There's plenty of diverse content on the streamer, from children's media and concert films to Oscarwinning blockbusters and scifi franchises. Something for ever

There's plenty of diverse content on the streamer, from children's media and concert films to Oscar-winning blockbusters and sci-fi franchises.

Something for everyone: The 35 best movies streaming on Disney+

There's plenty of diverse content on the streamer, from children's media and concert films to Oscar-winning blockbusters and sci-fi franchises.

By Meg Walters,

Kevin Jacobsen,

and James Mercadante

on October 20, 2025 7:11 a.m. ET

Halle Bailey as Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid'; Taylor Swift performing in 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour'; Cliff Curtis as Tonowari in 'Avatar: The Way of Water'. Credit:

Courtesy of Disney; Disney Enterprises Inc.; Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Since its launch in November 2019, Disney+ has emerged as a major content hub catering to a wide range of moods and tastes. While it's true that the streamer offers plenty of family-friendly fare — like all the Pixar flicks, including *Ratatouille* (2007)* *— it also carries a vast library of titles from the company's various flagship production houses. If you're looking for heart-stopping adventures, turn on Marvel's *Black Panther* (2018), or if you're craving something nostalgic, *Hocus Pocus* (1993) is right there.

Here are the 35 best movies on Disney+.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona and Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford in '10 Things I Hate About You'.

Buena Vista/Getty

The whip-smart, late-20th-century retelling of William Shakespeare's *The Taming of the Shrew *is one of the most epochal teen rom-coms. Here, we meet the Stratford sisters who couldn't be more different: Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) is a quintessentially perky popular girl while Kate (Julia Stiles) is an antisocial senior who marches to her own beat. With their overprotective father forbidding Bianca from dating until Kate does, the heart-eyed new student Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) pays Padua High's Australian bad boy (Heath Ledger, a born rom-com lead) to win Kate's heart so he can date Bianca.

With quick-witted dialogue, a perfectly curated '90s soundtrack, and a stacked ensemble, *10 Things I Hate About You* has left us "whelmed" in the best way possible. —*James Mercadante*

Where to watch *10 Things I Hate About You*: Disney+

**Director:** Gil Junger

**Cast:** Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller, Gabrielle Union, Andrew Keegan, David Krumholtz, Susan May Pratt

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Sam Worthington as Jake Sully and Jamie Flatters as Neteyam in 'Avatar: The Way of Water'.

Courtesy of 20th Century Studios

Thirteen years after introducing millions to Pandora, James Cameron plunged viewers back into its otherworldly depths with a visually engaging, 192-minute sequel overflowing with record-breaking underwater stunts, Oscar-winning special effects, and emotional narrative threads. Becoming the third highest-grossing movie of all time (two spots underneath its predecessor), *Avatar: The Way of Water* finds former Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) permanently in full Na'vi form, leading a clan alongside princess Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña). While the American military base RDA relentlessly exploits Pandora, Sully and his family seek refuge with the reef-dwelling, aquatic clan of Metkayina.

As EW's critic writes, "*The* *Way of Water* has already created its own whole-cloth reality, a meticulous world-building as astonishing and enveloping as anything we've ever seen on screen — until that crown is passed, inevitably, in...*Avatar 3*." —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Avatar: The Way of Water*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** James Cameron

**Cast:** Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Beast (voice: Robby Benson) and Belle (voice: Paige O'Hara) in 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Few films better represent the high quality of the Disney Renaissance than *Beauty and the Beast*. In this tale as old as time, local bookworm Belle (Paige O'Hara) travels to a faraway castle where her father is being held captive by a prince–turned–beastly creature. Belle offers to take her father's place in exchange for his freedom, eventually falling in love with the Beast (Robby Benson).

With elegant animation, lovable characters, and iconic musical numbers, it's no wonder *Beauty and the Beast* became the first animated film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. —*Kevin Jacobsen***

Where to watch *Beauty and the Beast*: Disney+

**EW grade:** B

**Directors: **Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise

**Cast:** Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury

Big (1988)

Robert Loggia as Mr. MacMillan and Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin in 'Big'.

