Best Movies On Disney+ to Watch Right Now

While movie fans used to have to wait months for new releases to drop online or in video stores, streaming services like Disney+ have shortened that timeframe considerably. New hits like 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania continued the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Multiverse Saga on Disney+ shortly after premiering in theaters.

Films like 2023’s Peter Pan & Wendy premiered right on the Disney+ streaming service, allowing fans to immediately enjoy the new adaptation of the classic tale. Disney+ also included packed collections like the aforementioned MCU, all the Star Wars films and series, as well as the recently added Indiana Jones collection to keep movie nights filled with entertainment.

Updated on October 30th, 2023, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

40 Logan (2017)

Wolverine 3

Release Date

February 28, 2017

Director

James Mangold

Cast

Doris Morgado, Dafne Keen, Hugh Jackman, Boyd Holbrook, Patrick Stewart, Stephen Merchant

Rating

R

Main Genre

Superhero

The Wolverine trilogy comes to an epic conclusion with this film. Set in a not-too-distant future, Logan follows the titular character coming out of his retirement to embark on a poignant cross-country journey so that Laura, a young mutant can find sanctuary. But an evil corporation is hot on their trail and they must defend themselves against all odds.

What Makes It So Great

Logan has a lot of things going for itself. Being a character-driven superhero drama, the main focus of the film is Hugh Jackman, who delivers a masterful performance as the iconic Wolverine. Director James Mangold spins the film around with a grim tone, slow pacing, and themes of family and mortality. Laura’s introduction only adds more complexity and gives Logan a purpose. Overall, the movie is riveting but it also manages to satisfy casual viewers.

39 Big (1988)

Big

Release Date

June 3, 1988

Director

Penny Marshall

Cast

Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, David Moscow, Kevin Meaney, John Heard

Rating

PG

Main Genre

Comedy

Directed by Penny Marshall and starring Tom Hanks, Big tells the story of 12-year-old Josh Baskin who wishes on a fortune-telling machine to become bigger in size. His wish is granted and he finds himself in the body of the 30-year-old man. Landing a job at a toy company and getting introduced to a co-worker named Susan poses more trouble than he could’ve imagined because emotionally, he’s still living as a child.

What Makes It So Great

The ‘80s were all about grand gestures, vibrant aesthetics, and satisfying conclusions. Big delivers that and more by capturing that universal desire to grow up faster than normal and experience every emotion felt by adults. Tom Hanks gives a hilarious performance as Josh and portrays Josh’s innocence in his own adult body with ease. Nostalgic and filled with fun, Big is a film that tenderly explores the fantasy that is adulthood and how it is important to make the most of youth instead.

38 Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out

Release Date

June 9, 2015

Director

Pete Docter, Ronaldo Del Carmen

Cast

Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling

Rating

PG

Main Genre

Animation

Animated storytelling has evolved drastically in the last decades and films like Inside Out show just how. Centered around 11-year-old Riley, the movie chronicles her life after moving to a new city. We see her emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger – come to life inside her head, and experience Joy’s relentless efforts to keep Riley happy and content amidst the erratic behaviors of Sadness and Anger.

What Makes It So Great

Exploring the inside of a child’s head through delightful emotions is quite a unique and interesting concept and the movie does justice to it. The voice cast includes Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, and more, all of whom bring warmth and humor to their relatable roles. Yet, with all the stunning animation, the film talks about embracing sadness and acknowledging it as an important emotion.

37 Pinocchio (2022)

Pinocchio

Release Date

February 23, 1940

Director

Hamilton Luske, Ben Sharpsteen

Cast

Mel Blanc, Don Brodie, Walter Catlett, Marion Darlington, Frankie Darro, Cliff Edwards

Rating

G

Main Genre

Animation

Read Our Review

Pinocchiois a recent live-action/computer-animated movie that centers around a lonely toymaker named Geppetto who carves a wooden puppet named Pinocchio. What Geppetto does not expect, however, is for Pinocchio to come to life and wish he were a real boy. The story then shifts to Pinocchio, who embarks on a journey to a circus and proves himself brave, honest, and selfless enough to be real.

What Makes It So Great

The story of Pinocchio is a classic and to have Disney revive it in 2022 while adding contemporary filmmaking elements is truly astonishing. Tom Hanks plays Geppetto and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth plays the titular puppet. The production immerses you into the fantastical world and leaves behind a meaningful message about honesty, courage, and what it means to be human. Even though the movie had mixed reception, there is no denying the craftsmanship that has gone into its design and storytelling.

