The Best Movies on Disney+ Every Film Lover Must See

Disney+ is well known as the go-to streaming service for children, and for good reason. Disney has been a leading name in kids’ entertainment for almost a hundred years. You can’t stream classic characters like Mickey Mouse, Kermit the Frog, Woody, and Buzz Lightyear anywhere else but Disney+.

When Disney+ first launched in late 2019, it only offered family-friendly content – there weren’t any movies with mature ratings. However, over the years, Disney+ has become more flexible with what it offers, and now includes some surprisingly edgy titles. You might even find something like Slotherhouse, a horror comedy about a killer sloth, if you know where to look! (“Hey, could you grab the popcorn while I start Disney+ and put on Slotherhouse?”)

If you prefer classic movies over recent releases like Slotherhouse, here’s what to do: Check out the 15 great films listed below – they’re all currently available on Disney+. Just a heads-up: Disney+ now includes content from Hulu, but you’ll need subscriptions to both services to watch it. This list focuses only on movies directly on Disney+, which is why you won’t find Slotherhouse here – it will be included when we list the best movies on Hulu.

The Best Movies on Disney+ Every Film Lover Must Watch

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

Disney became famous for its short animated films, and in 1937, they created their first full-length animated feature. Even if the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs doesn’t appeal to you, it’s a hugely important film for anyone studying animation history. Plus, a recent restoration means it looks beautiful on Disney+.

Pinocchio (1940)

Many of Walt Disney’s first animated movies are now classics, but they weren’t all immediately successful. Though Pinocchio is now considered a masterpiece, it initially failed at the box office and cost the studio around $1 million—a significant amount of money back then. This was partly due to World War II impacting ticket sales overseas. Disney rereleased the film several times over the years, and it eventually became profitable, proving that a movie’s success isn’t always determined by its initial run. (P.S. Definitely watch the original animated version, not the recent live-action remake—unless you have a specific reason to annoy someone!)

The Three Caballeros (1944)

While not considered a classic of early Disney animation, The Three Caballeros remains a noteworthy film in the company’s history. Originally created as a series of shorts to celebrate Donald Duck’s 10th anniversary, it features lovely hand-drawn animation, energetic music, and an early example of combining animation with live-action scenes. The characters – Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles – have stayed popular over the years, with their own ride at Epcot and a recent TV show, Legend of the Three Caballeros.

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Okay, so Sleeping Beauty is seriously gorgeous – honestly, it’s a visual masterpiece and worth watching just for that! But… I have to ask, those fairies! They hide with this princess for almost 16 years, and don’t use any magic to help her? Then, on the one day they’ve been fearing, they let her wander off into the forest alone? And yet, they pull out all the stops with magic for a silly birthday party?! Seriously, fairies, what were you thinking?! Anyway, despite that logic gap, Sleeping Beauty is stunning. But I’m definitely not trusting those fairies to babysit!

Star Wars (1977)

It remains the original and, many would argue, the best. Even after 50 years, the dynamic between the characters, the thrilling sense of adventure, and the iconic final attack on the Death Star haven’t been surpassed – and countless films have tried, often by simply copying it. While there are many ways to judge a film, I often find myself rewatching this one, even with so many other choices available on streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon.

The Great Muppet Caper (1981)

While many people love The Muppet Movie, I’ve always preferred its sequel – a really fun and charming heist comedy featuring the Muppets. It’s consistently enjoyable, and honestly, if it had just a bit more of Charles Grodin chasing after Miss Piggy, it would be perfect!

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

The Indiana Jones movies perfectly blended George Lucas’ love for classic, fun storytelling with Steven Spielberg’s incredible talent for creating thrilling action scenes. This combination resulted in four sequels and a television series, but the original, Raiders of the Lost Ark, remains the best. While it might not be Spielberg’s most emotionally deep film, it’s arguably the one most worth preserving for future generations simply because it’s endlessly entertaining to watch.

The Princess Bride (1987)

Similar to This Is Spinal Tap, Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride wasn’t a huge success when it first came out in theaters. However, over time and through repeated showings on cable TV, it became a much-loved classic for families. The movie centers around a grandfather (Peter Falk) reading a story to his sick grandson (Fred Savage) – a tale of adventure where the courageous Westley (Cary Elwes) attempts to rescue his true love, Buttercup (Robin Wright), from a group of villains, including the cunning Vizzini (Wallace Shawn) and the skilled swordsman Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin). While geared towards children, the film is clever, romantic, and action-packed enough to entertain adults as well.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

It’s easy to argue that Who Framed Roger Rabbit is one of the most important films of the past 50 years – I’ve certainly made that case before. It completely changed animation by seamlessly blending it with live-action, but it’s also a fantastic detective story, a charming buddy cop movie, and a really funny comedy. Plus, it was genuinely scary for kids! I remember having nightmares about Judge Doom when I was little – lots of them!

