While Disney Plus is perhaps best known as the home of the House of Mouse's most popular franchises – from the MCU to Star Wars – the company's takeover of 20th Century Fox means the streamer is also a great place to catch up on a number of critically acclaimed original films.

One such example is Poor Things, which recently became the second most-awarded film at the 2024 Oscars – including a Best Actress win for Emma Stone – and is now available to watch with a Disney Plus subscription.

Meanwhile, other original recent films in the library include The Creator, the final Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Poirot mystery A Haunting in Venice, and even smaller films like Rye Lane.

Plus, there are classic Disney animations and live-action remakes aplenty, including last year's Peter Pan & Wendy and The Little Mermaid.

There is something for every movie fan on Disney Plus – and the RadioTimes.com team have broken down the top picks on the platform in this list.

Best movies on Disney Plus UK to watch right now

Marvel movies on Disney Plus UK

Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner in Avengers: Endgame standing side by side looking tense
Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner in Avengers: Endgame.

With new titles added after their release, Disney Plus promises to host the majority of the MCU:

  • Ant-Man
  • Ant-Man and the Wasp
  • Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
  • Avengers: Infinity War
  • Avengers: Endgame
  • Black Panther
  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
  • Black Widow
  • Captain America: Civil War
  • Captain America: The First Avenger
  • Captain America: The Winter Soldier
  • Captain Marvel
  • Doctor Strange
  • Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
  • Eternals
  • Guardians of the Galaxy
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3
  • Iron Man
  • Iron Man 2
  • Iron Man 3
  • Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron
  • Marvel's The Avengers
  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
  • Spider-Man: Homecoming
  • The Marvels
  • Thor
  • Thor: Ragnarok
  • Thor: The Dark World
  • Thor: Love and Thunder

Of course, that's not in watching order – find out more about that now.

Star Wars movies on Disney Plus

Hayden Christensen in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones with a braid in his hair
Hayden Christensen in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.

Fortunately, you don’t need to fly to a galaxy far, far away to see the Star Wars saga. Well, the majority of it, anyway.

Here’s what’s on offer:

  • Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
  • Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones
  • Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
  • Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
  • Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
  • Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
  • Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens
  • Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
  • Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
  • Solo: A Star Wars Story
  • Star Wars: The Clone Wars
  • Empire of Dreams: The Story of The Star Wars Trilogy

If you're wondering what order to watch them in - because let's face it, it can be controversial - we have a guide to how to watch Star Wars in order.

Pixar movies on Disney Plus UK

Turning Red
Turning Red. Pixar

Yes, Disney also owns Pixar, the folks behind the likes of Toy Story and Inside Out. So if you need a laugh, go for Ratatouille; if you need a cry, go for Toy Story 3 (we're not over that heartbreaking burner scene yet); and if you need a romance, WALL-E is your go-to. Here are the Pixar options on Disney Plus UK.

  • Brave
  • A Bug's Life
  • Coco
  • Cars
  • Cars 2
  • Cars 3
  • Elemental
  • Finding Nemo
  • Finding Dory
  • The Good Dinosaur
  • The Incredibles
  • Incredibles 2
  • Inside Out
  • Luca
  • Monsters Inc
  • Monsters University
  • Onward
  • Ratatouille
  • Soul
  • Toy Story
  • Toy Story 2
  • Toy Story 3
  • Toy Story 4
  • Turning Red
  • Up
  • WALL-E

Sign up to Disney+ for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year

Showing 1 to 24 of 107 results

  • Poor Things

    • Comedy
    • Romance
    • 2023
    • Yorgos Lanthimos
    • 141 mins
    • 18

    Summary:

    Oscar-nominated drama telling the odd tale of Emma Stone's Bella Baxter, a woman brought back to life by crazed scientist Willem Dafoe

    Why watch Poor Things?:

    Yorgos Lanthimos's superb adaptation of Alasdair Gray's novel was one of the most successful films at the 2024 Academy Awards, with Emma Stone's second Best Actress win one of four Oscars the film picked up on the night – behind only the dominant Oppenheimer.

    The surreal film sees Stone take on the role of a lifetime as Bella Baxter, a woman brought back from the dead in an experiment by eccentric Scottish scientist Godwin Baxter. As she learns to make use of her new brain, she embarks on an unconventional voyage of self-discovery that brings her into contact with a number of odious men, including Mark Ruffalo's caddish lawyer Duncan Wedderburn.

