Top 50 Best Disney+ Originals
There are many fantastic shows and movies available exclusively on Disney+ and each month, I update my list of the best Disney+ Original programming, which includes series and movies from across Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic and Pixar.
Here is the “What’s On Disney Plus” Top Disney+ Originals:
Note: The availability of some Disney+ Originals can vary between countries.
50) Muppets Haunted Mansion
On Halloween night, the fearless Gonzo takes on the greatest challenge of his life by spending one very daring night in the most grim grinning place on Earth …The Haunted Mansion. This is probably the best thing Disney has put out featuring the Muppets and highly recommended for any Disney theme park fan.
49) Diary Of A Future President
In this Disney+ series “Diary of a Future President,” we see the origin story of a future leader. Told using the narration of 12-year-old Cuban American girl Elena’s diary, this new family comedy follows her journey through the ups and downs of middle school, which set her on the path to becoming the president of the United States. It’s a good family-friendly series, though you might need to give it a few episodes to see if it clicks with you. The entire second season was added to Disney+ in August and is a massive improvement over the first season.
48) Phineas & Ferb: Candace Against The Universe
Stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb, their older sister Candace, Perry the Platypus and the Danville gang are back together again in “Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe,” an out-of-this-world animated adventure from Disney Television Animation. Executive-produced by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (creators and executive producers of the long-running Emmy Award-winning series “Phineas and Ferb”), the movie centers on Phineas and Ferb as they set out across the galaxy to rescue Candace, who after being abducted by aliens, finds utopia in a far-off planet, free of pesky little brothers. For fans of the original show, this one is a no-brainer.
47) Rise
After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, the Antetokounmpos struggle to care for their five children. The brothers play basketball with a local team and discover their great abilities on the court. This is a heartwarming film, that is a lovely film and well worth your time.
46) Lady & The Tramp
This adorable live-action retelling of the animated classic from the 1950’s tells the love story between a pampered Cocker Spaniel named Lady and a streetwise mongrel named Tramp. “Lady and the Tramp” is a lovely family-friendly movie, it’s simple but effective. It’s not anything groundbreaking or original, it might not have worked at the cinema, but it’s the perfect Disney+ movie, as it’s a fun enjoyable film to sit down at home, grab some snacks, pull the blanket over, since its fun, full of cute dogs and has a simple love story.
45) The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers
Set in present day Minnesota, the Mighty Ducks have evolved from scrappy underdogs to an ultra-competitive, powerhouse youth hockey team. After 12-year-old Evan Morrow (Brady Noon) is unceremoniously cut from the Ducks, he and his mom, Alex (Lauren Graham), set out to build their own team of misfits to challenge the cutthroat, win-at-all-costs culture of youth sports today. With the help of Gordon Bombay, they rediscover the joys of playing just for love of the game. The second season is currently being released on Disney+ every Wednesday.
44) Star Wars: Visions
As a first formal venture into anime, this series of “Star Wars: Visions” shorts bears a unique Japanese sensibility, which in many ways aligns with the tone and spirit of Star Wars storytelling. From the beginning, stories told in the Star Wars galaxy have counted Japanese mythology and the films of Akira Kurosawa among their many influences, and these new visions will further explore that cultural heritage through the unique animation style and perspective of each anime studio. If you ever fancied something a little different from the Star Wars universe, this is something worth investigating.
43) Behind The Attraction
Peek beyond the magic of Disney Parks to discover what’s Behind the Attraction! From Executive Producers Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Brian Volk-Weiss, explore how Imagineers filled the Haunted Mansion with 999 happy haunts, how the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! (while defying gravity in the process) and why Space Mountain took so long to launch. From the 1950s to today, from Jungle Cruise to “it’s a small world” to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney Parks attractions have amazed millions. And this is the story of how they did it. This is a great documentary series for Disney Theme Park fans, with lots of little nuggets of information about these classic attractions.
42) Hawkeye
Marvel Studios’ “Hawkeye” is an original new series set in post–blip New York City where former Avenger Clint Barton aka Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) has a seemingly simple mission: get back to his family for Christmas. But when a threat from his past shows up, Hawkeye reluctantly teams up with Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), a 22–year–old skilled archer and his biggest fan, to unravel a criminal conspiracy.
41) Just Beyond
This eight-episode anthology series is inspired by the writings of R.L. Stine, “Just Beyond” is an eight-episode anthology series that tells astonishing and thought-provoking stories of a reality just beyond the one we know. Each episode introduces viewers to a new cast of characters who must go on a surprising journey of self-discovery in a supernatural world of witches, aliens, ghosts and parallel universes. This is a great collection of spooky stories for the whole family.
