Disney+ Movie Recommendations: A Diverse Array of Cinematic Gems
In the highly competitive streaming landscape, Disney+ has emerged as a formidable player, boasting an extensive library of movies and TV shows that is constantly expanding. With an overwhelming selection available, it can be challenging to know where to start. That's where WIRED comes in. Here are our curated picks for the best films currently on Disney+. For additional viewing suggestions, explore our guides to the best films on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and the best shows on Apple TV+.
Action and Superhero Films
Thunderbolts*
Despite underperforming at the box office compared to Avengers films, Thunderbolts offers a compelling narrative within the MCU. Florence Pugh reprises her role as Yelena Belova, a Black Widow - trained assassin ensnared in a sabotage plot by corrupt CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis - Dreyfus). When Yelena and her fellow mercenaries realize they've been manipulated into eliminating each other, they unite with the help of Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Yelena's father/super - soldier Red Guardian (David Harbour) to seek revenge. The asterisk in the title was initially a placeholder, as the group is later renamed the "New Avengers."
Deadpool & Wolverine
The Deadpool movies have long distinguished themselves with their anti - superhero movie stance and bold R - rating. Even as the first film in the series to be officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Deadpool & Wolverine maintains its raunchy charm. Six years after Ryan Reynolds last appeared as the Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool reaches rock bottom. To regain his lost life and loves from another timeline, he enlists the reluctant help of Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). The electric on - screen chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman makes this a team - up not to be missed.
Spider - Man: Across the Spider - Verse
Building on the success of Spider - Man: Into the Spider - Verse in 2018, which revolutionized perceptions of Spider - Man and animated films, Across the Spider - Verse continues Miles Morales' journey. As he endeavors to save the multiverse and his timeline from a dire fate, the film delivers a blend of fun, heartbreak, and thrilling action, solidifying its place as one of the best Spider - Man movies.
X - Men
The first X - Men movie managed to captivate both skeptical comic book fans and new audiences with its engaging storyline and an ensemble cast featuring Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, and Hugh Jackman. This film launched a vast franchise centered on the conflict between mutants and humans, which now encompasses 13 films and has amassed over $6 billion at the box office. With X - Men now part of Marvel Studios, expect to see more of these characters in the future.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
While perhaps unable to match the heights of timeless Indiana Jones classics like Temple of Doom or Raiders of the Lost Ark, this latest installment returns Harrison Ford to the role, allowing him to battle Nazis once again. Directed by James Mangold, the film also benefits from Phoebe Waller - Bridge's performance as Helena, the daughter of an old ally of Indy's, whose interest in the ancient time - travel device, the Dial of Destiny, adds an intriguing dynamic.
Spider - Man: Far From Home
Starring Tom Holland as Spider - Man, Far From Home is notable as the first film in Phase Four of the MCU. It showcases Peter Parker attempting to move on after the events of Avengers: Endgame, only to have his European class trip disrupted by an attack from the villainous Elementals. Spider - Man must enlist the help of the mysterious Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) to save the day.
The Incredible Hulk
Although Mark Ruffalo is now the definitive Bruce Banner for many Marvel fans, Edward Norton took on the role in this 2008 film. Released just one month after Iron Man, it faced an uphill battle. However, Norton's portrayal of the character has its merits, and the film offers an enjoyable summer popcorn flick. It also gained some renewed attention in February when Liv Tyler reprised her role as Betty Ross in Captain America: Brave New World.
Iron Man
The first film in the MCU, Iron Man, remains one of its best. Director Jon Favreau had to fight hard to secure Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role, and the decision paid off handsomely. Downey's portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man set the tone for the entire franchise, allowing him to showcase his charisma and wit before the expansive shared universe fully materialized.
Captain Marvel
Marvel's belated release of Captain Marvel was a missed opportunity. Set in the past, the film follows the rise of Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) as she discovers her origin story and develops her powers. Channeling the spirit of the 1990s, the film features Samuel L. Jackson and a blockbuster - style plot. Larson's sarcastic take on the character and Jackson's brilliant performance make for an entertaining 123 - minute experience.
Ant - Man
Paul Rudd's MCU debut in Ant - Man provided a refreshing change of pace after the weighty events of Age of Ultron. Rudd plays Scott Lang, a reformed criminal who teams up with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his daughter (Evangeline Lily) to safeguard Pym's shrinking technology. Despite its less - than - accurate depiction of quantum physics, the film is a fun heist - style adventure, thanks in part to Michael Peña's standout performance as Luis and Rudd's natural likability.
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame is a massive event film that, while having a somewhat somber beginning, delivers the action, humor, and character moments fans expect from an Avengers movie. Writers Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus crafted a story filled with iconic scenes, including Tony Stark's wisecracks, Doctor Strange's hand - gestures, Professor Hulk's scientific explanations, and Black Widow and Captain Marvel's powerful displays. It's a messy yet epic conclusion to an era of the MCU.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Among the best in the Marvel movie lineup, The Winter Soldier balances quieter character development with grounded action. Captain America faces off against a rogue element within SHIELD led by Alexander Pierce (Robert Redford), providing a more nuanced and engaging narrative compared to some of the more CGI - heavy mainline films.
