Essential Watchlist: Trending Movies Featuring on Disney’s Platform

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Can’t decide what to watch on Disney Plus ? That’s unsurprising, considering Disney’s streaming service’s massive content library. We screened Disney’s catalog to create this list of the best movies on Disney+ in various categories to help narrow your watch list.

01

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Soul (2020): Best Modern Animated Pixar Musical

Disney

IMDb Rating : 8.0/10

Genre : Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton

Director : Pete Docter, Kemp Powers

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Running Time : 1 hour, 40 minutes

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 saying something. The first Pixar movie to go straight to streaming,Soul received three Oscar nominations, with wins for Best Original Score and Best Animated Feature).

Watch ‘Soul’ Now

02

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023): It’ll Make You Laugh, Cry, and Rock-and-Roll

Disney

IMDb Rating : 7.9/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Chris Pratt, Chukwudi Iwuji, Bradley Cooper

Director : James Gunn

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 2 hours, 30 minutes

With Rocket out of commission and Gamora-from-an-alternate-timeline on the loose, the rest of the Guardians must keep defending the universe without them. Fortunately, they have a new kickin’ soundtrack to accompany the excessive destruction that follows everywhere they go.

The long-awaited conclusion to the Guardians series is quite a bit darker than its predecessors, but plenty of big belly laughs help break up the more serious moments.

Watch ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Now

03

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

Disney Plus

IMDb Rating : 8.3/10

Genre : Biography, Drama, History

Starring : Lin-Manuel Miranda, Phillipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr.

Director : Thomas Kail

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 3 hours

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. You can experience it with the original cast, including Lin-Manuel Miranda as the Founding Father.

Watch ‘Hamilton’ Now

04

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

20th Century Fox

IMDb Rating : 7.8/10

Genre : Biography, Drama, History

Starring : Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe

Director : Theodore Melfi

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Running Time : 2 hours, 7 minutes

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, check out the book it’s based on.

Watch ‘Hidden Figures’ Now

05

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

Disney

IMDb Rating : 7.8/10

Genre : Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton

Director : Wes Anderson

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 1 hour, 41 minutes

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 that adults might get more laughs from the jokes. The stop-motion animation is also top-notch.

Watch ‘Isle of Dogs’ Now

06

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

Disney

IMDb Rating : 7.8/10

Genre : Biography, Drama

Starring : Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris

Director : Boaz Yakin

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Running Time : 1 hour, 53 minutes

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 improve society.

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.

Watch ‘Remember the Titans’ Now

07

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

Disney Plus

IMDb Rating : 7.4/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Starring : Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung

Director : Destin Daniel Cretton

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 2 hours, 12 minutes

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 a Marvel movie with big-budget special effects and action sequences, but it’s also a solid martial arts flick grounded in Asian mythology.

Watch ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’

08

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

Disney Plus

IMDb Rating : 7.4/10

Genre : Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Maya Rudolph

Director : Enrico Casarosa

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Running Time : 1 hour, 35 minutes

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 must keep their true identities a secret.

The story has obvious parallels to_The Little Mermaid_ but has a different_,_ uplifting message about tolerance. Luca is the quintessential Pixar film in that it feels simultaneously original and familiar.

Watch ‘Luca’ Now

09

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Avatar: The Way of the Water (2023) - A Celebration of CGI and Special Effects

Disney

IMDb Rating : 7.6/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Starring : Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver

Director : James Cameron

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 3 hours, 12 minutes

When an old enemy resurfaces, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his wife Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) must lead the people of Pandora in a revolt against colonizing invaders.

If that sounds like a rehash of the first film, it kind of is, but the special effects are what really matter. Like the original_Avatar_ ,Way of the Water is a spectacle to behold, so it doesn’t disappoint in that sense.

Watch ‘Avatar: The Way of the Water’ Now

10

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Cruella (2021): Best Classic Disney Villain Origin Story

IMDb Rating : 7.3/10

Genre : Comedy, Crime

Starring : Emma Stone, Mark Strong, Emma Thompson

Director : Craig Gillespie

TV Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 2 hours, 14 minutes

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.

Watch ‘Cruella’ Now

11

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

Disney

IMDb Rating : 7.2/10

Genre : Documentary

Starring : Kathryn Beaumont, Marcy Carriker, Becky Cline

Director : John Gleim

Motion Picture Rating : TV-PG

Running Time : 1 hour

Through archival footage and original interviews,Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of 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 and famous actors like Mark Hamill and Kurt Russell.

Watch ‘Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives’ Now

12

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

Disney

IMDb Rating : 7.2/10

Genre : Animation, Comedy, Family

Starring : Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo

Director : Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Charise Castro Smith

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Running Time : 1 hour, 42 minutes

Nestled in the Colombian mountains is an enchanted land called 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 the key to saving her home from those who wish to destroy it.

Encanto hits all 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.

Watch ‘Encanto’ Now

13

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The Little Mermaid (2023): A Faithful Remake of a Beloved Musical

Disney

IMDb Rating : 7.2/10

Genre : Adventure, Family, Fantasy

Starring : Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy

Director : Rob Marshall

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Running Time : 2 hours, 15 minutes

Everyone’s happy under the sea, except for mermaid princess Ariel (Halle Bailey), who wants to walk alongside Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). In fact, Ariel’s so desperate that she sells her voice to the sea witch Ursala for a pair of legs.

Like most of the other live-action Disney remakes,The Little Mermaid sticks close to the original cartoon. That said, one standout moment is a new song called “The Scuttlebutt” performed by Scuttle (Akwifina).

