Ever since its enchanting debut in November 2019, Disney Plus has grown into a true streaming juggernaut. In just a few short years, this direct-to-consumer platform has solidified its place as a front-runner in the fiercely competitive streaming landscape. Disney Plus boasts a treasure trove of captivating series, timeless classics, and original films. It’s a streaming wonderland filled not only with beloved Disney animations and live-action gems but also a rich assortment of cinematic delights from Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, and the treasures acquired through the Fox merger. If you’re on the hunt for exclusive cinematic experiences, you’re in for a treat. Here are some of the best original movies currently gracing Disney Plus.
But before we dive in, if you’re craving more Disney Plus recommendations, be sure to check out our list of the best romance, family and fantasy movies on Disney Plus.
Better Nate Than Ever (2022)
 | Better Nate Than Ever (2022) | |
| Genre Comedy, Family, Musical | Runtime 1 hour 49 minutes | |
| Directed by Tim Federle | 6.7/10 | |
| Cast Rueby Wood, Joshua Bassett, Lisa Kudrow, Norbert Leo Butz, Michelle Federer | ||
Growing up can be a real challenge, especially when you feel like you don’t quite fit in. Nate, portrayed by Rueby Wood, finds himself in this tricky spot. When he misses out on a role in his school play, he hatches a brilliant, albeit wild, plan to journey from Pittsburgh to the bright lights of New York City. His mission? Audition for a dazzling new Broadway show. To pull off this crazy scheme, Nate leans on his trusty best friend, his wonderfully quirky aunt, and his somewhat reluctant brother. Filled with heart and sprinkled with delightful Broadway cameos, Better Nate Than Ever embodies Disney magic with its infectious musical numbers.
Prom Pact (2023)
 | Prom Pact (2023) | |
| Genre Comedy, Romance, Teen | Runtime 1 hour 27 minutes | |
| Directed by Anya Adams | 6.4/10 | |
| Cast Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Milo Manheim, Blake Draper, Monique A. Green | ||
Prom Pact is a charming romantic comedy that pays homage to the golden age of high school romance: the 1980s. Penned by Anthony Lombardo and directed by Anya Adams, this gem stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee (known for “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”) as an ambitious high schooler determined to chase her dreams. Yet, she soon finds herself entangled in a classic love triangle with her best friend Ben (Milo Manheim) and the school heartthrob, her nemesis, Graham Lansing (Blake Draper). Overflowing with adorable, cheesy clichés and featuring a stellar supporting cast that includes Margaret Cho and Wendi McLendon-Covey (from “The Goldbergs”), Prom Pact taps into the timeless John Hughes vibes with a modern twist.
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
 | Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) | |
| Genre Comedy, Fantasy, Horror | Runtime 1 hour 45 minutes | |
| Directed by Anne Fletcher | 7.6/10 | |
| Cast Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Doug Jones, Whitney Peak | ||
The Sanderson Sisters are back, and it’s a bewitching reunion in Hocus Pocus 2! Bette Midler reprises her role as Winifred, alongside Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah and Kathy Najimy as Mary. This sequel takes us to modern-day Salem, where a pair of teens, portrayed by Whitney Peak (“Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”) and Belissa Escobedo, accidentally resurrects these iconic witches. Along the way, they also reunite with Billy Butcherson, played once more by Doug Jones (“Star Trek: Discovery”). Hocus Pocus 2 serves up a delightful blend of nostalgia while adding depth to the beloved mythology set forth in the original film.
Noelle (2019)
 | Noelle (2019) | |
| Genre Comedy, Family, Fantasy | Runtime 1 hour 43 minutes | |
| Directed by Marc Lawrence | 6.2/10 | |
| Cast Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, Billy Eichner, Julie Bowen, Shirley MacLaine | ||
If you’re in the mood for some holiday cheer, Noelle might just be your cup of cocoa. Anna Kendrick steps into the role of Noelle Kringle, Santa’s spirited daughter who’s determined to help her brother Nick (Bill Hader) step into Santa’s big boots following an unexpected twist of fate. But Nick decides to make a run for it, seeking refuge in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. Kendrick’s infectiously chipper portrayal shines, complemented by a supporting cast that includes Shirley MacLaine, Michael Gross, Billy Eichner, and Julie Hagerty. Helmed by rom-com veteran Marc Lawrence, Noelle swiftly becomes a modern holiday classic.
