The 49 Best Movies on Disney Plus Right Now (November 2024) (2024)

The volume of content available on Disney+ may feel overwhelming. Indeed, there are a plethora of good movies on Disney+, from forgotten live-action films from the '60s, '70s, and '80s alongside a ton of Disney Channel Original movies — and that's not to mention the catalog titles from Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm and the growing library of new original films you can only find on Disney+.

To help you find the cream of the crop, we've compiled a list of the best movies on Disney Plus across all genres. Take a look! For more recommendations, check out our list of the best shows on Disney+, best comedies on Disney+, and best romantic movies on Disney+.

Editor's note: This article was updated November 2024 to include The Book of Life.

‘The Book of Life’ (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 7.2/10

The Book of Life

Animation

Adventure

Comedy

Release Date

October 17, 2014

Director

Jorge R. Gutierrez

Cast

Diego Luna , Zoe Saldana , Channing Tatum , Ron Perlman , Christina Applegate , Ice Cube

Runtime

95 Minutes

This dazzling animated family movie follows Manolo (Diego Luna), a young man expected to follow in his family’s footsteps despite his heart pulling him in a different direction. In order to find out the right path to take, Manolo ventures into three magical worlds where he will find both his wildest dreams and deadliest fears. A touching ode to the pursuit of happiness, The Book of Life is a stellar film that seems marketed for children but is even more impactful to an adult audience. A wholly underrated animated feature that could easily be regarded as one of the best of the past decade, this is a family film everyone should watch. - Jake Hodges

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‘Music by John Williams’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Music by John Williams

Documentary

Music

Release Date

October 25, 2024

Director

Laurent Bouzereau

Cast

John Williams , Steven Spielberg , Kathleen Kennedy , Frank Marshall , Kate Capshaw , Gustavo Dudamel , J.J. Abrams , Chris Martin , Ron Howard , Chris Columbus , George Lucas , Itzhak Perlman , Lawrence Kasdan , Yo-Yo Ma , Ke Huy Quan , James Mangold , Alan Silvestri , David Newman , Thomas Newman , Seth MacFarlane , Anne-Sophie Mutter , Branford Marsalis

Produced and directed by Laurent Bouzereau, Music by John Williams is a documentary film about composer and conductor John Williams. Essentially a tribute to Williams’ legacy as a composer, the documentary explores Williams’ life and career. The film features interviews with a host of industry veterans who have worked with Williams in the past, including Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, Gustavo Dudamel, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin, Ron Howard, Chris Columbus, George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan, Yo-Yo Ma, and many more.

Music by John Williams premiered at the 2024 AFI Fest and has received largely positive reviews from critics. Exploring the work of one of cinema’s most legendary composers, the film doesn’t get too deep into Williams’ personal life, choosing to focus on his music and career instead. The documentary film has already been nominated for two Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards in both the Best Documentary Feature and Best Music Documentary categories.

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'Mulan' (1998)

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.7/10

Mulan

Animated

Coming-of-Age

Action-Adventure

Release Date

June 19, 1998

Director

Barry Cook , Tony Bancroft

Cast

Ming-Na Wen , Eddie Murphy , BD Wong , Miguel Ferrer , June Foray , James Hong , Pat Morita , George Takei

Runtime

87 Minutes

When the Huns invade China, one man from every household is conscripted to serve in the Imperial Army. This is very distressing for Fa Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) since she has no brother, and her father, Fa Zhou (Soon Tek Oh), is old and suffers from a previous war wound. Fearing that he will die, Mulan disguises herself as a man and takes her father’s place. She is aided by a dragon named Mushu (Eddie Murphy), who claims to be her family’s guardian but is actually disgraced and hoping to use Mulan as a chance to regain his title.

