50 best movies available on Disney Plus Australia

With movies from Disney itself, plus subsidiaries Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm, Disney Plus includes some of the highest-grossing and most widely beloved movies of all time, along with children's animated classics and recent blockbusters fresh from the cinema.

There are a lot of titles to get through, so if you're thinking of signing up, only just come on board or are a long-time subscriber looking for something to watch, here are the best movies streaming on Disney Plus.

• How do we come up with our list?

  For our best show and movie recommendations we look at a combination of titles' IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes scores (where available), what's popular on the service's app and the expert and critical opinion of our writers, who have over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry.

A worthy follow-up to Black Panther, the movie pays tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman without skimping on the action that Marvel movies are known for. Even better, it boasts a hopeful tone, leaving viewers looking forward to the future.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this 2021 remake of West Side Story is dazzling. Expect wonderful dance sequences, infectious songs, amazing performances and a love story for the ages.

While Harrison Ford was already a superstar thanks to Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark cemented his place in Hollywood and set the template for action adventure movies for years to come.

Nomadland is visually dazzling and wonderfully acted. It also offers multiple perspectives about life on the road – some coming from real-life nomads. Oh and the movie won Oscars for Best Picture and Best Actress for the superb Frances McDormand in 2021. You might want to tune in to see what all the fuss is about.

Great animation, a touching story and memorable performances make Soul another bona fide hit for Pixar. If you enjoyed Inside Out, this should be right up your alley.

A feast for both the eyes and the ears, Hamilton pulses with talent and energy. As for the songs, they're the stuff of dreams. If you didn't get a chance to see it on the stage, this is the next best thing.

Prey is a well-crafted thriller that delivers both action and character development. The result? A gripping and perfectly paced movie that doesn't overstay its welcome. More, please.

While there are laugh-out-loud moments of hilarious comedy, at its core is the heartwarming story of the sisters’ bond despite their obvious differences. If you're wondering if you should watch Quiz Lady, the correct answer is yes.

With a solid voice cast and spectacular animation, Raya and the Last Dragon is a charming movie and a very good time.

Catchy tunes from Lin-Manuel Miranda, a wonderful cast and beautiful animation make the charming Encanto a delight from start to finish. It's a fantasy adventure for the ages.

With stunning visuals and dedicated performances, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is another successful entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A crowd-pleasing blockbuster, it's a fun watch – whether you're well-versed in the MCU or entering this world for the very first time.

Intense and breathtaking, The Empire Strikes Back still holds up. If you haven't seen it yet, you'll be in for a memorable ride.

This brings the trilogy of Guardians movies to an emotional conclusion, so get ready for a lot of feels beyond the action you normally expect from a Marvel movie.

To call this movie iconic would be an understatement, so you definitely need to give it a stream if you haven't watched the original trilogy yet. Star Wars: A New Hope is one of those films that has become an integral part of pop culture.

This beautifully animated classic features plenty of catchy songs, a moving story and tons of humour, which makes it a fun watch for the entire family. Largely regarded as the pinnacle of Disney animation, The Lion King makes for a highly entertaining streaming choice.

A critical and commercial hit, Avengers: Infinity War has a star-studded cast. Brimming with great performances and tremendous action sequences, it's a thrilling blockbuster that's not to be missed.

Avengers: Endgame actually exceeds expectations, delivering an action-packed and emotionally satisfying conclusion to the story of the Marvel Cinematic Universe up to that point. It's an ending of 22 movies in the making, so it may not resonate as well with viewers unfamiliar with the universe. For Marvel fans though, it's a spectacular treat.

Boasting all the ingredients of a successful blockbuster, Free Guy is action-packed, witty and a whole lot of fun. The movie has a creative premise and doesn't take itself too seriously, which only makes it even more entertaining. You'll be in for a great time.

Funny, well-animated and heartfelt, Turning Red is another great entry in the Pixar catalogue. Whether you're a teen or an adult, there's plenty here to love.

With tremendous performances and a sharp script, the movie is more about the strength these women displayed on a daily basis than the Space Race itself. It also does an excellent job at paying tribute to these 3 pioneers. Inspirational and moving, this is a movie the entire family can enjoy.

The movie's aesthetics are the stuff of dreams, Emma Stone's performance is vibrant and the fashion is to die for. All in all, Cruella is worth the hype.

One of Pixar's most creative movies, Wall-E will enchant you from the first scene thanks to gorgeous animation and wonderful storytelling. Filled with heart and wonder, the movie is more targeted towards adults, but kids should have fun as well following the robot's adventures.

Coco is not only visually stunning, but it also delivers a charming story that touches on family, culture and death. By the end, even cynical viewers might find themselves shedding a tear.

Fresh is not recommended for viewers with weak stomachs. A movie strictly for adults, it can be an acquired taste. However, if you have unusual appetites, you'll be in for a memorable ride.