20th Century Fox/Everett Collection

Tom Hanks fulfilled every child's fantasy of living life as an adult in this treasured comedy classic. The film centers on 12-year-old Josh, who uses a fortune-teller machine to make a wish to be "big." He then wakes up in the body of an adult man (Hanks), enjoying the spoils of his newfound freedom and finding work at a toy company. As time goes on, however, Joe's lack of maturity becomes a hindrance and he longs for his simpler life. Hanks' big-kid energy performance and Penny Marshall's deft direction make *Big* worth revisiting again and again. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Big*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Penny Marshall

**Cast:** Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard

Black Panther (2018)

Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa/Black Panther in 'Black Panther'.

Matt Kennedy/Marvel/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy of Everett

Whether you watch *Black Panther* as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's canon or as a standalone film, this spectacular superhero adventure does not disappoint. *Black Panther *tells the story of the fictional nation of Wakanda and their newly-crowned leader T'Challa, a.k.a. the Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). Centuries after discovering the metal vibranium, the kingdom develops into a high-tech utopia and poses as a third-world country to protect its resources.

This superhero movie doesn't just give us inventive fight sequences and thrilling world-building that Marvel is known for, but also features dazzling, vivid African-inspired production design and* *is an exuberant celebration of Black history and Black excellence in cinema. —*Meg Walters*

Where to watch *Black Panther*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Ryan Coogler

**Cast:** Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs in 'The Devil Wears Prada'.

Barry Wetcher/20th Century Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock

With a sequel set for release in 2026, *The Devil Wears Prada* is officially back in season. The beloved comedy stars Anne Hathaway as a budding journalist who struggles with the demands required as assistant to fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Streep's deliberate underplaying of her character — the lilting voice, a subtle dismissive hand wave — made her an instant favorite and won her a Golden Globe. With at least a dozen quotable lines ("Florals for spring? *Groundbreaking*.") and universal themes about staying true to oneself, it's a film we can endlessly rewatch and never get tired of. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Devil Wears Prada*: Disney+

**Director:** David Frankel

**Cast:** Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker**

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands in 'Edward Scissorhands'.

Once upon a time, a humanoid artificial entity left unfinished by his deceased inventor fell in love. Left with scissor blades in place of hands, Edward (Johnny Depp) lives alone in a Gothic mansion but is encouraged by a friendly neighbor to come live with her and her family. Edward soon develops a liking for the neighbor's teenage daughter, Kim (Winona Ryder), though societal prejudice against him for his frightening appearance threatens to keep them apart. Wondrous and moving in equal measure, *Edward Scissorhands* is a dark fairy tale with a sweet center. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Edward Scissorhands*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A–

**Director: **Tim Burton

**Cast:** Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Robert Oliveri

Enchanted (2007)

Amy Adams as Giselle (center) and James Marsden as Prince Edward (right) in 'Enchanted'. Everett Collection

Amy Adams becomes Disney royalty before our eyes in this charming send-up of the studio's animated classics. Giselle, a princess-to-be, is banished from her animated fairy tale world by a corrupt queen, sending her to modern-day (and live-action) New York City. A fish out of water, Giselle (now inhabited by Adams) is mercifully taken in by a handsome divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter, leading to an unexpected connection. Led by Adams in one of her most memorable performances to date, EW's critic writes, "Adams transcends the self-referential winks that could've made *Enchanted* truly trivial with a turn that's utterly cartoonish and fully alive." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Enchanted*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Kevin Lima

**Cast:** Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, Susan Sarandon

Fantasia (1940)

Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice in 'Fantasia'.