Mulan is an animated classic, telling a powerful story about self-discovery, courage, and challenging the idea of what a Disney heroine is. Mulan is a great protagonist who acts as a much stronger heroine than many female characters from modern films. Her flaws are relatable to a wide audience, and she often succeeds thanks to her observational powers and her mind rather than brute strength. Its animation is also gorgeous, with massive landscape shots and vibrant linework that captures the essence of the original Chinese culture.

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'Lilo & Stitch' (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Lilo & Stitch

Comedy

Animation

Release Date

June 21, 2002

Director

Chris Sanders , Dean DeBlois

Cast

Chris Sanders , Daveigh Chase , Tia Carrere , Ving Rhames , David Ogden Stiers , Kevin McDonald , Jason Scott Lee , Kevin Michael Richardson

Runtime

85 minutes

When I was in college, I attempted to re-capture the scene from Alien where the alien is protruding from someone’s chest using my Stitch stuffed animal from the hit Disney animated film Lilo & Stitch. There was one major problem: Stitch is the cutest alien to ever exist, and therefore, the shot was entirely unbelievable. Lilo & Stich premiered on the big screen in 2002 and became the animated alien we never knew we needed in our lives. Written and directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders (both of How to Train Your Dragon fame), the story follows a young girl named Lilo (Daveigh Chase) and her older sister Nani (Tia Carrere) as they go about their lives in Hawaii, until one day, an alien named Stitch (Chris Sanders) comes crashing into their lives. Initially believing Stitch to be a dog, the girls adopt him, only to discover that he’s a scientific experiment hiding on Earth from its creators.

The film was a hit at the box office, earning $273 million against its $80 million budget, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. With the film’s score done by the legendary Alan Silvestri (Forrest Gump) and fantastic voice acting by David Ogden Stiers (M*A*S*H*), Kevin McDonald (The Kids in the Hall), Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction), Amy Hill (50 First Dates) and more, the film is a treat for kids and parents alike.

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'Freaky Friday' (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 6.3/10

Freaky Friday

Comedy

Family

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Fantasy

Release Date

August 6, 2003

Director

Mark Waters

Cast

Jamie Lee Curtis , Lindsay Lohan , Harold Gould , Chad Michael Murray , Mark Harmon

Runtime

97 Minutes

Adapted from Mary Rodgers's 1972 novel of the same name, 2003’s Freaky Friday is the third version of the iconic story. The movie revolves around Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis), an overworked single mother, and her rebellious teenage daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan), who are polar opposites. After receiving mysterious fortunes at a Chinese restaurant, they wake up the next day to find that they have switched bodies. Unable to switch back, they must navigate each other's lives, leading to newfound respect and understanding.

Freaky Friday avoids being just another uninteresting remake, thanks to the standout performances of the leading ladies. Their chemistry and performances have turned it into a classic that continues to entertain audiences even two decades later, making it the definitive version that comes to mind when the title is mentioned. Moreover, Curtis displays her comedic flair with gusto, flawlessly embodying the mannerisms of a 15-year-old trapped in her 44-year-old body, while Lohan showcases her natural talents, reminding audiences why she was such a sensation. Freaky Friday also provides all-around entertainment for teenagers and adults alike to enjoy in its brisk 90-minute runtime, allowing viewers to see themselves in either of the characters.

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'Beauty and the Beast' (1991)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Beauty and the Beast

Animation

Family

Fantasy

Musical

Release Date

November 21, 1991

Director

Gary Trousdale , Kirk Wise

Cast

Paige O'Hara , Robby Benson , Angela Lansbury , Jerry Orbach , David Ogden Stiers , Bradley Pierce , Jesse Corti , Richard White

Runtime

84 Minutes

Within a poor provincial French town lives Belle (Paige O'Hara), the daughter of the local inventor, Maurice (Rex Everhart). Belle inherited her father's creative mind, and rather than engage in gossip, she prefers to read and dream of adventure. This makes her a bit of a town pariah, except for the local hero, Gaston (Richard White), who wants to marry her for her beauty. Belle ends up getting her wish for adventure when her father stumbles upon an enchanted castle, leading to her taking his place as the prisoner of a Beast (Robby Benson).

