The vast array ofStar Warsand Marvel content may beDisney+’s biggest selling point, but that’s not all the conglomerate is bringing into your homes. All the animated classics are available, as well as the Pixar films and series for younger audiences, not to mention National Geographic documentaries and thirty seasons worth ofThe Simpsons, in case you happened to miss a few hundred episodes.
But if space cowboys or superhumans or dancing kids don’t do it for you, there’s an abundance of heartrending material whose stories will affect you deep down. These are the best dramas on Disney Plus right now.
For more recommendations, check out our list of thebest movies on Disney+or the best dramas onNetflixorHulu.
Editor’s note: This article was updated October 2023 to include Elemental.
The 61 Best Movies on Disney+ Right Now
Let us help whittle down your “must-watch” list.
West Side Story (2021)
Run Time: 2 hrs 36 min |Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast:Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, Rita Moreno
Steven Spielberg’sWest Side Storyis a glorious and glamorous upgrade from the original 1961 film.West Side Storytells a Romeo and Juliet story set in 1960s New York City, and Spielberg’s version starsAnsel Elgort(Baby Driver) andRachel Zegler(Shazam! Fury of the Gods) as Tony and Maria. With vividly colored costumes and exquisite choreography, Spielberg’sWest Side Storyis a visual feast brought to life by a flawless cast.Ariana DeBose(Schmigadoon!) is spellbinding as Anita, while the legendaryRita Moreno(One Day at A Time) introduces a new character, Valentina, who seamlessly provides a foundation for the musical to build upon.– Yael Tygiel
Watch on Disney+
Elemental (2023)
Run Time: 1 hr 41 min |Director: Peter Sohn
Cast: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi
In a city inhabited by the anthropomorphized elements of nature (water, air, fire, and earth), a disapproved-of romance blossoms between fire element Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) and water element Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie) as they fight a discriminatory society to keep their love alight. Disney’s typical animation style aesthetically delights once again as the movie’s incredible voice cast enriches the narrative with vibrant energy from minute one. Never scared of tackling serious topics, this time, Disney discusses themes of xenophobia and segregation in their child-friendly house style but still manages to find the time for heartwarming humor to drive home the message. Sweet and poignant,Elementalis the perfect movie for an entire family to enjoy. -Jake Hodges
Chang Can Dunk (2023)
Run Time: 1 hr 49 min |Director: Jingyi Shao
Cast: Bloom Li, Ben Wang, Zoe Renee, Dexter Darden
Written and directed byJingyi Shaoin his feature debut,Chang Can Dunkstars newcomerBloom Lias an unpopular high schooler whose admiration for the sport of basketball is more than just a minor hobby. Throughout the film, Chang attempts to show up resident athlete — and former friend — Matt (Chase Liefeld) while impressing his love interest, Kristy (Zoe Renee). In this charming coming-of-age story,Chang Can Dunkfocuses on Chang’s family while exploring themes of determination, perseverance, and passion.Chang Can Dunkis a playful underdog story wrapped in a sports movie and sprinkled with a hint of romance.– Yael Tygiel
Avatar (2009)
Run Time: 2 hr 40 min |Director:James Cameron
Cast:Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver
Up until 2019,Avatarwas the highest-grossing film of all time not adjusted for inflation. Even adjusted for inflation, it sat in second place behind the classicGone with the Wind. Truly an incredible feat by James Cameron and everyone involved with the film. It’s one of the most surprising accomplishments of his career. This was a property that did not have the benefit of an IP likeTerminator 2: Judgment DayorAliensdid. It was a pretty simple story about an indigenous people, the Na’vi, whose planet Pandora was being mined by an occupying force of humans for their resource of unobtainium (I still can’t with that).
