Disney+ launched earlier in the year, to all parents relief I can imagine. I’m sure it’s helped during lockdown and working from home with kids in the house. Disney isn’t only for kids though, grownups enjoy it as much, if not more. I’ve resisted to sign up for a long time but I really fancied watching old school Disney films that aren’t available elsewhere to stream so I decided to sign up for a month. It’s only £5.99 so why not?! Unless they are planning to add new films soon, I feel like a month is enough to cover everything you want and need to see. Here are my suggestions on what to watch on Disney Plus.
Live Versions
Dumbo
I didn’t realise there are so many live version out of the Disney films already. Some of them I didn’t even know the original version. I’m not interested in watching all of them but Dumbo was one that intrigued me. I don’t know the original story in detail but I’ve heard this version steered away from it quite a bit. I couldn’t tell you how but I really enjoyed this film. Not as sad as I think the original story is and that’s probably for the best.
The Lion King
I was blown away by this live version of The Lion King. Probably one of my favourite live versions to be honest. The Lion King is one of my favourite Disney films already and this does not disappoint. If I am allowed one criticism, it would be that the voice of Scar isn’t scary enough. Oh and as much as I love that they’ve added a song to this version, it doesn’t not compare or measure up to the original soundtrack which is class!
Christopher Robin
A live action adaption of Winnie the Poo. Christopher Robin is all grown up living with his wife and daughter in London. Winnie the Poo has lost his friends and asks for Christopher’s help. Nothing better than to have childhood friends helping you out of a mid-life crisis. The film is dark in some parts and gloomy but that’s Eeyore for you I guess. I absolutely loved this film, it’s so cute. A few tears may have been shed.
Films
Black Panther
Sadly, it was after Chadwick Boseman’s passing that made me watch this. I’ve seen him in plenty of other films and interviews but never had a chance to watch this. I’m not a massive Marvel fan but I really enjoyed this film. I feel like T’Challa/Black Panther is a hero that’s very likeable and also realistic in a way.
Cool Runnings
What a classic! I love this film so much. Underdogs that stay true to themselves and reach the top. Bob Sleigh isn’t the coolest sport around but the Jamaican team sure make it cool.
The Princess Diary 1 & 2
There are so many cheese films available on Disney+ which I have stayed away from but I quite like The Princess Diary and because I’ve not seen them in a long while, it was a nice re-watch. I was blown away learning that the second film is written by Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy) and directed by Whitney Houston. As if!!!
Cartoons
Frozen II
I love Frozen and the second film even more. I first saw it in the cinema and I enjoyed it as much watching a second time at home. Olaf cracks me up, especially in the summary of the first film scene. I also love Elsa’s diss to ‘Let It Go’ in her new solo song.
Princess & The Frog
I’ve seen this Disney film once before and I remember really enjoying it. Watching it a second time, I stand by my thoughts about it. It’s a fun story and the music is good. Definitely and underdog Disney princess story but well worth a watch.
Mulan
It turns out, I’ve never seen Mulan before… Where have I been? I think around the time of its release, I was “too” old to be into Disney films. They weren’t cool to watch when you were supposed to watch Romeo & Juliet and Titanic and the likes.
I really enjoyed Mulan. It’s a great story and I really like Eddie Murphy so his voice for Mushu (the sidekick dragon) made the film extra good. I’m excited to watch the live version, although politically perhaps I shouldn’t?!
Herkules
Herkules is another Disney film I hadn’t watched until recently. I enjoyed it so much that I gave it a second watch within months and I enjoyed it even more this time. The five singing muses are my favourites, they’re so sassy!
Musicals
Hamilton
When I asked on my Instagram stories of must watch on Disney+, Hamilton was mentioned a fair few times. I had no idea what to expect but I really enjoyed the songs. I found it difficult to understand the full story, it goes so fast, so I might have to watch it again. Jonathan Gruff (Glee, Mindhunter) as King George made me laugh a lot.
Animations
Tory Story Four
I love Toy Story! I think it’s by far my favourite Pixar films. This is the first time I’ve seen the fourth film and even though I didn’t like the idea of a toy fork, I laughed so much throughout the film. I still don’t know why the spork is called Forky but I guess Bonnie is too young to understand it’s a spork, not a fork. Also, I thought it might be a play on the number of the film – Fo(u)rky.
Brave
Another underdog Disney princess. I really like this film just because it’s not about a princess finding her prince but mother and daughter relationships. I also love it because I’m so jealous of her curly red hair (I want!) and the Scottish accent is always nice to listen to.
Have you got Disney+? Anything you recommend to watch? For me it’s not worth having a rolling contract but when more films have been added, I might sign up for another month and catch up on what I’ve missed.
Jennie xx
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