Top Ten Best Movies Of 2024 On Disney+
2024 has been an incredible year for original movies on Disney+, with some fantastic films arriving on Disney+ and Hulu, including multiple shows from 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures, Pixar and Marvel.
It’s also important to note that many of these movies are available on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States, but internationally, they are Star Originals on Disney+.
Here are my top ten new films on Disney+ in 2024 in no particular order:
Deadpool & Wolverine
In this film, Deadpool’s peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon unites with his would-be pal, Wolverine, to complete the mission and save his world from an existential threat.
Without a doubt, “Deadpool & Wolverine” is my favourite movie of the year. It’s unlike any other Marvel Studios film. It brings together many of the characters from the previous 20th Century Fox era of Marvel films. It’s like a breath of fresh air, especially how it interconnects with the “Loki” Disney+ series!
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes
This new instalment in the iconic franchise is set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously, and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
I’ve always been a fan of the franchise, and this one didn’t disappoint. It moves the story away from the recent trilogy and brings in new characters, plus it sets it when humans are no longer in charge. It’s just awesome. Plus, it has some of the best visual effects I’ve seen in a while, and it’s one of the rare films I’ve rewatched multiple times this year.
The Supremes At Earl’s All You Can Eat
The film tells the story of lifelong best friends Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean, who share an unbreakable bond from decades of weathering life’s storms. Through new shades of heartbreak, the trio are put to the test as they face challenging times.
This is the one film of the year that took me by surprise, as it’s a fantastic movie about real life, telling multiple stories across different eras and generally feeling like a movie from decades ago. It has a charm and style that we don’t see nowadays, which is refreshing. I laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed this lovely Searchlight Pictures film.
Alien Romulus
This is the latest instalment in the iconic 20th Century Studios franchise and tells the story of what happened while scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station. A group of young space colonisers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
I’ve always been a big fan of the original “Alien” and “Aliens”, but most of the other releases in this franchise have never managed to get that same feeling. But “Alien: Romulus” does that successfully; it manages to bring the scary element back from the original, with some of the action from “Aliens”.
Wish
In this animated film, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney Animation, Young Asha makes a wish so powerful that it’s answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. With Star’s help, Asha must save her kingdom from King Magnifico and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
I think “Wish” is an underrated animated film, which didn’t seem to click with audiences as I would have hoped. I love the soundtrack to the film and have rewatched it a few times, trying to find all the little easter eggs of classic animated films.
Young Woman And The Sea
This film tells the extraordinary true story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel. It’s set in New York City in 1905 and with the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the staggering achievement – a 21-mile trek from France to England.
Originally, this movie was going to be released directly onto Disney+, but it received a last-minute theatrical release, and I can see why. It’s a lovely story and really highlights how good Daisy Ridley can be with a decent script. Don’t sleep on this amazing story.
The Greatest Hits
In this original movie, which takes the time travel genre in a different director, Harriet discovers certain songs can transport her back in time. While she relives the past through romantic memories with her former boyfriend, her time travelling interferes with a burgeoning new love interest in the present.
This is a cute, enjoyable love film that might not go down as one of the greatest films ever, but I enjoyed it and hope more people check it out.
Descendants: The Rise Of Red
One of the most popular films of 2024 on Disney+ is the original film, “Descendants: The Rise Of Red”, which tells the story of what happens after the Queen of Hearts incites a coup on Auradon, her rebellious daughter Red and Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter Chloe join forces and travel back in time to try to undo the traumatic event that set Red’s mother down her villainous path.
If you want a music and dance-filled, light-hearted Disney Channel Original Movie, this is a great option, especially if you enjoyed the previous films. This wouldn’t usually be up my alley, but it entertained me and by the look of it, many other Disney+ subscribers too.
Suncoast
This heartwarming Searchlight Pictures film tells the story of a teen living with her strong-willed mother who must take her brother to a specialized facility for end-of-life care. At protests surrounding a landmark medical case, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with an eccentric activist.
“Suncoast” is a pretty hard-hitting story about the impact of how this topic hits everyone within a family, and I liked how the filmmakers approached the situation since, usually, in this case, it focuses either on the parent or the patient rather than on a sibling. It’s not going to be for everyone, but I like these type of stories about real problems and think it’s worthy of being considered one of my favourite releases on Disney+/Hulu of the year.
Inside Out 2
The biggest box office success of the year sees viewers return to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions! Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety shows up. And it looks like she’s not alone.
If you’re only going to watch one movie on Disney+ from 2024, it’s likely going to be this fantastic film. If you enjoyed the original “Inside Out”, you’ll also love this one. It’s a must watch.
What’s been your favourite new film of 2024 on Disney+? Let me know on social media!