Walt Disney/Courtesy of Everett

The aptly named *Fantasia* is Disney's awe-inspiring animated anthology accompanied by iconic classical music. The film will have you hooked from the beginning with its extraordinarily inventive sequences — some beautiful, some abstract, some concrete stories. Whether you're a music history buff or a first-time listener, this trippy cult classic will make you reconsider your relationship with instrumentals-only tunes.

Look out for the unforgettable scene that sees Mickey Mouse as a sorcerer's apprentice — his first time in the famous wizard hat — as he deals with an ominous army of ever-multiplying broomsticks. *—M.W. *

Where to watch *Fantasia*: Disney+

**Cast:** Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Mr. Fox (voice: George Clooney) in 'Fantastic Mr. Fox'.

20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Wes Anderson brings his distinctive style to the world of animation with this adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl children's novel. George Clooney voices the wily Mr. Fox, a *Vulpes vulpes* who gets his kicks from thievery. After stealing food from local farmers, he and his family find themselves in danger when the farmers seek retaliation. A visual stunner, *Fantastic Mr. Fox* is one of Anderson's best films, packed with idiosyncratic details and a resonant story that all ages can enjoy. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Fantastic Mr. Fox*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Wes Anderson

**Cast:** George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson

Freaky Friday (2003)

Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis as Anna and Dr. Tess Coleman in 'Freaky Friday'.

Walt Disney/Courtesy of Everett

Pairing Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan as a mother-daughter duo was the "ultimate" recipe for revitalizing Mary Rodgers' eponymous 1976 novel for a contemporary audience. The 2003 version of *Freaky Friday* follows the contentious relationship between the rebellious, punk-rock-loving 16-year-old girl Anna (Lohan) and her straitlaced — or as Anna puts it, "fun sucker" — psychiatrist mother Tess (Curtis), as a mystical fortune cookie forces the two to switch bodies and see the world through each other's eyes. Beyond its nostalgic soundtrack and timeless familial themes, the heart of *Freaky Friday* lies in Curtis and Lohan's undeniable chemistry and masterful performances. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Freaky Friday*: Disney+

**Director:** Mark Waters

**Cast: **Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon, Harold Gould, Chad Michael Murray, Stephen Tobolowsky, Christina Vidal, Ryan Malgarini

Hamilton (2020)

Anthony Ramos as John Laurens, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Daveed Diggs as the Marquis de Lafayette, and Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan in 'Hamilton'.

Courtesy of Disney

When Lin-Manuel Miranda's *Hamilton* opened on Broadway in 2015, audiences were shocked to discover that a rap musical about a founding father actually worked. The breathtaking, history-making show became an instant sensation thanks to Miranda's sharp, modern lyricism and the production's impeccable staging. A filmed version with the original Broadway cast is streaming on Disney+ and doesn't miss a beat. While Miranda may not be the first to bring unusual historical subjects to the stage, he certainly found a winning (though unlikely) combination of hip-hop and Alexander Hamilton. *—M.W.*

Where to watch *Hamilton*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Thomas Kail

**Cast:** Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Christopher Jackson, Daveed Diggs, Anthony Ramos, Okieriete Onaodowan, Jonathan Groff, Jasmine Cephas Jones

Hidden Figures (2016)

Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Goble Johnson (back left), Octavia Spencer (center) as Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monáe as Mary Jackson (back right) in 'Hidden Figures'.

Hopper Stone/Fox 2000 Pictures/Courtesy of Everett

When hearing the phrase "Women in STEM" being tossed around on the internet, it's hard not to think of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. Loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's 2016 nonfiction book of the same name, *Hidden Figures* tells the historically unsung tale of three Black women mathematicians whose integral contributions propelled NASA's space program during its early years, including John Glenn becoming the first American to orbit Earth.**** With its powerhouse, SAG-winning ensemble (led by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe), the film is a well-drawn, feel-good biopic — though some may critique its inclusion of a white savior narrative — that is as touching as it is enlightening. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Hidden Figures*: Disney+

