Each month, I’ll be be bringing you my list of the top 50 movies available on Disney+, which include movies from across Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, National Geographic and Pixar.   Since last month, we’ve got a few new additions such as the Disney+ Original movie, Togo, because I’ve removed some of the festive offerings (plus unfortunately one of the movies was removed in the US).

Here is the “What’s On Disney Plus” Top 50 movies on Disney+ list for January 2020:


50) Saving Mr Banks

This charming movie tells the story of Mary Poppins author, P.L Travers travelling to Hollywood as Walt Disney Pictures adapts her classic book into the movie we all know. It stars Tom Hanks as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson as P.L Travers. While it might sugar coat over the real story a little, it’s really enjoyable film and I loved the scene where they visited Disneyland.


49) Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs

With this being the first full length movie made by Walt Disney, it’s a classic, that is perfect for Disney+ viewing. While the movie being made back in the 1930’s, the story hasn’t aged at all and the artwork is still stunning. This is where it all began and should certainly be on anyone’s watch list.


48) The Simpsons Movie

With 30 seasons of The Simpsons on Disney+, this big budget version of the Simpsons is worth checking out. After Homer accidentally pollutes the town’s water supply, Springfield is encased in a gigantic dome by the EPA and the Simpsons are declared fugitives.


47) Moana

Easily one of my favourite modern animated movies and sees Moana answer the oceans call, taking to the seas to save her people from a terrible curse. The movie features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the Demigod Maui and his character really adds some great comedy moments. Moana delivers a awesome soundtrack including “Your Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go”.


46) Mulan

A classic animated movie from the 90’s, that delivers a unique story that stands out as she tries to save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China’s greatest heroines in the process. It features some stunning animation, catchy songs and interesting characters.


45) High School Musical

If you have been watching the new Disney+ series, you can refresh your memory by rewatching one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movies isn’t a bad way to kill 2 hours. Troy, the popular captain of the basketball team, and Gabriella, the brainy and beautiful member of the academic club, break all the rules of East High society when they secretly audition for the leads in the school’s musical. As they reach for the stars and follow their dreams, everyone learns about acceptance, teamwork, and being yourself.


44) Bedknobs & Broomsticks

This classic Disney movie from the 1970’s that sees an apprentice witch, three kids and a cynical magician conman search for the missing component to a magic spell to be used in the defense of Britain in WWII. If you’ve never seen this movie, but love Mary Poppins, this will entertain you, as it has all the same elements that made that a classic.


43) Descendants

One of the most popular Disney Channel movies from recent years is Descendants, which tells the story of a present-day idyllic kingdom where the benevolent teenage son of King Adam and Queen Belle offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of Disney’s classic villains: Cruella De Vil (Carlos), Maleficent (Mal), the Evil Queen (Evvie) and Jafar (Jay). With some catchy pop songs and a great cast, this is one Disney Channel movie not to miss. And there is also a great sequel on Disney+ too.


42) The Little Mermaid

This is one of the most popular animated movies that kicked off the Disney Renaissance of great movies and it includes some fantastic iconic songs that you can sing along with. This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters — including the villainous sea witch Ursula.


41) The Jungle Book

One of my all time favourite animated movies, with its catchy iconic tunes and with a timeless story of a boy called Mowgli, who makes his way to the man-village with Bagheera, the wise panther. Along the way he meets jazzy King Louie, the hypnotic snake Kaa and the lovable, happy-go-lucky bear Baloo, who teaches Mowgli “The Bare Necessities” of life and the true meaning of friendship.


40) Lady and the Tramp

This live action retelling of the animated classic is a Disney+ Original, so can only be seen on Disney+. It features a love story between a pampered Cocker Spaniel named Lady and a streetwise mongrel named Tramp. Lady finds herself out on the street after her owners have a baby and is saved from a pack by Tramp, who tries to show her to live her life footloose and collar-free. And if you maybe aren’t in the mood for the new remake, maybe check out the original animated on instead.


39) Wreck It Ralph

As a huge video game fan, this movie is right up my street, with lots of small references to classic video games, that take this to a different level! The story sees Wreck It Ralph travel to other video games because he is fed up with being the villain, which leads him to Vanellope von Schweetz in the kart racing game, Sugar Rush. But the whole game is put at risk from their actions. This is one of the most unique classic animated movies available and certainly one to watch.