The Little Mermaid (1989)

I grew up with The Little Mermaid, watching it over and over – it was perfect timing for those of us who were kids in the ’80s, along with all the other great Disney movies from that era. Now that I’m sharing these films with my own kids, I’m seeing them with fresh eyes. Honestly, as someone who’s seen a lot of movies, what really blows me away about The Little Mermaid now is how beautiful the animation of Ariel’s hair is! It’s just so much fun to watch it float and move. Of course, the music is amazing, but seriously, the hair is incredible!

The Rocketeer (1991)

Disney’s The Rocketeer represents a fascinating ‘what if’ in the company’s history. Before Disney bought Marvel, they tried to create their own superhero franchise, but it didn’t quite take off. While the 1990s film only lasted for one movie—though it did later get an animated series—it remains a charming classic. Perhaps because it’s set in the past, the story of a regular pilot who discovers a jetpack and becomes a hero still feels fresh and enjoyable today.

Aladdin (1992)

“A Whole New World” with Peabo and Regina, best end credits song ever. ’Nuff said!

Finding Nemo (2003)

While perhaps not Pixar’s greatest film, Finding Nemo truly captures the spirit of what makes Pixar special. It features an unlikely duo on an adventure – a journey across the ocean, no less – a fantastic cast of supporting characters (the dentist’s fish alone could star in their own movie!), a thrilling climax, and a deeply moving story about a father’s determination to rescue his son.

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Without the pressure of having to establish Spider-Man’s backstory and a new adventure in one film, Sam Raimi crafted a compelling story in Spider-Man 2 focusing on Peter Parker’s connection with a gifted scientist (Alfred Molina, delivering what many consider the best performance in any Spider-Man movie). This scientist is ultimately consumed by his own ambition and a set of dangerous, independently-minded robotic arms.

Even after 20 years, the film still looks fantastic—the elevated train sequence remains a standout moment in the entire Marvel universe. The way the movie relentlessly throws problem after problem at Peter Parker makes the ultimately happy, though somewhat poignant, ending feel truly earned.

Inside Out (2015)

Even before becoming Pixar’s creative leader, Pete Docter was known as a creative force at the studio. He contributed as a writer to beloved films like Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and WALL-E, and directed three of Pixar’s most acclaimed movies: Monsters, Inc., Up, and Inside Out. Inside Out is a particularly brilliant film, telling the story of an 11-year-old girl named Riley whose world turns upside down when her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco. This change triggers a fascinating conflict within Riley’s mind, personified by her emotions. The film’s depiction of Riley’s inner world is incredibly imaginative and visually engaging. Beyond its creativity, Inside Out is a profoundly insightful film about the vital role sadness and grief play in our lives, and it remains the high point of Docter’s remarkable career.

Here are some popular movies you can currently stream on Disney+: The Abyss, Avatar, The Emperor’s New Groove, Fantasia, Iron Man, Mary Poppins, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Sound of Music, Toy Story, and WALL-E.

12 Surprising Character Cameos In Disney Movies You Might Have Missed

1. Sebastian in Aladdin

Honestly, one of the best parts of Aladdin for me is Robin Williams’ incredible performance as the Genie. He’s so quick-witted, unpredictable, and just a blast to watch. The way he can instantly transform into anything and grant almost any wish is amazing – though he won’t help with anything evil or related to love spells! When Aladdin wants to become a prince, the Genie grabs his spellbook, but it clearly hasn’t been opened in a while. It’s hilarious because a familiar face pops out – Sebastian from The Little Mermaid! It makes you wonder if the Genie can somehow jump between different Disney movies with his powers?

2. Buzz Lightyear in Finding Nemo

It’s unusual to find characters from different movies sharing the screen, but Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story actually makes a quick appearance in Finding Nemo. Early in the film, after Nemo is captured by the dentist, we see the dentist’s office filled with fish tanks and toys. Among those toys is a Buzz Lightyear figure in a treasure chest. While it’s probably not the Buzz Lightyear we know and love, it’s a fun Easter egg for fans!

3. Goofy, Donald, and Mickey in The Little Mermaid

The appearance of Goofy, Donald, and Mickey in The Little Mermaid is a really clever and hidden cameo. It’s easy to miss! When King Triton arrives at Atlantica in his seashell carriage pulled by dolphins, look closely to the left of the carriage at the crowd gathered for the concert. You’ll spot the backs of the three friends among the merfolk. It’s a fun little detail!

