Movies to Stream on Disney+

Hello my friends. With many of you stuck at home, I feel it is a good time to recommend some movies that you can stream in your own homes. Today I recommend some films that are available on the Disney+ streaming app. In this post I am trying to avoid the most obvious options such as Frozen or Avengers: Endgame. That is not to say that these will all be obscure movies, just not obvious choices.



The Journey of Natty Gann (1985) During the 1980's Disney was experimenting to an extant they hadn't since Walt's death and that they haven't since then. While this certainly did lead to some flops, some truly great movies came out of it. One of the best is The Journey of Natty Gann. This film is not the squeaky clean image that comes to mind with Disney. There is bit of cussing as well as a rough edge here, but underneath this exterior is a truly heartwarming story and the timelessness of Disney's best work.

Pollyanna (1960) In contrast to the rough edged Natty Gann, Pollyanna is an unabashedly sentimental movie. However this film is charming enough to win over, even the most cynical movie fan. This is due to one of the best casts to ever appear in a Disney film (lead by the always charismatic Hayley Mills).

Greyfriars Bobby (1961) The Disney studio has made many live action films about dogs, but to me this is the best one. It is a slower-paced and very atmospheric movie that has such a natural charm that sneaks up on you when you least except it.

The Great Muppet Caper (1981) Following a recommendation of a slow paced and subtle movie, comes a recommendation of the complete opposite. The Great Muppet Caper is the fastest paced silliest and funniest of all the Muppet movies. This is a pure laugh fest from start to finish.  
The Three Caballeros (1945) The most pure cartoony animated feature to come from the Disney studio. This movie features wild animation, non stop energy and just pure fun. Also it stars the one and only Donald Duck, so why would you not want to watch it?

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made (2020) The best of the Disney + original movies so far. This is a completely charming and often very funny tale of a kid who starts his own detective agency in an attempt at achieving greatness. This is a silly and often very funny film.

Duck Tales The Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990) I am not calling this a masterpiece by any means. However if you want an unpretentious but fun way to pass an hour and fourteen minutes, this fun animated adventure film based off of the popular TV show will do the trick nicely.

The Parent Trap (1961) The most delightful of all the live action Disney comedies, this film is pure fun from the animated opening credits to the memorable final scene. Hayley Mills is at her  most charming in a duel role. With comedy ranging from silly slapstick to very clever satire, as well as a delightfully charming story, this is a Disney classic on all levels.

Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) One of the best movies to come out of Disney after Walt's death. This is a fantasy film of the highest measure, that quickly pulls you into its imaginative world. There are so many little scenes that don't really move the story but add so much to appeal of the film's fantasy. Simply irresistible.

The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (1952) This in my mind is only second to the Errol Flynn movie for the best film version of Robin Hood. Featuring exciting action, a great cast, clever writing and a completely believable romance, this is a pure delight. Personally I think this outshines Disney's better remembered animated version.

Teacher's Pet (2004) An animated Disney movie that feels little like a Disney movie. This is a fast paced comedy that never lets up on the great jokes, and one of the few feature films based off a TV show to actually top the TV show. This is an incredible imaginative and laugh out loud funny movie and an animated film completely unashamed to be a cartoon.

Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors (2018) This may be a smaller scale movie than the big screen Marvel films, but this animated adventure is still a delight. This is due to a good sense of humor, likable characters, fun action and more. This animated movie may not be as well known as the live action Marvel films, but that is a shame as it is a pure delight.

Perri (1957) Combing Disney's nature documentary footage with a fictional story may not sound like the best idea but it works incredibly well here. This movie is the definition of charm.

The Absent Minded Professor (1961) One of Disney's best live action comedies scores hugely due to Fred MacMurray's fantastic charisma and some sure fire comedy moments.

Swiss Family Robinson (1960) About as good as fantasy adventure movies get. This classic film is timeless entertainment of the highest order.

-Michael J. Ruhland