While Disney’s streaming service provides a great resource for family-friendly movies, the best movies on Disney+ for adults prove that it’s not all aimed at younger audiences. When Disney+ first launched, it was seen as the perfect platform for kid-related content from cartoons to Disney classics to the big franchises like the MCU and Star Wars. However, as the streamer has grown, it shifted its focus to include options for older audiences, many of these titles coming from the acquisition of Fox. The best adult movies on Disney+ offer more mature stories that subscribers will love.
There are some great options within the collection of grown-up-focused movies on Disney+. This can include violent and thrilling action films, intense dramas, or perhaps just complex stories the younger viewers may not be interested in. These are movies with big-name stars like Denzel Washington and Hugh Jackman as well as acclaimed directors like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg. While there are plenty of family movies on Disney+ that all ages can enjoy, the best adult movies on the streamer are worth checking out.
25 Young Woman And The Sea (2024)
Daisy Ridley Plays A Real-Life Trailblazing Athlete
One of the latest Disney+ releases is already one of the best that the platform has to offer, delivering a true sports story that is filled with the kind of inspirational underdog sentiment that audiences love. Young Woman and the Sea is the true story of Trudy Ederle (Daisy Ridley), a young woman who finds her passion for swimming and quickly makes it her goal to be the first woman to complete the treacherous swim crossing the English Channel.
The movie combines a number of elements flawlessly, such as an engrossing period piece that explores the sexist view of women at the time as well as a triumphant story of someone putting their all into a seemingly impossible task and refusing to give up. Ridley gives a wonderful performance, making Trudy into a lovable and grounded hero whom the audience quickly cheers for. There are also heartwarming aspects of Trudy’s family that add to the emotional yet crowd-pleasing story.
24 Jim Henson: Idea Man (2024)
A Look At The Genius Behind The Muppets
The Muppets franchise is one of those properties on Disney+ that has many titles perfect for young ages and family-friendly viewing. However, one related project that adults will especially find interesting is the documentary Jim Henson: Ideal Man. The movie gives an in-depth look at the life and work of Jim Henson, the genius mind behind The Muppets, Sesame Street, Labyrinth, and more wonderous creations.
Seeing such a creative mind explored and how Henson seemed to create the impossible is a thrill to watch for all audiences. However, many adults would have grown up watching and experiencing Henson’s work during his lifetime will have a special appreciation for the documentary. It also speaks to themes outside of his iconic projects, looking at Henson as a family man and a friend while also featuring interviews with his loved ones and key collaborators.
23 McFarland USA (2015)
Kevin Costner Leads An Underdog Sports Story
Kevin Costner’s many sports movies include a number of iconic movies, from Bull Durham to Field of Dreams. However, one of his most underrated sports movies is currently on Disney+ for more audiences to discover. Like many of the great sports films, McFarland USA is based on a true story and follows Costner as the new coach of a high school track and field team made up of Hispanic athletes with little experience in the sport but a lot of potential.
Another terrific underdog story, McFarland USA takes a look at how these athletes were counted out by many of the top competitors in the sport based on their background. It is also a look at the hardships the young men had to overcome in their communities and the way of life they were trying to escape. Costner leads the cast of unknown actors with a great performance as the motivating coach who also comes to learn the struggles the team faces that he is not familiar with.
22 While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Sandra Bullock’s Strange And Charming Romcom
There are many great rom-coms available on Disney+ that may not be appropriate for the younger users of the platform, but offer plenty of charm and laughs for adults. One of the best romcoms to come out of the ’90s is also available with Sandra Bullock’s star-making turn in While You Were Sleeping. The comedy finds Bullock playing a woman who witnesses a man get hit by a bus. After accompanying the comatose man to the hospital, she is mistaken for his girlfriend and goes along with the lie, only to fall for the man’s brother (Bill Pullman).
It is a premise that might sound too strange to work, but the end result is surprisingly effective with the movie managing to avoid any creepiness. A lot of that has to do with Bullock who is charismatic, funny, and iconic in the lead role. She makes the audience fall in love with her character despite the poor decisions she makes. Decades later, While You Were Sleeping still holds up as a cozy rom-com.