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Theodore Melfi

**Cast:** Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy as Sarah, Winifred, and Mary Sanderson in 'Hocus Pocus'. Everett Collection

*Sistahhhhs!* Let's be honest, chances are you've seen this spooky season staple many times before, but there's something about hanging out with those witchy Sandersons that never gets old. A lot of it comes down to the deliciousness of the performances by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, who ostensibly play the villains of the film as they terrorize Salem on Halloween night but are so wickedly funny that it's hard not to root for them. *Hocus Pocus* was initially met with mixed reviews from critics (including our very own), but the film's reputation has grown exponentially over the past few decades, becoming a new classic for generations of audiences. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Hocus Pocus*: Disney+

**EW grade:** C–

**Director:** Kenny Ortega

**Cast:** Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw

Isle of Dogs (2018)

Boss (voice: Bill Murray), Duke (voice: Jeff Goldblum), Rex (voice: Edward Norton), King (voice: Bob Balaban), Spots (voice: Liev Schreiber), Gondo (voice: Harvey Keitel), Atari (voice: Koyu Rankin), and Chief (voice: Bryan Cranston) in 'Isle of Dogs'.

Fox Searchlight/Courtesy of Everett

Having whetted his stop-motion chops with *Fantastic Mr. Fox*, Wes Anderson ventured into the art form again with his ninth directorial feature. Taking place in the fictional Japanese metropolis Megasaki, the two-time Oscar-nominated adventure comedy illustrates a world where Mayor Kenji Kobayashi (voiced by Kunichi Nomura) banishes all canine pets to Trash Island due to the Dog-Flu. 12-year-old Atari (Koyu Rankin) soon journeys there aboard a miniature Junior Turboprop to reunite with his bodyguard pup, Spots (Liev Schreiber).

An allegorical critique of isolationism and the scapegoating of marginalized communities, *Isle of Dogs* howls with Anderson's trademark kitschy visual style while "plumbing fresh depths of feeling and tenderhearted eccentricity," writes EW's critic. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Isle of Dogs*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Wes Anderson

**Cast:** Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, Jeff Goldblum, Scarlett Johansson, Kunichi Nomura, Tilda Swinton, Ken Watanabe, Greta Gerwig, Frances McDormand, Yoko Ono, Harvey Keitel

Jim Henson Idea Man (2024)

Jim Henson (center, with Kermit the Frog) and company in 'Jim Henson Idea Man'.

Brilliant minds like Jim Henson are often complicated, and this Emmy-winning documentary earnestly delves into the man behind the genius. Directed by Ron Howard, *Jim Henson Idea Man* follows Henson's rise to fame as Hollywood's premier puppeteer, developing such long-lasting franchises as the Muppets and *Sesame Street*. Featuring exclusive interviews with Henson's family and close collaborators, the doc's strengths lie in their touching recollections of who he was as an artist and a man. Howard told EW about what made Henson such a brilliant innovator: "He was able to, with great affection, say, 'Look how silly we can all be. Look how crazy the world can be.' And yet not turn that into something bleak, but to recognize joy amid the chaos." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Jim Henson Idea Man*: Disney+

**Director:** Ron Howard

**Cast:** Jim Henson, Fran Brill, Jennifer Connelly, Dave Goelz, Brian Henson, Rita Moreno, Frank Oz**

The Lion King (1994)

Simba (voice: Matthew Broderick), Timon (voice: Nathan Lane), and Pumbaa (voice: Ernie Sabella) in 'The Lion King'. Everett Collection

This animated classic remains timeless no matter how many times you watch it. Loosely adapting William Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, *The Lion King* follows Simba, a lion cub who is expected to inherit his father's position as king, only to have the crown snatched away after a traumatic incident. Left in exile, Simba must return to the Pride Lands to reclaim what's his, with help from some unlikely friends along the way. Featuring vibrant animation and some of the best songs in the studio's catalog, *The Lion King* is a masterpiece of Disney magic at its finest. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Lion King*: Disney+

**Directors:** Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff

**Cast:** Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly

The Little Mermaid (2023)

Halle Bailey as Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric in 'The Little Mermaid'.