Beauty and the Beast represents the peak of Disney’s artistic creativity, both in terms of story-writing and character animation, and was the first movie to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Picture. It makes expert use of its pacing to convey a believable and engaging romance between Belle and Beast while still making time to show off some of Disney’s most beloved and recognized side characters. The music by the legendary duo of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman is nothing short of perfect, capturing every emotion and entertaining with their Broadway-style flare. It also helps that most of the actors are Broadway singers.

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'Raya and the Last Dragon' (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Raya and the Last Dragon

Animation

Release Date

March 3, 2021

Director

Don Hall , Carlos López Estrada , Paul Briggs , John Ripa

Cast

Alan Tudyk , Gemma Chan , Awkwafina , Kelly Marie Tran , Ross Butler , Daniel Dae Kim

Runtime

90

Raya and the Last Dragon takes place in the distant past in the fantastical realm of Kumandra. There, humans and dragons coexisted peacefully until the arrival of the Druun — menacing monsters that forced the dragons to sacrifice themselves for humanity. Now, 500 years later, the Druun have resurfaced. Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran), a solitary warrior, must embark on a quest to find the last dragon and put an end to the Druun once and for all. Along her journey, she discovers that saving the world requires more than just dragon magic; it demands trust as well.

Raya and the Last Dragon's impressive diversity serves as a unifying force, bringing people of all races and backgrounds together. Additionally, the catchy score, coupled with a subtle showcase of Eastern culture and fantastic characters, makes it an enjoyable watch and delivers a positive message about trust, unity, and the importance of working together in the face of adversity. Moreover, the movie features a predominantly Asian-American cast delivering outstanding voice performances, particularly Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran, who carve out their own unique marks in their roles and consistently provide the movie with comedic relief at the most intense moments. - Jessie Nguyen

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'The Empire Strikes Back' (1980)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.7/10

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back

Action

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

Release Date

June 18, 1980

Director

Irvin Kershner

Cast

Mark Hamill , Harrison Ford , Carrie Fisher , Frank Oz , Billy Dee Williams , Anthony Daniels , Kenny Baker , David Prowse , Peter Mayhew , James Earl Jones

Runtime

124 minutes

In the wake of the Empire’s attack on the Rebel Alliance’s base on the ice world Hoth, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) travels to the Dagobah system to further his Jedi training under the tutelage of the wise Master Yoda (Frank Oz), while Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia’s (Carrie Fisher) escape sees them travel to the floating Cloud City on Bespin. However, Luke’s training is cut short when he learns of a trap set by Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) against his friends.

As the second Star Wars film, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back upped the ante of the legendary space opera franchise and is viewed by many to be among the greatest movies ever made. Its imaginative world-building, endearing characters, well-paced story, and iconic action sequences ensure that the famous film remains just as captivating and awe-inspiring today as it was upon release back in 1980.

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'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.9/10

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Animation

Family

Fantasy

Musical

Release Date

October 9, 1993

Director

Henry Selick

Cast

Danny Elfman , Chris Sarandon , Catherine O'Hara , William Hickey , Glenn Shadix , Paul Reubens

Runtime

76

Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon) is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, a town that creates all of the spooky details that make Halloween such a beloved holiday. Unfortunately, Jack has grown tired of doing the same thing every year and longs for something new. While walking through the woods, he finds a door that leads to Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with the new holiday. He eventually decides that this year, Halloween Town will bring Christmas to the world, despite the warnings of his friend, the ragdoll Sally (Catherine O’Hara).