Watch ‘The Little Mermaid’ Now

14

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Free Guy (2021): Freshest Comedic Satire About Video Games

Disney

IMDb Rating : 7.1/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi

Director : Shawn Levy

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 1 hour, 55 minutes

One day, Guy (Ryan Reynolds) suddenly realizes that he’s an NPC (non-player character) in a video game. At first, it’s a little distressing until he discovers he can do whatever he wants.

It’s a concept that’s been done in movies like_The Truman Show_ , but_Free Guy_ offers a fresh modern take, and Reynolds is perfect in his role as a happy-go-lucky video game NPC.

Watch ‘Free Guy’ Now

15

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Werewolf by Night (2022): Marvel Reimagines Old Hollywood Horror

Disney Plus

IMDb Rating : 7.1/10

Genre : Comedy, Action, Adventure

Starring : Harriet Sansom Harris, Kirk R. Thatcher, Eugenie Bondurant

Director : Michael Giacchino

Rating : TV-14

Running Time : 52 minutes

Based on one of Marvel’s less-celebrated heroes,Werewolf by Night is about a lycanthrope who uses his preternatural powers for good rather than evil. When the legendary Bloodstone comes up for grabs, Jack Russell (Gael García Bernal) must make sure that it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Werewolf by Night is an obvious tribute to old Universal monster films like_The Wolf Man_ ,The Mummy, and_Frankenstein_ , but it’s still a Marvel movie with all the requisite action and humor. You can even choose between classic black-and-white or scratchy color versions.

Watch ‘Werewolf by Night’ Now

16

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Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration (2022): Be Their Guest

Disney

IMDb Rating : 6.7/10

Genre : Animation, Adventure, Family

Starring : Rita Moreno, Josh Groban, Joshua Henry

Director : Hamish Hamilton

Motion Picture Rating : PG

Running Time : 1 hour, 28 minutes

Presented as a mix of live-action and animation, this 30th-anniversary celebration includes new musical numbers performed by H.E.R. as Belle, Josh Groban as the Beast, and Joshua Henry as Gaston.

Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration originally aired live on ABC, but you can stream it on Disney Plus whenever you want.

Watch ‘Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration’ Now

17

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Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022): The Marvel Cinematic Universe Just Got Bigger

Disney

IMDb Rating : 6.9/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Starring : Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor

Director : Sam Raimi

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 2 hours, 6 minutes

Doctor Steven Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has disturbing dreams that suddenly start coming to life. Could it be the work of the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen)? He’ll have to travel through multiple dimensions to find out.

You might be lost if you haven’t watched_Wandavision_ ,What If , and the original_Dr. Strange_ . Fortunately, they’re all on Disney Plus so you can get caught up.

Watch ‘Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness’ Now

18

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

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IMDb Rating : 6.7/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Starring : Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour

Director : Cate Shortland

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 2 hours, 13 minutes

The 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.

Watch ‘Black Widow’ Now

19

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West Side Story (2021): Most Ambitious Musical Adaptation

Disney Plus

IMDb Rating : 7.1/10

Genre : Crime, Drama, Musical

Starring : Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose

Director : Steven Spielberg

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 2 hours, 36 minutes

The definitive version of Tony Kushner’s musical masterpiece comes from director Steven Spielberg. It’s a big-budget blockbuster that still respects the original source material.

Despite not doing well at the box office, the movie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. Now you can stream_West Side Story_ on Disney Plus from the comfort of your home.

Watch ‘West Side Story’ Now

20

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

Disney Plus

IMDb Rating : 5.9/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Starring : Folajomi ‘FJ’ Akinmurele, Aweng Ade-Chuol, Isaak Adoyi

Director : Emmanuel Adjei, Blitz Bazawule

TV Rating : TV-14

Running Time : 1 hour, 25 minutes

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 musical artists. African culture is placed front and center, making this film stand out among Disney’s live-action musicals.

Watch ‘Black Is King’ Now

21

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Flamin’ Hot (2023): A Spicy Take on a True Story

Disney

IMDb Rating : 6.7/10

Genre : Biography, Drama, History

Starring : Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Emilio Rivera

Director : Eva Longoria

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 1 hour, 39 minutes

Have you ever wondered about the story behind Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? No? Well, this movie makes it seem a lot more interesting than it probably was in real life.

Loosely based on the true story of Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia),Flamin’ Hot is a dramatization of how a Frito Lay janitor created an international sensation with a spicy idea.

Watch ‘Flamin’ Hot’ Now

22

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

Disney Plus

IMDb Rating : 6.3/10

Genre : Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Starring : Will Arnett, Taraji P. Henson, Darren Criss

Director : Kirk R. Thatcher

Motion Picture Rating : TV-PG

Running Time : 52 minutes

Want to watch something eerie but not scary? Join up with 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.

Watch ‘Muppets Haunted Mansion’ Now

23

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Thor: Love and Thunder (2022): The Gods Crash Phase 4 of the MCU

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IMDb Rating : 6.2/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale

Director : Taika Waititi

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 1 hour, 58 minutes

Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) reunite to combat the god-killing Gorr (Christian Bale), who has his eye on New Asgard. This time around, however, it’s Jane holding the hammer.

Love and Thunder maintains the same balance of action and humor in previous_Thor_ films. On top of that, it has a rockin’ soundtrack.

Watch ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ Now

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Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023): A New Villain Invades the MCU

Disney Plus.

IMDb Rating : 6.1/10

Genre : Action, Adventure, Comedy

Starring : Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas

Director : Peyton Reed

Motion Picture Rating : PG-13

Running Time : 2 hours, 4 minutes

Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Wasp (Evangeline Lilly) planned to live happily after Thanos’s defeat. Instead, they get sucked into the Quantum Realm, where they encounter a new enemy named Kang (Jonathan Majors).

Phase five of the MCU is in full swing, so if you want to keep up with the story,Quantumania is required viewing.

Watch ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ Now

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