4. Rapunzel and Flynn in Frozen

During Elsa’s coronation in Frozen, the gates of Arendelle opened to the public for the first time in years. Eagle-eyed fans noticed Rapunzel and Flynn Rider among the crowd, having seemingly dyed Rapunzel’s hair brown. This appearance sparked a popular fan theory that Rapunzel is actually Anna and Elsa’s cousin, given that Tangled is set in Germany and Arendelle is based on Norway. While Disney hasn’t officially confirmed this connection, co-director Chris Buck encouraged fans to believe what they want, saying, “If you want to tie them all together, then do it!”

5. Magic Carpet in The Princess and the Frog

As a movie critic, I’m always on the lookout for fun Easter eggs, and Disney films are full of them! While it’s not that surprising to see random objects pop up, it’s a treat when they’re more than just background dressing. Take Carpet from Aladdin – he’s practically a character himself, right? Well, Disney clearly loved him because he makes a cameo in The Princess and the Frog! If you watch the scene where Tiana is walking to work, look up and to the right. You’ll see a woman shaking a rug out her window… except it’s not a rug, it’s actually Carpet! It’s a wonderfully subtle nod to a classic character and a fun detail for eagle-eyed viewers like me.

6. Pinocchio in Tangled

Although Pinocchio takes place in Italy and Rapunzel‘s kingdom of Corona is based on Germany, a quick nod to the famous wooden doll appears in Tangled. During the song “I’ve Got A Dream,” you can spot Pinocchio sitting near the ceiling in the upper right corner – keep an eye out as Shorty swings around! It’s a subtle detail, as the tavern is lit only by candles, so you’ll need to look closely.

7. Bill the Lizard in The Great Mouse Detective

Bill the Lizard might be a small part in the 1951 film Alice in Wonderland, but he’s a memorable character. Taken directly from Lewis Carroll’s book, his job is to try and get a now-enormous Alice out of the White Rabbit’s house – a task he doesn’t succeed at. Alice sneezes him out the chimney, and that’s the last we see of him… until 1986’s The Great Mouse Detective, where he reappears as one of Professor Ratigan’s assistants. Perhaps that initial sneeze sent him to another world?

8. Mrs. Potts and Chip in Tarzan

Keep an eye out for a fun Easter egg in Disney’s Tarzan! During the song “Trashin’ the Camp,” you can spot a character drumming on a kettle and teacup that look remarkably like Mrs. Potts and Chip from Beauty and the Beast. Since Mrs. Potts and Chip become human again at the end of their movie, fans have come up with an interesting explanation. One popular theory, called “The Jane Theory,” suggests that Jane Porter is a descendant of Belle and Prince Adam. According to this idea, Belle and Adam had a special tea set made to look like their friends when they were enchanted objects.

9. Scar in Hercules

Scar, the villain in The Lion King, doesn’t usually evoke much sympathy when he meets his end. But Disney cleverly brought him back in Hercules with a funny nod to his past. In Greek myth, Hercules had to slay the Nemean lion, and in the Disney version, that lion is actually Scar! Hercules proudly wears Scar’s fur as a helmet, almost like a trophy. It’s a humorous callback to when Zazu joked that Scar would make a nice rug – it turns out Zazu wasn’t far off!

10. Belle in The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Notre-Dame Cathedral is in Paris, France – and interestingly, the Disney film Beauty and the Beast is also set there. That’s why it makes sense to see Belle walking around in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The events of The Hunchback of Notre Dame happen just a few years, or even months, before Beauty and the Beast, as Belle appears to be around the same age in both movies. Keep an eye out for the young woman in a blue and white dress who’s always lost in a book!

11. Jock in 101 Dalmatians

Jock, the adorable Scottish Terrier from Lady and the Tramp, pops up in a few scenes throughout the 101 Dalmatians movies. Most notably, he’s the second dog to hear Pongo’s message during the “Twilight Bark” scene, helping to pass it along through the drainpipe. It’s fun to notice that Jock somehow traveled from the setting of Lady and the Tramp to London! He even makes a quick appearance in another Disney animal movie, Oliver & Company.

12. Geri in Toy Story 2

This appearance is a particularly obscure reference – the character comes from a Pixar short film, not a full-length movie. Geri, known for playing chess against himself in the short “Geri’s Game,” also works as a professional toy cleaner, as seen in Toy Story 2. John Lasseter shared that the team chose Geri because it was easier than creating a new human character so late in the film’s production.

2026-02-09 19:01