Giles Keyte/Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Rob Marshall's 2023 reimagining of *The Little Mermaid* made waves by introducing the first Black Ariel, played by R&B artist Halle Bailey. While initially met with racist backlash online, there's no denying that every change was necessary to reflect 21st-century values (even Jodie Benson, the voice of the animated Ariel, agrees), with additional songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and a few subtle tweaks to the plot. The magic of the beloved cartoon still sings here, with breathtaking aquatic sequences, a perfectly cast ensemble (we're still thinking of Melissa McCarthy's Ursula and her shimmy), and a tender magnetism between Bailey's Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King's Prince Eric. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *The Little Mermaid*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Rob Marshall

**Cast:** Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, Jacob Tremblay, Noma Dumezweni, Art Malik, Javier Bardem, Melissa McCarthy

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Jack Skellington (voice: Chris Sarandon) and Sally (voice: Catherine O'Hara) in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'.

Director Henry Selick and producer Tim Burton's stop-motion animated musical is a gothic feast for the senses. Set in a fantasy world of towns built around specific holidays, Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon) is the revered Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Weary of the town's rote traditions, Jack wanders into the woods where he discovers Christmas Town, and, after becoming hyper-fixated on the festive holiday, decides to take it over.

Released during the Disney Renaissance, *The Nightmare Before Christmas* was a dark alternative to the House of Mouse's traditional animated output, and it's since become a treasured classic for its playfully vivid animation and wicked sensibility. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *The Nightmare Before Christmas*: Disney+

**EW grade:** C

**Director: **Henry Selick

**Cast:** Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Danny Elfman

The Parent Trap (1998)

Natasha Richardson as Elizabeth James, Lindsay Lohan as Hallie Parker and Annie James (second from left and far right), and Dennis Quaid as Nick Parker in 'The Parent Trap'.

It's still remarkable to watch Lindsay Lohan play dual roles in *The Parent Trap *and remember it was her *film debut*. The future star plays Hallie and Annie, twins whose parents quickly divorced and raised each of them separately. After meeting by coincidence at summer camp, the sisters conspire to get their parents back together with an elaborate scheme that includes switching identities.

A remake of the 1961 classic starring Hayley Mills (also on Disney+), EW's critic praises the 1998 version as "an homage as well as an update for an era of even more split families, and more fervent children's wishes for the magical ability to make things whole." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *The Parent Trap*: Disney+

**Director: **Nancy Meyers

**Cast:** Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Elaine Hendrix, Lisa Ann Walter, Simon Kunz

The 26 best family films on Disney+ for movie night

The 27 best Disney+ movies for adults

The Princess Bride (1987)

Robin Wright as Princess Buttercup and Cary Elwes as Westley in 'The Princess Bride'.

20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Few films aiming to evoke the fairy tales of yesteryear have actually stuck in the public consciousness as strongly as this Rob Reiner classic. The film centers on Westley (Cary Elwes), a farmhand who goes on a noble quest to rescue his beloved Buttercup (Robin Wright) from the clutches of the loathsome Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon), to whom she's unhappily betrothed. Lots of colorful characters (and catchphrases) follow, and the film deftly balances fairy tale tropes with a refreshingly modern wit.

"*The Princess Bride* does the unimaginable," writes EW's critic. "It manages to be all things to all people (at least, all people who like good movies). It's a romance, an adventure, a comedy, a drama, a morality play, and a film about sports." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *The Princess Bride*: Disney+

**EW grade:** B

**Director:** Rob Reiner

**Cast:** Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant, Robin Wright, Peter Falk, Billy Crystal

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones in 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'.