40) Among The Stars
A six-part docuseries with fly on the wall access into the wider world of NASA, with cameras on Earth and in space. NASA astronaut Captain Chris Cassidy is on a quest to get back in his spacesuit for one last mission. This series follows Chris and the wider team who take on missions that risk life, limb and reputation for the greater good of humankind. Join them as their missions unfold. If you love Space, you’ll wanna watch this in-depth documentary series.
39) Out
On an average day, Greg’s life is filled with family, love and a rambunctious little dog – but despite all of this, Greg has a secret, which he is keeping from his parents. Today is different, though. With some help from his precocious pup, and a little bit of magic, Greg might learn that he has nothing to hide. This is a groundbreaking short, as it marks the first time Pixar has featured a gay storyline and lead character.
38) Taylor Swift – Folklore – The Long Pond Studio Sessions
Taylor Swift, accompanied by co-producers Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff along with a guest appearance by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), performs each song in order of her critically adored, five-star album, “folklore” and for the very first time, reveals the stories and secrets behind all 17 songs. If you’re a fan of Taylor Swift’s “Folklore”, this is a great way of learning more about the creative process.
37) She-Hulk: Attorney At Law
This brand new Marvel Studios series, “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” is about Jennifer Walters played by Tatiana Maslany, who is an attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases—must navigate the complicated life of a single, 30-something who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. This is a different take on a Marvel Disney+ series and is well worth checking out.
36) Prop Culture
This Disney+ Original series takes a look at behind the scenes of the movie-making world, with film historian and prop collector Dan Lanigan reuniting iconic Disney movie props with the filmmakers, actors, and crew who created and used them in some of Disney’s most beloved films. Throughout this journey, Dan will recover lost artefacts, visit private collections, and help restore pieces from the Walt Disney Archives to their original glory. Among the films featured this season are Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Mary Poppins, The Muppet Movie, Tron and Who Framed Roger Rabbit? If you are interested in learning more about making movies, this is a must-watch.
35) Howard
Directed by Don Hahn (“Beauty and the Beast”), “Howard” is the untold story of Howard Ashman, the brilliant lyricist behind Disney classics like “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid” and creator of musicals including “Little Shop of Horrors.” Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, personal films and photographs, as well as interviews with Howard’s friends and family, the film is an intimate look at the Disney Legend’s life, his creative drive, and the process behind the music. Spanning his childhood in Baltimore, to his formative years in New York, and his untimely death due to AIDS, “Howard” goes in-depth to explore his journey to become the lyricist behind some of the most beloved and well-known classic family films in the world.
34) The World According To Jeff Goldblum
Through the prism of Jeff Goldblum’s always inquisitive and highly entertaining mind, nothing is as it seems. Each episode is centered around something we all love — like sneakers or ice cream — as Jeff pulls the thread on these deceptively familiar objects and unravels a wonderful world of astonishing connections, fascinating science and history, amazing people, and a whole lot of surprising big ideas and insights. You will only find this show on Disney+ .
33) Hocus Pocus 2
It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. This spooky sequel is well worth checking out this Halloween season.
32) Safety
“Safety” is a drama inspired by the empowering story of former Clemson University football safety Ray McElrathbey (Jay Reeves), a young man facing a series of challenging circumstances, whose dedication and persistence help him to triumph over repeated adversities. Aided by his teammates and the Clemson community, he succeeds on the field while simultaneously raising and caring for his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr (Thaddeus J. Mixson). A very lovely family drama that is well worth checking out. Check out my review of Safety
31) Black Beauty
The film follows Black Beauty, a wild horse born free in the American West. Rounded up and taken away from her family, Beauty is brought to Birtwick Stables where she meets a spirited teenage girl, Jo Green. Beauty and Jo forge an unbreakable bond that carries Beauty through the different chapters, challenges, and adventures of her life. It’s a lovely family-friendly movie that is very enjoyable. Check out my full review here
30) The One And Only Ivan
This is 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. It’s another great soild family friendly movie that I really enjoyed. Click for my full review
29) Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles
Grammy Award-winning and chart-topping artist Billie Eilish will make her Disney+ debut with “Happier than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles,” a cinematic concert experience. Fresh off the heels of her brand-new album, “Happier than Ever,” the Disney+ original features an intimate performance of every song in the album’s sequential order – for the first and only time – from the stage of the legendary Hollywood Bowl. If you’re a Billie Eilish fan, this is a must-watch and if you’ve never heard of her before, give it a whirl to see if you like her music.
28) 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 one is full of comic book easter eggs and is a fantastic movie for the whole family.
