The Best Disney Plus Movies Right Now (October 2021)

Maleficent (2014): Best Live-Action Remake From the Villain's Perspective

This reimagining of the 1959 animated classic Sleeping Beauty shines a sympathetic light on one of Disney's most adored villains. Once a good fairy who wanted nothing more than to be loved, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) transforms into a vengeful sorceress following a heartbreaking doublecross.

Maleficent turned out to be Angelina Jolie's most financially successful role in a long career of blockbuster performances. Fans of elaborate costumes and musical numbers won't be disappointed. You can also watch the 2019 sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, on Disney Plus.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019): Freshest Take on a Famous Foe

The latest iteration of the X-Men gets its obligatory spin on the franchise's most famous story arc in Dark Phoenix. During an outer space mission, Jean Gray (Sophie Turner) gets possessed by a dangerous spirit, leading to irreparable divisions in the team.

For a more light-hearted take on the Phoenix saga, check out X-Men: Last Stand on Disney Plus. Disney Plus also has the X-Men animated series, which covers the entire Phoenix saga.

The Fault in Our Stars (2014): Most Heartfelt Adaptation of a Young-Adult Novel

After meeting at a support group for young cancer patients, Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) share their mutual love of literature and begin to fall for one another. Determined the make Hazel Grace's biggest wish come true, Gus arranges a trip to Amsterdam to meet her favorite author.

Based on the best-selling novel by John Greene, The Fault in Our Stars was highly anticipated by the young adult audience, which is why it landed the number one spot at the box office during its opening weekend. Sincere performances by the young leads and veteran supporting cast make this film enjoyable for teens and adults.

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993): Funniest Robin Williams Comedy for the Whole Family

Out-of-work voice actor Daniel (Robin Williams) is devastated when his ex-wife (Sally Field) is awarded full custody of their children. Desperate to see his kids, Daniel takes on his most challenging role yet, a sassy British nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire, to get back in the good graces of their mother.

Throughout his career, Robin Williams played a lot of wacky characters in dozens of family-friendly movies, but few of them allowed the actor to showcase his full range of talent like Mrs. Doubtfire. It's a perfect comedy for kids and parents to watch together.

Turner & Hooch (1989): Best Human-Canine Buddy Cop Film

After getting called to investigate the murder of a friend, detective Scott Turner (Tom Hanks) reluctantly adopts the sole witness of the crime, a feisty French Mastiff named Hooch. The uptight cop is not a dog person, but Hooch is determined to stick around and help solve the mystery of his owner's death.

Just like The Mighty Ducks, Turner & Hooch has been rebooted as an exclusive series for Disney Plus. You don't need to see the original to follow the new show, but it's worth a watch for fans of Tom Hanks and buddy cop movies.

Dan in Real Life (2007): Cutest Family Rom-Com About The Healing Power of Love

After the death of his wife, writer Dan Burns (Steve Carell) becomes a single father of three. When he takes his kids to visit their grandparents in New Jersey, Dan hits it off with a charming woman named Marie (Juliette Binoche) at a local bookshop. Unfortunately, she already has a boyfriend, and he happens to be Dan's brother Mitch (Dane Cook).

There's nothing terribly original about Dan in Real Life, but it has enough to make it stand out from a standard Hallmark movie. The emotional journey of the main character is relatable and inspiring thanks largely to Carell's performance.

Black Widow (2021): Most Long-Awaited Marvel Movie

The long-awaited first film in phase four of Marvel's Cinematic Universe tells the backstory of Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), a KGB assassin turned Avenger who constantly finds herself on the run. Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, a tragedy from Romanoff's past comes back to haunt her.

After multiple delays, Black Widow finally debuted in theaters and on Disney Plus in July, simultaneously setting box office and streaming records for 2021. Disney+ Premier Access subscribers can watch it now, but everyone else will have to wait a couple of months.

Jungle Cruise (2021): Best Action Movie Based on a Theme Park Ride

In the early 1900s, Captain Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) and Dr. Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) set sail in search of the legendary Tree of Life. Along the way, they face endless dangers, including a group of competing explorers who want to beat them to their goal.

Another Disney+ Premier Access exclusive, Jungle Cruise is a fantasy-adventure story inspired by a Disney World attraction of the same name. If you don't like water rides, you can thankfully now enjoy the experience from the comfort of your living room.

The Sandlot (1993): Most Underrated Sports Comedy for Kids

First, there was The Bad News Bears. Then, there was The Mighty Ducks. These movies were just the warmup act for one of the greatest summer sports movies of all time: The Sandlot. In this coming-of-age comedy, the lonely new kid in town Scotty (Tom Guiry) befriends a group of offbeat baseball players who become his lifelong friends.