Thor: Ragnarok
Director Taika Waititi revitalized the Thor series with Ragnarok. Departing from the dour tone of the first two films, Waititi injected color and humor, borrowing from the Planet Hulk storyline. Thor finds himself stranded on a strange planet ruled by Jeff Goldblum, where he reunites with the Hulk. The film is highly entertaining and is often regarded as the best in the Thor series.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One divides opinions, but it fills an important gap in the Star Wars universe and features some of the saga's best action sequences. While the CGI recreation of Peter Cushing's Grand Moff Tarkin has been criticized, the film offers a fun adventure without the narrative baggage of the new trilogy.
Black Panther
Black Panther had a significant cultural impact, featuring a diverse cast and an Afrofuturist setting unlike anything Marvel had done before. Michael B. Jordan's portrayal of Killmonger stole the show as he vied for the throne against T'Challa (the late Chadwick Boseman), creating a complex and engaging villain - hero dynamic.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Haunted by the loss of Chadwick Boseman, writer - director Ryan Coogler crafted a unique superhero film. Addressing the grief of losing the main character while advancing the MCU storyline, the film introduced new heroes and villains. As WIRED senior writer Jason Parham noted, it channels the turbulence of grief with an unflinching focus, using T'Challa's death to usher in a new era for the Black Panther franchise.
Guardians of the Galaxy
The first volume of Guardians of the Galaxy joined the MCU in 2014, relatively late in Phase One. However, it quickly became a fan favorite, introducing some of the universe's most memorable characters, including Quill, Rocket, Groot, Gamora, and Nebula. The film offers a more light - hearted and character - driven experience, perfect for a nostalgic return to a simpler time in the MCU before Thanos' Snap.
Drama and Comedy Films
Sacramento
In this film, cowriter - director Michael Angarano stars as Rickey, an emotionally immature man - child. Glenn (Michael Cera) agrees to accompany Rickey on a road trip from Los Angeles to Sacramento to scatter his father's ashes. The film explores male friendship in a way that falls between Superbad and Sideways, with both characters learning about themselves and each other. Despite positive critical reception at the Tribeca Film Festival, it received limited attention during its theatrical run.
Mrs. Doubtfire
Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams), a voice actor and dedicated father, disguises himself as an elderly woman to become a nanny for his ex - wife's children after their divorce. Ignoring the far - fetched premise, the film offers over two hours of Robin Williams' brilliant comedic performance, making it a must - watch for fans of the late actor.
Big
Teenager Josh Baskin (David Moscow) wishes to grow up overnight and wakes up as an adult (Tom Hanks). Hiding in New York City, he lands his dream job at a toy company and meets the woman of his dreams. This film catapulted Tom Hanks to stardom and earned him his first Oscar nomination. Originally, Robert De Niro was set to star but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts.
10 Things I Hate About You
Based on The Taming of the Shrew, this high - school romcom features an iconic scene of Heath Ledger singing “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” on the bleachers. With an adorable cast including Ledger, Julia Stiles, and Joseph Gordon - Levitt, and a healthy dose of late - 90s nostalgia, it offers a welcome break from the sci - fi and animation dominant on Disney+ at launch.
Documentaries
Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story
As the original summer blockbuster, one might assume there are few untold behind - the - scenes stories of Jaws. However, this Nat Geo documentary proves otherwise, featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg and those inspired by the film over the years, offering new insights into the movie that terrified beachgoers.
Music by John Williams
With the 50th anniversary of Jaws, this documentary pays tribute to composer John Williams. The second - most - nominated person in Oscar history, Williams has been creating memorable scores for nearly 70 years. Interviews with collaborators like Spielberg and George Lucas highlight his profound impact on turning movies into cinema.
Sally
More than 40 years after Sally Ride became the first American woman in space, Tam O’Shaughnessy, her life partner for 27 years, tells the real story of Ride's life and the sacrifices she made as a gay woman pursuing her space dreams. Directed by Emmy - winning Cristina Costantini, it's the first film to fully explore Ride's true life.
Elton John: Never Too Late
Filmmaker R. J. Cutler turns his lens on Elton John, following the musician as he prepares for his final North American show at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium in 2022. The documentary uses archival interviews and unseen footage to provide a comprehensive look at John's decades - long career, serving as a companion piece to the 2019 biopic Rocketman.
Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band
Bruce Springsteen gave director Thom Zimny all - access to document the creation of his post - Covid tour with the E Street Band. Zimny, who has been documenting Springsteen's life on the road for over two decades and won two Emmys for his work, offers an essential documentary for any Springsteen fan.
The Beach Boys
This documentary explores the ups and downs of The Beach Boys, who have defied expectations over 60 years. Codirected by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, it features new interviews with Mike Love, the late Brian Wilson, Al Jardine, and artists they've inspired, providing an in - depth look at the band's impact on pop music.