If the mere prospect of 2 acting giants going head-to-head on screen wasn't enough for you, then the fact it's one of the best high-octane action thrillers going around should seal the deal.

Return of the Jedi has all the ingredients of a triumphant finale, including tons of action and enough dramatics to keep viewers glued to the screen. An entertaining sci-fi space opera, it's absorbing and just the right amount of bittersweet.

Elemental is a family comedy filled with heart, and in the Pixar way manages to look at deeper themes such a immigration bundled up in the context of the 4 elements living together in 1 city.

Inventive and highly enjoyable, Toy Story was an instant classic upon release, generating praise from critics and fans alike. Even today, it has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score. With a cast featuring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, this engaging animation is one you'll want to watch over and over again.

Finding Nemo is funny and heartfelt, with gorgeous animation and some genuine thrills. It's also hopeful – things may look bleak, but if you work hard they will turn out okay in the end. Watch it when you need a morale boost.

One of Pixar's most ambitious and imaginative efforts, Inside Out is moving, clever and impossible to look away from. Keep some tissues handy – tearing up is not completely out of the question with this.

Honnold's climb is celebrated as one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind and we're happy to report that this doco does it justice. Awe-inspiring and visually dizzying, Free Solo allows viewers to experience an epic adventure from the safety of their couch. Fair warning, prepare to be on the edge of your seat.

The animation here is sleek as usual, but where The Incredibles really shines is the dialogue. Witty and clever, the banter will make kids and adults giggle and feel all the feels. Plus, there's enough action to keep everyone glued to the screen.

With wild and violent events occurring, dark comedy The Menu leads to a shocking finale. Bon appetit!

The Curse of the Black Pearl has a star-studded cast and a wonderful sense of high-seas adventure. Add some oddball comedy into the mix and you've got yourself a highly entertaining pirate flick.

Zootopia will win you over from the very first frame thanks to its subversive storytelling style and top-notch animation. The movie has an important and complex message, but it's adorable enough for young kids to enjoy as well. A win for everyone.

The Avengers remains a treat for Marvel fans, regardless of how many sequels the franchise gifts us. With a strong script and some wonderful action sequences, it stays true to its comic book origins while delivering a highly entertaining story and some strong character beats. Shawarma, anyone?

Monsters, Inc. is a prime example of a movie that improves not only with age but with each re-watch. Great gags and perfect casting go hand in hand with exquisite animation, proving once again that Pixar is a force to be reckoned with.

Wildly imaginative, heart-warming and a whole lot of fun, Toy Story 2 is an excellent movie for viewers of all ages.

Met with enthusiasm from critics and fans alike, this space opera doesn't disappoint, offering an intriguing mix of familiar characters and new faces. The Force Awakens also breathes fresh energy into the Star Wars franchise – to everyone's delight.

A glorious animated spectacle, Aladdin is dazzling, magical and hilarious. Even with a live-action version, this original remains a musical comedy for the ages thanks to its spectacular cast and stunning animation. We highly recommend you check it out as soon as possible.

Funny, eerie and morbid, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday fairytale like no other. We all have genius creator Tim Burton to thank for that.

Beauty and the Beast has plenty of fabulous musical numbers to offer, but the main appeal of the movie lies in its romantic and memorable plot. Prepare to swoon as you watch these unlikely partners fall more and more in love.

An absorbing and thrilling superhero blockbuster, Black Panther also introduces some of Marvel's most compelling characters to date, including a tragic villain we'll be talking about for years to come.

Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland at the tail end of the Irish Civil War, this tragicomedy is perfectly acted and gorgeous to look at. All in all, The Banshees of Inisherin is the kind of movie that stays with you for a long time.

The ground-breaking mix of live action and animation turned Who Framed Roger Rabbit into an instant classic back in the day. Thankfully, the movie stands the test of time due to its moving story and funny dialogue. If you haven't seen it yet, there's no time like the present to finally tune in.

While all Disney animated classics have a timeless charm, Pinocchio remains one of the most enchanting films ever made thanks to its mix of comedy and moral wisdom. The movie features beautiful animation, great music and loveable characters. Both kids and adults today will find it absolutely delightful.

Boasting lavish animation and a complex main character you can't help but root for, Moana will blow you away despite a fairly predictable, yet inspiring plot. The magic is in the detail and we bet you'll be humming the movie's catchy tunes for days.

If you love a feelgood story where you get to root for the underdog, then definitely give Flamin' Hot a watch.

Avatar: The Way of Water features the stunning special effects we've come to expect from an Avatar movie as it introduces new Na'vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures. Get ready to immerse yourself in this luscious world again.

This close and heartfelt documentary shows the true cost of war, making it a tough but necessary watch.

What changed on our list?

New additions

• Heat

We removed

• Toy Story 3

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