21 Father Of The Bride (1991)
Steve Martin Leads A Sweet And Funny Comedy
Steve Martin is one of the most iconic comedic actors of all time. He has a number of movies that the whole family can enjoy, like Cheaper by the Dozen and The Pink Panther. However, one of his best movies is available on Disney+ and takes a unique adult perspective to a rom-com story. Father of the Bride is, unsurprisingly, a comedy about a wedding. However, instead of the focus being on a young happy couple, Martin is the star as the man seeing his daughter getting married.
The movie is filled with typical wedding chaos and wild antics that bring big laughs, including a scene-stealing supporting role from Martin’s legendary comedy partner, Martin Short. However, the movie is also a poignant story of a man seeing his daughter start her adult life and move on from being his little girl. Parents old enough to see their children starting similar chapters of their lives will no doubt find a lot of heart amid the laughs.
20 The Beach Boys (2024)
A Documentary About The Influential Band
Along with big franchises and hit movies, Disney+ also features a lot of documentaries that cover a wide range of subject matter. One of the latest and most popular offerings is The Beach Boys, an extensive look at the iconic rock group that revolutionized pop music in their era with a unique and engrossing sound.
It spans the origins of the group, the genius of Brian Wilson, the rivalry with The Beatles, and much more of what made The Beach Boys so iconic.
The movie is directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, and explores many different aspects of the band and their incredible influence. It spans the origins of the group, the genius of Brian Wilson, the rivalry with The Beatles, and much more of what made The Beach Boys so iconic.
While it is a fascinating exploration of a hugely influential band, many older audiences who are more familiar with their music could be especially entertained by this celebration of some incredible artists.
19 Miracle (2004)
Kurt Russell Stars In The True Sports Story
There are a number of true sports stories on Disney+ that will thrill and inspire fans of all ages. Miracle is one such movie that has become a beloved classic since its release. The film takes a look at the true story of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, led by Herb Brooks.
The team overcame great odds to win a victory against the formidable team of the Soviet Union, making for an iconic sports upset. Kurt Russell stars as Brooks, delivering one of the best cinematic coaches of all time.
Buzz Schneider, a member of the 1980s team, is played in the movie by his own son, Billy Schneider.
He is a tough and demanding leader but one who inspires his players to do what everyone else says cannot be done. Even for those who don’t consider themselves hockey fans, it is hard not to get swept up in the uplifting and emotional underdog story.
18 Dan In Real Life (2007)
Steve Carell Elevates This Dramedy
While Steve Carell is known for his hilarious work on The Office and in movies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, he has also shined in a lot of dramatic roles. One of the first leading roles in a drama that Carell took at the height of his stardom was Dan in Real Life.
He plays a widower struggling to get on with his life who finds himself falling for a new woman, but the issue is that she happens to be his brother’s new girlfriend. The movie is a sweet and heartfelt story that still features some humor and fun, allowing Carell to shine in both modes.
There is romance, tragedy, and a compelling story of a family coming together. Those looking for the big laughs they might expect from Carell could be disappointed, but it is a grown-up drama that is worth a look for its real and thoughtful characters.
17 Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)
A Touching Story About A Father And Teacher
There are a lot of stories about families that Disney+ users can check out on the platform, but Mr. Holland’s Opus offers a smaller and more intimate story. Richard Dreyfuss stars as the titular character, a frustrated composer whose failure to make it in his profession leads him to begin teaching at a high school instead.
While also learning how to take care of his hard-of-hearing son, Mr. Holland finds his purpose in bringing music to his students in a meaningful way. The movie is a beautiful story about the power and influence of a good teacher.
However, it is also about the struggles of this family, dealing with their son’s condition. They face frustration, heartbreak, and anger together, but become closer as a result. It is an emotional story, but one that is wholly satisfying and worthwhile. Dreyfuss is excellent in his Oscar-nominated role.
16 Free Solo (2018)
An Exhilarating Rock-Climbing Documentary
Another documentary on Disney+, this one offers a much different real-life tale. Free Solo is the incredible cinematic experience that follows Alex Honnold, a dedicated rock climber who is accompanied by a film crew as he attempts to take on his biggest challenge – climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without any safety equipment. It is a harrowing yet inspiring journey to embark on.