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the best stop-motion films ever made. Its success comes from its simplicity; the characters all fit into basic archetypes, which makes them very easy to understand and sympathize with. Jack, in particular, stands out thanks to his wide-eyed idealism and relatable struggle to rekindle the joy of a monotonous existence. The film also possesses an iconic and catchy soundtrack courtesy of the great Danny Elfman, who also provides Jack’s singing voice. All of this has turned the film into a holiday classic. - Tyler B. Searle

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'The Straight Story' (1999)

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 8.0/10

The Straight Story

Biography

Drama

The Straight Story follows Alvin Straight, a retired farmer, who embarks on a remarkable journey from Iowa to Wisconsin on a lawnmower to reconcile with his estranged brother after learning of his stroke. This film captures Alvin's heartfelt travels across the Midwest, embracing themes of family and redemption.

Release Date

May 21, 1999

Director

David Lynch

Cast

Richard Farnsworth , Sissy Spacek , Harry Dean Stanton

Runtime

112

Have you ever been stuck behind a lawnmower that’s driving on the road? Perhaps 1999’s The Straight Story, written by John Roach (Wisconsin Reflections) and Mary Sweeney (Mulholland Drive), will change your mind. Directed by David Lynch (Twin Peaks), the story follows seventy-three-year-old Alvin (Richard Farnsworth), who goes to visit his brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton), who is in even worse health than Alvin. The brothers have been feuding, and given both of their less-than-healthy circumstances, Alvin wants to make amends before it’s too late. The film also stars Sissy Spacek (Carrie), Jane Galloway Heitz (I Know Who Killed Me), Joseph Carpenter, and Dan Flannery (Contagion).

While the film didn’t perform well at the box office, it was still nominated for an Academy Award for Farnsworth’s performance as Alvin. Even more impressive is the fact that it was based on the true story of real-life Alvin Straight, whose legs were too impaired for him to obtain a driver’s license, and so he set off on his John Deere tractor to travel five miles per hour for the next two hundred and forty miles from Iowa to Wisconsin. Although it didn’t earn back its $10 million budget, it was critically acclaimed nonetheless, earning a nomination for the Palme d’Or at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards. Maybe next time you’re stuck behind a tractor, you might consider the person driving it is on their way to do something great. - Emily Cappello

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'Ratatouille' (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Ratatouille

Animation

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

June 28, 2007

Director

Brad Bird , Jan Pinkava

Cast

Patton Oswalt , Ian Holm , Lou Romano , Brian Dennehy , Peter Sohn , Peter O'Toole

Runtime

110

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The title of the film, Ratatouille, refers to both the French dish served at the critical moment at the end of the film and the main character, a rat. The story is set in Paris and follows a young rat named Remy (Patton Oswalt), who aspires to become a chef at Auguste Gusteau's (Brad Garrett) restaurant. He embarks on an unconventional partnership with the restaurant's garbage boy, Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), to pursue his culinary dream.

Ratatouille challenges the "anyone can cook" motto with its unique and whimsical premise that ends up more successful than anyone could predict. Despite its absurdity and unexplained language barriers, the film manages to deliver a delightful and delicious story that avoids coming across as preachy or immature. Despite featuring a rat as its central character, the food scenes in the film are also incredibly tantalizing and delectable, capable of inspiring anyone to delve into the world of cooking. Additionally, Ratatouille serves as Brad Bird’s love letter to Paris, a heartfelt tribute to the culinary arts, and a cinematic treat for viewers of all ages. The film also boasts exceptional voice performances and revolves around a character's journey to finding their place and ultimately being embraced there.

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'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' (1988)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.7/10

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

June 21, 1988

Director

Robert Zemeckis

Cast

Bob Hoskins , Christopher Lloyd , Joanna Cassidy , Charles Fleischer , Stubby Kaye , Alan Tilvern

Runtime

103

In an alternate version of the 1940s, humans live alongside cartoon characters, known as Toons, who work for film companies to produce cartoon shorts. Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), a private investigator whose brother was killed by a Toon, is hired to take photos of Jessica Rabbit (Kathleen Turner) having an affair with the owner of the Toon's home (aka Toontown), Marvin Acme (Stubby Kaye). The next day, Acme is found dead, and the primary suspect is Jessica's husband, Roger Rabbit (Charles Fleischer). Roger pleads for Eddie to clear his name and protect him from the ruthless Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd), which leads to the uncovering of a greater conspiracy.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a technological and storytelling marvel. While there were other films that had real actors interacting with 2D characters, the crew of this film went the extra mile to make everything look and feel more real, from using wires to hold up real guns for the Toon characters to changing their colors during scenes with shifting lighting. From a storytelling side, it blends all of the classic film noir tropes with some of the most recognizable cartoon characters of all time, making for an unforgettable experience.