The movie that solidified Indiana Jones as a timeless action hero, *Raiders of the Lost Ark* follows the whip-wielding archaeologist (Harrison Ford) as he races against Nazis to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant and its fantastical powers. Seamlessly blending old-school adventure vibes with then-cutting-edge technology, the film delivers some of cinema's most enduring moments, including its iconic opening sequence.

Helmed by Steven Spielberg and penned by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, the first installment of the Indiana Jones saga is further augmented by John Williams' haunting score and Ford's quipping, charismatic performance. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Raiders of the Lost Ark*: Disney+

**Director:* ***Steven Spielberg

**Cast:* ***Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Ronald Lacey, John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott

Ratatouille (2007)

Remy (voice: Patton Oswalt) in 'Ratatouille'.

Walt Disney Co./Courtesy of Everett

*Ratatouille*, the 2008 Oscar winner for Best Animated Feature, is more than a children's movie. When Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt) — a charismatic rat with a perfect sense of smell and a pesky desire to cook — allies with a Parisian restaurant's garbage boy, they work together to restore their once-great dining establishment to its former glory.

As EW's critic describes, *Ratatouille *is a "blithe concoction, as well as a miraculously textured piece of animated design." In addition to offering lighthearted, family-friendly fun, adults will also find a deeper layer that explores very real class disparities in our world. *—M.W.*

Where to watch *Ratatouille*: Disney+

**Director:** Brad Bird

**Cast: **Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brad Garrett, Peter O'Toole, Janeane Garofalo, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Will Arnett

Sister Act (1992)

Whoopi Goldberg as Sister Mary Clarence in 'Sister Act'.

Everett Collection

Whoopi Goldberg as a lounge singer-turned-nun — need we say more? This hilarious crime caper finds Goldberg's Deloris witnessing a bit of mob violence, leading her to enter witness protection. She reluctantly hides out in a San Francisco convent and becomes Sister Mary Clarence, where her bold personality clashes with the more conservative nuns. However, her entertainment experience helps draw in new parishioners — but also a level of media attention that could spell danger for her.

Fabulously entertaining with great musical numbers, *Sister Act* netted a sequel the very next year, and we can't wait for the third installment currently in development at Disney+. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Sister Act*: Disney+

**EW grade:** B–

**Director: **Emile Ardolino

**Cast:** Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Harvey Keitel, Bill Nunn

The Sound of Music (1965)

Julie Andrews as Maria in 'The Sound of Music'.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

The epitome of Hollywood musicals, this timeless classic tells the beloved story of Maria (Julie Andrews), an optimistic governess to the seven neglected children of a strict, widowed sea captain (Christopher Plummer). Set in Austria on the cusp of WWII, what begins as a moving love story takes a dark turn when the Nazi party tries to recruit the captain. From its unforgettable original soundtrack to its iconic love story, *The Sound of Music* is nostalgia-filled escapism at its best. *—M.W.*

Where to watch *The Sound of Music*: Disney+

**Director: **Robert Wise

**Cast: **Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Charmian Carr, Heather Menzies, Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, Kym Karath

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Miles Morales/Spider-Man (voice: Shameik Moore) in 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'. Sony Pictures Animation

Following up on the massive success of the Oscar-winning *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* (2018) was a huge responsibility, but this dazzling sequel was well worth the five-year wait. *Across the Spider-Verse* finds Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) adjusting to the struggles of life as Spider-Man, while Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) deals with the unique situation of her father hunting down her alter ego, Spider-Woman, not knowing she's her. Both heroes soon join a team looking to defeat a particularly slippery villain known as the Spot (Jason Schwartzman), who is quickly traveling through the multiverse on a path of destruction. Featuring even more eye-popping visuals than its predecessor, *Across the Spider-Verse* is an animation geek's dream. —*K.J.***** Where to watch *Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse*: Disney+******EW grade:** B+******Directors:** Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson******Cast:** Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Schwartzman, Oscar Isaac, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Vélez, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Mahershala Ali

Splash (1984)

Eugene Levy as Dr. Walter Kornbluth, Daryl Hannah as Madison, Tom Hanks as Allen Bauer, and John Candy as Freddie Bauer in 'Splash'.