Honnold is a fascinating character to go on this journey with as his passion and relentless drive even in the face of such danger is engrossing. However, the filmmakers on hand add to the thrills with their amazing work in going with Honnold every step of the way. Even if the audience might know the outcome, it is a pulse-pounding and exhilarating ride unlike any other documentary around. The stunning movie earned an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
15 Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Rian Johnson’s Visionary Star Wars Film
While the original Star Wars trilogy is an iconic series of movies that can still thrill audiences of all ages, among the franchise, The Last Jedi is the movie that has the biggest and boldest ideas. That may account for why it is one of the more divisive entries in the franchise, but it offers adult audiences something new along with an adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
Rian Johnson wrote and directed this second movie in the Star Wars sequel trilogy which brilliantly becomes an anti-war Star Wars movie. He also delves deeper into the character of Luke Skywalker than any entry previously has, with Mark Hamill giving his best performance in the role.
While Star Wars can sometimes be mocked as kids’ movies, The Last Jedi proves the franchise can challenge longtime fans with some new and mature ideas. It might not be the most popular film in the franchise but it’s one that’s aimed at adults.
14 The Sound Of Music (1965)
An Iconic Musical
One of the most memorable movie musicals of all time is available on Disney+ to revisit while also giving a chance for older viewers to introduce it to younger viewers. Julie Andrews stars in The Sound of Music as a free-thinking young woman who becomes the governess for the musical Von Trapp family. While caring for the children and attending to their stern widowed father, she brings a new sense of life into the household.
It is a romantic, funny, and even thrilling story set in Austria before the outbreak of World War II that will transport audiences back to the golden age of the Hollywood musical.
The movie is a lighthearted and whimsical classic that features many songs that have gone down as unforgettable tunes in movie history. It is a romantic, funny, and even thrilling story set in Austria before the outbreak of World War II that will transport audiences back to the golden age of the Hollywood musical. The Sound of Music is one of the classics on Disney+ that has entertained audiences of all ages.
13 Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (2023)
The Newest Indiana Jones Adventure
Like the Star Wars series, the entire Indiana Jones franchise is available on Disney+ and is perfect fun for older audiences. Indeed, some of the entries, like The Temple of Doom are better suited for more mature viewers in terms of the violence, but the messages and themes of the final Indiana Jones movie might resonate even more with the older Disney+ viewers.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny also sees him looking back on his life, his mistakes, and where his story will end.
While Indy still has a lot of his fighting spirit and thirst for adventure in his fifth big-screen adventure, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny also sees him looking back on his life, his mistakes, and where his story will end. It is a more sorrowful Indy movie and one that plays around with time in some interesting ways. The movie earned a mixed response, and that includes the unexpected climax. However, that moment alone speaks so much to Indy as a character and is a beautiful end note for Harrison Ford in the role.
12 The Greatest Showman (2017)
A Musical For Older Audiences
Another musical that can be enjoyed by the older Disney+ crowd is also a star-studded Hollywood production with big song and dance numbers. The Greatest Showman is a musical based on PT Barnum and his circus filled with misfits who build a pseudo-family together. Hugh Jackman once again shows off his incredible skills as a singer and dancer, and he is joined by Zendaya, Zac Efron, and Rebecca Ferguson.
While the movie’s accuracy to the real-life story is dubious at best, it does make for an uplifting and exciting experience. It is not often that Hollywood delivers an original movie musical these days and the excitement of hearing these catchy tunes and watching the big dance sequences brings a little bit of Old Hollywood back. The theme of people fighting for their place in the world is also something that audiences of all kinds can connect to.
11 Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
A Tale About The Writer Of Mary Poppins
While younger viewers can get caught up in the magic of Mary Poppins, older audiences might be more interested in this powerful and untold story about the making of the classic Disney movie. Saving Mr. Banks stars Emma Thompson as author P.L. Travers, who wrote Mary Poppins and whom Walt Disney tries to woo into allowing him to adapt it into a live-action movie.
