Best Movies on Disney Plus (Beyond the Obvious)

Amanda Banta said:  The Sanderson sisters return to life three centuries after being hanged as witches, finding that things are much different and Halloween is now a holiday for kids. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker star in one of the all-time best family movies for Halloween. Enough said.

Watch on Disney+

Amanda Banta said:  Jack Skellington, leader of Halloween Town, crosses holidays and stumbles into Christmas Town. Parents of young or sensitive kids should be aware that this classic family Halloween movie involves Santa being abducted and has some "bad guy" characters.

Watch on Disney+

Amanda Banta said:  Action, adventure, pirates, sword-fighting, magic, and, yes, kissing all mash up in the fairy tale-esque story of The Princess Bride. It's inconceivable! The story portrays itself as a romance but has such a silly and fun side that, combined with the aforementioned adventure, will keep the kids enthralled. Parents will appreciate the stellar cast that includes some of today's most talented actors like Robin Wright and Mandy Patinkin.

Watch on Disney+

Gina Blades said:  Onward was great, and my kids loved it. They learned some valuable lessons about family, diversity, inclusivity, and kindness.

Watch on Disney+

Kelly R. said:  A girl's struggle to cope with a family move across the country, played out by the emotions within her - Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, Anger. This family movie manages to be totally funny and clever, while also eye-opening about the importance of all of the conflicting emotions our kids experience.

Watch on Disney+

Kelly R. said:  Sports movies are a great way to help teach kids about the importance of teamwork and perseverance, and this one has John Candy! Loosely based on the story of Jamaica's first Olympic bobsled team, it's a funny, quirky, and positive film that encourages following your dreams.

Watch on Disney+

Kristy Pepping said:  This Freaky Friday is a remake of the 1976 movie. Basically the storyline is a mother and daughter both think their lives are harder than the other. So they wish to switch bodies and they do. Each realizes the struggles the other person has to endure in day to day life and come to appreciate one another more in the end.

Watch on Disney+

Alexandra F. said:  Boy, did this movie ever take us by surprise. Made for TV, it is now one of our family's favorite Disney movies ever! The children of all our beloved Disney characters are now in high school, and four “villain kids” get invited to the prep school where the kids of heroes & princes, heroines & princesses attend. Hilarity, and great musical numbers, ensue. This is a trilogy your tweens won’t want to miss (and really, you probably don’t want to miss either).

Watch on Disney+

Sarah C. said:  The show was released to video in 2020. It is a play that talks about the rise and fall of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. It focuses on his immigrant roots, his quest to earn status on the battlefield, and later, helping to form the United States government. It's told from the perspective of Hamilton's lifelong rival, Aaron Burr.

Watch on Disney+

Kelly R. said:  Set in 1970s London, Cruella explores how ambitious and fashionable Estella became notorious villain Cruella de Vil. The adults in our group loved the movie just as much (or maybe more?) than the kids did. The rating seems mostly due to the darkness of the theming and some violence, but overall I found there to be very little objectionable content for older kids.

Watch on Disney+

Kelly R. said:  We really liked this Disney & Pixar movie about a city where the residents are elements (fire, air, water, land) living together. Not among our all-time favorites from Pixar, but it was good!

Watch on Disney+

Kelly R. said:  Big Hero 6 is a funny, action-packed super hero story centering around a teenage genius and his diverse group of friends, but it's much more than that. The main character deals with profound loss at the beginning (as is true of so many of the best Disney movies), and the themes of dealing with grief, emotional wellness and forgiveness are really central to the story.

Watch on Disney+

Kelly R. said:  Jungle Cruise is a wildly good time and filled to the brim with cheesy puns, just like its namesake ride at Disney. We're big fans of the ride and the movie totally did it justice! The rating is mainly for action/violence and some creepy imagery, which was ok for my 8 and 11 year olds.

Watch on Disney+

Amy S. said:  An inspiring movie about an amazing animal! Togo tells the true story of a champion dogsled trainer and his lead sled dog, Togo. Together, they lead a team of sled dogs across Alaska to deliver medicine to a small town that is suffering from a diphtheria outbreak. Compelling story, stunning visuals, and a dog who will win your heart—just be ready for a few tears!

Watch on Disney+

Kristy Pepping said:  This Parent Trap starring Lindsay Lohan is a remake of the 1961 classic. She plays twins in the movie that meet at summer camp. They were separated at birth, both going to live with one of the divorced parents. The kids decide to switch places once their parents pick them up from camp to experience what life is like with the opposite parent.

Watch on Disney+