The volume of content available on Disney+ may feel overwhelming. Indeed, there are a plethora of good movies on Disney+, from forgotten live-action films from the '60s, '70s, and '80s alongside a ton of Disney Channel Original movies — and that's not to mention the catalog titles from Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm and the growing library of new original films you can only find on Disney+.

To help you find the cream of the crop, we've compiled a list of the best movies on Disney Plus across all genres. Take a look! For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Disney+, best comedies on Disney+, and best romantic movies on Disney+.

Editor's note: This article was updated January 2025 to include Alien: Romulus.

The franchise is (chest)bursting with entries, and 2024 gave the world one of the better installments in recent memory. ’s is set in the year 2142 and follows a team of budding young space colonists who, after searching a derelict space station, find themselves on the receiving end of unimaginable horrors. No, Romulus is not to the standard of the first two outings in the franchise, but with the bar extremely high, there’s still plenty to love with this installment. Packed full of tension and enough lore to feel both enticing to franchise fans and stand-alone enough for new viewers to feel welcome, Romulus is a neat addition to the Alien story. - Jake Hodges

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This documentary tells the tale of the life of cinema’s greatest composer, . The man behind iconic scores in the likes of , , and , Williams’ impact on the film industry is unmatched, with his legacy appreciated by contributions from the likes of , , and . A doting homage to a true legend, this documentary is perfectly and appropriately gushing about its iconic subject. For anyone with a love of Williams, his films, or the movie industry in general, this is the doc for you. - Jake Hodges

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truly is one of the world’s greatest musicians, with his music beloved by several generations over a 50-year-long career and counting. Now, you can enjoy a documentary showcasing some of the Rocketman’s best musical moments through never-before-seen concert footage. Intercut with footage from the present day and a look at his hand-written journals, is a fascinating insight into the life of one of the true greats. Both emotionally and toe-tappingly moving, this is a documentary guaranteed to put a smile on your face. - Jake Hodges

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One of the year’s biggest box office phenomena, follows Wade Wilson’s () journey to salvage hope from the adamantium jaws of Wolverine’s () despair via a trip through the multiverse. The dream duo of Jackman and Reynolds certainly live up to the hype, with their satirical chemistry and endearing bromance simply pitch perfect. Featuring a killer soundtrack, punchy one-liners, and Reynolds at his fourth-wall-breaking, meta best, Deadpool & Wolverine is a surprise-filled hoot. - Jake Hodges

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This dazzling animated family movie follows Manolo (), a young man expected to follow in his family’s footsteps despite his heart pulling him in a different direction. In order to find out the right path to take, Manolo ventures into three magical worlds where he will find both his wildest dreams and deadliest fears. A touching ode to the pursuit of happiness, is a stellar film that seems marketed for children but is even more impactful to an adult audience. A wholly underrated animated feature that could easily be regarded as one of the best of the past decade, this is a family film everyone should watch. - Jake Hodges

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Produced and directed by , is a documentary film about composer and conductor . Essentially a tribute to Williams’ legacy as a composer, the documentary explores Williams’ life and career. The film features interviews with a host of industry veterans who have worked with Williams in the past, including , , , , , , , , , , and many more.

Music by John Williams premiered at the 2024 AFI Fest and has received largely positive reviews from critics. Exploring the work of one of cinema’s most legendary composers, the film doesn’t get too deep into Williams’ personal life, choosing to focus on his music and career instead. The documentary film has already been nominated for two Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards in both the Best Documentary Feature and Best Music Documentary categories.

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When the Huns invade China, one man from every household is conscripted to serve in the Imperial Army. This is very distressing for Fa Mulan () since she has no brother, and her father, Fa Zhou (), is old and suffers from a previous war wound. Fearing that he will die, Mulan disguises herself as a man and takes her father’s place. She is aided by a dragon named Mushu (), who claims to be her family’s guardian but is actually disgraced and hoping to use Mulan as a chance to regain his title.

is an animated classic, telling a powerful story about self-discovery, courage, and challenging the idea of what a Disney heroine is. Mulan is a great protagonist who acts as a much stronger heroine than many female characters from modern films. Her flaws are relatable to a wide audience, and she often succeeds thanks to her observational powers and her mind rather than brute strength. Its animation is also gorgeous, with massive landscape shots and vibrant linework that captures the essence of the original Chinese culture.

