Must-Watch Movies on Disney Plus
Disney+ has quickly become a popular streaming service for fans of all genres, offering a wide range of movies to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic animated tale, a superhero movie, a thriller, or a horror film, Disney+ has something for everyone.
With the acquisition of 20th Century Fox a few years back, Disney’s library has expanded to include a variety of films beyond the traditional family-friendly content. This means that you can now find action-packed movies and horror films alongside the classic Disney favorites.
With such a vast selection to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to decide what to watch. That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best movies currently available on Disney+, ranging from old-school animations to live-action favorites, as well as exclusive titles like Soul and Prey.
For those looking for TV shows, Disney+ also offers a great selection of series to binge-watch.
The Muppets Christmas Carol
Considered by many to be the best Christmas movie ever, “The Muppets Christmas Carol” is a delightful retelling of the Charles Dickens classic. Michael Caine delivers a memorable performance as Scrooge, surrounded by the beloved Muppet characters. The catchy songs and heartwarming story make this film a holiday favorite.
Poor Things
Emma Stone shines in “Poor Things,” a unique film that blends science fiction and adventure. Stone’s character, Bella Baxter, undergoes a brain transplant and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. The film takes viewers on a wild and captivating ride, making it a must-watch.
The Lion King
“The Lion King” is a classic Disney favorite that tugs at the heartstrings of viewers of all ages. The original animated film, known for its iconic songs and emotional story, remains a standout in Disney’s catalog. While the 2019 remake is visually stunning, the original version continues to captivate audiences with its timeless tale.
High Fidelity
John Cusack delivers a standout performance in “High Fidelity,” a film that explores love, relationships, and self-discovery. The story follows a music store owner as he reflects on past relationships and learns valuable lessons along the way. With a gender-flipped TV adaptation also available on Disney+, the original film remains a classic worth revisiting.
Big Hero 6
“Big Hero 6” combines Disney animation with Marvel superhero elements to create an entertaining and heartwarming film. The story follows a group of unlikely heroes, including the lovable robot Baymax, on a thrilling adventure. With its touching moments and engaging characters, “Big Hero 6” is a must-see for fans of both Disney and Marvel.
Die Hard
The original “Die Hard” film, starring Bruce Willis, remains a classic action movie that stands the test of time. Set during a terrorist attack on an office Christmas party, the film follows Willis’s character as he battles the odds to save the day. Despite debates over its status as a Christmas film, “Die Hard” continues to be a fan favorite for its action-packed sequences and iconic one-liners.
The Fly
David Cronenberg’s “The Fly” is a chilling horror film that showcases the director’s talent for creating unsettling and grotesque visuals. As part of Disney’s Star catalog, the film offers a masterclass in body horror, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. With its intense and visceral moments, “The Fly” is a must-watch for fans of the horror genre.
With so many great movies to choose from on Disney+, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming animated film or a gripping thriller, Disney+ has you covered with its diverse selection of titles.
Having Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis as the ’80s power couple at the heart of it all doesn’t exactly hurt either. These two iconic actors were at the peak of their careers during this time, and their on-screen chemistry was undeniable. Their performances in various films of the ’80s solidified them as one of the most beloved couples in Hollywood.
Personal Shopper
You probably don’t deeply associate Disney with avant-garde introspection, but Personal Shopper is one of the finest films in years to fall into that bracket. A post-Twilight Kristen Stewart is the titular lead, a fashion buyer for the rich in Paris seeking signs that her recently deceased twin brother is still out there somewhere. Powerful and poignant, this is a slow burn, but one worth waiting for.
The French Connection
If you need one good reason to watch The French Connection, it’s that it contains perhaps the most influential car chase ever committed to celluloid. It’s a fantastic slow-burn crime caper regardless, but the building pressure gets its release when Gene Hackman’s detective Doyle sends his car hurtling through New York’s streets – in some shots dodging real pedestrians – in pursuit of a criminal on an elevated train.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
One of the later MCU films – and a key part of the franchise’s Phase Five – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 manages to strike a brilliant balance between hilarious and emotional, something that the series is known for. It centres around the fraught past of Rocket the Racoon and gives a fitting send-off to the rag-tag bunch of space heroes.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Roger Rabbit was a first of its kind: bringing together real actors with some of the most iconic cartoons, including Jessica Rabbit and Bugs Bunny. It also features Christopher Lloyd as the villain of the film, Judge Doom. As a warning, you’ll never see him just as Doc from Back to the Future after this. He’s terrifying.
Alien
When Disney announced that it would be adding the Fox back catalogue to Disney+, many people’s first question was: “Even Alien!?” And apparently, yeah, even Alien. And not just Alien, but also all its sequels, both good and bad – except the pretty abysmal Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.
