Thanks to a decent combination of streaming originals and legacy additions, Disney+ has some of the best movies to watch right now. While some months can feel slow when it comes to the former, IPs like Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic are varied enough to pull in audiences. The streamer is arguably one of the more accessible mainstream platforms, and this curated guide will help you pick from the best Disney+ movies to stream now.
In addition to this substantive selection, consider taking up the Disney Bundle offer if you haven’t already subscribed. This package gives you Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu’s ad-based plan for just $13 a month. Considering the well-rounded types of entertainment you get with this bundled deal, it’s an impressive value.
If you want to expand your search, we’ve also rounded up the best shows on Disney+, as well as the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Amazon Prime, and the best movies on Hulu.
-
-
Stan Lee2023
-
-
-
-
Spider-Man 22004
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) new
Stan Lee (2023) new
Finding Dory (2016)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) new
In preparation for Harrison Ford’s last hurrah as Indiana Jones, Disney+ is adding the series’ beloved classics. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, Raiders of the Lost Ark marks the debut of the fan-favorite adventurer trying to stop Nazi forces from securing a dangerous treasure.
The movie was revolutionary for its time, pushing the boundaries for action set pieces and the evolution of the pulpy adventure genre. Indiana Jones is still an iconic character, with the swashbuckling archeologist’s first theatrical outing holding up well even today.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) new
Director Steven Spielberg followed up on the blockbuster hit that was Raiders with the solid Temple of Doom. The plot follows Harrison Ford’s treasure-hunting adventurer arriving in India to retrieve a mystical stone and stop a bloodthirsty cult. The local villagers are desperate for Indy’s help, as the Thugee cult indulges in ritual sacrifices, sacrifices, and blood magic.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was well-received for its intense new story and darker approach, though, it was more controversial in the ’80s for its comparatively bleak atmosphere to Raiders.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) new
Once again helmed by Spielberg, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a strong finish to the original three movies. While Temple of Doom was technically a prequel to Raiders, Last Crusade moves the timeline forward as Indy travels around the world to rescue his missing father Henry Jones (played by Sean Connery).
Jones Sr. went missing on a hunt for the Holy Grail and was held hostage by Nazis. Temple of Doom retroactively received the positive reception it deserved, but Last Crusade does well to reintegrate the lighter, swashbuckling atmosphere of the first movie.
Spider-Man 2 (2004) new
Crater (2023) new
Spider-Man (2002)
Spider-Man distribution rights are something of a tussle between Sony and Disney, but Disney+ now hosts some excellent legacy movies. Sam Raimi made his mark on the beloved character’s history with the Tobey Maguire-led Spider-Man.
Co-starring Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane, James Franco as Harry Osborne, and Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin, 2002’s Spider-Man is a soulful origin story with exhilarating action. It still holds up well over 20 years later and is a love letter to the iconic superhero’s comic book lore.
Onward (2020)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe built itself into a wildly lucrative property since 2008’s Iron Man. 11 years later, Avengers: Endgame was released to become a pop-culture phenomenon and the crossover event of the decade.
Reeling from the catastrophic events of Infinity War, the Avengers gather who remains to lead a final assault on the galactic conqueror Thanos. The Russo brothers managed to make Endgame a satisfying payoff to 11 years’ worth of mythos and cap off the Infinity Saga.
Free Guy (2021)
One of the theatrical surprise hits of 2021, Free Guy takes on a quirky video game premise filled with familiar Hollywood faces. A bank teller named Guy — played by Ryan Reynolds — realizes that he’s a nonplayable character in a video game called Free City — which is set to be permanently taken offline.
From there, he embarks on a wild journey alongside a player as they attempt to prove that a gaming company’s CEO stole the player’s source code to develop Free City. Audiences will get all the endearing charm and comedy they expect from Reynolds, and Free Guy is also filled with clever meta humor about video games and pop culture.
Chang Can Dunk (2023)
Outside of Disney’s titanic IPs and usual suspects, Disney+ releases the occasionally charming small-scale endeavor like this one. An original movie for the streamer, Chang Can Dunk follows the titular 16-year-old Asian American high schooler as he takes on the challenge of dunking a basketball by Homecoming.
