Looking for the best movies on Disney Plus to watch right now? You’ve come to the right place.
Disney Plus (or Disney+) is Disney’s video streaming service. Launched in 2019, Disney+ is quickly becoming a huge player in the video-on-demand streaming market, with an estimated 130 million active subscribers.
Sure, when you think ‘Disney’, you probably mentally picture princesses and kids’ movies, but the entertainment conglomerate has pretty much taken over the world. Or at least, the media and entertainment industry, as the company now owns Pixar, Marvel, Fox, and Lucasfilm.
This has played a key role in the success of Disney Plus, as it’s the only place you can watch the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe movie collection, along with all of the Star Wars movies and its associated spin-offs, including The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett.
Therefore, Disney’s streaming platform, Disney Plus has a huge range of movies available to stream; so many that it’s almost daunting to know where to begin when searching for a decent film to watch.
So, if you’re in the mood for an excellent movie and have access to Disney Plus, you’re in luck. No matter if you want a comedy, thriller, action, horror, or sci-fi, we’ve got you covered! These are the best movies on Disney Plus Australia.
RELATED: Find something great to watch via the DMARGE streaming guide.
28 Days Later
Director: Danny Boyle
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston
Genre: Horror, Science-Fiction, Thriller
Released: 2002
When animal activists liberate monkeys – that according to scientists are highly contagious due to a disease they have – from a science lab, a virus spreads across Great Britain infecting numerous people. The film then follows Jim who awakes from a coma and must make it out of the city to safety.
Look, the idea of a virus spreading may hit a little close to home now thanks to COVID, but 28 Days Later is still a solid film.
500 Days Of Summer
Director: Marc Webb
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zooey Deschanel
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Released: 2009
This offbeat comedy follows Tom, a hopeless romantic, as he meets, dates and then struggles to get over the girl of his dreams, Summer. The non-chronological format is extremely refreshing, the cinematography is beautiful, and the film tells its plot in a truly clever way; especially the ‘expectation vs reality’ scene.
Endearing and charming, 500 Days Of Summer is technically a ‘romantic comedy’ but it’s not sappy and follows none of the cliched tropes all other rom-coms use.
Alien
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt
Genre: Horror, Science-Fiction, Thriller
Released: 1979
Set in the future, Alien follows the crew of the spaceship Nostromo as they discover a deadly alien is aboard their ship. The film spawned an incredibly successful franchise and is a compelling film that perfectly balances horror, sci-fi and mystery elements.
If you’re after a classic but good scare, make sure you check out Alien.
Avatar
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 2009
Set in the distant future, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully is chosen for a mission on the moon Pandora, where the native Na’vi people live. To infiltrate the Na’vi tribe, Sully’s mind is linked to an ‘avatar’ that looks and moves just like the blue bodies the Na’vi people have, but trouble arises when Sully falls in love with Na’vi woman, Neytiri.
Avatar doesn’t have the most original plot, but it is still engaging, moving and well-acted, especially by Saldana. It’s the stunning visuals and graphics that make this movie a must-watch.
Avatar’s long-awaited sequel, Avatar 2, will finally be released on 16th December 2022. Although, it remains unclear if it will head straight to Disney Plus.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
Director: Alejandro G. Inarritu
Starring: Michael Keaton, Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Emma Stone
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2014
Former superhero actor Riggan Thomson, played by Keaton, has a rather stagnant career and is considered by the public to be ‘washed up’. Riggan decides to try and jumpstart his career by writing, directing and starring in a Broadway production.
At the time of release, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) received mixed reviews but it’s a brilliant – albeit odd – film that features a stellar performance by Keaton.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie
Director: Lauren Bouchard, Bernard Derriman
Starring: H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy
Released: 2022
Fans of the hit animated series Bob’s Burgers rejoiced when this film was finally released after being delayed multiple times (thanks COVID). But the wait was oh so worth it as the film is funny, heartwarming and eccentric – just like the show.
Obviously, Bob’s Burgers fans will love this film but non-fans will also enjoy it; especially if they’re in the mood for a lighthearted comedy.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
Director: Larry Charles
Starring: Siacha Baron Cohen
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2006
Cohen stars as Borat Sagdiyev, a TV reporter from Kazakhstan; and while Borat is a fictional character, many of the scenes in this – for lack of a better word – mockumentary were not scripted and feature very real people. Borat has some hilarious moments as well as some outrageous moments but it also has very subtle, nuanced and clever undertones that highlight an ugly/dark side of America – making the film pure genius.