Soul
Soul is firmly at the weird end of the Pixar spectrum – it’s about a middle-aged jazz musician who finally gets his big break…and then dies. And that’s just the first five minutes. What follows is a strange meditation on life and the afterlife, with Jamie Foxx as the recently departed Joe – desperate to return to his body – and Tina Fey as a troublesome young soul who accompanies him. It’s silly, sweet, funny, poignant, and more.
Thor: Ragnarok is a film that truly captures the essence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Taika Waititi, this movie takes the character of Thor to new heights by infusing it with humor, heart, and a whole lot of soul. The buddy comedy dynamic between Thor and Hulk, played by Mark Ruffalo, adds a fresh and entertaining twist to the traditional superhero narrative.
But it’s not just the main characters that shine in Thor: Ragnarok. Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of the goth queen villain, Tessa Thompson’s fierce and complex Valkyrie, and Jeff Goldblum’s eccentric alien ruler all bring a unique energy to the film. The result is a movie that is both action-packed and deeply funny, making it one of the best entries in the MCU.
While the follow-up film, Thor: Love and Thunder, is now available on Disney+, it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessor. Thor: Ragnarok remains a standout film in the superhero genre, showcasing the power of storytelling and character development.
Moving on to another classic film, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl stands out as a timeless adventure movie. Despite the series going on a bit too long with subsequent sequels, this first installment remains a fan favorite. With a captivating performance by Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and a thrilling nautical theme by composer Hans Zimmer, the film perfectly balances action, humor, and fantasy.
Shifting gears to a more recent release, Prey surprised audiences with its fresh take on the Predator franchise. Director Dan Trachtenberg’s decision to set the film in the past and focus on a Comanche hunter played by Amber Midthunder breathed new life into the iconic creature. With intense action sequences and a compelling story, Prey stands on par with the original Predator film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Next, we have Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. The film’s fusion of contemporary setting, archaic language, and vibrant visuals make it a standout in the romance genre. Leonardo DiCaprio and Clare Danes deliver powerful performances as the star-crossed lovers, supported by a talented cast that includes the late Pete Postlethwaite.
Switching gears to a more whimsical film, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou showcases director Wes Anderson’s signature style. With an ensemble cast led by Bill Murray, quirky humor, and a unique soundtrack featuring Portuguese covers of David Bowie songs, the film is a delightful mix of comedy and drama. Anderson’s attention to detail and visual storytelling make The Life Aquatic a must-watch for fans of indie cinema.
Lastly, Nomadland offers a poignant and intimate look at the life of a modern-day nomad. Directed by Chloe Zhao and starring Frances McDormand, the film explores themes of freedom, loss, and resilience against the backdrop of the American heartlands. With stunning cinematography and a powerful performance by McDormand, Nomadland is a cinematic masterpiece that deserves all the accolades it has received.
In conclusion, these films, from Thor: Ragnarok to Nomadland, each bring something unique to the table. Whether it’s epic superhero battles, swashbuckling adventures, or intimate character studies, these movies all share one thing in common: they have soul. And that’s what makes them truly special in the world of cinema. The Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation has gained popularity in recent years as a powerful tool for improving mental and emotional wellbeing. This ancient practice involves focusing one’s mind on the present moment, without judgment or attachment to thoughts, feelings, or sensations. By cultivating awareness and acceptance of the present moment, mindfulness meditation can help individuals reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall quality of life.
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Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool that can have a significant impact on our overall well-being and happiness. It involves taking the time to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and expressing appreciation for the blessings we have. While it may seem like a simple concept, the benefits of practicing gratitude daily are numerous and can have a profound effect on our mental, emotional, and physical health.
One of the primary benefits of practicing gratitude is that it helps to shift our perspective from focusing on what we lack to recognizing and appreciating what we have. This shift in mindset can lead to an increased sense of fulfillment and contentment, as we learn to find joy in the little things and become more aware of the abundance in our lives. By cultivating a sense of gratitude, we can also become more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks, as we are better able to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and draw strength from them.
Research has shown that practicing gratitude can have a positive impact on our mental health, reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. By expressing gratitude regularly, we can train our brains to focus on the positive aspects of our lives, rather than getting caught up in negative thinking patterns. This can lead to improved mood and a greater sense of well-being, as we learn to cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
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There are many ways to incorporate gratitude into our daily lives. Some people choose to keep a gratitude journal, where they write down three things they are thankful for each day. Others may practice gratitude through meditation, prayer, or simply by taking a few moments each day to reflect on the blessings in their lives. Whatever method we choose, the key is to make gratitude a regular practice, so that we can reap the numerous benefits it has to offer.
In conclusion, practicing gratitude daily can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and happiness. By shifting our perspective to focus on the positive aspects of our lives and expressing appreciation for the blessings we have, we can reduce stress, improve our mental and physical health, strengthen our relationships, and cultivate a greater sense of fulfillment and contentment. Incorporating gratitude into our daily routine is a simple yet powerful way to enhance our quality of life and experience greater joy and gratitude in all aspects of our lives.