38) Willow

When most people think of Lucasfilm, they think Star Wars, but this classic 80’s adventure movie is worth checking out. Fearful of a prophecy stating that a girl child will be born to bring about her downfall, the evil Queen Bavmorda imprisons all pregnant women within the formidable stronghold of Nockmaar. A child, Elora Danan, is born in the Nockmaar dungeons and identified as the prophesied child by a birthmark on her arm. However, before the black sorceress arrives to claim the child, Elora’s mother convinces her reluctant midwife to escape with the baby. Willow, a timid farmer and aspiring sorcerer, is entrusted with delivering the royal infant from evil.


37) Tangled

Disney managed to retell the story of Rapunzel in a unique way that sees her strike a deal with the handsome thief and the unlikely duo sets off on an action-packed escapade, complete with a super-cop horse, an overprotective chameleon and a gruff gang of pub thugs. Personally this is my favourite Disney Princess movie because of the humour that the sidekicks and Flynn Rider bring to the story.


36) Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

A classic movie from the 80’s that took the idea of live action and animated characters to a different level, as Roger Rabbit is worried that his wife Jessica is playing pattycake with someone else, so the studio hires detective Eddie Valiant to snoop on her. But the stakes are quickly raised when Marvin Acme is found dead and Roger is the prime suspect. This movie broke the rules and still stands up today as one of the best comedy movies from Disney.


35) Star Wars: A New Hope

The movie that changed the world, the original Star Wars film broke new ground as it told the story of Luke Skywalker, who teams with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Chewbacca and the loveable robot duo R2-D2 and C-3PO, to rescue the beautiful Princess Leia from Darth Vader, as well as restoring peace and justice in the Empire. It’s a classic and will no doubt be one of the most popular movies on Disney+.


34) Honey, I Shrunk The Kids

A classic family comedy from the 1980’s, Honey I Shrunk The Kids tells the story of a scientist father who accidentally shrinks his two children and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Which results in the teens fighting diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.


33) Cars

Cars is one of the biggest franchises for Pixar, with multiple sequels and spin-offs, so Disney+ offers the ideal opportunity to see how Lightning McQueen discovers that life is about the journey, not the finish line, when he finds himself unexpectedly detoured in the sleepy Route 66 town of Radiator Springs. On route across the country to the big Piston Cup Championship in California to compete against two seasoned pros, McQueen gets to know the town’s offbeat characters.


32) Sister Act

A fabulous family comedy that tells the story of a singer played by Whoopi Goldberg, who witnesses a mob murder and the cops stash her in a nunnery to protect her from the mob’s hitmen. The mother superior does not trust her, and takes steps to limit her influence on the other nuns. Eventually the singer rescues the failing choir and begins helping with community projects, which gets her an interview on TV—and identification by the mob. A feel good movie.


31) Avengers

When an unexpected enemy emerges and threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins! The Avengers is one of the all time great Marvel movies, it did something no-one had ever seen before, bringing together a team of superheroes, which had taken years and multiple movies to set up. While we’ve had many superhero team up movies since, this was the original and the New York fight scene is still one of my favourite moments in the MCU.


30)  Dumbo

This charming retelling of the 1940’s animated classic is a fun family movie, which many people have slept on because it didn’t do amazing at the box office.  But in the comfort of your own home, this is a good movie to put your feet up to watch.  A young elephant, whose oversized ears enable him to fly, helps save a struggling circus, but when the circus plans a new venture, Dumbo and his friends discover dark secrets beneath its shiny veneer.  And why not watch the original animated classic while you’re at it!


29) Big Hero 6

Disney take an obscure Marvel comic book and give it a make over to deliver a superhero movie that not only kids will enjoy. The story focuses on the special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.


28) Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Possibly the best modern day Star Wars Movie, Rogue One tells the story of a rogue band of resistance fighters unite for a mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring a new hope to the galaxy. This movie perfectly fills in the gaps of what happened just prior to the events of the first Star Wars Movie. With lots of big action scenes, an interesting team of misfits and an epic Darth Vader scene. This is well worth checking out.


27) Inside Out

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Riley’s guiding emotions— Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness—live in Headquarters, the control centre inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life and tries to keep things positive, but the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school. Easily one of my favourite Pixar movies of all time, Inside Out delivers on a completely different level than other animated movies, the interactions between the 5 emotions is charming and hilarious.