If you’re looking for a comedy that’s not your typical run-of-the-mill comedy, Borat is “very nice!”
Braveheart
Director: Mel Gibson
Starring: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Brendan Gleeson
Genre: Biography, Drama, War
Released: 1995
Braveheart stars once Hollywood heavyweight Mel Gibson as both actor and director in his portrayal and presentation of the legendary and mythical Scottish revolutionary Sir William Wallace, who in the late 13th century led the First War of Scottish Independence against the English.
Using epic films such as Spartacus and Ben Hur as inspiration, Gibson set about to create an old fashion battle spectacular that was not seen in years, and infused it with his stock-and-trade of bloody violence and heavy emotion. The result is a film with a powerful emotive and visual impact, so by the time a face painted Gibbo yells his now famous “Freedom!” battle cry the audience can’t help but be moved.
Cinderella Man
Director: Ron Howard
Starring: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Released: 2005
Now you may see ‘Cinderella’ on a Disney+ article and think, ‘are they seriously recommending a princess movie?’ But we’re not! Cinderella Man is based on the true story of ex-boxer James J. Braddock who takes the chance to go up against Max Baer – the heavyweight champion of the world, renowned for having killed two men in the ring.
If you like the Rocky films, you’ll love Cinderella Man.
Dead Poets Society
Director: Peter Weir
Starring: Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Released: 1989
Professor John Keating begins teaching at a traditional and renowned all-boys preparatory school. Using unorthodox methods, such as teaching the boys how beautiful and important poetry can be, Keating inspires his students to pursue their dreams and seize each day.
Dead Poets Society features one of Robin Williams’ best performances and is hands down a film everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime.
Deadpool
Director: Tim Miller
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller
Genre: Action, Comedy, Science Fiction
Released: 2016
When Wade Wilson, a smart-ass mercenary is diagnosed with terminal cancer he agrees to undergo a mystery miracle treatment that turns out to completely and horrifically mutate him; although, he does end up with superpowers. Based on the Marvel comics, Deadpool is more violent, gorier, and funnier than any MCU film.
If you’re a fan of Reynolds or comic books, Deadpool is a movie you’ve simply got to see.
Die Hard
Director: John McTiernan
Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman
Genre: Action, Thriller
Released: 1988
Considered one of the best action films of all time (and Jake Peralta’s favourite film for those Brooklyn Nine-Nine fans) Die Hard follows NYPD officer John McClane as he tries to save hostages from a group of terrorists who hijack a Christmas party.
With an excellent script, fantastic action scenes and excellent performances from Willis and Rickman, you won’t regret watching Die Hard on Disney Plus.
Face/Off
Director: John Woo
Starring: Nicolas Cage, John Travolta, Joan Allen
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
Released: 1997
Directed by acclaimed Hong-Kong action filmmaker John Woo, Face/Off stars Nicolas Cage as homicidal master-criminal Castor Troy and John Travolta as dogged FBI Agent Sean Archer, mortal enemies who take their cat-and-mouse game to a new level when Archer undergoes facial transplant surgery to assume Troy’s identity in a bid to foil a terrorist plot.
A sci-fi cop thriller unique in premise and thrilling in action, Face/Off succeeds as a blockbuster cult classic thanks to Woo’s masterful handle on the action genre he revolutionised, and the fantastic performances from Hollywood legends Cage and Travolta who dive into their dual roles with an aim to entertainment at the highest level.
Ford v Ferrari
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Caitriona Balfe
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Released: 2019
Based on a true story, Ford v Ferrari follows American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles as they build a revolutionary car for Ford, and then compete against Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1966. Bale and Damon provide exceptional performances and the plot is super captivating.
Whether or not you’re a fan of car racing, Ford v Ferrari is highly enjoyable; although car lovers will appreciate it slightly more.
Free Guy
Director: Shawn Levy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi
Genre: Action, Comedy, Science Fiction
Released: 2021
A friendly but bored bank teller named Guy, played by Reynolds, discovers that he’s not actually real; he’s a Non-Playable Character in an extremely popular online video game. The film has an interesting concept and Reynolds is as charming as ever.
If you’re a fan of video games or Reynolds’ signature humour, you’ll love Free Guy.
Heat
Director: Michael Mann
Starring: Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 1995
Director Michael Mann’s seminal crime movie epic Heat stars legendary actors Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino as master thief Neil McCauley and dogged police detective Lt. Vincent Hanna (respectively), two men committed to their trade who converge on a collision course in which only one man will be left standing.
