The Best Disney+ Originals So Far
Disney+ isn’t just the home of Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars—over the last few years, it has quietly built a slate of original films that can stand on their own. Some broke streaming records, others grabbed critical acclaim, and a few just captured the hearts of families looking for something new on movie night. From musicals and documentaries to animated gems, here are twenty Disney+ originals that prove the platform isn’t just relying on nostalgia—it’s shaping it.
Soul
Pixar’s Soul isn’t your typical family flick—it’s a life-affirming story about purpose, creativity, and what makes every moment matter. With jazz running through its veins, the film won over critics, families, and even Oscar voters. Its mix of humor, heart, and heady ideas cemented it as a defining title for Disney+, the kind of movie that sparks conversations long after the credits roll.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Soul (2020)
Luca
Set against the Italian Riviera, Luca is pure sunshine bottled into a movie. It’s a story about friendship, self-acceptance, and the joy of discovery, wrapped in Pixar’s trademark charm. Audiences loved it so much it became the most-streamed movie of 2021, proof that straight-to-streaming doesn’t mean second-tier. Luca showed Disney+ could deliver global hits without a theatrical release.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Luca (2021)
Turning Red
Turning Red is quirky, bold, and completely unforgettable. Domee Shi’s story of a 13-year-old who transforms into a giant red panda when overwhelmed is as funny as it is heartfelt. Parents and kids alike found something to love here—awkward middle-school memories, relatable friendships, and a celebration of cultural identity. Disney+ gave this ambitious coming-of-age tale the wide audience it deserved.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Turning Red (2022)
Hocus Pocus 2
When the Sanderson Sisters returned in Hocus Pocus 2, nostalgia and curiosity collided. Fans streamed it in droves, giving Disney+ its biggest movie debut ever. Critics were mixed, but audiences didn’t care—they just wanted more spells, more laughs, and more Bette Midler. Every Halloween since, the sequel has become a seasonal tradition, proving old magic still works.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Hamilton
It’s hard to overstate what Hamilton did for Disney+. In summer 2020, when theaters were dark, the filmed Broadway sensation became a cultural event all over again. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blend of hip-hop and history reached audiences who never had the chance to see it live. It wasn’t just a musical on film—it was a phenomenon, and Disney+ gave it a stage.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Hamilton (2020)
Togo
One of the earliest Disney+ gems, Togo told a true survival story with surprising grit. Willem Dafoe stars as musher Leonhard Seppala, who with his sled dog Togo braved brutal Alaskan conditions to deliver life-saving medicine. Critics praised the emotional storytelling and breathtaking scenery, and viewers discovered a hidden classic. Togo proved from the start that Disney+ originals could be more than just “family fluff.”
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Togo (2019)
Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers
No one expected Chip ’n Dale to deliver one of the funniest movies of 2022—but it did. Packed with Easter eggs, rapid-fire gags, and a clever mix of live action and animation, the Rescue Rangers reboot was both a parody and a love letter. Critics adored its wit, and fans embraced its nostalgic yet fresh approach. It even scored an Emmy, cementing its place among Disney+’s standout originals.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022)
Black Is King
Beyoncé doesn’t do anything halfway, and Black Is King proved it. This visually stunning musical film was more than a companion piece to The Lion King—it was a bold, beautiful celebration of Black identity, art, and culture. With dazzling imagery and unforgettable music, it became one of Disney+’s most critically praised originals. It’s not just a movie, it’s an experience.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Black Is King (2020)
Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions
If Soul was about life and jazz, Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions was about intimacy and music. Taylor Swift stripped her Grammy-winning album down to its emotional core, performing songs with her collaborators in a cozy, candlelit setting. It felt like being invited into her creative process. Fans loved it, critics raved, and Disney+ gained a gem for music lovers.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions (2020)
Better Nate Than Ever
Broadway dreams and Disney magic collide in Better Nate Than Ever, a musical comedy with big heart. Following a theater-obsessed teen chasing his shot at the spotlight, the film struck a chord with audiences who’ve ever felt like outsiders. Critics praised its humor, inclusivity, and joyful spirit, making it one of Disney+’s most beloved live-action originals.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Better Nate Than Ever (2022)
Rise