26) Fantasia

Walt Disney’s timeless masterpiece is an extravaganza of sight and sound, as it brings music to life, you can hear the pictures burst into song and experience the excitement that is Fantasia over and over again. This is a classic Disney movie from the early days and I’d recommend jumping in and skipping straight to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice section of the movie if you’ve don’t fancy the whole thing, since its must see cartoon featuring Mickey Mouse.


25) Iron Man

The Marvel Cinematic Universe began here and if you’re planning a Marvel binge, this is a good place to start. This movie kicked off a new era of Marvel movies and gives us the origin of Iron Man. With an excellent cast and some great music, its well worth revisiting.


24) Avatar

Avatar is set in the 22nd century, a paraplegic Marine is dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission, but becomes torn between following orders and protecting an alien civilization. This movie was groundbreaking when it was originally released and was only removed from being the number one movie of all time at the box office by Avengers: Endgame this year.


23) 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 my favourite Disney+ Original movie and will certainly give your heartstrings a tug, you might need some tissues, I did!


22) The Incredibles

Some might argue this is the perfect Fantastic Four movie, this animated great from Pixar delivers a simple superhero story that is perfect for all ages. Bob Parr has given up his superhero days to log in time as an insurance adjuster and raise his three children with his formerly heroic wife in suburbia. But when he receives a mysterious assignment, it’s time to get back into costume.


21)  Frozen

Anna, a fearless optimist, sets off on an epic journey – teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven – to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. From the outside Anna’s sister, Elsa looks poised, regal and reserved, but in reality, she lives in fear as she wrestles with a mighty secret-she was born with the power to create ice and snow. It’s a beautiful ability, but also extremely dangerous. Haunted by the moment her magic nearly killed her younger sister Anna, Elsa has isolated herself, spending every waking minute trying to suppress her growing powers. Her mounting emotions trigger the magic, accidentally setting off an eternal winter that she can’t stop. She fears she’s becoming a monster and that no one, not even her sister, can help her.  This movie was a juggernaut for Disney in the past decade, from the box office, merchandise, music and even on Broadway.


20)  Brave

Set in Scotland in a rugged and mythical time, “Brave” features Merida, an aspiring archer and impetuous daughter of royalty. Merida makes a reckless choice that unleashes unintended peril and forces her to spring into action to set things right.  Brave is often overlooked, but its easily one of my favourite Pixar movies, with the music especially standing out as a highlight.



19) Zootopia

This is another fantastic modern Disney animated classic, it tells the story of Officer Judy Hopps, who is the first bunny on Zootopia’s police force, who jumps at the chance to crack her first case – even if it means partnering with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery. The underlying story of how racism is represented by different animals and the relationship between predators and prey is really interesting.


18) Captain America: Civil War

This great Marvel movie is set after the events of Age of Ultron, the collective governments of the world pass an act designed to regulate all superhuman activity. This polarizes opinion amongst the Avengers, causing two factions to side with Iron Man or Captain America, which causes an epic battle between former allies. This movie is also sees the debut of Spider-Man into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.


17) Pirates Of The Caribbean – Curse Of The Black Pearl

Movies based on theme park attractions don’t usually make good viewing, but this movie kicked off a billion dollar franchise as Johnny Depp plays Jack Sparrow, a freewheeling 18th-century pirate, who quarrels with a rival pirate, that is bent on pillaging Port Royal. When the governor’s daughter is kidnapped, Jack Sparrow decides to help the girl’s love save her. Easily one of my favourite live action Disney movies in recent years and there are a number of other sequels featuring Captain Jack that are worth investigating.


16) Aladdin

One of the most popular animated movies from the 1990’s, it tells the story of Princess Jasmine, who grows tired of being forced to remain in the palace, so she sneaks out into the marketplace, in disguise, where she meets street-urchin Aladdin. The couple falls in love, although Jasmine may only marry a prince. After being thrown in jail, Aladdin becomes embroiled in a plot to find a mysterious lamp, with which the evil Jafar hopes to rule the land. With an iconic soundtrack, that has been turned into a show on Broadway and into a live action sequel, this one is a must see.


15) Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The first Star Wars movie under the Disney banner delivers everything you could want from a Star Wars film, it is brand new but also has that nostalgic feel to it. Thirty years after defeating the Galactic Empire, Han Solo and his allies face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren and his army of Stormtroopers.  And now with Star Wars: The Last Jedi available on Disney+, you’ve now got two thirds of the new trilogy available.