Disney Plus has tons of feel-good sports movies and shows like Mighty Ducks: Game Changers and Big Shots, both of which owe their existence to the aforementioned classics. While The Sandlot often gets lost in the mix, it definitely deserves a spot on the list of top nostalgic sports movies for kids.

Luca (2021): Best Original Fairy Tale Based on Italian Folklore

In mid-20th century Italy, two sea monsters living along the Riviera decide to go ashore. Despite warnings from their families, Luca (Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) are eager to explore the human world, but they have to keep their true identities a secret.

The story has obvious parallels to The Little Mermaid, but it has a different, more uplifting message about tolerance. Luca is the quintessential Pixar film in that it feels simultaneously original and familiar.

Wolfgang (2021): Best Biopic About a Celebrity Chef

Considered one of the first celebrity chefs, Austrian chef Wolfgang Puck elevated himself to global stardom with his line of restaurants specializing in distinctly original American cuisine. However, before he immigrated to the United States, things weren't always so cheerful.

This documentary details how Puck's passion for cooking helped him survive an abusive upbringing. However, it also explores the costs of fame and the strain it put on his own family life. Even if you're not a food aficionado, you'll probably find Wolfgang inspiring.

Soul (2020): Best Modern Animated Pixar Musical

Joe (Jamie Foxx) always saw himself as a professional jazz musician, but he's teaching middle-school band instead. After finally getting an opportunity to fulfill his dream, he falls into a portal to another dimension. Isn't life ironic?

Soul is more colorful and creative than the average Pixar film, which is really saying something. The first Pixar movie to go straight-to-streaming, Soul received three Oscar nominations, and it won Golden Globes for Best Animated Film and Best Original Score.

Cruella (2021): Best Classic Disney Villain Origin Story

Before she started dog-napping dalmatians, Cruella de Vil (Emma Stone) was a punk with dreams of becoming a big-time fashion designer. After falling in with a gang of petty criminals, she crosses paths with fashion guru Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson), who sets her down a dark path from which she never returns.

The latest in Disney's long line of live-action villain origin stories, Cruella is available for Disney Plus Premier Access subscribers while it's still in theaters. Everyone else will have to wait until the summer to stream it.

Clouds (2020): Best Tragic Love Story Based on True Life

Clouds is a biopic about Zach Sobiech (Fin Argus), a teenage singer and songwriter who is given six months to live at the beginning of his senior year in high school. Instead of giving up on his musical aspirations, Zach decides to make an album as soon as possible.

As you can probably guess, the movie is a major tear-jerker aimed at young teens and the young at heart. Still, the music and the story are ultimately uplifting, making Clouds a great movie for parents and teens to watch together.

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021): Best Modern Fairy Tale About a Friendly Dragon

After the land of Kumandra is invaded by demons, a warrior named Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) sets out in search of the last surviving dragon, whose ancestors saved her people centuries ago. When she finally meets the legendary Sisu (Awkwafina), Raya realizes that she might need more backup.

Mary Poppins Returns (2018): Most Anticipated Disney Musical Sequel

Released more than a half-century after the original film, Mary Poppins Returns is the Disney sequel that few people ever expected to see. Adult Jane (Emily Mortimer) and Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) are equally surprised when their old nanny returns to bring merriment to the Great Depression.

Mary Poppins Returns made several "best movies of the year lists" in 2018, and it received dozens of nominations for its music and production. Dick Van Dyke returns alongside other notable actors like Colin Firth and Meryl Streep, who play minor characters, but the real star is Emily Blunt as the titular nanny.

Night at the Museum (2006): Best Kid-Friendly Comedy About History

Desperate for work, Larry (Ben Stiller) is relieved to land a gig as a nighttime guard at the American Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. However, his first night on the job takes an odd twist when he learns that the exhibits come to life when no one is watching, taking him on a literal crash course through history.

If you can't visit the nation's capital anytime soon, Night at the Museum is as close as you'll get to a guided tour of the Natural History Museum. For more historically-themed comedy, watch the 2009 follow-up Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.

The Book of Life (2014): Most Original Fairytale About the Afterlife

As childhood friends Manolo (Diego Luna) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) compete for the hand of the beautiful Maria (Zoë Saldana), two deities place bets on each man to determine the fate of humanity. However, when Manolo is tricked into believing that Maria has died, he travels to the afterlife to be reunited with his true love.

Set during the holiday of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), The Book of Life is a colorful celebration of Mexican culture. Its story may be too fantastical for some tastes, but the amazing visuals will keep casual viewers engaged. The excellent main cast is rounded out with the voice talents of Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, and Ron Perlman.

Isle of Dogs (2018): Best Stop-Motion Comedy for Older Audiences

If you're in the mood for a quirky adult comedy, Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs will hit the spot. Koyu Rankin stars as the voice of Atari, a boy who solicits the help of a dog named Chief (Bryan Cranston) to reunite with his best friend. The all-star supporting cast includes Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, Ken Watanabe, and Yoko Ono.