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When I was in college, I attempted to re-capture the scene from where the alien is protruding from someone’s chest using my Stitch stuffed animal from the hit animated film . There was one major problem: Stitch is the cutest alien to ever exist, and therefore, the shot was entirely unbelievable. Lilo & Stich premiered on the big screen in 2002 and became the animated alien we never knew we needed in our lives. Written and directed by and (both of fame), the story follows a young girl named Lilo () and her older sister Nani () as they go about their lives in Hawaii, until one day, an alien named Stitch () comes crashing into their lives. Initially believing Stitch to be a dog, the girls adopt him, only to discover that he’s a scientific experiment hiding on Earth from its creators.

The film was a hit at the box office, earning $273 million against its $80 million budget, and was nominated for an for Best Animated Feature. With the film’s score done by the legendary () and fantastic voice acting by (), (), (), () and more, the film is a treat for kids and parents alike.

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Adapted from 's 1972 novel of the same name, 2003’s is the third version of the iconic story. The movie revolves around Tess Coleman (), an overworked single mother, and her rebellious teenage daughter Anna (), who are polar opposites. After receiving mysterious fortunes at a Chinese restaurant, they wake up the next day to find that they have switched bodies. Unable to switch back, they must navigate each other's lives, leading to newfound respect and understanding.

Freaky Friday avoids being just another uninteresting remake, thanks to the standout performances of the leading ladies. Their chemistry and performances have turned it into a classic that continues to entertain audiences even two decades later, making it the definitive version that comes to mind when the title is mentioned. Moreover, Curtis displays her comedic flair with gusto, flawlessly embodying the mannerisms of a 15-year-old trapped in her 44-year-old body, while Lohan showcases her natural talents, reminding audiences why she was such a sensation. Freaky Friday also provides all-around entertainment for teenagers and adults alike to enjoy in its brisk 90-minute runtime, allowing viewers to see themselves in either of the characters.

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Within a poor provincial French town lives Belle (), the daughter of the local inventor, Maurice (). Belle inherited her father's creative mind, and rather than engage in gossip, she prefers to read and dream of adventure. This makes her a bit of a town pariah, except for the local hero, Gaston (), who wants to marry her for her beauty. Belle ends up getting her wish for adventure when her father stumbles upon an enchanted castle, leading to her taking his place as the prisoner of a Beast ().

represents the peak of Disney’s artistic creativity, both in terms of story-writing and character animation, and was the first movie to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Picture. It makes expert use of its pacing to convey a believable and engaging romance between Belle and Beast while still making time to show off some of Disney’s most beloved and recognized side characters. The music by the legendary duo of and is nothing short of perfect, capturing every emotion and entertaining with their Broadway-style flare. It also helps that most of the actors are Broadway singers.

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takes place in the distant past in the fantastical realm of Kumandra. There, humans and dragons coexisted peacefully until the arrival of the Druun — menacing monsters that forced the dragons to sacrifice themselves for humanity. Now, 500 years later, the Druun have resurfaced. Raya (voiced by ), a solitary warrior, must embark on a quest to find the last dragon and put an end to the Druun once and for all. Along her journey, she discovers that saving the world requires more than just dragon magic; it demands trust as well.

Raya and the Last Dragon's impressive diversity serves as a unifying force, bringing people of all races and backgrounds together. Additionally, the catchy score, coupled with a subtle showcase of Eastern culture and fantastic characters, makes it an enjoyable watch and delivers a positive message about trust, unity, and the importance of working together in the face of adversity. Moreover, the movie features a predominantly Asian-American cast delivering outstanding voice performances, particularly and Kelly Marie Tran, who carve out their own unique marks in their roles and consistently provide the movie with comedic relief at the most intense moments. - Jessie Nguyen

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In the wake of the Empire’s attack on the Rebel Alliance’s base on the ice world Hoth, Luke Skywalker () travels to the Dagobah system to further his Jedi training under the tutelage of the wise Master Yoda (), while Han Solo () and Princess Leia’s () escape sees them travel to the floating Cloud City on Bespin. However, Luke’s training is cut short when he learns of a trap set by Darth Vader () against his friends.