Artemis Fowl (2020)
 | Artemis Fowl (2020) | |
| Genre Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery | Runtime 1 hour 48 minutes | |
| Directed by Kenneth Branagh | 5.7/10 | |
| Cast Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, Colin Farrell, Josh Gad, Judi Dench | ||
Based on the best-selling YA book series by Irish author Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl takes us to a world where a technologically advanced fairy tale realm, brimming with elves, dwarves, and fantastical creatures, exists just beneath our own. The film delves into the adventures of precocious child prodigy Artemis Fowl II (played by Ferdia Shaw). Artemis discovers that his father has been kidnapped and is infamous for pilfering priceless artifacts from both the human and fairy worlds. (Talk about a big day!) Kenneth Branagh directs a spirited cast, with Josh Gad as a standout—a digging dwarf who brings infectious energy and fun to the mix.
Secret Society of Second-Born Royals (2020)
 | Secret Society of Second-Born Royals (2020) | |
| Genre Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy | Runtime 1 hour 35 minutes | |
| Directed by Anna Mastro | 6.1/10 | |
| Cast Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Skylar Astin, Élodie Yung, Niles Fitch, Isabella Blake-Thomas | ||
Secret Society of Second-Born Royals marks a significant moment for Disney Plus as the platform’s first Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) designed exclusively for its audience. This enchanting tale ticks all the boxes of a DCOM classic, featuring a cast brimming with familiar Disney Channel stars, led by Peyton Lee from Andi Mack. The story unfolds in a mythical European realm where royal offspring attend an upscale boarding school. During summer school, the second-borns discover they possess extraordinary superpowers. With a dash of Professor X vibes (Skylar Astin), they learn to harness these powers to thwart an evil plot. If you adored modern classics like Descendants or Princess Protection Program, you’re sure to fall in love with this one too.
Black Beauty (2020)
 | Black Beauty (2020) | |
| Genre Adventure, Drama, Family | Runtime 1 hour 40 minutes | |
| Directed by Ashley Avis | 6.0/10 | |
| Cast Mackenzie Foy, Iain Glen, Claire Forlani, Calam Lynch, Dominic West | ||
Black Beauty is a breathtaking international co-production that Disney secured after its creation. This touching adaptation of Anna Sewell’s 1877 novel follows the journey of the titular horse, whose inner thoughts are voiced by the remarkably versatile Kate Winslet. The heartwarming story revolves around the deep connection between the horse and a young girl (Mackenzie Foy from Disney’s “Nutcracker and the Four Realms”). Amidst moments of animal cruelty and poignant scenes, like a breathtaking beach ride, Black Beauty transports audiences into a world of emotion and wonder.
Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020)
 | Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe (2020) | |
| Genre Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family | Runtime 1 hour 26 minutes | |
| Directed by Dan Povenmire, Jeff “Swampy” Marsh | 6.4/10 | |
| Cast Ashley Tisdale, Vincent Martella, Dee Bradley Baker, Olivia Olson, Maulik Pancholy | ||
Disney Plus welcomes back the world of Phineas and Ferb in its first animated original feature. This beloved series ran on Disney Channel and Disney XD for nearly a decade, from 2007 to 2015. In Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe, Candace (Ashley Tisdale), the eternally exasperated older sister, takes center stage as she’s abducted by space aliens and treated like a princess on a distant planet. Meanwhile, her brothers (Vincent Martella and David Errigo Jr.) team up with the villainous Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz (series co-creator Dan Povenmire) to unravel the mystery of Candace’s disappearance and bring her back to Earth. If you cherished the original series with its whimsical songs, science-themed escapades, and occasional eye-roll-worthy humor, you’re in for a stellar cinematic treat.
Wrapping it up!
Now, as you settle in with your popcorn and cocooned in your coziest blanket, allow Disney Plus to become your passport to enchanting worlds. These films are not just entertainment; they’re invitations to experience heartwarming tales that touch your soul, to burst into laughter that warms your heart, and to embark on timeless adventures that ignite your imagination. So, let the magic of Disney Plus whisk you away to places where dreams come true, where every click of the remote opens a door to new wonders, and where the joy of storytelling knows no bounds. Your next adventure begins with the click of a button, so start streaming and let the enchantment unfold!
