What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Disney Plus?
You probably think it’s a great hub that provides many movies and animated series for kids.
But what if I told you that Disney Plus is also a great adult streaming platform? 😂
Let me rephrase that. Disney Plus has a plethora of movie options for people who are not kids.
And no, I am not talking about movies like Deadpool or Logan.
What I am trying to tell you is there are so many movies in Disney Plus that have no connection to comics at all.
So, in this article, I have prepared the 10 movies that will surely keep any person hooked on their original storyline.
Before delving into that, let me tell you that the list is based on ratings from prominent sites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
In addition, this list is my personal opinion, and it can vary according to your taste and preferences.
Now, without any further ado, let’s delve right into it.
10. West Side Story (2021)
| Release Date | 2021 |
| Cast | Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose |
| Director | Steven Spielberg |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Musical |
| Awards | 1 Oscar and 72 other awards |
If you are a fan of musicals and love stories, this classic adaptation of Irving Shulman’s book, West Side Story, must be on your top list.
For some, the movie seems pointless and outdated, but for a true fan of musicals, this movie is a masterpiece.
From its choreography to its singing, everything is accurate in this gem.
And hey, one extra point for the set designers who accurately brought the 50’s New York back to life.
The story mainly focuses on the life of two young individuals who are madly in love with one another.
However, since their allegiance belongs to the two rival gangs, their love story has to go through a bouncy road.
9. Queen Of Katwe (2016)
| Release Date | 2016 |
| Cast | Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o |
| Director | Mira Nair |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, Sport |
| Awards | 4 |
Next up on my list is Queen Of Katwe, one of Disney’s originals made in 2016.
When I watched the trailer for the first time, all I could think was, “Finally, a movie about chess.”
But after watching it completely, let me tell you this movie is more than chess. It expresses life in a way we’ve never seen before and makes us feel lucky to live this privileged life.
The story starts with a girl named Phiona Mutesi, who lives in a slum in Kampala.
The girl from Uganda slowly learns how to play chess and gets a chance to compete at World Chess Olympiads.
Does she win at such a high level?
8. The Fault In Our Stars (2014)
| Release Date | 2014 |
| Cast | Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff |
| Director | Josh Boone |
| Genre | Drama, Romance |
| Awards | 23 |
Yes, I am in a mood to make your eyes teary.
Here is another love story that will definitely bring tears to your eyes.
This movie is an adaptation of John Green’s famous novel, The Fault In Our Stars. As an avid book reader, I was initially skeptical about watching this movie.
But when I saw the performance from Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, I was thoroughly impressed.
Somehow, their stellar performance manages to teach us the feelings that cancer patients have during the chemotherapy process.
This movie is an absolute emotional roller coaster.
It mainly focuses on the story of Hazel, a 16-year-old cancer patient who meets the love of her life, Gus, from the cancer support group.
Slowly and steadily, their love grows over time.
7. Hidden Figures (2016)
| Release Date | 2016 |
| Cast | Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae |
| Director | Theodore Melfi |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, History |
| Awards | 37 |
Now, let me take you back to the early 1960s when a trio of three black women made history.
This movie, Hidden Figures, describes the discrimination black people faced during those times.
It tells us how the intelligent mind of 3 women was robbed by the hands of opportunists.
From the fashion to the space competition, this movie showcased everything present in NASA during the 60s.
The cinematographer’s job is also top-notch. They somehow managed to choose the right color palette that kept everyone intrigued until the last minute.
The main plot discusses the life of 3 women, Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, who are the brains behind one of the greatest works in history.
This movie is a must-watch for the history geeks out there.
6. Miracle On 34th Street (1947)
| Release Date | 1947 |
| Cast | Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara John Payne |
| Director | George Seaton |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Family |
| Awards | 3 Oscars and 8 Other wins |
Let me tell you, Miracle On 34th Street is absolutely nostalgic. It feels great to see how fashion choices in the 1940s were very different from what we wear today.
The movie starts during Thanksgiving, and everybody is busy preparing for the parade.
Walker, who is in charge of the parade, hires Kris to portray Santa Claus.
Later, we find out that Kris actually believes Santa is real, and what happens afterward is what makes this movie so interesting.
However, this movie isn’t just about turkeys, parades, and Indians. It’s also about the hopes and dreams we all have.
Furthermore, this movie managed to win 3 Oscars, which is proof of how great it was.
5. Poor Things (2023)
| Release Date | 2023 |
| Cast | Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe |
| Director | Yorgos Lanthimos |
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
| Awards | 4 Oscars and 113 Other Awards |
If you are a movie lover, I am sure you have heard about this masterpiece.