    There are laughs aplenty to be had in Bella's madcap adventure, but despite its offbeat and often uproarious tone the film also engages with serious themes. Plus the exceptional, Oscar-winning production design and costuming ensures watching the film is a whimsical and delightful experience.

    Patrick Cremona

    How to watch
  • West Side Story

    • Romance
    • Drama
    • 2021
    • Steven Spielberg
    • 156 mins
    • 12A

    Summary:

    In gentrified 1950s New York, tensions between feuding gangs are inflamed when Jets co-founder Tony, recently released from prison after almost beating a boy to death, defies best friend Riff and falls head over heels in love with Maria, baby sister of Sharks leader Bernardo. Romance blossoms as Riff and Bernardo convene their tribes for a rumble to decide whether Americans or Puerto Ricans rule the roost.

    Why watch West Side Story?:

    Remaking a classic is always a slightly risky task, but if there's one person you'd trust to do it, it would probably be Steven Spielberg. And even if his Oscar-nominated reimagining of the iconic musical West Side Story doesn't quite top the original, it certainly gets very close – a stunningly entertaining spectacle complete with some of the best choreography of the 21st century.

    As ever, the film tells the Romeo & Juliet-inspired tale of Tony and Maria – star-crossed lovers with links to rival New York gangs – and it's a testament to the movie's strength that you feel every bit of the tragedy even if you know exactly what's coming. Rachel Zegler makes for an excellent Maria, but it's arguably two of the film's supporting cast members who most excel: Mike Faist as Riff and Ariana DeBose as Anita, with the latter's performance in the standout musical number America particularly noteworthy.

    Patrick Cremona

    How to watch
  • The Marvels

    • Action
    • Drama
    • 2023
    • Nia DaCosta
    • 104 mins
    • 12A

    Summary:

    After their powers become entangled, Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan work together to save the universe. Comic-book adventure, with Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani and Zawe Ashton

    Why watch The Marvels?:

    Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani return as their respective characters from the MCU in this team-up film, which first released in cinemas last year.

    Also featuring Samuel L Jackson, back as Nick Fury, and Zawe Ashton as a brand-new villain, it’s a terrific cast that has been assembled here, and Nia DaCosta’s film is at its best in their dynamics, when they are playing off one another.

    It may not have been the film to bring Marvel back into favour, or a slam dunk with fans, but if you’re looking for a quick burst of action, sci-fi adventure, with some fun MCU references to boot, then it’s worth checking out.

    James Hibbs

    How to watch
  • The Creator

    • Romance
    • Thriller
    • 2023
    • Gareth Edwards
    • 133 mins
    • 12A

    Summary:

    Grief-stricken ex-Special Forces operative Joshua hopes to end the war between humans and a rogue artificial intelligence by locating and destroying the architect of the enemy machines. Dystopian sci-fi action thriller starring John David Washington

    Why watch The Creator?:

    Last year’s The Creator, an original sci-fi film from Rogue One director Gareth Edwards, proved somewhat divisive critically and with audiences, but there’s one thing which seemed to unite most viewers – it was a staggering visual achievement on the budget it was assigned.

    Costing reportedly just $80 million dollars, it put plenty of films with budgets three times the size to shame, while also featuring some strong performances from leads John David Washington, Gemma Chan and Ken Watanabe.

    It also saw an incredible breakout performance from young star Madeleine Yuna Voyles, and examined some timely themes around the development of artificial intelligence, the brutality of war and military overreach. It may not be your favourite film of the year, but it’s well worth your time, if only to champion original mid-budget filmmaking.

    James Hibbs

    How to watch
  • Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

    • Action
    • Drama
    • 2023
    • James Mangold
    • 154 mins
    • 12A

    Summary:

    Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA. Action adventure, starring Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas and Mads Mikkelsen

    Why watch Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny?:

    The most recent and final Indiana Jones film may not have been met with the same acclaim as the original trilogy – in fact, some fans didn’t take to it at all.

    However, for most, it was seen as an improvement on the previous outing, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and a fitting post-script and farewell to Harrison Ford’s adventurer. The film features some thrilling flashbacks to Indy’s younger days, while also featuring a strong supporting cast including Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Boyd Holbrook.