Check out my review of the film by clicking here
27) Monsters At Work
“Monsters At Work” takes place the day after the Monsters, Incorporated power plant started harvesting the laughter of children to fuel the city of Monstropolis, thanks to Mike and Sulley’s discovery that laughter generates ten times more energy than screams. It follows the story of Tylor Tuskmon, an eager young monster who graduated top of his class at Monsters University and always dreamed of becoming a Scarer until he lands a job at Monsters, Incorporated, and discovers that scaring is out and laughter is in. After Tylor is temporarily reassigned to the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team(MIFT), he must work alongside a misfit bunch of mechanics while setting his sights on becoming a Jokester.
26) Ms Marvel
Marvel Studios’ “Ms. Marvel” is a new, original series that introduces Kamala Khan, a Muslim American teenager growing up in Jersey City. An avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe, Kamala is a Super Hero megafan with an oversized imagination—particularly when it comes to Captain Marvel. Yet Kamala feels like she doesn’t fit in at school and sometimes even at home—that is, until she gets superpowers like the heroes she’s always looked up to. Life gets better with superpowers, right? This Marvel series is so charming and well worth your time.
25) Chip ‘n’ Dale”: Rescue Rangers
Chip and Dale are living amongst cartoons and humans in modern-day Los Angeles, but their lives are quite different now. It has been decades since their successful television series was cancelled, and the former pals have gone their separate ways, so when a former cast mate mysteriously disappears, they must take on their Rescue Rangers detective personas to save their friend. If you’re a fan of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, check this one out.
24) 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 is another lovely film that shows you how to be yourself.
23) The Beatles: Get Back
The Beatles: Get Back” takes audiences back in time to the band’s January 1969 recording sessions, which became a pivotal moment in music history. The docuseries showcases The Beatles’ creative process as they attempt to write 14 new songs in preparation for their first live concert in over two years. Faced with a nearly impossible deadline, the strong bonds of friendship shared by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr are put to the test. The docuseries is compiled from nearly 60 hours of unseen footage shot over 21 days. It’s a must for Beatles fans.
22) Star Wars: The Bad Batch
“Star Wars: The Bad Batch” follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch—a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army—each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew. If you enjoyed “The Clone Wars” or “Rebels”, then this new animated series should be on your watch list.
21) Secrets Of The Whales
“Secrets of the Whales,” from National Geographic, plunges viewers deep within the epicenter of whale culture to experience the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures of five different whale species: orcas, humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales. Filmed over three years in 24 locations, throughout this epic journey, we learn that whales are far more complex and more like us than ever imagined. This is an epic documentary series and highly recomended.
20) High School Musical: The Musical – The Series
A group of East High students countdown to the opening night of their school’s first-ever production of “High School Musical.” Showmances blossom; friendships are tested while new ones are made; rivalries flare and lives are changed forever as these young people discover the transformative power that only a high school drama club can provide. With three seasons to enjoy and a fourth on the way, this show is one series not to skip.
19) Clouds
This was one of the most personal and emotional movies from the past year, 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. A heartwarming movie that brought me to tears on many occasions and shows Disney+ can have some maturer themes by offering a selection of content. Click for my full review
18) The Mysterious Benedict Society
After winning a scholarship competition, four gifted orphans are recruited by the peculiar Mr. Benedict for a dangerous mission to save the world from a global crisis known as The Emergency. Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance must infiltrate the mysterious L.I.V.E. Institute to discover the truth behind the crisis. When the headmaster, the sophisticated Dr. Curtain appears to be behind this worldwide panic, the kids of “The Mysterious Benedict Society” must devise a plan to defeat him. This is a quirky series, with fascinating characters and offers something completely different to anything else on Disney+. A easy recommendation. The second season is currently being released weekly on Disney+ throughout the winter.
17) Togo
“Togo” is the untold true story set in the winter of 1925 that takes you across the treacherous terrain of the Alaskan tundra for an exhilarating and uplifting adventure that will test the strength, courage and determination of one man, Leonhard Seppala, and his lead sled dog, Togo. This is easily one of my favourite Disney+ Original movie and will certainly give your heartstrings a tug, you might need some tissues, I did!
16) Marvel’s What If?
“What If…?” flips the script on the MCU, reimagining famous events from the films in unexpected ways. Marvel Studios’ first animated series focuses on different heroes from the MCU, featuring a voice cast that includes a host of stars who reprise their roles. This is a great animated series from Marvel, with unique stories that Marvel fans will love.
15) Big Shot
After getting ousted from the NCAA, a men’s basketball coach is given a chance for redemption with a coaching position at an elite private high school. He soon learns that the teenage players require empathy and vulnerability — foreign concepts for the stoic Coach Korn (John Stamos). By learning how to connect with his players, Marvyn starts to grow into the person he’s always hoped to be. The girls learn to take themselves more seriously, finding their footing both on and off the court. This drama series is a hidden gem and is a great series for the whole family. And the second season is another great addition for the whole family.