A high calibre Los Angeles set crime thriller that also stars Natalie Portman, Ashley Judd, and Jon Voight, Heat is especially celebrated for being the first film to feature DeNiro and Pacino on the screen at the same time, a momentous occasion when the film released that still pops with energy today.
Iron Man
Director: Jon Favreau
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 2008
It’s the film that kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is still one of the best movies in the MCU. Iron Man follows genius billionaire Tony Stark as he escapes from a group of terrorists, and then invents a unique armoured suit to fight crime. If you’re a massive MCU fan, this is your sign to watch Iron Man and then all the subsequent films and tv shows in the franchise – all of which you can stream on Disney Plus.
And if you have no idea what Marvel is you’ll enjoy Iron Man for Downey Jr’s flawless performance and the film’s engrossing plot.
JFK
Director: Oliver Stone
Starring: Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Released: 1991
Perhaps the best conspiracy movie ever made, JFK is a controversial and enthralling look into the varied conspiracy theories that still surround the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Kevin Costner stars as Jim Garrison, the District Attorney of New Orleans who unearths a vast and wide conspiracy that implicates the Mafia, anti-Castro groups, Communists, and even the United States government.
An ensemble cast that includes Joe Pesci, Sissy Spacek, and Kevin Bacon all deliver terrific performances, with Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Lee Harvey Oswald a standout. Many detractors have pointed to the authenticity of JFK to be shaky at best, yet as a film it is a masterpiece of performance, cinematography, and editing that director Oliver Stone will never better.
Kingsman: The Secret Service
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson
Genre: Action, Comedy,Thriller
Released: 2014
When young unrefined Eggsy’s potential is spotted by Harry ‘Galahad’ Hart, a sophisticated member of the Kingsman, Eggsy is allowed to participate in the Kingsman’s elite spy training program. A cool take on the ‘spy’ genre with more comedy, violence, and gore than usual, Kingsman: The Secret Service is well-worth watching.
You’ll love Kingsman: The Secret Service if you’re a fan of both James Bond and Austin Powers.
Logan
Director: James Mangold
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
Released: 2017
Set in a future where mutants have become a dying breed, short-fused survivor Logan (Hugh Jackman) tries to stay low-key while taking care of friend and powerful telekinetic Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart). When lethal young mutant runaway Laura (Dafne Keen) enters their life, Logan and his “family” go on the run from a threat hellbent on their destruction.
With its combination of gritty superhero action theatrics and modern-day western conventions, Logan is a masterful example of genre filmmaking at its emotive and visceral best. In his ninth portrayal of Logan/Wolverine, Jackman delivers one of his best performances as an aged super-mutant sheltering a heartbreaking world weariness and trembling, terrifying rage that explodes in high impact action scenes.
The Martian
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Sebastian Stan, Chiwetel Ejiofor
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Released: 2015
Based on the novel of the same name, The Martian follows a stranded astronaut on Mars who must figure out how to signal to Earth that he’s still alive and in need of rescuing. Thrilling and well-written with the occasional funny moment, The Martian will have you glued to your screen for the entire duration of the movie.
You simply have to watch The Martian at least once in your lifetime.
Miracle
Director: Gavin O’Connor
Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Released: 2004
Based on true events, Miracle tells the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, who under the guidance of player-turned-coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) did the impossible and defeated the mighty Soviet team for the gold medal at the Winter Olympics. The game was dubbed the “Miracle on Ice.”
Known as one of the greatest sports films ever made, Miracle scores as an inspirational story of overcoming impossible odds in the sports arena. Kurt Russell delivers one of his best performances as a stern but fair head coach who transforms a ragtag group of college hockey players into a winning ice-skating team. In the process director Gavin O’Connor establishes himself as a filmmaker able to blend sports action and character drama to potent effect, as he would do again with the 2011 MMA drama Warrior.
Nightmare Alley
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Released: 2021
Based on the 1946 novel of the same name, Nightmare Alley follows a skilful conman named Stan Carlisle. When Stan meets a corrupt psychiatrist, Dr Lilith Ritter, things take a dark turn…
Nightmare Alley is a haunting film and Cooper gives one of his best performances to date.
Office Space
Director: Mike Judge
Starring: Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Stephen Root
Genre: Comedy
Released: 1999
When an office worker learns his company – which he hates with a passion – is downsizing, he and his two best workmates team up to get revenge on both the company and their jerk boss. This black comedy satirised workplace offices long before The Office did, so if you’re a fan of that sitcom (either the UK or the US version) you’ll love Office Space.