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'The Incredibles' (2004)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10

The Incredibles

Animation

Action

Adventure

Family

Release Date

October 27, 2004

Director

Brad Bird

Cast

Craig T. Nelson , Holly Hunter , Samuel L. Jackson , Jason Lee , Dominique Louis , Teddy Newton

Runtime

121

In a retro-futuristic 1960s setting, The Incredibles centers on Bob and Helen Parr, a superhero couple known as Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, voiced by Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter, respectively. They conceal their powers as required by the government and aim to lead a quiet suburban life with their three children. However, Bob's longing to assist people pulls the entire family into a clash with a former admirer turned adversary.

As director Brad Bird’s love letter to the superhero genre, The Incredibles boasts an impressive level of action, violence, and chaos, setting it apart as one of Pixar's most mature creations. Yet, it doesn't deviate from the studio's trademark approach, which centers on family dynamics and transforms it into a thrilling, Hollywood-style animated adventure. Additionally, similar to many of Pixar's creations, the film effortlessly caters to both young and adult audiences. It fearlessly addresses the darker aspects of society and the superhero culture, earning it a cult following and solidifying its status as a contemporary animation classic. The Incredibles also revitalizes the excitement of old-school comic books and pulp adventures, not just the nostalgia, with its live-action-style visuals, showcasing Pixar's forward-thinking approach in their productions.

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'The Princess Bride' (1987)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.0/10

The Princess Bride

Adventure

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Romance

Release Date

October 9, 1987

Director

Rob Reiner

Cast

Cary Elwes , Robin Wright , Mandy Patinkin , Chris Sarandon , Christopher Guest , Wallace Shawn

Runtime

98 minutes

A sweeping romantic fantasy, The Princess Bride follows a swashbuckling farmhand-turned-pirate on a quest to rescue his beloved Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) from being forced to marry Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Finding acquaintances in the vengeful Spaniard Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and a Greenlander giant called Fezzik (André the Giant), Westley’s (Cary Elwes) pursuit to save his lost love takes him to many dangerous and magical places in the kingdom of Florian.

With no small amount of fairy tale allure, The Princess Bride has become a beloved ‘80s classic due to its ability to spoof the swashbuckling romantic fantasies of early cinema while honoring them with an earnest appreciation as well. Intelligent, fun, charismatic, and utterly charming, the Rob Reiner classic is a truly timeless masterpiece that appeals to everyone with its sense of adventure. - Ryan Heffernan

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'Inside Out' (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Inside Out

Animation

Comedy

Adventure

Release Date

June 19, 2015

Director

Pete Docter , Ronaldo Del Carmen

Cast

Amy Poehler , Phyllis Smith , Richard Kind , Bill Hader , Lewis Black , Mindy Kaling

Runtime

95 minutes

Read Our Review

Inside Out traces the story of Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), a happy 11-year-old girl who loves hockey and her Midwestern life. However, when she and her parents relocate to San Francisco, her emotions, led by Joy (Amy Poehler), strive to navigate this significant life change. The move's stress places Sadness (Phyllis Smith) in the spotlight. In an unexpected turn of events, Joy and Sadness end up in the far reaches of Riley's mind, leaving only Anger (Lewis Black), Fear (Bill Hader), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling) in control at Headquarters.

