The Best Disney Plus Movies Right Now (January 2022)

Eternals (2021): An Ancient Alien Rivalry for the Ages

For thousands of years, extraterrestrial beings called the Eternals protected Earth from the Deviants, an evil alien species that wanted to wipe out humanity. Thanks to the Avengers' time-traveling antics, the Deviants are back, and so are the Eternals.

Like every Marvel movie, Eternals boasts top-notch acting, special effects, and action sequences. While the Eternals aren't as popular as the Avengers, they shouldn't be overlooked since they're a part of Marvel's Cinematic Universe.

Encanto (2021): An Original Fairy Tale Based on Colombian Folklore

Nestled in the Colombian mountains is an enchanted land known as the Encanto, where Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) lives with her family. The only child without magical powers, Mirabel feels like she doesn't belong, but she is actually the key to saving her home from those who wish to destroy it.

Encanto hits all of the notes you'd expect in a Disney animated film, including a cast of colorful characters, family-friendly humor, and unforgettable tunes. The movie didn't get much public attention when it was released, but it's worth watching if you missed it in theaters.

A Very Boy Band Holiday (2021): Most Festive Nostalgic Christmas Concert

Wondering what the less famous members of NSYNC have been up to? They're doing the same thing they were in 1999: singing Christmas songs. With the help of Boyz II Men, New Edition, New Kids on the Block, O-Town, and 98 Degrees, the boys are getting the band back together for another epic holiday concert.

A Very Boy Band Holiday is aimed at people who grew up with these groups, but the songs are timeless and enjoyable for all ages. The boys can't dance like they used to, but their vocal talents have only improved with the passing of time.

Christmas Again (2021): Sweetest Story About Divorce and the Holidays

Divorce is always tough on kids, especially around the holidays. When young Ro (Scarlett Estevez) asks Santa to make things like they used to be, she quickly regrets her wish after realizing she's stuck in a time loop, repeating the exact same day exactly the same over and over forever.

Believe it or not, this is the first original Disney Channel Christmas movie in a decade. Christmas Again comes to Disney+ on December 10. In the meantime, watch the last Disney Channel Christmas special, Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!

Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives (2020): Best Behind-the-Scenes Look at Disney Studios

Through archival footage and original interviews, Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of the place where the magic all started. You'll see everything from the early designs for Disney World to Walt Disney's personal office.

Host Don Hahn and film historian Leonard Maltin thoroughly explore the evolution of Disney from a small animation company to a global media conglomerate. The documentary also includes interviews with filmmakers from Marvel Studios, Pixar, and Lucasfilm as well as famous actors like Mark Hamill and Kurt Russell.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2021): Most Faithful Reboot of a Popular Franchise

Diary of a Wimpy Kid has been a hit film and book series for more than a decade, so it's naturally time for a reboot. Like its live-action predecessors, this CGI animated adaptation is faithful to the books, which follow Greg Heffley (Brady Noon) as he navigates the perilous halls of middle school.

The reboot of Diary of a Wimpy Kid debuts on December 3rd. You can also catch the other films, including the original Diary of a Wimpy Kid, on Disney Plus.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021): Marvel's Best Take on the Martial Arts Genre

After keeping his identity a secret for years, martial arts master Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) can no longer keep the truth hidden: He is the son of Xu Wenwu (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung), the notorious master of a powerful and mysterious clan called the Ten Rings.

Shang-Chi is definitely a Marvel movie with its big-budget special effects and action sequences, but it's also a solid martial arts flick grounded in Asian mythology.

Muppets Haunted Mansion (2021): Spookiest Original Disney Plus Muppet Special

Want to watch something that's spooky but not scary? Join Gonzo as he tries to spend a night in a haunted mansion. The other muppets make appearances too, but not in their familiar earthly forms.

Muppets Haunted Mansion is an instant holiday classic made for audiences of all ages. The movie clocks in at less than an hour, so it should keep the attention of kids and grown-ups.

McFarland USA (2015): Coolest Cross Country Running Movie

Following a terrible mishap, disgraced former football coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) tries to turn his life around by leading a high school cross country team to victory. Although he feels like a fish out of water, the coach is confident his boys have what it takes to win the state finals.

Disney Plus already has more family-friendly sports movies and TV shows than any other streaming service. That said, McFarland USA is still a welcome addition. Inspired by a true story, the movie was a hit with both critics and casual movie-goers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.