Rise tells the improbable story of the Antetokounmpo family—three brothers who went from undocumented immigrants in Greece to NBA champions. What could have felt like a standard sports drama instead delivered sincerity and warmth. Audiences and critics alike appreciated its authenticity, with many calling it a hidden gem on Disney+. It’s inspiring, heartfelt, and worth watching even if basketball isn’t your game.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Rise (2022)
The One and Only Ivan
With a talking gorilla voiced by Sam Rockwell and a supporting cast that included Angelina Jolie and Bryan Cranston, The One and Only Ivan had all the makings of a star-studded family hit. Released in 2020, when families were craving comfort, it delivered exactly that. Sweet, hopeful, and visually charming, it became a go-to Disney+ choice for parents and kids alike.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, The One and Only Ivan (2020)
Flora & Ulysses
What happens when a superhero squirrel teams up with a plucky young girl? Flora & Ulysses answers with humor, heart, and just enough comic-book zaniness. While not as high-profile as Pixar films, it still found its audience, even cracking Nielsen’s streaming charts. Critics called it fun and endearing—a reminder that Disney+ originals can be small in scale but big in charm.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Flora & Ulysses (2021)
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made
Quirky doesn’t even begin to describe Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. Based on Stephan Pastis’s books, the film follows a pint-sized detective and his imaginary polar bear sidekick through a world of oddball adventures. Critics loved its off-beat humor and originality, calling it one of the service’s first truly special originals. It’s weird, whimsical, and wonderfully refreshing.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made (2020)
Clouds
Few Disney+ originals hit as emotionally hard as Clouds. Directed by Justin Baldoni, the film tells the real-life story of musician Zach Sobiech, who wrote music while battling cancer. Heartbreaking yet hopeful, the movie resonated deeply with audiences, and its soundtrack climbed charts after release. Clouds became a word-of-mouth hit, offering both tears and inspiration in equal measure.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Clouds (2020)
Safety
Safety is Disney+ at its most inspiring. Based on a true story, it follows Clemson football player Ray McElrathbey as he secretly raises his younger brother while juggling college life. It’s uplifting, heartfelt, and built for family viewing. Critics may not have raved, but audiences embraced its message of resilience and sacrifice, making it a crowd-pleaser on the platform.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Safety (2020)
Stargirl
Grace VanderWaal made her acting debut in Stargirl, a gentle YA romance about individuality and the courage to stand out. Based on the beloved novel, the film struck a chord with younger audiences while critics praised its sincerity. Released early in Disney+’s run, Stargirl showed the platform’s willingness to explore quieter, character-driven stories alongside big franchise blockbusters.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Stargirl (2020)
Hollywood Stargirl
The sequel to Stargirl took the optimism of the first film and expanded it into a sunnier, more confident story. Moving the action to Los Angeles gave it a fresh energy, while VanderWaal’s charm shined even brighter. Critics called it warmer and more polished than the original, making Hollywood Stargirl one of the service’s strongest YA originals.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Hollywood Stargirl (2022)
Howard
For Disney fans, Howard is essential viewing. This documentary tells the story of lyricist Howard Ashman, the creative mind behind songs in The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. It’s touching, tragic, and inspiring all at once. By spotlighting his brilliance and struggles, Disney+ delivered a moving reminder of the artistry behind its most iconic hits.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Howard (2018)
Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe
Fans of Phineas and Ferb couldn’t have asked for a better reunion. Candace Against the Universe brought back everything audiences loved about the series—fast jokes, catchy songs, and clever storytelling. Nostalgic adults and new kids alike tuned in, and critics praised its energy and humor. It wasn’t just another revival—it was proof that Disney+ could bring beloved worlds back to life with style.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020)
Which Is Your Favorite Disney+ Original?
Disney+ originals don’t always get the same spotlight as Marvel blockbusters or Star Wars epics, but they’re quietly shaping the identity of the platform. From heartfelt family dramas to ambitious documentaries and cultural juggernauts, the service has delivered something for everyone. If you’re looking for proof that Disney+ is more than a nostalgia machine, these twenty originals are the best place to start.
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Togo (2019)
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