Jim Henson: Idea Man
Surprisingly, this documentary is the first to comprehensively explore Jim Henson's work, from the Muppets to Sesame Street and The Dark Crystal. Ron Howard delves into Henson's tireless work, his impact, and the legacy he left behind.
Let It Be
The 1970 documentary from which much of the footage in Peter Jackson's 2021 docuseries Get Back was taken, Let It Be has undergone a painstaking restoration. While lacking some of the emotional nuance of the series, it serves as a wonderful time capsule of the Beatles' era. Pair it with Get Back and Abbey Road: If These Walls Could Sing for a complete binge.
Summer of Soul
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson's directorial debut, this documentary recounts the Harlem Cultural Festival, a celebration of Black culture overshadowed by Woodstock in 1969. Featuring rarely - seen clips of performers like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sly & the Family Stone, it offers a fascinating look at an overlooked event.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version)
Available on Disney+, this version of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour includes four new acoustic songs and a folklore track. Whether you attended the tour, saw the theater version, or missed both, it offers another way to experience Swift's musical journey.
Abbey Road: If These Walls Could Sing
Directed by Mary McCartney, daughter of Paul McCartney, this documentary explores Abbey Road Studios, known for hosting the Beatles and many other music legends. It offers a reverential look at the studio's role in the music industry, especially in the wake of Peter Jackson's The Beatles: Get Back docuseries.
Free Solo
Documenting Alex Honnold's attempt to solo - climb El Capitan without a rope in 2017, this film by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin not only showcases the dangerous ascent but also delves into Honnold's personal life and emotional issues. The stunning cinematography will have you on the edge of your seat.
Stan Lee
Director David Gelb's documentary explores the life and legacy of Stan Lee, the most recognizable name in comics. Tracing his journey from New York City to co - creating iconic characters and making cameos in Marvel movies, it's essential viewing for comic and Marvel fans.
Animation Films
Inside Out
Pixar's Inside Out perfectly captures human emotion, the complexity of a child's growth, and family life. By personifying emotions inside the head of 11 - year - old Riley, the film offers a comedic, profound, and ingenious exploration of the human psyche.
Inside Out 2
Picking up two years after the original, Inside Out 2 follows 13 - year - old Riley as she contends with new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment. With Joy still on hand to help, Pixar once again delivers a family - friendly film with a meaningful message.
Finding Nemo
Nemo, a young clown fish with a damaged fin, is captured while swimming with his over - protective father, Marlin. With an all - star voice cast including Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, this Pixar film is part of the studio's golden era, telling a heartwarming story of a father's quest to find his son.
The Princess Bride
Rob Reiner directs this adventure - comedy - fairytale based on William Goldman's novel. The story of Buttercup, engaged to a prince but in love with Westley, is filled with memorable quotes and a chain of events that could reunite the lovers or lead to their demise. Goldman was critical of his work but proud of this film.
The Little Mermaid
While the live - action version may not surpass the 1989 animated classic, it's one of Disney's better live - action remakes. Rob Marshall's direction and Halle Bailey's powerful performance as Ariel make it a worthy watch for fans of the beloved story.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Whether considered a Halloween or Christmas film, Henry Selick's stop - motion adventure is always a great watch. When the residents of Halloweentown discover Christmas, they kidnap Santa Claus. The film's artistry and macabre yet kid - friendly tone make it a family favorite, and there's even a sing - along version.
Cinderella
A timeless Disney classic, Cinderella tells the story of a kind - hearted girl tormented by her step - family but winning the heart of Prince Charming. Now available in an impressive 4K restoration, it's a must - watch for fans of the original.
Lady and the Tramp
While the live - action/CGI version is available, the 1955 original remains an iconic Disney animation. Despite some dated stereotypes, the love story between Lady, a cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a mutt, is timeless. Lady must choose between a pampered life and a life with Tramp.
The Muppet Movie
This 1979 film serves as a prequel to The Muppet Show, following Kermit the Frog's journey from a Florida swamp to Hollywood to become a movie star. Along the way, he meets his fellow Muppets. Hijinks ensue when a restaurateur seeks revenge on Kermit for turning down his offer.
Luca
Enrico Casarosa's Luca earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature in 2022. The story of a sea monster living in an Italian Riviera town that hates his kind, Luca is a moving coming - of - age film about friendship, family, and overcoming prejudice, ranking among Pixar's best.
Toy Story (All of Them)
Each of the four Toy Story films has added depth to the franchise, exploring themes of growing up and change. From the original in 1995 to Toy Story 4, the films follow Woody, Buzz, and the gang as they navigate new experiences and loss. The series is critically acclaimed and a must - watch for fans of animated storytelling.
The Lion King
The 1994 version of The Lion King is a perfect film, with its computer - animated wildebeest stampede seamlessly blended into the cel - shaded backgrounds. It had no need for a 2019 remake, and it remains the best use of CG animation in a Lion King film.
Turning Red
Mei Lee, a 13 - year - old, transforms into a giant red panda when overcome with emotion. As she discovers it's an inherited trait, she learns to control her powers
