7 Most Rewatchable Disney Movies of the 21st Century

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For more than 100 years, Disney has been a leading influence on popular culture worldwide. This success comes from their ability to create films that become timeless classics, enjoyed by families for generations long after they leave theaters. Disney Studios carefully combines innovative animation, stories based on familiar themes, and memorable music. They also focus on high-quality production and detailed world-building, making their films enjoyable to watch again and again.

I’ve always been amazed by how Disney has grown over the years, smartly bringing incredible companies like Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Pixar into the fold. But when I think about Disney movies, I’m drawn to those released directly under the Disney name – everything from classic animation to the huge live-action films and even the shows that became favorites on the Disney Channel. And honestly, this isn’t about listing the best Disney films, but the ones I – and so many others – just keep coming back to. They’re the stories you can enjoy again and again, no matter how many times you’ve seen them!

7) High School Musical

High School Musical had a huge impact on TV and movies aimed at teenagers, bringing musicals back in a big way. The story centers on Troy Bolton (Zac Efron), a popular athlete, and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens), a smart student, who both unexpectedly try out for the school musical, challenging the usual social groups. People continue to enjoy High School Musical because of its upbeat music and the genuine performances from the cast, which perfectly capture a specific moment in pop culture with a lot of energy. Director Kenny Ortega’s experience with dance is also key, as the movie features memorable and well-choreographed musical numbers. While the story itself is a familiar high school tale, the charm of the actors and the polished musical performances create an enjoyable and captivating experience that keeps viewers coming back.

6) National Treasure

National Treasure is a thrilling, quick-paced movie that feels like a heist story wrapped in a historical adventure – perfect for watching again and again. The story follows historian Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) as he steals the Declaration of Independence in search of a hidden treasure left by America’s Founding Fathers. A big part of the movie’s charm comes from the fun dynamic between Gates and his sarcastic tech assistant, Riley Poole (Justin Bartha), who provides much-needed humor. Nicolas Cage plays his role with convincing sincerity, even when dealing with a far-fetched conspiracy, which helps make the fantastical treasure hunt believable. Director Jon Turteltaub keeps the movie moving at a rapid pace by turning puzzles and research into exciting action scenes. And because the film avoids being too serious, it’s a light and enjoyable choice for a fun night in.

5) Lilo & Stitch

Even after over twenty years, Disney’s Lilo & Stitch still looks unique thanks to its beautiful watercolor style. The movie, set in Hawaii, tells the story of Lilo (voiced by Daveigh Chase) and her unlikely adoption of Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), a mischievous alien who turns her life upside down. What makes Lilo & Stitch special is its honest portrayal of a struggling family and the challenges faced by Lilo’s older sister, Nani (voiced by Tia Carrere), as she tries to keep them together. This realistic emotional core balances out the film’s funny, fast-paced action and has made it a favorite for many years, continuing on Disney+. The movie’s popularity was recently boosted by the huge success of the live-action remake in mid-2025, which earned over a billion dollars worldwide.

4) Frozen

Frozen quickly became a worldwide success by cleverly turning Disney princess story conventions on their head, all while featuring a hugely popular and memorable soundtrack, including the song “Let It Go.” A key reason for its enduring popularity is how the movie replaced the traditional “True Love’s Kiss” with the strong bond between sisters, Anna and Elsa. This added depth is made even more interesting by Prince Hans, a character whose deceptive behavior encourages viewers to rewatch the film and spot the hints of his betrayal. Adding to the enjoyment, Olaf provides consistent humor, making the movie a fun and easy watch. And visually, Frozen’s realistic depiction of ice remains impressive even today.

3) Tangled

Disney spent a massive $260 million on Tangled, hoping to revitalize its animation style by moving from traditional hand-drawn films to computer-generated imagery. A large part of this record budget went into the incredibly complex task of animating Rapunzel’s long hair – seventy feet of it, to be exact! Disney even created new software, called Dynamic Wires, to make it happen. Because the hair was given weight and realistic movement, the animators could create exciting action scenes without it looking artificial, a common problem in earlier 3D movies. This realistic detail is a key reason Tangled still looks great today, even 15 years later. The voice acting also played a crucial role, with Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider bringing a witty, improvisational energy that contrasted nicely with the classic fairy tale elements. Combined with Alan Menken’s folk-inspired music, this created a lively and engaging pace that makes the movie enjoyable to watch again and again.

2) Moana

The continued popularity of Moana is due to its role as the beginning of a very successful Disney franchise, a fact proven by the huge success of its sequel in theaters. What makes the movie special is that it focuses on Moana’s personal journey of self-discovery instead of a typical love story, creating a compelling and exciting plot even if you already know how it ends. The playful dynamic between the strong-willed Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) and the confident Maui (Dwayne Johnson) adds consistent humor, keeping the quest to save Te Fiti interesting every time you watch. Plus, the groundbreaking animation used to bring the ocean to life still sets a high standard for digital animation, making the world of Motunui feel lively and real even ten years later.

1) Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

With its exciting mix of pirate adventure and spooky supernatural elements, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl set the standard for modern Disney live-action films. A big reason the movie is so rewatchable is Johnny Depp’s memorable performance as the quirky Jack Sparrow. Depp’s unpredictable character, combined with the straightforward heroism of Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and the resourceful Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), keeps the story moving at a fast pace – something the later films sometimes lacked. Plus, the film’s use of real sets and practical effects, rather than relying heavily on CGI, gives it a timeless quality that still holds up against today’s big-budget blockbusters.

What’s your favorite Disney movie from the 2000s and beyond that you love rewatching? Share your pick in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-27 21:15