So, what set it apart and sent it on this box office run? Was it the visual effects that were stellar in regular theaters never mind in 3D theaters which this film was built for in the first place? Was it the cast ofSam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi,andStephen Lang? Or was it just the nameJames Cameron, who had shocked the world once already with the mega-hit that wasTitanic? Well, whether it was one thing or a combo of things, the film became a massive smash and was re-released numerous times to add to its box office total. If you’ve got a decent TV/sound system, then revisitAvataron Disney Plus and enjoy the imaginative visuals, the thrilling action sequences, and those magnificent dragon flying scenes. —John Rocha
The Greatest Showman (2017)
Run Time: 1 hr 45 min |Director: Michael Gracey
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya
I’m not scared to be seen; I make no apologies – this is me!The Greatest Showmanis a powerful story about P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), an entertainer behind the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus, and those he employs to work with him. From playwrights (Zac Efron) to acrobats (Zendaya) to breathtaking singers (Rebecca Ferguson), there are many dazzling acts with various extraordinary talents from all different walks of life.The Greatest Showmanis visually stunning, with excellent performances and a memorable soundtrack. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll want to get up and dance. –Taylor Gates
Cruella (2021)
Run Time: 2 hr 14 min |Director: Craig Gilliespie
Cast: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Paul Walter Hauser, and Emily Beecham
You may be wondering why we need a movie about one of the most infamous Disney villains. Upon watchingCruella, you’ll understand.Emma Stoneshines as Estella, a grifter who is set on taking the fashion world by storm in England in 1974. The film gives Estella an interesting journey on her way to becoming known as Cruella, offering up a disturbing backstory that makes her hatred of dalmatians much clearer. But, much like the live-actionMaleficentfilms,Cruellaavoids making the titular character a full-blown villain, giving the viewer a chance to see the character from a fresh perspective. Darkness, death, and delicious drama await those who are ready to watch Cruella’s tale unfold. And there’s much more story to be told, which is why the big Disney machine has already put asequel in the works. -Jay Snow
Holes (2003)
Run Time: 2 hr |Director: Andrew Davis
Cast:Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, Patricia Arquette, Tim Blake Nelson, Shia LaBeouf
Based on the novel of the same name byLouis Sachar(who also wrote the screenplay),Holesis one of those movies that continues to delight with every passing year. Filled with a star-studded cast and beautiful cinematography, the film follows the story of Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf) after he is sentenced to 18 months at Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention camp for stealing a pair of donated sneakers that once belonged to baseball player Clyde “Sweet Feet” Livingston. The warden of the camp, Louise Walker (Sigourney Weaver), and her underlings are cruel, forcing the inmates of the camp to spend each day digging holes under the hot desert sun in search of some mysterious treasure. As Stanley finally finds his place among the other teens at the camp, he slowly begins to uncover the story behind the detention center, the holes, and his very own family.- Olivia Fitzpatrick
Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)
Run Time: 2 hr 23 min |Director: Stephen Herek
Cast:Richard Dreyfuss, Glenne Headly, Jay Thomas, Olympia Dukakis
In 1964, the time has come for Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) to put his composing on hold and go with his Plan B; teaching. As Mr. Holland goes through the decades, he faces changes with the times as well as his students as he learns to love his job all the while still hoping to finish writing his Opus. A gift of a film for teachers or anyone who had a memorable teacher that changed their lives,Mr. Holland’s Opusis sure to tug at the heartstrings and hit all the right notes. -Jennifer McHugh
Hidden Figures (2016)
Run Time: 2 hr 7 min |Director: Theodore Melfi
Cast:Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge
If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further thanHidden Figures. In 1961, three Black female mathematicians are subjected to racism and discrimination as they try to do their jobs at Langley in Virginia. The three women Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), and Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) set out to simply do their jobs and wind up changing history. All three women were given the Congressional Medal of Honor as well as many other awards. The film adaptation was widely praised and ultimately nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Spencer), and Best Picture. - Jennifer McHugh
The Last Song (2010)
Run Time: 1 hr 47 min |Director: Julie Anne Robinson
Cast:Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Greg Kinnear, Bobby Coleman, Kelly Preston
Miley Cyrusproved her acting chops outside ofHannah Montanawhen she starred in theNicholas Sparksadaptation,The Last Song. Cyrus plays Ronnie, a rebellious former piano prodigy who is sent to spend the summer at a small seaside town in Georgia with her father (Greg Kinnear) and brother. She barely knows her Dad after her parents divorced and so, the teenage brooding is at an all-time high. EnterLiam Hemsworthwho plays Will, the wealthy happy-go-lucky town hottie, and him and Ronnie embark on an intense summer romance. She helps him to indulge his rebellious side more and he inspires her to get back into music – the perfect yin and yang couple.
The Last Songhas all the usual leitmotif of a Sparks adaptation: Gorgeous young couple, something that is trying to break them up, a terminally ill character and a lot of kissing on the beach. Unlike some of his other films,The Last Songstays in its own territory, never trying to venture out to discuss greater topics like religion or philosophy. It has charm, there are some truly heart-breaking scenes and it allowed Cyrus come into her own as an actress. -Emma Kiely
