With streaming making movies more convenient to access, Disney+ has expectedly emerged as the best platform to watch kids movies. Thanks to a mix of original releases and classic additions to the Disney vault, the streamer easily makes itself the go-to family entertainment brand. But as accessible as it may be, we’ve curated a guide on the best kids and family movies available to stream on Disney+ right now, updated with new entries each month.
In addition to the streamer’s family offerings, the Disney Bundle is worth subscribing to if you’re not already invested. Consumers are given access to Disney+, the base ad-supported Hulu plan, and ESPN+ in a single package. It’s a solid value for the price, covering every layer of entertainment that a family could want, especially with how saturated the streaming market has become with content and competing platforms.
We’ve also rounded up the best kids movies on Hulu, the best kids movies on Netflix, and the best kids movies on Amazon Prime Video if you don’t find what you’re looking for on Disney+.
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Home Alone1990
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Haunted Mansion2023
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Dashing Through the Snow (2023) new
Disney+’s latest original movie, director Tim Story’s Dashing Through the Snow aims to be a fun comedy for the holiday season. Eddie Garrick (played by Ludacris) is a divorced social worker whose grown cynical and jaded over the Christmas season due to a traumatic childhood experience.
But while spending time with his young daughter on Christmas Eve, Eddie meets and befriends a man named Nick who tries to rekindle his holiday spirit. A familiar yet tried and true premise for a Christmas family movie, Dashing Through the Snow should be a funny and touching comedy for holiday viewings.
Home Alone (1990) new
A ’90s and overall holiday cult-classic, director Chris Columbus’ Home Alone is a fun and over-the-top comedy. Starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, the young boy finds himself left home alone while his parents continue on a Christmas vacation.
However, while Kevin waits for his family to come back, gets stuck in the middle of a home invasion by a pair of robbers (played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). What ensues is a wild comedy romp involving Kevin defending his home from the robbers with a series of zany traps. Home Alone has been affectionately received thanks to its endearing cast, whimsical plot, and charming use of music.
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.
Mulan (1998)
Though the recent trend of live-action remakes have 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.
Fantasia (1940)
A bonafide hallmark from the early years of Disney’s presence in the entertainment industry, 1940’s Fantasia holds up well even today. It’s a landmark in the animation medium, with the movie seeing a slew of creative talent contribute to the movie’s anthology stories starring Mickey Mouse and more.
At the same time, it was something of a revelation for how animated musicals could express themselves, with the classical score wonderfully complementing the animation style. Fantasia is an imaginative experience even by today’s standards, with plenty of appeal for young audiences today as well as striking nostalgic chords in older Disney fans.
Haunted Mansion (2023) new
Mickey and Friends: Trick or Treats (2023) new
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) new
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Elemental (2023) new
Carl's Date (2023) new
The Little Mermaid (2023) new
Pete's Dragon (2016)
Rio (2011)
Produced by Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox Animation, Rio is an upbeat and colorful adventure that lives up to its name. Blu, a domesticated macaw accustomed to his suburban life in Minnesota, is taken to Rio de Janeiro to meet his mate, Jewel, and save his dwindling species.
The two form an affectionate bond, but then find themselves fighting for their freedom after being captured by exotic animal smugglers. While it might not measure up to the best of Pixar’s biggest highlights, families should find plenty to love in director Carlos Saldanha’s charming adventure thanks to its inspired music, visuals, and talented voice cast.
Rio 2 (2014) new
Director Carlos Saldanha returns for Rio 2, delivering a sequel that expands the scope of its predecessor. After Blu and Jewel establish their new life in Rio de Janeiro, the pair of blue macaws decide to take their budding family for a trip to the Amazon Rainforest to keep them from falling too deep into the habits of city life.
Things get more complicated for Blu, as this family vacation throws an intimidating father-in-law and a new rival in his way. Rio 2 juggles several new plot points, perhaps even too many for its own good, but the returning voice cast, eye-popping art direction, and music should still satisfy the young ones in the family looking for a fun, breezy time.
Up (2009)
Perhaps one of the best Pixar Animation Studio movies of the last 20 years, Up is one of the most emotionally rewarding family-centric animated films. Directed by Pete Docter and Bob Peterson, Up tells the story of a 78-year-old balloon salesman who loses his once passionate ambition for traveling the world as his life passes him by and a personal tragedy dampens his desire to live to his potential.
That is, at least until the day he decides to tie thousands of balloons to his house and fly to South America — and an endearing 8-year-old stowaway unexpectedly joins him. Should families feel up for a family-friendly adventure that will inspire joy as much as it does tears, Up is a profoundly resonant comedy-drama.