Buena Vista/Courtesy of Everett

Before Guillermo del Toro's *The Shape of Water *(2017), there was Ron Howard's *Splash*. This fish-out-of-water fantasy comedy follows Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks), a love-starved, wealthy businessman living in NYC with his irreverent older brother Freddie (John Candy). Escaping the concrete jungle, Allen finds himself washed ashore in Cape Cod, Mass., only to be rescued by a mysterious blonde mermaid (Daryl Hannah) who speaks zero English and is curious about the human world.

With a sprinkle of '80s nonsensical wit, *Splash* is an easy-breezy watch that finds its place in the sun by being ridiculously campy while grounding itself in earnestness, thanks to Hanks and Hannah's bewitching lead performances. —*J.M.*

Where to watch *Splash*: Disney+

**Director:** Ron Howard**

**Cast:** Tom Hanks, Daryl Hannah, Eugene Levy, John Candy

The Straight Story (1999)

Richard Farnsworth as Alvin Straight in 'The Straight Story'.

You wouldn't expect to find one of David Lynch's films on Disney+, but this underappreciated road trip drama is a warm departure for the surrealist auteur. Based on a true story, the film follows Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth), an elderly Iowa war veteran who finds out his Wisconsin brother has suffered a stroke. Hoping to visit him but unable to drive, Alvin decides to get to his ailing brother via riding lawnmower, to the confusion of his community.

Meeting drifters and friendly folk along the way, Alvin is doggedly determined to make amends while facing ailments of his own. EW's critic describes the film as "Lynch's elegy for a pre-postmodern world where life was safe and whole." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *The Straight Story*: Disney+

**Director: **David Lynch

**Cast:** Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton, Everett McGill, John Farley, Kevin Farley

Sugarcane (2024)

Chief Willie Sellars digs a grave for communty member Stan Wycotte in 'Sugarcane'.

Emily Kassie/Sugarcane Film LLC

This Oscar-nominated documentary is a hard-hitting examination of systemic abuse toward Indigenous children in a Canadian residential school. Run by the Catholic Church, Saint Joseph's Mission was a hotbed for heinous crimes of both a physical and sexual nature, and the doc lays out evidence with clear-eyed fury. While not the easiest watch, *Sugarcane* is necessary viewing nonetheless, a powerful reckoning that also explores themes of generational trauma without being exploitative. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Sugarcane*: Disney+

**Directors:** Julian Brave NoiseCat, Emily Kassie

Summer of Soul (...or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021)

Tony Lawrence hosting the Harlem Cultural Festival in 'Summer of Soul'.

Searchlight Pictures/Courtesy of Everett

This Oscar-winning independent documentary from the Roots drummer and hip-hop legend Questlove offers an inside glimpse into the largely forgotten 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a.k.a. Black Woodstock. Composed of previously unseen concert footage from the likes of Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Sly & the Family Stone — along with modern-day interviews with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Chris Rock — *Summer of Soul *paints a unique, heartfelt portrait of a fascinating, overlooked moment in music history and its significance in promoting Black pride. *—M.W.*

Where to watch *Summer of Soul (...or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)*: Disney+

**EW grade:** B+

**Director:** Questlove

Tangled (2010)

Flynn Rider (voice: Zachary Levi), Rapunzel (voice: Mandy Moore), and Maximus in 'Tangled'.

This adventurous take on a classic fairy tale is one of Disney Animation's most entertaining films of the 21st century. Locked away in a tower, 18-year-old Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has a seemingly endless train of hair with healing powers, which her kidnapper, Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy), uses to her advantage in a vain attempt to maintain a youthful appearance. Longing for escape, Rapunzel meets a thief, Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), who helps her flee to the city, where, unbeknownst to her, her long-lost birth parents reign as king and queen.