It’s quite the task since he’s only 5’8″ tall. As he goes on his mission to learn how to dunk, he ends up on a journey of introspection along the way. Chang Can Dunk is an endearing, entertaining, and poignant teen coming-of-age dramedy that is sure to please all generations.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
One of the biggest comic book movie events in recent years, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War is a jam-packed crossover event. The first in a two-part story with the sequel Endgame, Infinity War finally sees the cosmic threat Thanos — played menacingly by Josh Brolin — take his universe-wide fight to Earth and its mightiest heroes.
It delivers a long-awaited series of clashes and interactions between various heroes and villains, and is a major bright spot in the MCU’s catalog. Infinity War is constantly tense with action and revelations, setting the stage for this universe’s biggest narrative payoff.
Bears (2014)
Ice Age (2002)
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Since the tragic passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, the sequel to Black Panther was always going to have a somber atmosphere about it. However, Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever succeeds in being a tasteful and touching tribute that advanced the story from this corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In the wake of King T’Challa’s death, the leaders of the nation need to rally together as Namor — the king of an ancient underwater civilization — leads an assault on Wakanda. Angela Bassett, in particular, leads the film with a commanding performance.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Finding Nemo (2003)
Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios can always be trusted to put together a memorable animated family movie. 2003’s Finding Nemo has since been regarded as a modern classic, transcending the decade it debuted in theaters.
Starring the likes of Ellen DeGeneres, Geoffrey Rush, and Willem Dafoe, Finding Nemo tells the story of an overprotective clownfish named Marlin who goes on an ocean-wide quest with his forgetful friend Dory to find his lost son Nemo. The movie was released to critical acclaim for its charming brand of humor and heartfelt story that appeals to all audiences.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Avatar (2009)
Fire of Love (2022)
National Geographic’s Fire of Love is the rare documentary that doubles as a love story and an appreciation for nature’s fury. Unfortunately, it is also a tragedy. The film showcases Katia and Maurice Krafft, a pair of French volcanologists whose passion for each other was only matched for the work they shared. Together, they traveled the world and essentially became volcano chasers. They chronicled their journey with stunning pictures and videos before they lost their lives in a volcanic explosion. Regardless, their story — and their love — is still inspiring.
Black Panther (2018)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Soul (2020)
Toy Story (1995)
The Princess Bride (1987)
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Frozen (2013)
How many times can you watch Frozen? Only your children know for sure. With the 10th anniversary of its release coming up soon, it has to be said that Frozen has earned its place in Disney history as perhaps the studio’s most popular film since the ‘90s. Idina Menzel stars as Elsa, the estranged Princess of Arendelle who is ostracized from the kingdom because of her incredible ability to bend ice and cold to her will. Kristen Bell also stars as Elsa’s sister, Anna. The sisters haven’t seen each other in years, but they will have to emotionally reconnect if they want to save the kingdom and each other.
Lightyear (2022)
Get ready to meet the “real” Buzz Lightyear. Pixar’s Lightyear is predicated on the premise that this is the film that inspired the action figure from Toy Story. Beyond that, it’s largely its own take on the character originally played by Tim Allen. Captain America’s Chris Evans steps into the role of a much younger Buzz Lightyear, as his mission to explore strange new worlds inadvertently leaves his group marooned on a distant planet.
And every time that Buzz performs a test flight with unstable energy, it sends him further and further into the future until he is the only original colonist who can stand against the alien robots led by Zurg (James Brolin). Fortunately, Buzz’s new friend, Izzy Hawthorne (Keke Palmer), and her team are there to help prove that Buzz doesn’t have to go it alone.
Moana (2016)
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Star Wars (1977)
Forty -five years ago this week, the original Star Wars hit theaters and changed the movies forever. It was subsequently given the “Episode 4: A New Hope” name, but to the first generation of fans, it all starts here. In a desperate bid to keep Darth Vader (David Prowse with James Earl Jones as Vader’s voice) from retrieving the plans for a super weapon called the Death Star, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hides them with two droids. From there, destiny awaits a restless young man named Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), an exiled Jedi called Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), the Wookie Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and the scoundrel known as Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Even after all of these years, it’s still a rousing space adventure.
Inside Out (2015)
The Simpsons Movie (2007)
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Turning Red (2022)
Iron Man (2008)
Ratatouille (2007)
Encanto (2021)
The Avengers (2012)
Luca (2021)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Editors' Recommendations
- The best new shows to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Max (HBO), and more
- The best shows on Netflix in July 2023
- The best documentaries on Netflix right now
- Best new movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max (HBO), and more
- The best romantic comedies on Netflix right now