The Lion King (1994)
World's Best (2023) new
Turning Red (2022)
Toy Story 4 (2019)
The Toy Story franchise is one of Disney’s most beloved properties, and Pixar Animation Studios’ greatest achievements to date. 2019’s Toy Story 4 is the latest in the mainline series, picking up from the deeply emotional events of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and more in the third installment. The group goes on a road trip with their new family including the endearing Forky, a toy made by Bonnie, but it spirals into a hectic adventure when the makeshift toy jumps out from the RV. Nostalgic fans and young newcomers alike will find much to enjoy with Toy Story 4, as the lovable cast of characters and emotional story are as satisfying as families would hope.
Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
Enchanted (2007)
Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
The latest Disney+ original movie, David Lowery’s Peter Pan & Wendy is a live-action adaptation of the classic 1953 animated movie — which, in turn, is based on the original play known as Peter and Wendy. As nostalgic fans would come to know, Peter Pan & Wendy revolves around the titular duo traveling to Neverland along with the equally beloved character Tinker Bell.
Along the way, the group comes to face off against the villainous Captain Hook. Lowery’s live-action version doesn’t measure up to the original, but it’s a solid modernized rendition to engage the younger ones in the family.
Finding Dory (2016)
The original Finding Nemo was a critically-acclaimed classic of the early 2000s, still standing as one of Disney Pixar’s greatest animated movies to date. Thirteen years later, Finding Dory lived up to its predecessor’s reputation, with Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks returning to reprise their roles as Dory and Marlin.
The story sees the titular amnesiac fish lose herself on a journey to reconnect with her parents. Finding Dory should satisfy those who grew up on the first movie and new viewers all the same, as it was equally praised for its heartfelt story and clever humor.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
The Toy Story franchise is still one of Pixar’s most beloved properties, and 15 years after the original movie, Toy Story 3 still successfully tugs at the heartstrings. The third movie in this series follows Woody, Buzz, and company as they’re accidentally donated to a daycare center after a now 17-year-old Andy moves out to college.
From there, the various iconic toys are forced to decide where they belong and how to get back to their home. Toy Story 3 is a massive payoff of what the 1995 classic started, representing a coming-of-age theme packed with emotion.
Chang Can Dunk (2023) new
Disney+ every so often releases delightful, small-scale original movies that are charming for the whole family. Chang Can Dunk follows the story of the titular 16-year-old high schooler (played by Bloom Li), who makes a bet that he can dunk a basketball by Homecoming. However, that’s quite the challenge given the fact that he’s 5 feet, 8inches tall. But Chang’s determination to do so results in so much more than he imagined.
He ends up going through some self-discovery along the way, learning the importance of overcoming obstacles, maintaining a sense of identity, and having a strong support system. A timeless series of messages make Chang Can Dunk a worthwhile coming-of-age dramedy for the whole household.
Finding Nemo (2003)
There’s little that can be said of Finding Nemo that hasn’t been already, as the 2003 movie was one of animation and Disney’s best theatrical achievements that decade.
The movie revolves around an overprotective clownfish father named Marlin as he and his bubbly yet forgetful friend, Dory — a regal blue tang — embark on an ocean-wide journey to find his lost son. Its brand of charm, genuinely clever humor, and visual spectacles have hardly aged, and its themes ensure that Finding Nemo will forever be a Disney Pixar classic all ages can get behind.
The Peanuts Movie (2015)
The Peanuts characters are pop culture icons, and the 2015 animated movie beautifully and lovingly put that on display for the modern age. The film sees the beloved Charlie Brown and Snoopy go off on their respective exploits, with the former continuing to try to win the affection of the Little Red-Haired Girl, while Snoopy aims to write a book about him as a World War I flying ace going on a daring rescue mission.
The Peanuts Movie earned high critical praise, largely for its vibrant art direction that still stays faithful to the tone of the comic strips, while effectively catering to both the new generation and the older, nostalgic fans who grew up with Peanuts.
Toy Story 2 (1999)
The Toy Story series is one of the most critically acclaimed and iconic Disney Pixar creations of all time, and the 1999 sequel still holds up as well as the rest. Following up a beloved original is always a tall order, but Toy Story 2 satisfied on all fronts, introducing new and lovable characters alongside an equally emotional story.
Following the shocking events of Woody being stolen by a crazed toy collector, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the toy gang go on a daring mission to rescue him. But when Woody meets Jessie, the former is tempted by the thought of “immortality” in a museum. Toy Story 2‘s character-driven story earned widespread acclaim, and is arguably superior to its predecessor.
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Ice Age (2002)
The Incredibles (2004)
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Encanto (2021)
Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Soul (2020)
Better Nate Than Ever (2022)
Under Wraps 2 (2022)
Luca (2021)
Toy Story (1995)
Cruella (2021)
WALL·E (2008)
Holes (2003)
Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Onward (2020)
Cinderella (1950)
Zootopia (2016)
The Muppets (2011)
A Bug's Life (1998)
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
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