36 Father of the Bride (1991)

Father of the Bride

Release Date

December 20, 1991

Director

Charles Shyer

Cast

Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kieran Culkin, George Newbern, Martin Short

Rating

PG

Main Genre

Comedy

When his daughter declares her upcoming wedding, a loving but peculiar father has a hard time letting go of her little girl. George Banks has a perfectly comfortable life but only one fear that he’s unwilling to admit. George’s fear leads to a series of hysterical scenes where he interferes in the wedding plans and makes elaborate schemes to ruin the efforts of his wife Nina and the event coordinator.

What Makes It So Great

The ‘90s comedy is a certified crowd-pleaser, which is part of the reason it has received so many sequels. It captures the chaos and mixed feelings surrounding weddings that we’re all too familiar with. Steve Martin is perfect as the patriarch with a temper trying to adjust to change. His hilarious antics collide with Diane Keaton’s supportive and meticulous side and result in some of the most hilarious gags seen in the decade’s films. But beyond that, the movie Father of the Bride warms your heart too and reminds you to celebrate family and tradition.

35 Elemental (2023)

Elemental

Release Date

June 16, 2023

Director

Peter Sohn

Cast

Mamoudou Athie, Leah Lewis, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Catherine O’Hara

Main Genre

Animation

Read Our Review

One of the best animated movies of 2023, Elementalis a visually stunning Disney movie set in a world where elemental beings, who personify air, water, fire, and earth, find love and discover their being. Element City is perhaps the greatest city to live in the world, but is it possible for the fiery element Ember Lumen and go-with-the-floe Wade Ripple to defy their innate natures and form an unlikely friendship with one another?

What Makes It So Great

Directed by Peter Sohn, the film may seem simple in forms of art but its rich story and groundbreaking theme about connecting people across their many differences makes it stand out. Somehow, through its lovable characters and vivid animation, the movie speaks to us.

34 The Little Mermaid (2023)

Read Our Review

The Little Mermaid is the long-awaited live-action reimagining of the classic Disney tale. Following the same story, where the mermaid princess Ariel is truly passionate about exploring the world above water and pursuing her romantic interest, the dashing Prince Eric, the movie stirs visuals and wonder that inspire a whole new generation of audience. As Ariel bargains her exquisite voice with the evil sea witch, Ursula, for a shot at human life, she does not realize a bigger scheme is at play.

What Makes It So Great

Sometimes, Rob Marshall’s ambitious project tries too hard to be likable, but there is no denying the fact that Halle Bailey shines as the titular mermaid. Besides, the soulful musical score paired with the breathtaking creation of the underwater kingdom makes the film a treat for devoted Disney fans.

33 Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Release Date

May 5, 2023

Director

James Gunn

Cast

​Chris Pratt2, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sylvester Stallone, Will Poulter

Rating

PG-13

Main Genre

Adventure

Read Our Review

Outrageously hilarious but overflowing to the brim with heart, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 brings the beloved group of misfits together for one last heroic adventure and concludes the franchise quite fashionably. In Marvel’s recent endeavor, the ragtag-fed family – including Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, Groot, Nebula, and Mantis – have two missions. To save the entire universe, and protect one of their own. In the process, they confront their complicated pasts, their origins, as well as unresolved dynamics.

What Makes It So Great

Carrying the same tone as the previous two films while still being refreshingly new, the movie brings laughter and emotion in equal proportion. James Gunn delivers on his promise with this satisfying ending to a lovely saga.

32 Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

bridge to terabithia

Release Date

February 15, 2007

Director

Gabor Csupo

Cast

Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick, Bailee Madison, Kate Butler

Rating

PG

Main Genre

Adventure

Jess Aarons is simply a shy kid whose greatest ambition (as a fifth grader) is to outrun his classmates by being the fastest. And he achieves that by practicing all summer long. But when a vibrant and rich new girl in school, Leslie Burke, turns out to be faster than him, they immediately strike a wonderful friendship. Jess and Leslie spend most of their time hanging out in the woods behind Leslie’s house and soon create a magical kingdom called Terabithia, which they rule together.

What Makes It So Great

Bridge to Terabithia is a heartwarming movie about the power of imagination. As kids, our creativity has no bounds, and Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb portray the same spirit quite accurately. Overall, this coming-of-age story reminds us that it is possible to find magic in the deepest corners of our minds.

31 Flight of the Navigator (1986)

Filled with that signature ’80s nostalgia is this beautiful science fiction comedy that follows 12-year-old David Freeman who wakes up after a mysterious fall in the forest near his house to discover that his life has been fast-forwarded eight years into the future. While the rest of his family has aged normally, he hasn’t. David soon hears of an alien spacecraft that landed close and takes it as a chance to trace back the steps to what exactly happened.

What Makes It So Great

David’s time-warping adventure unfolds against the fancy, state-of-the-art special effects of the decade, making the Disney film a truly imaginative fantasy for audiences of all ages. That said, Fight of the Navigator is one of those movies that takes us back to the wonder of being a child.

