
. The Rookie
Based on the true story of a high school baseball coach, Jim Morris is the oldest rookie in the major leagues. He makes a bet with his team to win the district championship after they continue to lose.
They do manage to win the championship, and Morris enters Major League Baseball at 35 as the oldest rookie in the majors. The movie stars Dennis Quad, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, and Brian Cox. The Rookie is the perfect inspirational movie for any adult.
. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” brings the titular heroes’ trilogy to a close. In the film, viewers learn the tragic backstory of Rocket Raccoon as the other Guardians journey across the galaxy to try to save him. It’s an emotional ending to these characters’ stories—with, of course, another killer soundtrack.
. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Yes, there are over 30 MCU movies, but years later, 2014’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” remains one of the best. The story finds Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) in a spy thriller that ultimately shakes the US government to its core. Joining him are Scarlett Johansson as the Black Widow and Sebastian Stan as Bucky (aka the titular Winter Soldier). Anthony Mackie also debuted as Sam Wilson in the movie. Also on board is legendary actor Robert Redford as a S.H.I.E.L.D. head with a lot to hide.
. Avatar The Way of the Water
“Avatar: The Way of the Water” picks up the story from 2009’s “Avatar.” The Oscar-nominated film was praised for its groundbreaking visuals and environmental message.
. The Finest Hours
The Finest Hours is a true story of survival told in this historical drama. Disaster strikes in 1952 on the coast of Cape Cod when a blizzard hits and the SS Pendleton gets lost at sea. The US Coast Guard gets the call and decides to put together a rescue plan in one of the worst conditions possible. This quickly becomes the most daring mission they have ever put together, and they succeed in saving those on the SS Pendleton. The film will have any viewer on the edge of their seat.
. What’s love got to do with it?
It’s no surprise to know that one-time heralded musician Ike had little input on What’s Love Got to Do with It, given that he was nothing less than monstrous to the biopic’s subject, Tina Turner. “He was not particularly welcome on this project,” Laurence Fishburne once said of the man he plays, and a villain he indeed is. This is the portrait of a beleaguered woman who rose beyond brutality to become one of the world’s most incandescent stars.
. Free Solo
Free Solo won the Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars, making this a must-watch on Disney+. The film is not for the faint of heart and might even scare most adults. Rock climber Alex Honnold prepares to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park after years of plotting out every single move. The title refers to his style of climbing, as he scales the entire steep and slick wall without any harness or rope. All Honnold has with him is a piece of chalk to help him grip and hold on.
. Hamilton
The biographical Broadway musical smash tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the Treasury soundtracked to blends of hip-hop, jazz, and R&B. Go back in time with music and lyrics by the show’s Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and prepare to be blown away by performances from Leslie Odom Jr., Daveed Diggs, and more.
New Movies on Disney Plus
- LEGO Disney Princess: The Castle Quest
- High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Season 4
- Tomorrow X Together: Our Lost Summer
- Marvel Studios’ Assembled: The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantomania
- Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire
- World’s Best
- Secret Invasion
- Stan lee
- American-born Chinese
- Crater
- The Muppets Mayhem
- Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
- Peter Pan and Wendy
- Secrets of the Elephant
- The Crossover
- It’s all right!
- Journey to the Centre of the Earth
- The Ghost and Molly McGee, Season 2
- Doogie Kamealoha, M.D., Season 2
- Prom Pact
What’s Coming to Disney Plus in August 2023?
As August rolls around, Disney Plus subscribers are gearing up for a month of big premieres. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3” finally makes its way to streaming on August 2, and Star Wars fans can look forward to the August 23 premiere of “Star Wars: Ahsoka, an animated series featuring the Rosario Dawson-voiced Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano.
On August 9, East High alums reunite on the screen as original “High School Musical” stars Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel, and Kaycee Stroh join the final season of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.”
Take a look at the full August schedule below.
August 2
- Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3
- Farm Dreams (Limited Series)
- Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
- How Not to Draw Shorts, S1
- Kiff (S1)
4 August
- Rio 2
August 9
- High School Musical: The Musical: The Series S4
- Chibi Tiny Tales Shorts (S3)
- Dino Ranch (S2)
11 August
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2
- Barnyard Olympics
- Donald’s Cousin Gus
- Donald’s Nephew
- The Flying Jalopy
- Goofy and Wilbur
- Mickey’s Steam Roller
August 16
- Disney Junior’s Wonderful World of Songs (S1)
- Hamster & Gretel (S1)
- The Villains of Valley View (S2)
- Wicked Tuna (S12)
17 August
- The Wonder Years (S2)
August 18
- Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest
23 August
- Star Wars: Ahsoka (Ep 1 & 2)
August 25
- Cinderella
- Explorer: Lost in the Arctic
30 August
- Star Wars: Ahsoka (Ep. 3)
- Chip ‘n’ Dale: Park Life (S2)
- Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes (S1)
- Pretty Freekin Scary (S1)
- Rewind the 90s
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for Disney Plus?
You can sign up for Disney Plus directly through the Disney Plus website. To start streaming, you simply need to create an account by entering an email address and payment method.
Does Disney Plus have an ad-supported plan?
Disney Plus launched an ad-supported plan on December 8, 2022. The ad-supported plan costs $8 a month, which is $3 less than the ad-free plan.
Though the ad-supported plan includes access to the entire Disney Plus library of movies and shows, it’s missing a few features like Group Watch, Dolby Atmos audio support, and unlimited downloads. The ad-supported plan is rolling out to international markets throughout 2023.