As the second film, upped the ante of the legendary space opera franchise and is viewed by many to be among the greatest movies ever made. Its imaginative world-building, endearing characters, well-paced story, and iconic action sequences ensure that the famous film remains just as captivating and awe-inspiring today as it was upon release back in 1980.

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Jack Skellington () is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, a town that creates all of the spooky details that make Halloween such a beloved holiday. Unfortunately, Jack has grown tired of doing the same thing every year and longs for something new. While walking through the woods, he finds a door that leads to Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with the new holiday. He eventually decides that this year, Halloween Town will bring Christmas to the world, despite the warnings of his friend, the ragdoll Sally ().

is one of the best stop-motion films ever made. Its success comes from its simplicity; the characters all fit into basic archetypes, which makes them very easy to understand and sympathize with. Jack, in particular, stands out thanks to his wide-eyed idealism and relatable struggle to rekindle the joy of a monotonous existence. The film also possesses an iconic and catchy soundtrack courtesy of the great , who also provides Jack’s singing voice. All of this has turned the film into a holiday classic. - Tyler B. Searle

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Have you ever been stuck behind a lawnmower that’s driving on the road? Perhaps 1999’s , written by () and (), will change your mind. Directed by (), the story follows seventy-three-year-old Alvin (), who goes to visit his brother Lyle (), who is in even worse health than Alvin. The brothers have been feuding, and given both of their less-than-healthy circumstances, Alvin wants to make amends before it’s too late. The film also stars (), (), , and ().

While the film didn’t perform well at the box office, it was still nominated for an for Farnsworth’s performance as Alvin. Even more impressive is the fact that it was based on the true story of real-life Alvin Straight, whose legs were too impaired for him to obtain a driver’s license, and so he set off on his John Deere tractor to travel five miles per hour for the next two hundred and forty miles from Iowa to Wisconsin. Although it didn’t earn back its $10 million budget, it was critically acclaimed nonetheless, earning a nomination for the Palme d’Or at the 1999 and was nominated for two . Maybe next time you’re stuck behind a tractor, you might consider the person driving it is on their way to do something great. - Emily Cappello

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The title of the film, , refers to both the French dish served at the critical moment at the end of the film and the main character, a rat. The story is set in Paris and follows a young rat named Remy (), who aspires to become a chef at Auguste Gusteau's () restaurant. He embarks on an unconventional partnership with the restaurant's garbage boy, Alfredo Linguini (), to pursue his culinary dream.

Ratatouille challenges the "anyone can cook" motto with its unique and whimsical premise that ends up more successful than anyone could predict. Despite its absurdity and unexplained language barriers, the film manages to deliver a delightful and delicious story that avoids coming across as preachy or immature. Despite featuring a rat as its central character, the food scenes in the film are also incredibly tantalizing and delectable, capable of inspiring anyone to delve into the world of cooking. Additionally, Ratatouille serves as ’s love letter to Paris, a heartfelt tribute to the culinary arts, and a cinematic treat for viewers of all ages. The film also boasts exceptional voice performances and revolves around a character's journey to finding their place and ultimately being embraced there.

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In an alternate version of the 1940s, humans live alongside cartoon characters, known as Toons, who work for film companies to produce cartoon shorts. Eddie Valiant (), a private investigator whose brother was killed by a Toon, is hired to take photos of Jessica Rabbit () having an affair with the owner of the Toon's home (aka Toontown), Marvin Acme (). The next day, Acme is found dead, and the primary suspect is Jessica's husband, Roger Rabbit (). Roger pleads for Eddie to clear his name and protect him from the ruthless Judge Doom (), which leads to the uncovering of a greater conspiracy.

is a technological and storytelling marvel. While there were other films that had real actors interacting with 2D characters, the crew of this film went the extra mile to make everything look and feel more real, from using wires to hold up real guns for the Toon characters to changing their colors during scenes with shifting lighting. From a storytelling side, it blends all of the classic film noir tropes with some of the most recognizable cartoon characters of all time, making for an unforgettable experience.

