The 30 Best Disney Plus Movies Right Now (July 2021)

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.

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): Best Entry in the Original X-Men Trilogy

Possessed by the power of the Dark Phoenix, Jean Gray (Famke Janssen) sides with Magneto (Ian McKellen) in the final conflict between mutants and mankind. Led by Professor X (Patrick Stewart), the remaining X-Men must find a way to save Jean without sacrificing humanity.

With Last Stand now available to stream, you can watch the entire original X-Men film trilogy on Disney Plus, as well as the classic animated series. The movie has aged remarkably well thanks to its all-star cast, which includes a young Elliot Page as Shadowcat.

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.

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.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991): Best Feel-Good Movie About Horses and Believing in Yourself

In the dismal heart of the Great Depression, a street orphan named Sonora (Gabrielle Anwar) takes a job cleaning horse stables for a traveling circus. Determined to become a daredevil horse rider, her aspirations are threatened due to a terrible accident.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken is an adaptation of the real-life Sonora Webster Carver's autobiography, A Girl and Five Brave Horses. The film features some shocking animal stuntwork, but rest assured that no horses were harmed during the making of the movie.

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.

Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984): Best Nostalgic Star Wars Spin-Off

Disney Plus has released the Star Wars Vintage Collection, which includes some of the more obscure spin-offs of the original trilogy. Most notable among them is the made-for-TV movie Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure, in which Wicket (Warwick Davis) and the other Ewoks befriend two human children shipwrecked on Endor.

While the movie is more aimed at kids than adults, the story was written by George Lucas, so it maintains the epic tone of the early Star Wars films. If you like Caravan of Courage, Disney Plus also has its sequel, The Battle for Endor. You'll also find the Ewoks cartoon series in addition to other rare animated Star Wars shorts.

Cheaper by the Dozen (2003): Best Family-Friendly Comedy Starring Steve Martin

Two parents aren't really enough to handle 12 kids, but what happens when one of the parents goes on a national book tour? It's up to super-dad Tom (Steve Martin) to hold things together when his wife, Kate (Bonnie Hunt), leaves him in charge of their dozen children.

Cheaper by the Dozen feels like a 1990s Steve Martin movie, but it came out half-a-decade too late. At the time of its release, critics trashed the film for its lack of originality; however, today, its regarded as another solid entry in Martin's long career of family comedies.

Flora & Ulysses (2021): Cutest Animal Movie That Might Make You Cry in a Good Way

In this touching story about a girl and her squirrel, disaffected Flora (Matilda Lawler) finds an unlikely friend in her neighbor's backyard. Ulysses is no ordinary squirrel; he can communicate by typing and possesses supernatural strength, which makes him a target for a vindictive animal control officer.

Inspired by Kate DiCamillo's children's novel, Flora & Ulysses is a Disney Plus exclusive. If your kids love animal movies, but you don't want to show them Old Yeller, Flora & Ulysses is a safe bet. Without spoiling anything, rest assured that it has a happy ending.

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.

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.

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.

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.

LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special (2020): Best Wookie Holiday Movie

In this love letter to the classic 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special celebrates the solemn Wookie holiday of Life Day. After the events in The Rise of Skywalker, Rey explores the mysteries of the Jedi temple where she gets trapped in a time warp. Will she make it home in time to share the holiday with her companions?

All of your favorite characters from the Star Wars sequel trilogy are here, including BB-8, Finn, and Chewie. There are also flashback appearances from Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Obi-Wan, and others. Star Wars and LEGO lovers won't be disappointed.

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.

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.

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.