Disney is set to remove dozens of shows and films from Disney+ globally on May 26th 2023, as part of an impairment charge of approximately $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion, which basically writes off assets (in this case, shows and films) as assets which are no longer valuable. 

With over 50 titles set to be removed on May 26th 2023, this weekend, is basically a last shot at watching five things before they are possibly lost forever.  And with a limit on time, while I’d love to recommend shows like the excellent, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” or the awesome “Big Shot”, trying to squeeze a couple of seasons of these shows in, within a few days, isn’t going to be possible.

So here are my top five suggestions of what to watch on Disney+ before they are removed:

The One And Only Ivan

An adaptation of the award-winning book about one very special gorilla, Disney’s “The One and Only Ivan” is an unforgettable tale about the beauty of friendship, the power of visualization and the significance of the place one calls home. Ivan is a 400-pound silverback gorilla who shares a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall with Stella the elephant, Bob the dog, and various other animals. He has few memories of the jungle where he was captured, but when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, it touches something deep within him. Ivan begins to question his life, where he comes from and where he ultimately wants to be. The heartwarming adventure, which comes to the screen in an impressive hybrid of live-action and CGI, is based on Katherine Applegate’s bestselling book, which won numerous awards upon its publication in 2013, including the Newbery Medal.   This is a lovely heartwarming story, that is an easy recommendation.  It’s so cruel it could be removed

Flora & Ulysses

Disney’s “Flora & Ulysses” is a delightful comedy-adventure based on the Newbery Award-winning book about 10-year old Flora, an avid comic book fan and a self-avowed cynic, whose parents have recently separated. After rescuing a squirrel she names Ulysses, Flora is amazed to discover he possesses unique superhero powers which take them on an adventure of humorous complications that ultimately change Flora’s life–and her outlook–forever.

This is a lovely family film that is a different take on the superhero genre, that I’m sure everyone will love.  It’s such a shame this one could be lost.

Better Nate Than Ever

Thirteen-year-old Nate has big Broadway dreams. But when he isn’t cast in the school play, he and his best friend Libby sneak off to the Big Apple, where he’s unexpectedly reunited with his long-lost Aunt Heidi. Together they must prove that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams.

This fantastic musical is a lot of fun, with lots of great songs and performances, its criminal that it’s being removed, especially ahead of Pride month.

Clouds

Inspired by an incredible true story, “Clouds” is a vibrant ode to the life of singer/songwriter Zach Sobiech (Fin Argus). Zach is a seventeen-year-old, fun-loving student with raw musical talent living with osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. At the start of his senior year, he is ready to take on the world, however when he receives the news that the disease has spread, he and his best friend and songwriting partner, Sammy (Sabrina Carpenter), decide to spend Zach’s limited time following their dreams. With the help of Zach’s mentor and teacher, Mr. Weaver (Lil Rel Howery), Zach and Sammy are given the chance of a lifetime and are offered a record deal. Along with the support of the love of his life, Amy (Madison Iseman) and his parents, Rob and Laura (Tom Everett Scott and Neve Campbell); Zach embarks on an unforgettable journey about friendship, love and the power of music.

Possibly one of the best Disney+ Original films released, this is a hard-hitting film about a teenager dying from cancer. It’s very emotional and can be hard to watch, but its vital that people get to see this fantastic film.

The Princess

When a strong-willed princess refuses to wed a cruel sociopath, she is kidnapped and locked in a remote tower. With her scorned, vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must protect her family and save the kingdom.

Possibly my favourite of the Hulu/Star Original films to be released recently. This is a movie straight out of the 90s, with some kick-ass action and it is loads of fun!  Such a shame it’s being removed.

Note, This is on Hulu in the US and on Disney+ internationally.

If you’ve got time this week, there are plenty of other shows and films set to be removed, but with the clock ticking down to May 26th 2023, I’d recommend prioritizing what you’ve wanted to watch or if you’ve started a show that you’ve wanted to finish.

You’ll find the full list of what’s being removed by clicking here.

What are you going to watch on Disney+ before it’s removed?

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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