Sick of the perpetual search for quality, grown-up, and yet magical entertainment? Well, put on your glass slippers and get your inner child out because we’re going to take you on a journey through the enchanted worlds of Disney Plus. With their classics having enchanted generations, their extensive library now

boasts a collection of cinematic treasures made specifically for adults who crave humor, adventure, and a dash of nostalgia. From swashbuckling pirates to spunky superheroes, we’ve scoured the Disney Plus vaults to curate a list of the best movies for those who’ve discovered that “happily ever after” doesn’t have to mean “kids only.” Get ready for a cinematic magic carpet ride that even your inner child will approve of.

22. The Finest Hours (2016)

Directed by Craig Gillespie, this movie is an adaptation from the 2009 non-fiction novel ‘The Finest Hours: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Most Daring Sea Rescue’ written by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman. It is a true story of how a United States Coast Guard team of four, commanded by Bernard “Bernie” Webber, rescued the crew on board the oil tanker SS Pendleton that had been cut in two after becoming stranded in a cyclone on February 18, 1952. The film also factors in Bernie’s romance with Miriam Pentinen, whom he would later wed. ‘The Finest Hours’ features Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, Holliday Grainger, and Eric Bana. You may view it here.

21. Rise (2022)

Directed by Akin Omotoso, ‘Rise’ is a biographical sports drama based on the remarkable life of three Nigerian-Greek brothers, Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas Antetokounmpo, who emigrated to America and became NBA stars. It is a warm story of brotherhood, migration, and sporting victory, in which these gifted brothers all win NBA championship titles. Gifted newcomers Uche Agada, Ral Agada, and Jaden Osimuwa take over the roles of the Antetokounmpo brothers in this inspiring true account. You can stream the film here.

20. Remember the Titans (2000)

‘Remember the Titans,’ directed by Boaz Yakin, is an inspiring sports drama against the background of racial tensions of the early 1970s in Virginia. The film narrates the true account of African-American football coach Herman Boone, portrayed by Denzel Washington, who is commissioned to coach the newly integrated T.C. Williams High School football team. By his side is Coach Bill Yoast, played by Will Patton, a white coach who is at first resistant to the changes. Together, they lead their players through defeating racial barriers and coming together as a force to be reckoned with. This movie is a compelling option for adults based on its strong message of unity, perseverance, and the victory of the human spirit. It is not only a sports film but a moving tribute to the strength of diversity and collaboration. You can see the film here.

19. Black Is King (2020)

‘Black is King’ is a cinematic work of art, a colorful celebration of Black identity, culture, and excellence. Directed by Beyoncé, it’s an incredible visual album that reimagines the narrative of ‘The Lion King’ in a contemporary, Afrocentric way. With mesmerizing music, breathtaking visuals, and a star-studded cast, it’s a cinematic journey of self-discovery and empowerment. This film is a testament to the beauty of diversity and a powerful ode to Black heritage, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration, artistry, and a profound cultural experience. Feel free to check out the movie here.

18. The Pacifier (2005)

‘The Pacifier,’ directed by Adam Shankman, is a comedy film suitable for the whole family and featuring a different side of action actor Vin Diesel. He stars as Shane Wolfe, a hardened Navy SEAL who is deputed to keep the children of a recently deceased scientist safe from a group of adversaries after a top-secret device. The challenges of childcare, from changing diapers to teenage uprisings, are what face Diesel’s character as the firm but lovable babysitter. With humor, heart, and surprise heroism, ‘The Pacifier’ is a fun mix of action and family life. You can view the movie here.

17. Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ is an entertaining comedy movie by P.J. Hogan, based on Sophie Kinsella’s bestseller novel. It follows the offbeat and lovely Rebecca Bloomwood, played by Isla Fisher, whose consumerism habit gets out of hand, putting her deep in debt. A dashing businessman, Luke Brandon, played by Hugh Dancy, sweeps her up. With humor and heart, the film follows Rebecca’s wacky misadventures as a fashion writer as she works her way to financial salvation and love. It’s a charming and plausible romp that provides an enjoyable escapism for anyone who’s ever experienced a shopping spree gone bad. You can view it here.

16. While You Were Sleeping (1995)

‘While You Were Sleeping’ is a sweet romantic comedy by Jon Turteltaub in 1995. It features Sandra Bullock as Lucy, a solitary token collector who saves the life of a dashing stranger, played by Peter Gallagher, and then impersonates him as his fiancée when he falls into a coma. As she makes her way through this quaint farce, Lucy finds herself falling in love with the brother of the man, played by Bill Pullman. This movie is the perfect blend of humor, sweet romance, and a bit of family relationships, and so it is a timeless, feel-good classic that traces the unexpected turns of destiny and the magic of love. You can watch ‘While You Were Sleeping’ here.