Thompson is terrific as the reluctant and stern author, Tom Hanks brings his charm to the role of Disney, and Colin Farrell is excellent in flashback sequences as Travers’ father, which highlights how surprisingly personal the story is to its author. The movie is also an interesting behind-the-scenes story that offers older fans a new way of looking at the classic Disney version of Mary Poppins. It is an interesting story of an artist who wants to maintain something that is very precious to them but also finds the beauty of sharing it with the world.
10 Hamilton (2020)
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Legendary Broadway Show
Some of the Disney+ movies that could appeal to adults include those that play around with different kinds of cinematic experiences. Hamilton became one of the biggest Broadway musicals of all time with Lin-Manuel Miranda crafting a vibrant and unique take on history and its popularity led to this filmed version of the stage musical. Miranda and his ensemble of amazing talents bring the story of Alexander Hamilton and his role in the founding of America to life.
The musical achieves all of this while also telling a complex story about America.
The songs in Hamilton range from powerful thought-provoking ballads to hilarious and catchy tunes. The talent on stage is astounding with the musical numbers overtaking the audience and leaving them speechless. What is more, the musical achieves all of this while also telling a complex story about America. It is an engrossing and overwhelming production that gives those who were never lucky enough to see the show live a glimpse at the Broadway hit that took the world by storm.
9 The Finest Hours (2016)
A Dangerous Tale Set During A Hurricane
Stories about harrowing rescues and deadly disasters might be too intense for younger audiences to handle, but The Finest Hours is a thrilling true story that offers excitement and inspiration to the older Disney+ audience.
The movie is set in a small seaside fishing community that is rocked by a hurricane. Chris Pine plays a Coast Guard officer who sets out with a small crew to save sailors trapped aboard a stranded ship far off the coast. It is a wholesome Disney offering that does not undersell the danger of the situation.
Rather, The Finest Hours is a grounded and exciting story of bravery and self-sacrifice with Pine shining in the movie star role while a strong supporting cast includes Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, and Rachel Brosnahan. It is a thrilling tale of heroism but grounded with human characters and real-life stakes that make it a gripping adventure from beginning to end.
8 The Straight Story (1999)
A Dramatic Oscar-Nominated Performance
David Lynch movies are not going to be for everyone as they can often be challenging to the audience. However, The Straight Story is likely his most mainstream and accessible work which is also one of his best movies. Richard Farnsworth stars as a simple man living in a rural community who begins a long journey on his lawnmower to mend his relationship with his dying brother.
It is a simple story that isn’t filled with big reveals or shocking twists but rather gets by on charm and characters. Farnsworth is excellent in the reserved lead role which earned him an Oscar nomination for his final movie performance. Lynch is equally reserved, choosing to tell the story “straight” as well. Though it is a suitable movie for all ages, the adult subscribers of Disney+ are likely to get more out of it.
7 Invincible (2006)
The True Story Of A Philadelphia Eagles Fan
Inspiring sports stories can strike a chord with audiences of all ages, but Invincible is the particular underdog story that might be most effective with an older crowd. Mark Wahlberg stars in this true story as a man who attends an open training camp for fans of the Philadelphia Eagles only to find himself recruited by the professional football team and actually playing with the pros.
Wahlberg’s everyman and grounded performance works for this blue-collar hero role. The movie also benefits from having small stakes yet still being an inspiring story of when someone gets a chance to prove themselves after being overlooked their entire life. It also has some intense football moments that showcase the brutality and fearsomeness of the sport. However, in the end, it is a heartwarming and exciting underdog story that provides an ideal crowd-pleaser.
6 Hidden Figures (2016)
An Inspiring True Story
While a story about mathematicians might not appeal to young kids looking for something to watch on Disney+, adults will surely see the compelling aspects of the true story behind the drama Hidden Figures. The movie stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe as three Black women who broke boundaries and became key parts of the NASA space program that eventually put American astronauts on the moon.
The story itself is interesting enough, but the movie infuses it with terrific performances, and a great sense of humor while even making the math exciting and accessible. The movie became a surprise Best Picture nominee and is a sure-fire crowd-pleasing movie that, while treating the racism of the time with a very surface-level approach, pulls off the inspiring story it is telling in an entertaining way.