14) Mary Poppins

The original and still the best, this classic from the 1960’s is still as charming and wonderful as when it first came out, as it tells the story of a magical nanny who employs music and adventure to help two neglected children become closer to their father. It’s simply Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.


13) Monsters Inc

With a brand new spin-off series coming soon to Disney+, take a step back to when we got introduced to James Sullivan and Mike Wazowski, who are monsters, that earn their living scaring children and are the best in the business… even though they’re more afraid of the children than they are of them. When a child accidentally enters their world, James and Mike suddenly find that kids are not to be afraid of and they uncover a conspiracy that could threaten all children across the world.


12) Guardians Of The Galaxy

While many questioned if these lovable rogue characters could make it on the big screen when it was first announced, this movie started its own superhero team that delivered big on action, drama and comedy. Light years from Earth, 26 years after being abducted, Peter Quill finds himself the prime target of a manhunt after discovering an orb wanted by Ronan the Accuser. This is unlike anything we had seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a must watch.


11) Finding Nemo

When a young clownfish called Nemo, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist’s office aquarium. It’s up to his worrisome father Marlin and a friendly but forgetful fish Dory to bring Nemo home — meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way. It’s a classic Pixar movie that is always enjoyable to watch. And if you love this, check out its sequel Finding Dory.


10) Thor: Ragnarok

One of the greatest and funniest Marvel movies to ever be made, Thor: Ragnarok completely changes the direction of Thor, gives us part of the iconic “Planet Hulk” comic book story and gives us much more Loki. When Thor is imprisoned on the other side of the universe, he finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his home-world and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela. And the soundtrack is also a perfect throwback to the action movies of the 1980’s.


9) Up

For adults, Up features one of the most heartbreaking scenes in a Disney movie and one that left me in tears. The film tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, who has spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. A must watch.


8) Free Solo

Quite possibly one of the most scariest movies available on Disney+, this Oscar winning documentary tells follows Alex Honnold as he attempts to become the first person to ever free solo climb Yosemite’s 3,000 foot high El Capitan wall. This one will have you watching through your hands as he climbs with no ropes or safety gear, in what would arguably be the greatest feat in rock climbing history.


7) The Sound Of Music

This classic 20th Century Fox musical is all about a tomboyish woman at an Austrian abbey becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain with seven children, and brings a new love of life and music into the home. Featuring some iconic music and a wonderful setting, this is one classic to check out.


6) Toy Story 3

Easily my favourite Toy Story movie from Pixar as its about growing up since Andy’s toys haven’t been played with in years and when Andy goes to college, the gang find themselves accidentally left at a nefarious day care center. The toys must band together to escape and return home to Andy. With one scene that will no doubt bring a tear to your eye, this is a must watch.

And an honorable mention has to go to the original Toy Story that kicked off not just Pixar but the whole computer animated movie business and will no doubt be one of the most watched movies on Disney+.


5) Wall-E

Possibly one of my favourite Pixar movies of all time, this charming story of WALL·E, the last robot left on an Earth, whose job it is to clear all the garbage left by humans before they fled the earth. For 700 years he has continued to try and clean up the mess, but has developed some rather interesting human-like qualities. When a ship arrives with a sleek new type of robot, WALL·E thinks he’s finally found a friend and stows away on the ship when it leaves, leading to a beautiful love story between two robots. It’s got a very powerful recycling message that is more important now then when it was released in 2008.


4) Coco

One of favourite movies from recent years, Coco tells the story of Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz, but his family have a ban on music. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. With some beautiful songs and a unique story, this one is well worth checking out.


3) The Lion King

The original animated classic is still my favourite Disney movie of all time, the music is amazing and iconic. It’s one of Disney’s most unique animated classics, that tells the story of a young lion cub named Simba, who just can’t wait to be king. But his uncle Scar, craves the title for himself and will stop at nothing to get it, leading to Simba being banished from his home, only to return years later when his pride need him. This one will no doubt be one of the most popular movies on the new streaming service.


2) Marvel Avengers: Endgame

The biggest blockbuster ever is set after the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.


1) Star Wars – Empire Strikes Back

And finally, a movie which has one of the most iconic moments in the history of cinema. The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair. And if you’re going to watch this one, you might as well pop “A New Hope” and “Return of the Jedi” on as well.


 

What movie are you planning on watching on Disney+?

 

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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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1 Comments

  1. Laurie January 14, 2020

    Thank you-great list!