Related: 20 Best Action Movies on Disney+ to Watch Right Now

30 While You Were Sleeping (1995)

While You Were Sleeping

Release Date

April 21, 1995

Director

Jon Turteltaub

Cast

Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle, Jack Warden, Glynis Johns

Rating

PG

Main Genre

Comedy

This critically acclaimed romantic comedy doesn’t just warm your heart but also gives you a lot to ponder about after repeated viewings. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, While You Were Sleeping is a movie that follows Lucy, a transit worker who longs for family and connection. When she saves Peter’s life in a tragic incident and takes her to the hospital, she hears that she’s in a coma and accidentally makes a comment that leads his family to believe that she’s Peter’s fiancée. The family takes her in and treats her well, but it gets hard for Lucy to keep up with the lie after she finds herself attracted to Jack, Peter’s brother.

What Makes It So Great

With comical charm and confusion, the movie revolves around a woman’s yearning to break free of her solitary life. Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman are the very definition of what great on-screen chemistry looks like.

29 Hocus Pocus (1993)

Hocus Pocus

Release Date

July 16, 1993

Director

Kenny Ortega

Cast

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw

Rating

PG

Main Genre

Comedy

The iconic and hilarious trio of witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, shook the supernatural genre back in 1993. Set against the gloomy backdrop of Salem, Hocus Pocus revolves around a curious kid named Max, who has just moved into town with his family. He inquisitively lights the Black Flame Candle not having the slightest clue that his action would unleash the mischievous Sanderson Sisters who have laid dormant for about 300 years now.

What Makes It So Great

The movie is a beloved Halloween cult classic and for good reason. As the three sisters terrorize the neighborhood in their relentless pursuit of youthfulness, the film features several fantastical scenes. They not only give you an escape but also spark your imagination. Moreover, the heart of the movie isn’t in all the spells that come out of the witches’ mouths but in the fact that they manage to find fun in the silliest situations.

28 Turning Red (2022)

Turning Red

In this new Disney and Pixar collaboration, a 13-year-old girl named Meilin turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited.

Release Date

March 11, 2022

Director

Domee Shi

Cast

Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, James Hong

Rating

PG

Genres

Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Read Our Review

Thirteen-year-old girl Mei Lee has always been the dutiful, obedient daughter who follows Chinese tradition and never talks back to her mother. But let’s be honest, we have all had that one phase growing up when we’ve wanted nothing more than to break free, rebel without a cause, scream our guts out, and… gyrate. If you know, you know. Turning Redis an exuberant coming-of-age gem by Pixar that centers around Mei and her teenage turmoil as she goes through puberty and experiences changes in her body.

What Makes It So Great

Bursting with cultural representation and a piercing female gaze, the movie makes you cheer for Mei, even when she messes up. Ultimately, in her transformation lies empowerment and the willingness to embrace change. The movie was praised by critics for portraying adolescence and its complexities with an extraordinary flair.

27 Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Release Date

February 5, 2009

Director

P.J. Hogan

Cast

Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow

Rating

PG

Main Genre

Comedy

If you’re someone who simply cannot resist a dress, a scarf, or a hat while browsing through the long windows of sparkly stores and find yourself being drawn inside the doors and making yet another unnecessary purchase, this movie is for you. Confessions of a Shopaholic revolves around Rebecca Bloomwood a complete fashionista, addicted to shopping and the feel of fresh cashmere on her skin. But her credit card debts are piling up. Seeing no way out of this pit, she nabs a finance columnist job and tries to win the affections of a dashing entrepreneur.

What Makes It So Great

Isla Fisher infuses a factor of relatability and joy in this modern Cinderella story. Known to be many viewers’ go-to guilty pleasure movie, the film celebrates the idea of desiring something and seeing if it fills the void in your life.

26 Freaky Friday (2003)

Freaky Friday

Release Date

August 5, 2003

Director

Mark Waters

Cast

Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon, Harold Gould, Chad Michael Murray, Stephen Tobolowsky

Rating

PG

Main Genre

Comedy

Jaime Lee Curtis plays a single mother named Tess Coleman in Freaky Friday. Tess’ teenage daughter Anna, played by Lindsay Lohan, isn’t a fan of hers and often indulges in arguments and verbal banter with her mother. When the two magically switch bodies because of a freak incident, they learn to appreciate each other’s world from an inside perspective.

What Makes It So Great

Based on the novel by Mary Rodgers, this gender-swap comedy has seen several movie adaptations, but the 2003 remake remains memorable. Lindsay Lohan shines as the new generation’s role model and Jaimee Lee Curtis is nothing short of beautiful. Together, the once dysfunctional mother-daughter duo realizes that they share more in common than they would like to believe. From costume design and intergenerational humor, everything about Freaky Friday screams millennial representation.