For its unique story and hallucinogenic storytelling, it secured 4 Oscar wins back in 2023.
This movie has everything that you can think of.
It is disturbing and shocking in some moments, while it makes you laugh and feel light-hearted in other scenes.
The cinematography that travels from black and white to the color theme is absolutely legendary as well.
Its storyline focuses on the life of a young girl who is brought back to life by a scientist.
One day, she decides to run off with a lawyer to see the rest of the world.
The perspective of the young girl who understands and sees the world differently forms a basic plotline of the movie.
And let’s be honest here: Emma Stone was absolutely brilliant in this movie.
4. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
| Release Date | 1990 |
| Cast | Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest |
| Director | Tim Burton |
| Genre | Drama, Fantasy, Romance |
| Awards | 10 |
In my opinion, Edward Scissorhands is probably the best movie by Johnny Depp to date.
His portrayal of Edward made the gothic fashion cool before its rise in early 2010.
The story this movie focuses on is actually straightforward. It’s about a man’s struggle to fit into society.
With such a simple concept, Tim Burton, the director of this movie, manages to take us into the world of Edward’s life.
With his unique approach, the talented director manages to showcase the good and bad parts of humanity.
Furthermore, the way the cinematographers designed the birthplace of Edward, there is no word to describe that beauty.
3. Togo (2019)
| Release Date | 2019 |
| Cast | Willem Dafoe, Julianne Nicholson, Christopher Heyerdahl |
| Director | Ericson Core |
| Genre | Adventure, Biography, Drama |
| Awards | 1 |
You already know that the dogs are the man’s best friend.
Now, if you need a perfect example, you need to watch the movie Togo.
This original Disney movie has everything to make its viewers engaged.
From its cinematography to its filming location, everything is just perfect.
Plus, the story, which is based on real life, will make you cry if you own a pet dog yourself.
The story revolves around a dog named Togo and his owner, Willem Dafoe.
Togo has physical limitations, and despite that, he manages to bring the serum for the children suffering from diphtheria.
What happens next will make you wonder what you can achieve with true determination.
2. The Straight Story (1999)
| Release Date | 1999 |
| Cast | Richard Farnsworth, Sissy Spacek, Jane Galloway Heitz |
| Director | David Lynch |
| Genre | Biography, Drama |
| Awards | 18 |
The story showcased in this 1999 biography drama film, The Straight Story, is the true superstar for it.
It focuses on the lesser-discussed topic of brotherly love.
The main story of this movie involves a man driving miles on his lawn mower to meet his brother.
Yes, that’s the whole story.
But don’t let it fool you, this movie has calibre to create a great impact with it’s way of storytelling.
I can guarantee that you will call your siblings once after watching this movie.
Besides that, the transitional montage showcased in the movie is actually really brilliant.
You will be amazed to learn that every character in this movie is kind-hearted and wants to help the old guy meet his brother.
1. Hamilton (2020)
| Release Date | 2020 |
| Cast | Lin-Manuel Miranda, Philipa Soo, Leslie Odom Jr. |
| Director | Thomas Kail |
| Genre | Biography, Drama, History |
| Awards | 2 Primetime Emmys and 19 Wins |
Okay, I am going to be honest here. Music plays a big part in my life, which is why new musicals always excite me.
But recently, the quality of musicals, from their lyrics to their music, has fallen drastically.
However, back in 2020, when I watched Hamilton, it instantly became the best musical I have ever seen.
And hey, none of the music in this movie uses autotune, which is rare these days.
There are actually no bad songs in this masterpiece.
The story in this movie also focuses on the life of America’s founding father, Alexander Hamilton.
Through its rap and songs, it tells the contribution Hamilton made to making America great.
However, many fans dislike this masterpiece. The main reason is that they usually watch Act One, which is a bit slow for non-musical fans.
But from Act 2, it just goes to another level.
Let me assure you that if you watch the full piece, you will appreciate Lin Manuel Miranda’s (LMM) work.
Now, if only LMM had taught me history via musicals during my high school days, I would’ve probably passed my classes with flying colors.
Summary
| S.N | Movies | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
| 1 | Hamilton | 98% |
| 2 | The Straight Story | 94% |
| 3 | Togo | 92% |
| 4 | Edward Scissorhands | 89% |
| 5 | Poor Things | 92% |
| 6 | Miracle on 34th Street | 96% |
| 7 | Hidden Figures | 93% |
| 8 | The Fault In Our Stars | 81% |
| 9 | Queen Of Katwe | 94% |
| 10 | West Side Story | 92% |
