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Discover the Best Movies Streaming on Disney Plus Right Now
From iconic blockbusters to hidden independent gems, Disney+ has cultivated a remarkably diverse collection of films. This platform offers a wide array of viewing options, particularly for those seeking movies that blend mainstream appeal with significant critical acclaim or cult classic recognition. Whether you’re interested in experiencing Jesse Eisenberg’s poignant new drama, A Real Pain, or want to witness the cinematic clash of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Heat, Disney+ caters to virtually every preference and viewing threshold. Here’s a curated list of 13 exceptional movies currently available to stream on Disney+, highlighting the finest additions this month.
A Real Pain (2024)
Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg in A Real Pain (Image: AP)
A Real Pain chronicles the journey of two Jewish American cousins, David and Benji, as they travel to Poland to explore their heritage and their late grandmother’s history, including the Holocaust. During their tour, they confront their shared past, and their contrasting personalities and long-standing tensions resurface. The film explores the intricate dynamics of familial bonds, intergenerational trauma, and the lasting repercussions of the Holocaust.
Starring Kieran Culkin, who received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, and Jesse Eisenberg, who not only stars but also wrote and directed the film (earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay), A Real Pain has garnered significant attention. Interestingly, Eisenberg’s involvement in the film led to him being granted Polish citizenship by President Andrzej Duda.
Tombstone (1993)
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Val Kilmer and Kurt Russell in Tombstone (Image: Disney )
Tombstone narrates the tale of Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell), a celebrated marshal, who, along with his brothers, relocates to Tombstone aiming for a peaceful retirement and business ventures. Their aspirations are shattered by the arrival of a band of outlaws, compelling Earp and his comrade Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer) to retrieve their firearms and restore order to the town, culminating in the infamous shootout at the O.K. Corral.
Loosely based on actual occurrences in 1880s Southeast Arizona and the individuals involved, Tombstone achieved commercial success and ranks among the top-grossing Western films since 1979. It garnered generally favorable critical reception and has since attained cult classic status.
Heat (1995)
Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Heat (Image: Wire handout)
Heat is a compelling crime thriller that explores the intense cat-and-mouse relationship between Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), a dedicated LAPD detective, and Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro), a skilled master thief. As they navigate perilous heists and personal challenges, both men develop a mutual respect and understanding for each other’s commitment and the complexities of their lives, despite being on opposite sides of the law.
This film marks the first on-screen collaboration between De Niro and Pacino, following periods of distinguished performances for both actors. Heat generated $187 million worldwide on a $60 million budget and received acclaim from critics. It is now considered a highly influential film in its genre, even inspiring real-life criminals due to the realism of its criminal tactics. A sequel was announced in 2022, further cementing its legacy.
The Big Short (2015)
The Big Short recounts the factual narrative of a group of outsiders who anticipated the global financial crisis of 2007–2008 and profited handsomely by betting against the U.S. housing market. They identified vulnerabilities and unethical practices on Wall Street, recognizing a bubble in mortgage-backed securities, and ultimately capitalized on the subsequent economic meltdown.
Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast including Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Brad Pitt, who also served as producer, The Big Short employs celebrity cameos from Margot Robbie, chef Anthony Bourdain, Selena Gomez, and economist Richard Thaler to provide explanatory interludes. These segments break the fourth wall to clarify complex financial instruments like subprime mortgages and synthetic collateralized debt obligations. The film was awarded the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Bale), and Best Film Editing.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Alien: Romulus is a science fiction horror-thriller positioned chronologically between the original Alien and Aliens within the Alien franchise. The plot centers on a group of young space colonizers who, while scavenging a derelict space station, encounter the lethal Xenomorph, thus returning the franchise to its terrifying origins. Shifting focus to a younger generation of colonists, the film introduces novel creatures and characters to the established Alien mythos.
The movie, starring Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, and Isabela Merced, has secured various industry accolades, primarily for its technical accomplishments, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects. Plans for a new installment in the series are underway, indicating the franchise’s continued expansion.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
The Banshees of Inisherin is a darkly comedic drama unfolding on a secluded Irish island in 1923. It explores the emotional fallout between two lifelong friends, Pádraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson), after one abruptly terminates their friendship. An initial bewilderment evolves into a strange and tragic conflict, marked by increasingly bizarre repercussions.