Related: 10 Saddest Movies on Disney+ to Watch Right Now

25 Free Guy (2021)

Free Guy

Release Date

August 13, 2021

Director

Shawn Levy

Cast

Jodie Comer, Ryan Reynolds, Taika Waititi, Channing Tatum, Joe Keery, Utkarsh Ambudkar

Rating

PG-13

Main Genre

Action

Read Our Review

Set against the backdrop of a vibrant open-world video game,Free Guy follows a non-player character named Guy (Ryan Reynolds) who has just realized that he’s a part of the story too. However, after gaining consciousness, he wants to do something great and become the hero of his own story. So he teams up with allies like the all-powerful gamer Molotov Girl (Jodie Comer). Together, they venture outside of their programming and take on a fun and visually mesmerizing adventure.

What Makes It So Great

Reynolds brings a sarcastic energy to his role, satirizing corporate culture and the idea of monopolies. Despite playing out like a classic ‘80s fantasy, the movie brings immense perspective and cheer to the screen. Moreover, Guy is a character that inspires hope that anyone can change their destiny. Packed with action and comedy, Shawn Levy’s 2021 movie sure dances on its rhythm.

24 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

10 Things I Hate About You

Release Date

March 31, 1999

Director

Gil Junger

Cast

Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz

Rating

PG-13

Main Genre

Comedy

A modern gender-flipped retelling of the classic Shakespearean play, The Taming of the Shrew, this late ‘90s charmer not only set standards for romance but gave us the iconic serenade from Heath Ledger himself. 10 Things I Hate About You broke the teen rom-com mold using Ledger’s bad boy charm and Julia Stiles’ fiery feminist heroine. The story centers around a new kid named Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) attempting to woo Bianca. But before she can date him, he must convince the school rebel Patrick to date her anti-social and strongly opinionated sister Kat.

What Makes It So Great

From catchy musical numbers to rapid one-liners, the film burns fresh in every millennial’s memory. Although brash on the surface, the movie delivers meaningful discussions on sexism and love while staying beautiful inside out. Refreshing to this day, 10 Things I Hate About You is a rare movie.

23 Cruella (2021)

Cruella

A live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil. Starring Emma Stone.

Release Date

May 28, 2021

Director

Craig Gillespie

Cast

Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, john mccrea, Emily Beecham

Rating

PG-13

Main Genre

Adventure

Read Our Review

In 1970s London, when the punk rock revolution was at its peak, an esteemed fashion student Estella Miller became friends with an industry mogul Baroness von Hellman to try and ascend the ranks of the industry. All Estella wanted was to use her wits and talent and reach the top. And to help achieve her dreams, she harbored a darker alias – the infamous Cruella. With a pair of thieves on her side and her notorious personality, our heroine walks on the wild side… and serves.

What Makes It So Great

The vivacious origin story is helmed by Emma Stone, who sinks her teeth into the character with infectious glee, showing that rebellion comes from inner demons forced to conform since youth. Cruellafeatures stunning costumes and enchanting one-ups as well as a rock soundtrack that still echoes in our ears.

22 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

One of the most beautiful fantasy movies made by Disney, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe follows four siblings wandering around their house, playing unwittingly until they tumble from an old wardrobe into a snowy forest realm. They soon figure out that the place is the magical Narnia, ruled by the evil White Witch, and that their arrival into the forest means something. Their mission was to find Aslan the lion because only he could save Narnia.

What Makes It So Great

C.S. Lewis’ beloved book bursts to life with charming characters and fascinating visuals. While the story of the book itself is mesmerizing, it is the movie’s world-building that draws the audience into the wintry world. The movie, the first in the beloved series, proves that sometimes your adventures are hidden behind doors and all you need is the courage to open it and walk through.

21 Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

A sports drama like no other, this 2000s film directed by Gurinder Chadha depicts a society where the only way to achieve something is by bending the rules. Bend It Like Beckham is a story about a daughter of traditional Punjabi parents, who is also a budding footballer trying to break conventions and “make it” in the sport.

What Makes It So Great

Unbeknownst to her parents, Jess secretly plays on a women’s team while navigating cultural tensions and the troubles of first love. But she’s unable to keep the secret a secret for too long and her parents forbid her from playing at all. With humor and heart, this feel-good comedy drama introduces a global audience to a brand-new story and becomes a touchstone for foreign cinema. The film’s spirit lies in the important theme of chasing your dreams and breaking boundaries.

Related: 15 Best Sci-Fi Movies to Watch on Disney+ Right Now