15. Avatar (2009)

Directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron, ‘Avatar’ is a science fiction epic film produced with a talented cast of stars, including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. The action takes place in the mid-22nd century on Pandora, an Earth-like moon of a gas giant within the Alpha Centauri star system. Here, people seek to harvest the precious mineral unobtanium, but their advancement endangers the native Na’vi tribe’s survival. To communicate with the natives, people employ genetically created Na’vi avatars that are remotely controlled from the human mind, thus lending the movie its unique title. ‘Avatar’ is the beginning of the Avatar movie series. You can watch the movie here.

14. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Tucked among the sunny animated children’s films, the snappy humor of ’10 Things I Hate About You’ is a welcome standout. The late-1990s classic is a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s legendary ‘The Taming of the Shrew,’ deftly translated to an American high school backdrop. Cameron, acted by Gordon-Levitt, is smitten with Bianca (Oleynik). To avoid her father’s strict rules about dating, he comes up with a scheme: hire the bad boy Patrick (Ledger) to win over Bianca’s icy sister, Kat (Stiles). The outcome is a raunchy and sweet teen comedy that continues to catch on even now. You can watch ’10 Things I Hate About You’ here.

13. The Rookie (2002)

‘The Rookie’ is a heartening sports drama directed by John Lee Hancock. It is the true story of Jim Morris, portrayed by Dennis Quaid, a high school science teacher and baseball coach who, at the age of 35, makes a stunning return to Major League Baseball. Defying personal and professional adversity, Morris achieves a lifelong aspiration and becomes a major league pitcher. The endearing story of the film, good performances, and chasing dreams combine to make it a motivational and interesting watch for viewers of all ages, interwoven with a second-chance story of perseverance and passion for sport. Stream it here.

12. Free Solo (2020)

‘Free Solo’ is an awe-inspiring documentary motion picture directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. It tracks the amazing life of rock climber Alex Honnold as he tries to accomplish what seems impossible: to climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical rock face in Yosemite National Park, sans safety ropes or harnesses. The movie not only documents the raw courage of this act but also goes into the grueling physical and emotional training that precedes such a death-defying quest. ‘Free Solo’ is an electrifying and visually breathtaking exploration of human resolve, terror, and the pursuit of the sublime. Feel free to watch the documentary here.

 11. West Side Story (2021)

Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ is a far-out musical romantic drama and the second feature-length film adaptation of the legendary 1957 stage musical. Starring Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort, the movie expertly explores the issue of forbidden love and the intense conflict between the Jets and the Sharks, two youth gangs of different ethnic origins. Under Spielberg’s masterful guidance, the film not only respectfully updates the iconic story but also injects it with new life, scintillating choreography, and an emotionally satisfying story, and it is a must-see for musical enthusiasts and those who will be looking for a modern adaptation of this classic romance. You can watch here.

10. Encanto (2021)

Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, ‘Encanto’ is an animated musical drama that has the theme of family. We see Mirabel, the only member of the Madrigal family without magical powers. As laid back as she is about this, she undertakes the enormity of searching for the origins of her family after the magic starts fading. In the journey, she discovers saddening secrets that have left her family broken in ways more than one. The emotions, the tales, and the feelings are all discovered through songs and vibrant and beautiful visuals, all of which make ‘Encanto’ a great film about what it is to be together and how. You can see it here.

9. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

The third ‘Deadpool’ film and the first MCU one, Shawn Levy’s ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ sees Wade Wilson/Deadpool on a quest for a specific Wolverine/Logan incarnation that can assist him in saving his world, which is essentially his family. Though he does track him down, Wolverine only offers to assist after Wade promises (informed guess) him he will be able to alter his disastrous past. Starring Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ is a genre film nostalgia for comic book enthusiasts, particularly those of Jackman’s Wolverine. Scaled-up action teamed with Deadpool’s wit and Wolverine’s ferocity make the film a must see. It can be watched here.

8. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Even years after release, ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ remains one of the best in the vast MCU catalog. The film, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, drops Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) into a heart-pounding spy thriller that rocks the very core of the US government. He is accompanied by Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Sebastian Stan as the mysterious Winter Soldier, with Anthony Mackie first appearing as Sam Wilson. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, this on-screen treasure rewrites the rules of the superhero category and has audiences hooked with its interesting plot and memorable characters. You can stream ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ here.

7. Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Directed by John Lee Hancock, this movie is set during the making of the 1964 musical fantasy film ‘Mary Poppins.’ One of the most popular Disney films to date, it traces the making of author P. L. Travers (author of the ‘Mary Poppins’ book series) and Walt Disney, the film producer, as the two attempt to reach a point of mutual agreement and strike a deal so that Disney can purchase the movie rights of Travers’ timeless character. Disney took 20 years to persuade Travers but finally acquired them in 1961, even though she acquired the script-approval rights. Saving Mr. Banks’ also looks into the history of how Mary Poppins was created, such as Travers’ unhappy childhood, her alcoholic father, her parents’ broken relationship, and her mother’s suicide attempt. Tom Hanks portrays Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson portrays P. L. Travers. The film is available for streaming here.

6. The Straight Story (1999)

‘A Straight Story’ is a David Lynch-directed drama film. It’s a touching and low-key gem based on the real-life story of Alvin Straight, portrayed by Richard Farnsworth, an old man who sets out in his lawnmower to go visit his sick brother, riding hundreds of miles across the Midwest. It’s a moving portrayal of family ties, perseverance, and the serenity of small things in life. Farnsworth’s standout performance gained him an Academy Award nomination. ‘A Straight Story’ breaks away from Lynch’s typical surreal and mysterious style with a poignant and visually beautiful depiction of a common man’s journey through the American heartland. You can watch ‘The Straight Story’ here.

5. Isle of Dogs (2018)

‘Isle of Dogs’ is a stop-motion science fiction animated comedy directed by Wes Anderson. Two-time Academy Award winning movie, the movie takes place in Trash Island where Mayor of Megasaki, Kobayashi, has banished all its dogs because of a canine flue. 12-year-old Atari now joins forces with five mongrels to search for his pet dog Spots at the Trash Island, aka the Isle of Dogs. Handling issues such as human-animal ranking, political corruption, discrimination, and friendship, ‘Isle of Dogs’ is an animated masterpiece that earned Anderson the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 68th Berlin International Film Festival. You may watch it here.

4. Inside Out 2 (2024)

Directed by Kelsey Mann, ‘Inside Out 2’ is a sequel to ‘Inside Out’ (2015) and continues with the favorite emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust in their attempts to deal with the newly added Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui (boredom), courtesy of Riley entering puberty. Of all the new feelings, it is Anxiety who causes the most destruction without meaning to, and the film speaks to this most masterfully, one that adults will relate to, effortlessly. The movie gets to attribute personalities to complicated feelings and does a great job at it, providing us with a movie that has rightfully taken the position as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. You can view it here.

3. Logan (2017)

The tenth film in the X-Men franchise and third and last part of the Wolverine trilogy, ‘Logan’ depicts Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) living out his last days taking care of ailing Professor Charles Xavier/Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Laura / X-23, a young experiment girl Logan later discovers to be his biological daughter whom he must keep safe from being kidnapped by an evil corporation that created Laura out of Logan’s own DNA. Maybe the greatest movie in the whole franchise and the trilogy, ‘Logan’ transcends being a superhero film to become a bleak representation of the dying days of a man who spent over half his lifetime looking for his own identity and a reason to exist. It is directed by James Mangold. You can stream it here.

2. Soul (2020)

Maybe one of the best 5 films to have ever left Pixar, ‘Soul’ is about wishful pianist Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), who dies on the very day of his breakthrough, and whose soul finds himself at the “Great Before” after somehow managing to evade from the “Great Beyond.” The “Great Before” is where souls get ready for their life on the planet. How Joe is able to retrieve his soul from the afterlife and return it to Earth by assisting another recalcitrant new soul in discovering her “spark,” i.e., her life’s purpose, is what the movie is all about. Existential crises, culture, life and death, ambition, purpose of life, and so on, are its themes, making it as much for adults as children, if not more. You may view it here.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Directed by Gore Verbinski, this cult pirate film is the first installment of the now-popular ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ franchise. The film follows Captain Jack Sparrow and blacksmith Will Turner as they embark on the mission to rescue Elizabeth Swann, who, under false identity as Will Turner, is onboard the Black Pearl, a ship headed by Captain Barbossa. Barbossa and his men are searching for a medallion, part of the numerous fragments of an Aztec gold stone chest that they need to send back into the ocean to break a curse that has afflicted them. If you’ve not watched this movie, to explain how the medallion relates to Swann and Will would be to give away the plot to you. Starring Johnny Depp’s iconic performance as Captain Jack Sparrow, Orlando Bloom as Will Turner, Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Swann, and Geoffrey Rush as Captain Barbossa, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,’ and the rest of the ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ movies are based not on any book or legend but a Disney theme park attraction. You can view the movie here. Read More: Peacock’s Best Adult Movies