Penned and directed by Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), the film garnered nine Academy Award nominations, encompassing Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Farrell), and Best Supporting Actor and Actress (Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, and Kerry Condon). It also earned three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Actor for Farrell.
The French Connection (1971)
The French Connection is a gritty crime thriller rooted in the true events of two New York City narcotics detectives uncovering a major heroin smuggling operation originating from France. Gene Hackman stars as Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle, whose fanatical pursuit of the criminals culminates in one of cinema’s most celebrated car chases.
Directed by William Friedkin, the film was honored with five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Hackman. Widely hailed as one of the preeminent crime films ever created, The French Connection was inducted into the U.S. National Film Registry in 2005 for its “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.”
The Martian (2015)
The Martian is a science fiction survival narrative with an unexpectedly optimistic tone. When astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is presumed deceased and left behind on Mars, he must employ resourcefulness, botanical knowledge, and an upbeat disco soundtrack to sustain himself until NASA devises a rescue strategy.
Directed by Ridley Scott, based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, the film achieved both critical and commercial triumph. It amassed over $630 million globally and received seven Academy Award nominations. Damon received the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical, a categorization that sparked some debate given the film’s setting and themes of survival.
Starship Troopers (1997)
Scene from Starship Troopers (Image: Channel 5)
Starship Troopers is a satirical military science fiction film set in a future where Earth is engaged in war against a race of colossal alien insects. It follows Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) and his companions as they enlist in the Mobile Infantry, unknowingly becoming instruments of a fascist propaganda apparatus.
Directed by Paul Verhoeven (RoboCop, Total Recall), the film was initially misinterpreted as a straightforward action film but has since gained recognition as a cult classic. It is now lauded for its incisive humor, impressive special effects, and astute critique of authoritarianism. It remains a favorite among sci-fi enthusiasts who appreciate its layered narrative and satirical depth.
The Menu (2022)
The Menu is a darkly humorous thriller that interweaves foodie culture, class consciousness, and artistic affectation. Ralph Fiennes stars as an unconventional celebrity chef who invites an exclusive group of diners, including Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult, to a secluded island for a unique, multi-course culinary event. The evening takes a sinister turn when guests realize their survival is at stake.
Directed by Mark Mylod and produced by Adam McKay (The Big Short), the film earned widespread praise for its clever script, sharp satire, and unpredictable narrative shifts. Fiennes’s unsettling portrayal and Taylor-Joy’s grounded performance create a compelling contrast amidst the unfolding chaos, making it essential viewing for aficionados of stylish horror-comedy.
28 Weeks Later (2007)
28 Weeks Later serves as the sequel to Danny Boyle’s acclaimed 2002 horror film, 28 Days Later, resuming the storyline six months after a devastating rage virus ravaged Britain. The U.S. military intervenes to repopulate and rebuild London, but the resurgence of the virus triggers a new wave of pandemonium.
Featuring Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, and Idris Elba, the film amplifies the scale and intensity of its predecessor while preserving its bleak atmosphere and rapid-paced terror. Although it didn’t break as much new ground as the original, 28 Weeks Later has cultivated a dedicated following and continues to be regarded as one of the superior zombie-adjacent films from the 2000s.
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Kingdom of Heaven is a historical epic set during the Crusades of the 12th century. Orlando Bloom stars as Balian, a French blacksmith who becomes instrumental in the defense of Jerusalem against the invading forces of Saladin.
Directed by Ridley Scott, the film’s initial theatrical release was significantly abridged. However, the later Director’s Cut, now available for streaming, has received considerably greater acclaim, particularly for its more cohesive narrative and richer character development. The film also features Eva Green, Jeremy Irons, and Liam Neeson, and showcases some of Scott’s most visually impressive battle sequences.
Gone Girl (2014)
Gone Girl is a psychological thriller that dissects media frenzy, manipulation, and marital discord within the context of a missing person case. When Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) vanishes, her husband Nick (Ben Affleck) falls under suspicion. However, the reality is far more complex than initial appearances suggest.
Directed by David Fincher and adapted from Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel (with screenplay also by Flynn), the film achieved both critical and commercial success. Pike received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her chilling and nuanced performance. Gone Girl remains a benchmark in suspenseful filmmaking, characterized by intricate plotting and subtle yet impactful character dynamics.