With streaming becoming the go-to method for watching TV series and films, Disney+ has effortlessly cemented itself as the ideal mainstream platform for kids’ movies. The service has all the content families would want between its Disney vault classics and modern originals.
Still, with how saturated the streaming market is, it can be just as easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. Thankfully, we’ve put together this monthly updated guide on some of the best kids and family movies to watch on Disney+.
1. Raya And The Last Dragon 2021
The 2021 movie Raya and the Last Dragon is one of the more inventive animated works from Walt Disney Animation Studios in recent years. Co-directed by Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, the movie is set in the world of Kumandra, where a warrior princess named Raya (voiced by The Last Jedi actress Kelly Marie Tran) goes off on a quest to find the legendary last dragon to save her homeland from evil spirits called Druun.
The movie was well-received for its vibrant visuals and animation. Raya and the Last Dragon is also a welcome exploration into high fantasy elements inspired by Southeast Asian cultures.
2. The Good Dinosaur 2015
The Good Dinosaur is a delightful child-friendly alternative to those films. Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Pixar Animation Studios, the movie is about a young boy named Spot (voiced by Jack Bright), who forms an unlikely friendship with a shy 11-year-old Apatosaurus named Arlo.
After being washed away downriver, the two go on a perilous journey to find their way back home. While the story is rather simplistic compared to other Pixar hits, The Good Dinosaur is filled with endearing characters, colorful imagery, and kid-friendly coming-of-age themes that resonate with family audiences.
3. Ferdinand 2017
Loosely based on the 1936 children’s book The Story of Ferdinand written by Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson, 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios’ animated adaptation is a fun modern rendition. Directed by Carlos Saldanha, Ferdinand follows the story of the titular, kindhearted, and pacifistic bull (voiced by John Cena) as he’s compelled back into the bullfighting arenas he swore off.
After his ironclad beliefs are challenged, Ferdinand finds himself clashing with the world’s greatest bullfighter, dubbed “El Primero” (voiced by Miguel Angel Silvestre). Ferdinand doesn’t feature a groundbreaking story, but its faithfulness to the kid-friendly source material, colorful character designs, and charming voice cast make it entertaining for family viewing.
4. Chip And Dale: Rescue Rangers 2022
The classic Disney cartoon duo of Chip and Dale got a modern update in the form of Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Directed by Akiva Schaffer, this family comedy sees the iconic duo (voiced by John Mulaney and Andy Samberg, respectively) 30 years after the cancellation of their TV show in a world where people and cartoon characters coexist.
Chip and Dale later find themselves investigating the disappearance of TV co-star and friend Monterey Jack. Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers is a charming and witty comedy. The Disney+ original movie seamlessly and cleverly combines live-action and animation, functioning as a meta sequel to the classic 1980s animated TV series of the same name.
5. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid 2023
Continuing the trend of animated Diary of a Wimpy Kid reboot movies is the Christmas-themed feature Cabin Fever. Directed by Luke Cormican, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever is an adaptation of author Jeff Kinney’s children’s novel that sees young Greg Heffley attempt to be as good as possible this year to get the video game console he’s been desperate.
Also Read: Top 10 Anime Horror Movies On Amazon Prime: Best Picks From Amazon Prime
6. Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs
Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox created a fun alternative to the typical Pixar-brand Disney movies with the Ice Age franchise. Directed by Carlos Saldanha, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, the third entry in the series, finds Manny and Ellie having to rescue Sid from a T-Rex who’s kidnapped him for stealing her eggs.
This wild chase leads the group to an underground tropical world populated by dinosaurs that have survived through the ice age. The story isn’t award-winning, but the colorful animation, varied and entertaining voice cast, and an admittedly clever premise make Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs the perfect breezy family-friendly feature.
7. The Incredibles 2 2018
The original 2004 movie The Incredibles was one of the best Disney Pixar and superhero features in general from the ’00s, and its sequel was a long time coming. Finally released in 2018, director Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, Ratatouille) returned for Incredibles 2 to an acclaimed effect.
The story once again follows the titular family as they try and repair the public image of superheroes, all while balancing their civilian lives and facing new threats attempting to turn citizens against superheroes forever.
Much like its predecessor, Incredibles 2 was lauded for its sincere story, a cast of characters worth emotionally investing in, and clever humor. It’s a movie that will effortlessly enamor audiences of all ages, including those who grew up on the first film.
8. Mulan
Though the recent trend of live-action remakes has been rather lackluster overall, the original Mulan is still a beloved Disney original today. Directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft, this movie follows Fa Mulan on her quest to take her father’s place in the Chinese Imperial army by impersonating a man to quell an oncoming Hun invasion.
Mulan earned praise for its impressive appeal to practically any age demographic. It effectively plays on themes of empowerment that give the plot surprising depth, but it never loses sight of its upbeat musical numbers, comedic elements, and vibrant visuals to enchant the young ones.
9. Elemental 2023
One of Disney Pixar Animation’s latest hits, Elemental turned out to be a colorful sleeper hit at the box office. Set in a world that features anthropomorphic elements of nature, director Peter Sohn’s Elemental follows the fire elemental Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) and the water elemental Wade Ripple (Mamadou Athie) as they meet and fall in love after a circumstantial encounter.
Though it might not be as impactful as Pixar’s other acclaimed classics, Elemental provides delightfully colorful visuals and a straightforward, yet satisfying story for families that are fans of the studio’s work.
Also Read: The Misfit Of Demon King Academy Season 2 Part 2 Release Date Revealed: All You Should Know!
10. The Little Mermaid 2023
The latest live-action remake of a beloved Disney classic, The Little Mermaid features singer/actress Halle Bailey in the lead role as Ariel, who becomes intrigued by the human world and makes a deal with the conniving sea witch Ursula (played by Melissa McCarthy) to give her the ability to walk on land.
The Little Mermaid received moderately positive reviews, with the highlights being the new live-action cast putting on spirited performances based on the animated version. It doesn’t break new ground, but for families, this rendition should be an enjoyable complement to the original movie.
ncG1vNJzZmhqZGy7psPSmqmorZ6Zwamx1qippZxemLyue8yoraKdXa%2B8r7GOsJ%2BarF2pvG7DwK2aoWWfo3qltdKnnLJloKHCtHnFqKlmo5mZwG6yyKebZqelqXqpsdGeZg%3D%3D