    In reality though, it’s truly all about Ford, and the weight the film affords the character in his advanced age, with Indy emotionally coming to terms with his ageing body and life-regrets. Meanwhile, The rest of the Indiana Jones film series is also available on Disney Plus.

    James Hibbs

    How to watch
  • Quiz Lady

    • Comedy
    • Drama
    • 2023
    • Jessica Yu
    • 99 mins
    • 15

    Summary:

    A game show-obsessed woman's path to enlightenment demands answers to simple questions in a rollicking comedy written by Jen D'Angelo and directed by Jessica Yu. Mild-mannered accounting services worker Anne Yum (Awkwafina) receives unsettling news that her mother has disappeared from her care home. Moreover, the missing matriarch has spent 80,000 dollars feeding a gambling habit and an angry creditor is holding Anne's beloved dog hostage as collateral until the arrears are settled. Anne's extrovert sister Jenny (Sandra Oh) conceives a perfect plan to raise the cash: playing for the jackpot on her favourite TV show, Can't Beat The Quiz hosted by the ebullient Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell). The siblings embark on a madcap cross-country odyssey to transform shrinking violet Anne into a gameshow contender and defeat slippery reigning champion Ron Heacock (Jason Schwartzman)

    Why watch Quiz Lady?:

    Awkwafina and Sandra Oh prove a match made in comedy heaven in this sweet romp from director Jessica Yu. Anxious accountant Anne (Awkwafina) is reunited with her scatty older sister Jenny (Oh) after their gambling addict mother absconds from a nursing home. When Jenny sneakily films Anne excelling at answering questions that come up on her favourite TV quiz show, the video goes viral and Anne is offered the chance to appear on the show alongside her quiz-master idol (a genial Will Ferrell).

    The film is sharply scripted by Jen D’Angelo, who deftly balances the heart and humour of the story, and fleshes out the sisters’ relationship well.

    Emma Simmonds

    How to watch
  • A Haunting in Venice

    • Mystery
    • Thriller
    • 2023
    • Kenneth Branagh
    • 103 mins
    • 12A

    Summary:

    Hercule Poirot attends a seance in post-Second World War Venice and he investigates the murder of one of the guests. Agatha Christie mystery directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh

    Why watch A Haunting in Venice?:

    Kenneth Branagh has now directed three Poirot films, all with himself in the central role, and this third is perhaps the best of the bunch. By straying far from the original source material, Agatha Christie’s novel Hallowe’en Party, Branagh creates something which is daring, surprising and tonally different from anything which has come before.

    Taking on elements of the horror genre, the film sees Poirot investigating a murder at a seance in Venice, with many of the guests believing the death to have been caused by the supernatural. Once again, Branagh has assembled an impressive cast, with Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Dornan all bringing their A game.

    James Hibbs

    How to watch
  • The Little Mermaid

    • Action
    • Family
    • 2023
    • Rob Marshall
    • 135 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    Headstrong mermaid Ariel is obsessed with humankind and secretly collects discarded "thingamabobs" in direct violation of orders from her father King Triton. During a violent storm, a ship commanded by Prince Eric runs aground and Ariel rescues him from a watery grave. Live-action adaptation of 1989 animated classic, with Halle Bailey

    Why watch The Little Mermaid?:

    Making a big splash in Disney’s centenary year, The Little Mermaid is one of the studio’s more successful live-action makeovers of their animated back catalogue. Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, it’s the story of mermaid Ariel (Halle Bailey), who makes a pact with sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) become human so she can win the heart of Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King).

    The film is surprisingly faithful to the original 1989 classic, and the musical routines to Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl are eye-poppingly staged. Bailey radiates charisma in the lead and Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina provide comedy gold as the voices of crabby crustacean Sebastian and dimwitted gannet Scuttle.

    Dave Golder

    How to watch
  • Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

    • Action
    • Comedy
    • 2023
    • James Gunn (2)
    • 149 mins
    • 12

    Summary:

    Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful. Sci-fi comedy, starring Chris Pratt

    Why watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3?:

    Marvel’s quirky space-rangers get a last hurrah in this enjoyable intergalactic adventure. After suffering an attack from the gold-skinned Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) seeks help for a stricken crew member, bringing the team into the orbit of a mad scientist. Director James Gunn doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to filling the screen with weird aliens or the soundtrack with rock classics, but he also over-eggs the sentiment with animals and kids in peril. Nonetheless, this is unabashed fun, and wraps up the Guardians’ saga with a satisfying flourish.