Isle of Dogs isn't a movie for young children, but the humor is tame enough for older kids. The clever writing is directed at more mature audiences, so adults might get more laughs out of the jokes. The stop-motion animation is also top-notch.

Mulan (2020): Most Original Disney Live-Action Remake

Disney's Mulan is a serious departure from the source material and the company's other live-action remakes. It provides a serious take on the legend of a young Chinese woman who takes up the sword to defend her family and her country.

If you're a fan of the original, you might be disappointed that this remake isn't a musical, and many of the classic characters are missing. Nonetheless, it's still a good movie.

Hidden Figures (2016): Most Inspirational Story About Unsung American Heros

Behind every great man stands a great woman, or sometimes multiple women. Hidden Figures is the real-life story of three African American mathematicians who helped John Glenn go to the moon: Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe).

The film finally gives these unsung American heroes the recognition they deserve. On top of that, it's well-acted and inspiring. If you like the movie, be sure to check out the book it's based on.

Home Alone (1990): Best Classic Slapstick 90s Kids Comedy

If you've never seen Home Alone, now's a perfect time. After accidentally getting left behind by his family on their Christmas vacation, eight-year-old Kevin must protect himself from a duo of robbers using homemade traps.

Home Alone made Macaulay Culkin a star and spawned countless parodies. The image of Culkin clasping his cheeks is perhaps one of the most imitated faces in history. The film held the distinction of being the highest-grossing comedy for over two decades.

Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018): Best Meta-Humor and Social Commentary in a Kids Movie

Wreck-It Ralph (John C. Reilly) and Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman) reunite for a brand new adventure. When the steering wheel falls off of Vanellope's favorite racing game, they must traverse the internet, a giant digital city where websites are skyscrapers and programs have personalities, to find a new one on eBay.

The follow-up to Wreck-It Ralph lives up to its predecessor in every way. Like the original, Ralph Breaks The Internet received dozens of award nominations, and it features appearances by characters from various universes. Keep an eye out for your favorite Disney Princesses and Marvel superheroes.

Christopher Robin (2018): Quirkiest Modern Take on a Childhood Icon

Unlike most of Disney's recent live-action movies, Christopher Robin isn't a retelling of an old story. Instead, it's a new entry in a classic franchise. In Christopher Robin, an older Christopher (Ewan McGregor) reunites with his childhood friends, who have found their way into the real world.

For adults who grew up with Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin is a nice serving of innocent nostalgia. For kids, it's a great introduction to one of the greatest childhood icons of the 20th century.

Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020): Best Disney Channel Reboot

Disney Channel favorites Phineas and Ferb return for their first movie in nearly a decade. This time, the titular pair must traverse outer space to save their sister Candace from aliens. In other words, it's a typical day for the duo.

Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe debuted on Disney+ in August 2020 to universal praise. Like the original show, this new adventure appeals to adults and kids alike.

Hamilton (2020): Best Tony-Award Winning Live Musical

If you haven't seen Hamilton on Broadway, here's your chance. This live recording of the critically-acclaimed musical perfectly captures the excitement of watching in person. The play tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, picking up in 1776 New York City and concluding with the most famous duel in American history.

The play has won dozens of accolades, including 11 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Now you can experience it with the entire original cast, including Lin-Manuel Miranda as the Founding Father.

Black Is King (2020): Best Disney Plus Original Musical

Best described as a visual album, Beyoncé's Black Is King debuted on Disney Plus to praise from critics and audiences alike. It tells the story of an exiled African king and his journey to reclaim his kingdom at the behest of his ancestors. If it sounds like Lion King, that's because the movie is based on it.

In addition to stunning music and cinematography, Black Is King features a strong cast, which includes several notable black musical artists. African culture is placed front and center, making this film stand out among Disney's live-action musicals.

Remember the Titans (2000): Best Feel-Good Sports Movie

More than your typical teen sports movie, Remember the Titans tells the true-life story of Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), a high school football coach who led his team to victory during the first year of integration in 1971. This inspiring biopic offers an unflinching look at America's history of racism while celebrating those who have struggled to change society for the better.

An emotional story and memorable performances are complimented by an all-star soundtrack featuring Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan, The Hollies, Marvin Gaye, James Taylor, The Temptations, and Cat Stevens. It's no wonder why many critics consider Remember the Titans to be the best football movie ever made.

The Princess Bride (1987): Best Keeps-Getting-Funnier Comedy Film

The Princess Bride is one of those rare movies that gets funnier with age. It follows the antics of a young farmhand (Cary Elwes) on his quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) from a forced marriage to an unkind Prince.

The Princess Bride was a moderate success upon its theatrical release, but it later became a cult classic on VHS. Like other movies on this list, The Princess Bride is preserved in the National Film Registry thanks to its historical significance.