Hidden Gems: 7 Shocking Movies on Disney+ You Missed!

As a fan, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by the vast array of content available on Disney+ ever since it merged with Hulu. While the classic Disney animations, Marvel Cinematic Universe series, and Star Wars movies remain its staples, the platform now offers a diverse range of titles that go beyond what one typically associates with the Disney brand.

These new additions include mature content, as well as some lesser-known treasures. They aren’t just Hulu-produced movies; there are also numerous theatrical films to explore. From critically acclaimed Oscar-nominated pictures, to overlooked gems, to spine-tingling horror films, Disney+ currently streams a variety of titles that challenge traditional perceptions of Disney.

A multitude of films deviate from the traditional Disney aesthetic, with “Barbarian” being a prime example. On the other hand, “Sorry to Bother You” and “Kinds of Kindness” offer movies that are distinctly peculiar and unforeseeable. Additionally, musicals on Disney+ exist that do not revolve around princesses or enchanted singing creatures; for instance, the modern take on “West Side Story.” These films, along with many others, are currently available for streaming and should not be overlooked.

Sorry to Bother You

To start with, one of the most unusual, unforeseeable science fiction films from the last ten years is “Sorry to Bother You“. This film is set in an alternate reality of our current time, where Cassius Green, played skillfully by LaKeith Stanfield, struggles financially and lands a job at a questionable telemarketing company. Within this workplace, he uncovers the key to success, but it comes with a significant and surprising price. It’s best not to reveal too much about this movie, but what can be shared is that this film challenges boundaries and encourages viewers to think that anything is achievable in cinema. Additionally, it delivers a biting critique on capitalism, serving as a humorous satire and an impressive first feature directorial work from Boots Riley.

Barbarian

A film worth experiencing without prior knowledge is “Barbarian”. The marketing for this chilling horror production has kept its storyline largely mysterious. At first glance, “Barbarian” appears to fit comfortably within the home invasion subgenre of horror. The protagonist, Tess (played by Georgina Campbell), unexpectedly encounters a stranger in the Airbnb she’s rented. He claims it’s merely a mistake from the property renters, but there’s an unsettling vibe about him. However, the unease runs much more profound than sharing space with a strange guest. “Barbarian” is a horror movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and guessing, making it worth multiple viewings.

All of Us Strangers

In this film titled “All of Us Strangers,” the narrative cleverly subverts typical viewer assumptions and draws inspiration from an unanticipated source. The character Adam, portrayed by Andrew Scott, is grappling with past heartaches and emotional scars, leaning heavily on his childhood recollections and his parents. A fresh figure named Harry (Paul Mescal) arrives in Adam’s life, but he struggles to break free from certain problematic coping strategies, resulting in a poignantly sad love story and family drama that showcases the actors at their rawest moments of vulnerability.

Sanctuary

As a passionate film enthusiast, let me tell you that “Sanctuary,” directed by Zachary Wigon, stands out as one of the most gripping sexual thrillers in recent memory. The movie follows the story of a businessman, Hal (Christopher Abbott), who, after securing the promotion of a lifetime, decides to end his clandestine relationship with his dominatrix, Rebecca (Margaret Qualley). However, Rebecca isn’t ready to accept this ending, and she’s determined to extract more from Hal – a battle of wills that unfolds primarily within a single location. The electrifying chemistry and palpable tension between Abbott and Qualley is simply unparalleled. Throughout the movie, viewers are left wondering if Rebecca’s threats are genuine or if this is just another twisted game for this unconventional duo.

Kinds of Kindness

Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his unique and unconventional films, is currently one of the busiest directors in the film industry. Fresh from the success of “Poor Things,” which was nominated for Best Director and Best Picture at the Oscars, Lanthimos’ latest offering, titled “Kinds of Kindness“, has made its way to theaters. Similar to his previous works, this movie delves into the unusual and peculiar. Consisting of three interconnected stories, the anthology film follows a man (Jesse Plemons) attempting to break free from an abusive work relationship with his boss (Willem Dafoe), a husband (Plemons) doubting the identity of his wife (Emma Stone), and a woman (Stone) on a quest to complete a prophecy. The actors in “Kinds of Kindness” take on multiple roles, eagerly participating in the bizarre world that Lanthimos constructs.

Easy A

One more title to add to the list is “Easy A,” an early movie starring Emma Stone, released in 2010. This comedic gem showcases Stone’s captivating charm and hilarious wit, as she plays Olive, a high school student who fabricates a story about having sex with a friend to shield him from bullying. However, the tale takes an unexpected turn when some classmates view her as promiscuous, leading others to pay her for falsely claiming they’ve slept together. It’s a heartwarming coming-of-age film that shares similarities with “10 Things I Hate About You,” another popular teen comedy available on Disney+.

West Side Story

In conclusion, the Steven Spielberg-directed 2021 rendition, titled “West Side Story,” caps off our list. This film is a remake of the stage musical with the same name, marking it as the second adaptation of the play and Spielberg’s first foray into directing musicals. Similar to Romeo & Juliet, this story revolves around two star-crossed lovers, but instead of warring families, the conflict is between street gangs in 1950s New York. Given the enduring popularity of the original “West Side Story,” Spielberg had a tough act to follow, but he more than meets expectations, creating a moving and colorful film brimming with love and sorrow.

2025-02-22 22:11