    James Mottram

    How to watch
  • Barnyard Olympics

    • Drama
    • Animation
    • 1932
    • Wilfred Jackson
    • 8 mins

    Summary:

    Mickey and Pete go head to head in a variety of sporting events (running, rowing, vaulting and a wild bicycle race finale), as the entire barnyard (including Minnie and Horace Horsecollar) turns out to cheer them on. Pete resorts to cheating but Mickey wins in the end.

    Why watch Disney Classic Shorts?:

    To mark the centenary of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Plus continues to restore classic shorts. They include some genuine landmarks: Barnyard Olympics is an inventive tie-in with the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, as Mickey takes on all comers in all sports. Meanwhile, Donald’s Nephews, from 1938, features the first appearance of Huey, Dewey and Louie, who became Disney mainstays through to Duck Tales and beyond. One year later came Goofy and Wilbur, the former’s first solo film as he goes fishing with his pet grasshopper.

    Look out, too, for The Flying Jalopy, Donald’s Cousin Gus and Mickey’s Steam Roller.

    Gabriel Tate

    How to watch
  • Avatar: the Way of Water

    • Action
    • Drama
    • 2022
    • James Cameron
    • 192 mins
    • 12

    Summary:

    "Avatar: The Way of Water" reaches new heights and explores undiscovered depths as James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora in this emotionally-packed action adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, "Avatar: The Way of Water" launches the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the breathtaking seascapes of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na'vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures. Nominated for numerous Academy Awards® including Best Picture, the James Cameron-directed film became the third highest-grossing box office film of all-time and set a new benchmark for visual effects. Produced by Cameron and his longtime partner Jon Landau, the Lightstorm Entertainment production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis and Kate Winslet. Joining the illustrious adult cast are talented newcomers Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Bailey Bass and Jack Champion. Some flashing lights sequences or patterns may affect photosensitive viewers.

    Why watch Avatar: the Way of Water?:

    Those clamouring for a return to the moon world of Pandora are well served by James Cameron’s visually stunning sequel to his own 2009 sci-fi blockbuster. Set years after the events of Avatar, the film picks up with chieftain Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) as they raise their young family. When humans return, determined to claim the moon for mankind, Jake and his clan flee to the sanctuary of an ocean tribe, where they prepare for all-out war.

    The film is a non-stop feast for the eyes, and while the story occasionally meanders, the world of Pandora remains a treat.

    Josh Winning

    How to watch
  • Flamin' Hot

    • Drama
    • History
    • 2023
    • Eva Longoria
    • 99 mins
    • 12

    Summary:

    Eva Longoria makes her feature film directorial debut with an inspirational drama based on disputed claims about the creation of one of America's most popular snacks. In the mid-1970s. Richard Montanez (Jesse Garcia) works as a cleaner in California for Frito Lay, the snack giant responsible for popular brands including Cheetos and Doritos. Drawing on his Mexican American heritage, Montanez suggests a spicy twist to one of the company's most popular lines, giving birth to Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The incendiary new flavour becomes a pop culture phenomenon around the world

    Why watch Flamin' Hot?:

    The story of how a janitor brought spice to the snack world is recounted in this film from actor-turned-director Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives). Jesse Garcia plays Richard Montañez, the Mexican-American businessman who claims to have invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Encouraged by his wife Judy (Annie Gonzalez), Montañez leaves behind a criminal life when he secures a bottom-rung job at Frito-Lay in California. After impressing one of the factory’s engineers with his aptitude and ambition, he reaches out to the company’s CEO (Tony Shalhoub) with his revolutionary idea.

    Garcia gives a heartfelt performance, and Longoria paints a passionate picture of cultural pride that features plenty of Latino flavour.

    Emma Simmonds

    How to watch
  • Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

    • Action
    • Comedy
    • 2023
    • Peyton Reed
    • 124 mins
    • 12

    Summary:

    Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne aka Ant-Man and Wasp are sucked into the Quantum Realm by a "sub-atomic Hubble telescope" designed by Scott's spunky 18-year-old daughter Cassie. The teenager and Hope's parents Hank and Janet are also wrenched from our reality into a fantastical hidden universe where Kang the Conqueror patiently awaits the return of a duplicitous old friend. Action adventure comedy, starring Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly

    Why watch Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania?:

    Paul Rudd returns as the Avengers’ insect-sized superhero in his third — and best — solo outing. Rudd’s Scott Lang is pinged into the subatomic “Quantum Realm” along with his techie daughter (Kathryn Newton), his crime-fighting partner the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), and her scientist parents (Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer). What follows is a rollicking Star Wars-inspired adventure with all manner of freaky aliens and psychedelic visuals. This is tremendous fun, and a great way to kick off the next phase of Marvel’s ever-more-epic cinematic saga.