Inside Out skillfully turns emotional turmoil into an adventure, offering a surreal glimpse into the intricate workings of our feelings and the reasons behind them. It stands as a remarkable achievement in world-building and screenwriting — a level of artistry seldom seen in any film, let alone an animated one primarily targeting younger audiences. Moreover, blending a timeless fish-out-of-water story with Pixar's signature wit and keen insights, delivered by an outstanding comedic cast and stunning visuals, the film stands as one of Pixar's finest works. It's also the type of film that gains depth with each viewing, resonating differently at various stages of life. Despite its relatively young age, Inside Out has already achieved classic status. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Pinocchio' (1940)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.5/10

Pinocchio

Animation

Adventure

Drama

Family

Fantasy

Release Date

February 23, 1940

Director

Hamilton Luske , Ben Sharpsteen

Runtime

88 minutes

An elderly woodcarver named Gepetto (Christian Rub) crafts a wooden puppet that he names Pinocchio (Dick Jones). Before going to sleep, he wishes on a star for Pinocchio to become a real boy, and a blue fairy (Evelyn Venable) decides to grant his request. She gives Pinocchio life but tells him that he must prove himself brave, truthful, and unselfish to become a real boy. To aid him in this task, she assigns a cricket named Jiminy (Cliff Edwards) to be his conscience and help him learn right from wrong. This task proves more difficult than anticipated, thanks to the numerous people who seek to exploit Pinocchio’s unique status and naivete.

Pinocchio is a treasure from Disney’s Golden Age that remains one of the company’s most beloved films. This is due in large part to its strong morals and characters. Pinocchio himself is a very likable protagonist whose experience of navigating the world is timeless. The film also isn’t afraid to show how dark the world can be or that sometimes, evil people succeed at the expense of the innocent. Despite this, its overall message is optimistic: keep to the right path rather than the easy one, and you can bring your dreams to life. - Tyler B. Searle

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'Mary Poppins' (1964)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Mary Poppins

Comedy

Family

Fantasy

Musical

Release Date

August 27, 1964

Director

Robert Stevenson

Cast

Julie Andrews , Dick Van Dyke , David Tomlinson , Glynis Johns , Hermione Baddeley , Reta Shaw

Runtime

140

Groundbreaking for its time, 1964’s Mary Poppins stars the lovely Julie Andrews alongside the incredibly charming Dick Van Dyke in the tale of a dysfunctional family living in London, England, as they are blessed with the presence of a fantastical nanny named Marry Poppins. Quickly becoming the highest-grossing film of 1964, it gathered 13 Academy Award nominations, a record for Disney. The film won five Oscars, including Best Original Music Score by Irwin Kostal (West Side Story) and the Sherman Brothers (It’s A Small World), Best Actress for Julie Andrews, Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Song for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”

Audiences’ fascination with the film has continued to intrigue viewers, new and old, and a film based on the creation of Mary Poppins, Saving Mr. Banks, starring Tom Hanks, was released in 2013. A sequel to the original film, Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt in the titular role, premiered in 2018. In addition, the 1939 book the original film was based on, “Marry Poppins” by P.L. Travels, has had a renaissance of its own, as readers continue to pick up the book for the first time or repeat reads. Even today, the visual effects continue to impress, and the music will forever be stuck in your head. - Emily Cappello

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'The Lion King' (1994)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.5/10

The Lion King

Animation

Drama

Adventure

Release Date

June 24, 1994

Director

Roger Allers , Rob Minkoff

Cast

Matthew Broderick , Moira Kelly , Nathan Lane , Ernie Sabella , Robert Guillaume

Runtime

88 Minutes

Drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, incorporating elements from the Biblical stories of Joseph and Moses, and taking cues from Disney's 1942 animated feature film Bambi, The Lion King is set in a kingdom of lions located in Africa. The film follows the journey of Simba, a lion cub destined to be the King of the Pride Lands. When his uncle Scar kills Simba's father, Mufasa, and convinces Simba he's to blame, he goes into exile. Raised by Timon and Pumbaa, Simba gains wisdom from his friend Nala and the shaman Rafiki and then returns to confront Scar, ending his reign and claiming his place as the rightful king in the Circle of Life.

