what to watch on Disney plus

Hundreds of movies and TV shows are available on the Disney streaming platform, which draws from its own extensive library as well as Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic, and other franchises.

This list has something for everyone, proving that Disney+ is more than simply kid-friendly television. They're going after the whole family. So, scroll down to see the selection of the top Disney Plus movies.

1. Cruella

With dazzling costumes, a great soundtrack, and a pair of terrific performances from Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, Cruella shows a classic character in an entertaining new light.

Cruella is certainly one of the stronger Disney live-action remakes so far, largely because it delights in doing its own thing versus trying to feel too much like its animated predecessor. The film is an origin story for Cruella de Vil set in 1980s London, as Emma Stone plays an orphaned small-time crook with a passion for fashion who gets a dream gig working for renowned designer the Baroness (Emma Thompson). While Cruella begins to show promises, secrets come to light that recontextualize the life she’s led up until now – all while dealing with a demanding boss. The film has strong overtones of The Devil Wears Prada, but wears its influences on its sleeve.

Charismatic performances and a rocking soundtrack make this one tons of fun. And while Cruella originally debuted as part of Disney+'s Premier Access, it's now available to stream free of extra charge.

2. Raya and the Last Dragon

While Raya and the Last Dragon kind of flew under the radar given the circumstances of its pandemic release, now’s a great time to catch up with what is honestly one of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ best films in the last few years. This is an epic fantasy story with incredible world-building, as it revolves around a young woman named Raya who journeys to find a missing dragon and undo a cataclysmic event that fractured the world of Kumandra into five separate tribes, each with their own territory. It’s not only fun and thrilling but really funny as well thanks to Awkwafina’s co-starring role as the dragon Sisu.

3. Encanto (2021)

Living in the impossible lushness of a Colombian paradise, the Madrigals are a family in which everyone has magical talents, like super-strength, healing powers and the ability to communicate with animals. “Encanto” focuses on the one Madrigal without any special gifts and her touching quest to figure out what role she has in the family dynamic.

4. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings  (2021)

Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings" star Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. The film also stars Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi's friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, as well as Fala Chen, Meng'er Zhang, Florian Munteanu and Ronny Chieng.

5. Queen of Katwe (2016)

Disney live-action films don’t exactly have a tradition of gritty realism, but with “Queen of Katwe,” the director Mira Nair scrapes some of the gloss off the rousing true story of a Ugandan girl whose prodigious gifts as a chess player allow her to see the world beyond a Kampala slum. By taking the time to detail the day-to-day struggles of a desperately poor family, Nair adds power to the girl’s efforts to maneuver around the board.

6. Moana (2016)

Disney has spent decades laboring over the creation of more strong-willed heroines, but few have embarked on a mission as consequential as Moana, who travels the seas to save her Polynesian village from environmental ruin. Her adventures are rendered in pleasingly lush ocean blues, and Dwayne Johnson has a fun role as the egotistic demigod Maui. But the true star of “Moana” is the songs, which range from the soaring (“How Far I’ll Go”) to the silly (“You’re Welcome”) to the Bowie-esque (“Shiny”).

7. Black Panther

Black Panther elevates superhero cinema to thrilling new heights while telling one of the MCU's most absorbing stories -- and introducing some of its most fully realized characters.

After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king -- and as Black Panther -- gets tested when he's drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

The best Marvel movie yet.

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