    James Mottram

    How to watch
  • Rye Lane

    • Comedy
    • Romance
    • 2023
    • Raine Allen Miller
    • 82 mins
    • 15

    Summary:

    Dom is devastated when his long-term partner Gia breaks up with him. By chance, he connects with dauntless free spirit Yas, who is also facing relationship woes connected to her ex-boyfriend Jules. During a serendipitous day, Dom and Yas share their feelings and gain a fresh perspective

    Why watch Rye Lane?:

    This sparky British comedy follows two 20-something strangers as they spend a day together on the streets of south London. Yas (Vivian Oparah) is a garrulous, wannabe costumer designer, while Dom (David Jonsson) is an awkward accountant who’s still not over his ex. After they randomly meet in a unisex toilet, the pair bond over their respective romantic disasters, and Yas comes to Dom’s rescue when she accompanies him to a meet-up with his ex-girlfriend (Karene Peter) and her new partner (Benjamin Sarpong-Broni).

    What follows is a rollercoaster of confession and emotion, interspersed with mischievous high-jinks, and lovable, star-making turns from Oparah and Jonsson.

    Emma Simmonds

    How to watch
  • Peter Pan & Wendy

    • Action
    • Family
    • 2023
    • David Lowery
    • 106 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    David Lowery directs a live-action reimagining of JM Barrie's novel and the 1953 Disney animation from his own script co-written by Toby Halbrooks. Spirited teenager Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson) confides to her mother (Molly Parker) that she never wants to grow up. Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi) sprinkles Wendy with pixie dust and the girl takes flight with brothers John (Joshua Pickering) and Michael (Jacobi Jupe) on a magical adventure to Neverland in the company of Peter Pan (Alexander Molony). Together they cross swords with evil pirate Captain Hook (Jude Law).

    Why watch Peter Pan & Wendy?:

    Writer/director David Lowery previously helmed the terrific Pete’s Dragon remake in 2016, and here he reimagines another Disney film, with charming results. The familiar story follows Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson) and her brothers as Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) leads them on a swashbuckling escapade to Neverland, where they battle formidable baddie Captain Hook (Jude Law).

    Although not as consistently enchanting as Lowery’s best work, the film sees him injecting a real sense of wonder into the adventure, something that’s sorely lacking in some of Disney’s more mechanical live-action remakes.

    Patrick Cremona

    How to watch
  • Empire of Light

    • Romance
    • Drama
    • 2022
    • Sam Mendes
    • 114 mins
    • 15

    Summary:

    December 1980, and in a Margate cinema, troubled duty manager Hilary Small is shaken out of her rut by a new black member of staff called Stephen. He introduces her to two-tone music and shares his passion for architecture, but racist thugs soon threaten their happiness. Writer/director Sam Mendes's drama, starring Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Colin Firth, Toby Jones and Tom Brooke

    Why watch Empire of Light?:

    Sam Mendes’s ambitious first film as solo writer and director is informed by memories of his mother’s mental illness. Taking a personal rather than an autobiographical approach, he tells the story of Hilary (Olivia Colman), the duty manager of a fictional seaside cinema in the early 1980s. Numbed by the lithium she has been prescribed as part of her recovery from a breakdown, Hilary leads an isolated but otherwise stable life. However, when romance with a younger black colleague (played with warmth and sensitivity by Micheal Ward) opens up her world, she secretly comes off her medication.

    Mendes waxes lyrical about the importance of cinema, and Empire of Light feels like it comes straight from the film-maker’s heart, direct to ours. Which, for a film about human connection, is perfect.