*Tangled* has a refreshing, high-spirited approach to the studio's classic "princess" formula, though there's plenty of Disney magic to be found — most notably in the gorgeous, Oscar-nominated musical number, "I See the Light." —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Tangled*: Disney+

**EW grade:** B

**Directors: **Nathan Greno and Byron Howard

**Cast:** Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman, M.C. Gainey, Jeffrey Tambor

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version) (2023)

Taylor Swift performing in 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version)'.

TAS Rights Management

Best believe she's still bejeweled! In 2023, Taylor Swift reigned supreme; from releasing two re-recorded albums to being named *Time*'s Person of the Year to her high-profile romance with Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce. Yet, none of this matched the epic scale of her career-encompassing Eras world tour (the first ever to rake in more than $1 billion), and it's now available to stream.

Shot across Swift's three-night stint at Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium, this concert film lets Swifties bask in her three-hour musical spectacle from the comfort of their homes, complete with four bonus acoustic tracks not featured in the theatrical release. Directed by Sam Wrench, the *Eras Tour* film explodes with grandeur, showcasing intricate stage setups, dazzling ensembles, and Swift's ever-sweet theatricality while matching the energy of the live stadium experience. A six-part docuseries about the tour, as well as another concert film — *The Eras Tour | The Final Show *— will be released on Dec. 12 on Disney+.* *—*J.M.*

Where to watch *Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version)*: Disney+

**Director:** Sam Wrench

**Cast: **Taylor Swift

WALL-E (2008)

EVE (voice: Elissa Knight) and WALL-E (voice: Ben Burtt) in 'WALL-E'.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy of Everett

Pixar's *WALL-E* is an animated children's movie that presents an eerie dystopian future. Due to over-consumption, noxious pollution, and landfill mountains, humanity has abandoned Earth and resides in reclined hover chairs on an enormous spacecraft where their daily needs are automated and performed by service robots.

This film strikes a powerful message: The desire for ever-more instant gratification and convenience could come at the expense of human health and the planet we call home. And, of course, the message digs deeper with the help of the wide binocular-shaped eyes of the charming titular robot. *—M.W.*

Where to watch *WALL-E*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A

**Director:** Andrew Stanton

**Cast:** Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver

West Side Story (2021)

Ariana DeBose as Anita and David Alvarez as Bernardo in 'West Side Story'.

Niko Tavernise/20th Century Studios

It's rare for a remake to match an original, but Steven Spielberg's rendition of *West Side Story* certainly comes close. Inspired by *Romeo and Juliet*, this iconic musical tells the tragic star-crossed love story of Tony (Ansel Elgort), a white ex-gang member, and Maria (Rachel Zegler), a Puerto Rican immigrant, who are caught in a turf war in 1950s Manhattan.

This masterful film is both an ode to old-school musicals and a remarkably modern piece of filmmaking — with Spielberg's explosive colors, expansive cinematography, and soaring song-and-dance numbers matching the weighty themes and timeless emotions of this classic. *—M.W.*

Where to watch *West Side Story*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A–

**Director:** Steven Spielberg

**Cast:** Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno, Corey Stoll

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Bob Hoskins as Eddie Valiant and Roger Rabbit (voice: Charles Fleischer) in 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'.

Buena Vista Pictures/Everett Collection

The worlds of animation and live-action converge in this Oscar-winning visual feast. In an alternate version of 1940s Hollywood where cartoon characters live alongside humans, private detective Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins) tries to get to the bottom of who framed toon star Roger Rabbit for murder. The film features bold design and a clever satirical edge that evokes classic crime dramas, with lots of cameos from well-established cartoon fan favorites. —*K.J.***

Where to watch *Who Framed Roger Rabbit*: Disney+

**Director:** Robert Zemeckis

**Cast:** Bob Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Charles Fleischer, Kathleen Turner, Joanna Cassidy, Mel Blanc

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Movies"

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Source: VoXi MAG

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