With stunning animation, a captivating score by Elton John and Tim Rice, an emotionally resonant storyline, and Simba's profound character arc, The Lion King offers a rich cinematic experience. It evokes both tearful moments and hearty laughter, making it an enduring and cherished animation that leaves a lasting impression on viewers of all ages. The movie remains a classic, upholding Disney's high standard in animated features. It sets the bar so high that anything that comes after this version can leave you with a sense that something essential is lacking. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Princess Diaries' (2001)

Rotten Tomatoes: 49% | IMDb: 6.4/10

The Princess Diaries

Comedy

Family

Romance

Release Date

August 3, 2001

Director

Garry Marshall

Cast

Anne Hathaway , Julie Andrews , Heather Matarazzo , Caroline Goodall , Hector Elizondo , Robert Schwartzman , Erik von Detten , Patrick John Flueger , Sandra Oh , Mandy Moore , Sean O'Bryan , Kathleen Marshall , Kimleigh Smith , Mindy Burbano , Elizabeth Gudenrath , Bianca Lopez , Tamara Levinson , Lenore Thomas , Erik Bragg , Meredith Shevory , Anita Marie Curran , Cassie Rowell , Todd Lowe , Joe Unitas , Joel McCrary

Runtime

115 minutes

The Princess Diaries centers on Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway), a timid American teenager living in San Francisco with her mother (Caroline Goodall) and her cat, who discovers her royal heritage as the heiress to a European kingdom's throne and a real-life princess. With guidance from her estranged grandmother (Julie Andrews), the current reigning queen, Mia faces a pivotal decision: whether to embrace her inherited throne or relinquish her title forever.

The Princess Diaries served as Anne Hathaway's debut in the world of cinema, and her charming portrayal of Mia Thermopolis earned her recognition and kick-started her career. Despite not receiving extensive critical acclaim, the film has garnered a substantial and adoring audience following, solidifying its status as an iconic coming-of-age film that resonates with the dreams of many teenagers. The movie also showcases Julie Andrews in a role that perfectly suits her – that of a queen, exuding grace and timeless charm. Furthermore, it masterfully blends humor and poignant moments, striking a harmonious balance that captivates both young and adult audiences. The Princess Diaries also delivers valuable life lessons to its target audience about the responsibilities tied to power and the significance of utilizing it for the common good. - Jessie Nguyen

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'Fire of Love' (2022)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 7.6/10

Fire of Love

Documentary

Release Date

July 6, 2022

Cast

Miranda July

Runtime

1 hr 33 min

Fire Of Love is a National Geographic documentary that follows the blossoming love of scientists Katia and Maurice Krafft, who for their entire lives have loved two things: each other and volcanoes. For two decades, the duo made it their life's work to travel across the planet in chase of volcanic eruptions and their aftermath in order to gather a greater understanding of the volcanoes of the world. As they document their discoveries with photographs and breathtaking film, they share their findings with the public and become the premiere volcano experts of the world before their untimely demise during a 1991 volcanic explosion on Japan's Mount Unzen.

Fire of Love takes the already beautiful and mesmerizing footage shot by the Kraffts and allows it to reach the same level of gravitas and beauty that the couple had always envisioned volcanoes to be. The film is filled to the brim with countless beautiful setpieces as they work hand-in-hand with the beautiful yet heartbreaking real-life romance at the center of the story. Narration from Miranda July helps keep the film focused and grounded as a narrative progression, seeing the couple's evolutions and changes as they work more and more with a world becoming more aware and reactive to volcanoes and their destruction thanks to their work. The film is easily one of the most memorable and well-regarded documentaries in recent memory and is a must-watch just for those looking for a visual feast for the eyes. - Robert Lee III

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