    Stephen Applebaum

    How to watch
  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

    • Action
    • Drama
    • 2022
    • Ryan Coogler
    • 161 mins
    • 12

    Summary:

    Still mourning the loss of their king T'Challa, the nation of Wakanda is pitted against intervening world powers as they are introduced to a new threat who goes by the name Namor. Marvel Studios' superhero sequel, starring Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta, Angela Bassett and Danai Gurira

    Why watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?:

    There’s no doubt that last year’s Black Panther sequel was the talk of the town, not least because it so beautifully paid tribute to former leading star Chadwick Boseman.

    While this movie is certainly a tear-jerker, it also thoughtfully moves the story on and introduces new characters like Namor (played by Tenoch Huerta) and sees other characters, like Letitia Wright’s Shuri, take on a more pivotal role in the movie franchise.

    The sequel bagged five nominations for the 95th Academy Awards, including Costume Design, Visual Effects, Best Song, and Makeup and Hairstyling, so now is the time to watch it on Disney Plus if you missed the film during its time in the cinemas.

    Morgan Cormack

    How to watch
  • Raya and the Last Dragon

    • Action
    • Family
    • 2020
    • Don Hall
    • 103 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    Chief Benja and his "dragon nerd" daughter Raya proudly protect a luminescent stone, which protects humanity from a plague borne of discord called the Druun. One poor judgment allows the darkness to return and Raya embarks on a perilous quest to restore peace.

    Why watch Raya and the Last Dragon?:

    Like Moana and Frozen with added “butt-kickery”, Disney’s 59th animated feature is an energetic meld of myth and martial arts with a determined young woman’s learning curve at its heart. Impeccably voiced by Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars Episode VIII: the Last Jedi), Raya is a would-be warrior and “dragon nerd” from Kumandra, a once-great dragon-worshipping kingdom racked by conflict. To restore its glory, Raya and comedy critter sidekick Tuk Tuk (Alan Tudyk) set out to resurrect lost water dragon Sisu (Awkwafina in peak comic form), repair a shattered magical gem and unify a splintered nation.

    With a winning heroine, dazzling backdrops and rousing scoring from James Newton Howard, the spirited result fuses classic and modern Disney with vigour, verve and the coolest screen blade since Kill Bill’s katana.

    Kevin Harley

    How to watch
  • The Banshees of Inisherin

    • Comedy
    • Drama
    • 2022
    • Martin McDonagh
    • 114 mins
    • 15

    Summary:

    Period comedy drama starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. In a small Irish community, shepherd Pádraic lives a peaceful life, until one day his best pal Colm abruptly breaks off their long-standing friendship. Hurt and confused, Pádraic can't let the issue go, and the situation soon escalates to an extreme degree.

    Why watch The Banshees of Insiherin?:

    This latest film from writer/director Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Three Billboard Outside Ebbing, Missouri) is a tragicomedy starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two friends living on an island of the coast of Ireland. When Gleeson’s Colm announces one day that he no longer wants to be friends with Farrell’s Pádraic it sets off a spiralling series of events. It’s a film which wonderfully balances its contrasting tones, with a powerful central message about kindness in an uncaring world and big thoughts about art, legacy and mortality. It features stunning performances from the whole cast including Farrell, Gleeson, Kerry Condon and a never better Barry Keoghan.

    James Hibbs

    How to watch
  • The Menu

    • Comedy
    • Horror
    • 2022
    • Mark Mylod
    • 107 mins
    • 15

    Summary:

    Superstar chef Julian Slowik is a rock star of molecular gastronomy. Up to 12 patrons per sitting each pay $1,250 for an immersive, theatrical experience. Following an artful amuse bouche, Slowik tenderises his customers' preconceptions and the aroma of violence hangs in the air. Comedy drama, starring Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau and Janet McTeer

    Why watch The Menu?:

    In a black comedy that takes aim at the one per cent, twelve privileged guests arrive on a private island for an evening at a gourmet restaurant run by Ralph Fiennes’s celebrity chef. Anya Taylor-Joy attends as a plus-one, but the rest comprise high-society stereotypes such as Nicholas Hoult’s pretentious foodie and Janet McTeer’s snooty critic. As the tasting begins, Fiennes raises the stakes with each course. But is this increasingly bizarre theatre part of the experience or something more sinister? The satire may not be subtle, but The Menu is never less than entertaining.

