Disney+ was established with the idea of providing a platform for all Disney (and their subsidiaries') media. The platform is most well-known for its massive Marvel catalog, which seems to be ever-expanding; they started with WandaVision and haven't looked back ever since that massive success. However, the streaming service also has a plethora of great films that have nothing to do with superheroes. Not only does it contain the Disney vault of films and shows, but they also have amazing new and original programming.
As an almost unbelievably (and dangerously) large conglomerate that owns Pixar, Marvel, ABC, ESPN, and The Disney Network, along with many production studios, Disney+ owns a ton of content that they can stream. They even are the majority-owners of Hulu and acquired 20th Century Fox in 2019, in a move which terrified antitrust lawyers. That being said, at least there's a lot of movies you can watch (if they aren't censored). The films listed below are all currently available on Disney+ and are perfect for your next family movie night.
5 Free Guy
Premiering in Summer 2021, Free Guy was a massive Summer box office success despite the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic and its effect on movie theaters. Free Guy follows Ryan Reynolds as he plays a background character in a video game. When Guy realizes this, he decides to take advantage of the situation and become the main character. As the film came out after the $71.3 billion Disney acquisition of 20th Century, they were able to use Disney properties in the film, and thus the movie is now on Disney+ for subscribers.
While the topic of the movie is a bit meta, and possibly hard to fully comprehend for young viewers, the film is able to have jokes and themes for the whole family. Now is a better time than ever to watch Free Guy, as it has been announced that there is a planned sequel. Who doesn't love a movie for the whole family that you get to watch over and over again?
4 Luca
Another Summer fan favorite, Luca was released solely on Disney+ and not in theaters. Set on the ever-gorgeous Italian coastline and inspired by Stand By Me, Luca follows two Mer-friends as they embark on a trip to the land. Once they reach the land, they realize that as long as they don't touch water, they take on human form. The pair make friends and explore the perfectly animated coast. This film is obviously gorgeous, not only because it's set in Italy, but also because of how beautiful Pixar's animation so often is. The color and visuals of the film are absolutely amazing, but that is not to discount how great the story is in any way; it's a well-written tear-jerker in its own right. Another film for viewers of all ages, Luca is a beautiful film and beautiful story, perfect for family movie night.
3 Jungle Cruise
The Jungle Cruise movie that came out last year was inspired by a ride at Disney's Magic Kingdom. While the two may not be exactly alike (it's more by name than anything), that doesn't mean the film isn't great. Jungle Cruise stars Emily Blunt and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in an action-packed rendition of the beloved ride. The two travel together through the jungle on a boat owned by Johnson's character, but things go a bit awry.
The film originally appeared on Disney+ with a premium price, so if viewers wanted to watch the film at home, they had pay extra to do so (perhaps so families could help pay back the $71 billion Disney spent on Fox). However, the film is now available to all Disney+ subscribers. Just like Free Guy, Jungle Cruise is also preparing to release a sequel and possibly start a franchise within the Disney Universe.
2 Turning Red
Pixar
Disney's newest release Turning Red just came onto Disney+, and at no extra charge for subscribers this time. The film follows Meilin, who turns into a giant Red Panda every time she gets too emotional. She goes through all the normal ups and downs of a 13-year-old girl, just with the added fun of turning into a giant animal when problems arise. The film's childlike interpretation of puberty makes the film fun to watch with young kids and relatable for audiences that may be a bit older. This strategy of "fun for the whole family" has become a bit of a trademark for many Disney films, and Turning Red is no exception. The movie has been the talk of the town since it came out. If you haven't seen Turning Red yet, now is the time!
1 Encanto
Encanto! The movie everyone has been talking (or singing) about since it was released in late November. If you haven't seen Encanto you may be living under a rock, but here's why you should watch it now. The film has great music, some of which you may have heard on every corner on the internet, and a beautiful story. It follows Mirabel, the only person in her family without magical powers, as she navigates the turmoil that arrives when their powers start to disappear. The film has beautiful visuals and dance sequences that make the whole family want to get up and sing. Encanto may be Disney's biggest hit of 2021, but only time will tell. In the meantime, go watch Encanto and get ready to listen to the soundtrack for the next year afterwards.