Witty and sharp dialogue paired with a relatable protagonist makes Office Space an awesome film.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Director: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Released: 2003
The eccentric but iconic Captain Jack Sparrow teams up with a resourceful blacksmith to save Elizabeth, the daughter of the governor, who’s been kidnapped by a notorious pirate. This swashbuckling film is mighty entertaining for adults but if you wish, you can watch it with your kids/nephews/nieces who will also enjoy it.
The Curse of the Black Pearl is the one that launched the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and it’s easily the best; perfect for your next movie night.
Predator
Director: John McTiernan
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura
Genre: Action, Science-Fiction, Thriller
Released: 1987
During a rescue mission in a Central American jungle, a team of special force ops led by ‘Dutch’, played by Schwarzenegger, discovers they are being hunted by something extraterrestrial. Great action scenes and one of the best performances Schwarzenegger has ever given.
Predator is a classic for a reason, so you should definitely give it a watch.
Remember the Titans
Director: Boaz Yakin
Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Wood Harris
Genre: Action, Thriller
Released: 2021
The 1971 set Remember the Titans stars Denzel Washington as Herman Boone, the new head coach of American football high school team T.C. Williams that, on top of trying to win the state championship, must contend with simmering racial tensions that threatens to destroy the team and the community along with it.
An inspirational based-on-true-event sports drama, Remember the Titans is just as potent in its stirring social commentary about race in America that, although simple in execution, nevertheless works within the comfy confines of a movie aimed to hearten and entertain. Denzel Washington is terrific as the head coach who fights battles on and off the field for tolerance and acceptance, while the likes of Ryan Gosling and Hayden Panettiere make an impression in early film appearances.
Speed
Director: Jan de Bont
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Dennis Hopper
Genre: Action, Thriller
Released: 1994
Perhaps the biggest action movie of the 1990s, Speed stars Keanu Reeves as a thrill seeking cop who gets more than he bargains for when a madman terrorist (Dennis Hopper) threatens to blow up a bus if it slows down below 50 mph.
With newly trimmed buzzcut and badass attitude, Keanu Reeves took another step away from his “excellent!” persona in one of the more successful career 180’s seen in modern Hollywood. Dennis Hopper plays a brilliant unhinged bad guy, Sandra Bullock won hearts and acclaim in her breakthrough role as a civilian caught in the middle of a vendetta, and director Jan de Bont never lets the foot off the peddle with one thrilling action sequence after another.
Spy
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jude Law, Jason Statham
Genre: Action, Comedy
Released: 2015
Spy follows Susan Cooper, a CIA analyst who’s spent her entire career bound to a desk, as she volunteers to go undercover on a dangerous mission. McCarthy is at her funniest in the role of Cooper and the violent and thrilling action scenes are incredibly well-done; so much so, you’ll briefly forget you’re watching a comedy… until, of course, the next gag makes you laugh out loud.
If you enjoy comedies and action films, Spy is a perfect balance of both.
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope
Director: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Released: 1977
It’s the film that kicked off the massive Star Wars franchise, A New Hope follows Luke Skywalker as he trains to become a Jedi and then teams up with cocky Han Solo to rescue Princess Leia. George Lucas literally changed cinema with this revolutionary film, and with a great plot and fantastic cast, it still holds up 45 years later.
If you’re after a classic film, there’s nothing better than Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope; and if you’re in the mood for a Star Wars marathon, you can also watch Episodes I-IX on Disney Plus too.
Taken
Director: Pierre Morel
Starring: Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen, Maggie Grace
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2008
When a young woman is kidnapped by a gang of human traffickers, her father Bryan Mills – a retired CIA agent – stops at nothing to find her and bring his own brand of justice upon the gang. Taken is definitely an entertaining film thanks to fantastic action scenes and an impressive performance from Neeson.
If you can’t get enough of action films, you’ll love Taken.
Tombstone
Director: George P. Cosmatos
Starring: Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott
Genre: Action, History, Western
Released: 1993
Based on the true events that led to the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, Tombstone stars Kurt Russell as legendary lawman Wyatt Earp who, along with the equally legendary gunslinger Doc Holiday (Val Kilmer), waged a war against the murderous outlaw gang The Cowboys.
Although plagued by a troubled production, Tombstone still succeeds as an all-star historical western (Sam Elliot, Bill Paxton, and Michael Biehn also star) featuring thrilling shoot-out action scenes and excellent performances, especially from Val Kilmer who delivers a career best turn as the quick shooting, smooth talking Doc Holiday.
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