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In a retro-futuristic 1960s setting, centers on Bob and Helen Parr, a superhero couple known as Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, voiced by and , respectively. They conceal their powers as required by the government and aim to lead a quiet suburban life with their three children. However, Bob's longing to assist people pulls the entire family into a clash with a former admirer turned adversary.

As director ’s love letter to the superhero genre, The Incredibles boasts an impressive level of action, violence, and chaos, setting it apart as one of Pixar's most mature creations. Yet, it doesn't deviate from the studio's trademark approach, which centers on family dynamics and transforms it into a thrilling, Hollywood-style animated adventure. Additionally, similar to many of Pixar's creations, the film effortlessly caters to both young and adult audiences. It fearlessly addresses the darker aspects of society and the superhero culture, earning it a cult following and solidifying its status as a contemporary animation classic. The Incredibles also revitalizes the excitement of old-school comic books and pulp adventures, not just the nostalgia, with its live-action-style visuals, showcasing Pixar's forward-thinking approach in their productions.

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A sweeping romantic fantasy, follows a swashbuckling farmhand-turned-pirate on a quest to rescue his beloved Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) from being forced to marry Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Finding acquaintances in the vengeful Spaniard Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and a Greenlander giant called Fezzik (André the Giant), Westley’s (Cary Elwes) pursuit to save his lost love takes him to many dangerous and magical places in the kingdom of Florian.

With no small amount of fairy tale allure, The Princess Bride has become a beloved ‘80s classic due to its ability to spoof the swashbuckling romantic fantasies of early cinema while honoring them with an earnest appreciation as well. Intelligent, fun, charismatic, and utterly charming, the Rob Reiner classic is a truly timeless masterpiece that appeals to everyone with its sense of adventure. - Ryan Heffernan

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Inside Out traces the story of Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), a happy 11-year-old girl who loves hockey and her Midwestern life. However, when she and her parents relocate to San Francisco, her emotions, led by Joy (Amy Poehler), strive to navigate this significant life change. The move's stress places Sadness (Phyllis Smith) in the spotlight. In an unexpected turn of events, Joy and Sadness end up in the far reaches of Riley's mind, leaving only Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Bill Hader), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling) in control at Headquarters.

Inside Out skillfully turns emotional turmoil into an adventure, offering a surreal glimpse into the intricate workings of our feelings and the reasons behind them. It stands as a remarkable achievement in world-building and screenwriting — a level of artistry seldom seen in any film, let alone an animated one primarily targeting younger audiences. Moreover, blending a timeless fish-out-of-water story with Pixar's signature wit and keen insights, delivered by an outstanding comedic cast and stunning visuals, the film stands as one of Pixar's finest works. It's also the type of film that gains depth with each viewing, resonating differently at various stages of life. Despite its relatively young age, Inside Out has already achieved classic status. - Jessie Nguyen

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An elderly woodcarver named Gepetto (Christian Rub) crafts a wooden puppet that he names Pinocchio (Dick Jones). Before going to sleep, he wishes on a star for Pinocchio to become a real boy, and a blue fairy (Evelyn Venable) decides to grant his request. She gives Pinocchio life but tells him that he must prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish to become a real boy. To aid him in this task, she assigns a cricket named Jiminy (Cliff Edwards) to be his conscience and help him learn right from wrong. This task proves more difficult than anticipated, thanks to the numerous people who seek to exploit Pinocchio’s unique status and naivete.

Pinocchio is a treasure from Disney’s Golden Age that remains one of the company’s most beloved films. This is due in large part to its strong morals and characters. Pinocchio himself is a very likable protagonist whose experience of navigating the world is timeless. The film also isn’t afraid to show how dark the world can be or that sometimes, evil people succeed at the expense of the innocent. Despite this, its overall message is optimistic: keep to the right path rather than the easy one, and you can bring your dreams to life. - Tyler B. Searle

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