14) The Right Stuff
The incredible story of the early days of the U.S. space program, based on the iconic bestseller by Tom Wolfe. At the height of the Cold War, newly-formed NASA selects seven of the military’s best test pilots to become astronauts. Competing to be the first in space, these men achieve the extraordinary, inspiring the world to turn towards a new horizon of ambition and hope. One of my favourite Disney+ Originals.
13) Obi-Wan Kenobi
“Obi-Wan Kenobi” begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader. If you loved watching Ewan McGregor as Kenobi in the prequel films, this is a must-see!
12) Moon Knight
When Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift-shop employee, becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life, he discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As Steven/Marc’s enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt. This series is a must-watch for any Marvel fan.
11) Star Wars: The Clone Wars
The 7th season of the show is a Disney+ exclusive and fills in the story between “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge Of The Sith”, where Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Mace Windu and other Jedi Knights lead the Grand Army of the Republic against the droid army of the Separatists. Plus there are over a hundred episodes from previous seasons, making this one of the most binge-worthy shows on Disney+.
10) Soul
“Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions. This is one of the most heartwarming Pixar movies that will make you question what you’re doing with your life and the meaning of life, pretty deep stuff for adults, while having plenty of fun characters to keep children entertained. Check out my review of Soul/. And if you enjoyed “Soul”, why not check out the prequel short “22 vs Earth” too.
9) The Falcon And The Winter Soldier
Marvel Studios’ “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” stars Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon, and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier. The pair, who came together in the final moments of “Avengers: Endgame,” team up on a global adventure that tests their abilities—and their patience. This series is one of the most popular original shows to arrive on Disney+ and is worth a months subscription on its own. There is also a special behind the scenes documentary available called “Assembled: The Making Of The Falcon And The Winter Soldier”.
8) Hamilton
One of the biggest and most popular Disney+ Originals released, it’s an unforgettable cinematic stage performance, the filmed version of the original Broadway production of “Hamilton” combines the best elements of live theater, film and streaming to bring the cultural phenomenon to homes around the world for a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. “Hamilton” is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
7) Turning Red
This brand new original film introduce Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang), a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda!
6) Luca
Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. This is a lovely feel-good Pixar film that I adored.
5) Imagineering Story
Easily my favourite series on Disney+. Explore the past, present and future of Walt Disney Imagineering with noted filmmaker Leslie Iwerks. Ms. Iwerks comes from a family with deep Disney history — her grandfather was an early Disney animator and her father is a former Imagineer — and her previous work includes profiles of Pixar Animation Studios and visual effects house Industrial Light & Magic. The entire series is now available on Disney+ and is a must for any Disney theme park fan.
4) WandaVision
Marvel Studios “WandaVision,” is a blend of classic television and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in which Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) – two super-powered beings living idealized suburban lives – begin to suspect that everything is not as it seems. WandaVision has become a cultural phenomenon and one of the most bizarre additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. For Marvel fans, it’s a must-watch. There is also a special behind the scenes documentary available called “Assembled: The Making Of WandaVision”.
3) Star Wars: Andor
The “Andor” series explores a new perspective from the Star Wars galaxy, focusing on Cassian Andor’s journey to discover the difference he can make. The series brings forward the tale of the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire and how people and planets became involved. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero. This is Star Wars for grown-ups, if you enjoyed “Rogue One” or just a series with some more depth, this is a must watch.
2) Star Wars: The Mandalorian
This is, without doubt, one of the most popular Disney+ Original and one of the main reasons people have subscribed to Disney+ during its first year. This is the first live-action Star Wars series and is set after the fall of the Empire and before the emergence of the First Order, we follow the travails of a lone gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy far from the authority of the New Republic. Both seasons are now available on Disney+, so it’s a perfect time to sit back and find out what all the fuss is about regarding “Baby Yoda”.
1) Loki
Marvel Studios’ “Loki” features the God of Mischief as he steps out of his brother’s shadow in a new Disney+ series that takes place after the events of “Avengers: Endgame” and sees Loki team up with the Time Variance Authority to deal with rogue variants disrupting the sacred timeline. Tom Hiddleston returns as the title character, joined by Owen Wilson, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sophia Di Martino, Wunmi Mosaku and Richard E. Grant. This show is easily my favourite of the Marvel Studios series on Disney+ and has completely change the way the MCU will continue in the future.
What Disney+ Original is your favourite?
Roger Palmer
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