    Max Copeman

    How to watch
  • Strange World

    • Action
    • Comedy
    • 2022
    • Don Hall
    • 101 mins
    • PG

    Summary:

    Searcher Clade is a farmer in the kingdom of Avalonia, who tends a sprawling plot to provide for his wife Meridian and teenage son Ethan. Out of the blue, the Clades receive a visit from Callisto Mal, the leader of Avalonia. She desperately needs Searcher's expertise to avert ecological disaster. Animated adventure, with the voices of Jake Gyllenhaal and Dennis Quaid

    Why watch Strange World?:

    Retro visuals abound in this enterprising Disney animated adventure from directors Don Hall and Qui Nguyen (Raya and the Last Dragon). The Clade family are legendary adventurers, led by gung-ho dad Jaeger (Dennis Quaid). During an excursion in the mountains of the land of Avalonia, the clan discovers electrically charged plants which could have the power to transform life in their community. However, Jaeger goes missing, and excitement-phobic son Searcher (Jake Gyllenhaal) returns to the family farm, swearing off adventure for good. Years later, though, the plants begin to die, and Searcher sets off with his own thrill-seeking progeny (Jaboukie Young-White) to find a solution.

    A few story stumbles aside, this strange world is an engrossing place to be, and the film balances notions of community and inclusion – including a gay teen romance – with its guiding spirit of adventure.

    Trevor Johnston

    How to watch
  • Nomadland

    • Drama
    • 2020
    • Chloé Zhao
    • 107 mins
    • 12A

    Summary:

    Road movie starring Frances McDormand. Following the death of her husband and the loss of her job, a sixty-something Nevadan sells her belongings and buys a van, which she uses to travel the States while working odd jobs. Along the way, she meets a number of fellow travellers and starts to embrace America's "nomad" communities.

    Why watch Nomadland?:

    If you’re in the mood for awards fare, why not go back to this Best Picture winner from 2021, which may have slipped under your radar in the height of the pandemic? It comes from writer/director Chloé Zhao and follows Frances McDormand’s Fern, a widow who leaves her life in order to travel around the United States in a van as a nomad. Featuring stunning performances from actors and real-life nomads alike, the film plays almost as though it is part documentary and has a light touch when it comes to the drama. Poetic and slow-moving, it may not be to all viewers’ tastes, but it’s certainly almost impossible not to be in awe of the stunning landscapes and lovingly crafted cinematography.

    James Hibbs

    How to watch
  • See How They Run

    • Comedy
    • Mystery
    • 2022
    • Tom George
    • 94 mins
    • 12A

    Summary:

    When a murder victim is discovered on the stage of the Ambassadors Theatre in London's glittering West End, Inspector Stoppard and eager-to-please rookie Constable Stalker arrive to solve the case. Everyone is a suspect including the cast, crew and usher Dennis. Mystery comedy, starring Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan

    Why watch See How They Run?:

    This wickedly funny riff on the work of Agatha Christie unfolds against the backdrop of 1950s London, as The Mousetrap prepares to celebrate its landmark 100th performance. Adrien Brody stars as a big-shot Hollywood director who arrives in town with plans to turn the hit play into a movie, only for a series of murders to spoil those ambitions. Aided by excellent comic direction from This Country’s Tom George (who uses split screen to especially good effect) and a zippy score from Daniel Pemberton, the film affectionately sends up whodunnit tropes while serving as a compelling and riotously entertaining murder mystery in its own right.

    The script remains sharp throughout and, crucially, the final reveal will leave audiences very satisfied.

    Patrick Cremona

    How to watch
  • Werewolf by Night

    • Action
    • Comedy
    • 2022
    • Michael Giacchino
    • 52 mins
    • 15

    Summary:

    A special presentation from Marvel Studios follows Jack Russell, a superhero werewolf cursed through his family's bloodline, who fights evil under the darkness of night using the abilities that have been given to him. Action adventure, starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Laura Donnelly, Harriet Sansom Harris and Eugenie Bondurant

    Why watch Werewolf by Night?:

    Gabriel Garcia Bernal, Laura Donnelly and a quite magnificently over-the-top Harriet Sansom Harris (she who was once Frasier Crane’s voracious agent) star in a one-off creature feature that falls under the Marvel umbrella but is a much more playful, disposable thing than most of that TV universe’s products. Shot in black and white in homage to the horror pictures of the 1940s and 50s, and with a swooning score by Michael Giacchino, who also directs, its tale of monster hunters gathering in a spooky manor to determine their new leader is witty and knowing.

    Jack Seale

    How to watch
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