20 Best Movies On Disney Plus For Adults

While Disney’s streaming service provides a great resource for family-friendly movies, the best movies on Disney Plus 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 adult-focused movies on Disney+. This can include violent and thrilling action movies, 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.

20 The Beach Boys (2024)

A Documentary About The Influential Band

The Beach Boys (2024)

Director

Frank Marshall , Thom Zimny

Release Date

May 21, 2024

Cast

Brian Wilson , Mike Love , Al Jardine , David Marks , Bruce Johnston

Runtime

113 Minutes

Along with big franchises and hit movies, Disney+ also features a lot of documentaries that have a wide range of subject matters covered. 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.

The movie is directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, the movie 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

Miracle

Director

Gavin O’Connor

Release Date

February 6, 2004

Cast

Kurt Russell , Patricia Clarkson , Noah Emmerich , Sean McCann , Kenneth Welsh , Eddie Cahill

Runtime

135 minutes

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 one of the greatest sports upsets of all time. Kurt Russell stars in the movie as Brooks, delivering one of the best cinematic coaches of all time.

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. Miracle is widely considered one of the best sports films ever made.

18 Dan In Real Life (2007)

Steve Carell Elevates This Dramedy

Dan in Real Life

Director

Peter Hedges

Release Date

October 26, 2007

Cast

Steve Carell , Juliette Binoche , Dane Cook , Alison Pill , Britt Robertson , Marlene Lawston

Runtime

98 minutes

While Steve Carell is known for his hilarious work on The Office and 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, there is tragedy, and there is 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 movies of 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.

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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.

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. It is one of the classics on Disney+ which has entertained audiences of all ages across a number of generations.

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 audiences 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.

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 musical movie 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 audiences 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 Plus movies that could appeal to adults include some 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 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 Plus 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. The film is a wholesome Disney story that does not undersell the danger of the situation.

Rather it 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 story 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 users 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.

5 Remember The Titans (2000)

Another football movie delivers an inspiring true sports story with Remember the Titans. While Denzel Washington isn’t the typical actor audiences would expect in a Disney movie, he gives a typically commanding performance as the head coach of the first integrated high school football team in the country.

The movie sees him and the players fighting against prejudice within the community and the team itself to build a winning squad. Washington leads the terrific ensemble that also includes a standout performance from Will Patton as his conflicted assistant coach. The movie also features a collection of up-and-coming talents like Ryan Gosling, Donald Faison, and Hayden Panettiere.

It is another crowd-pleasing and moving story about teamwork and perseverance in a thrilling football setting. The arc of the movie takes the audience through the confrontational early days of the team, their coming together to win, and their facing tragedy that must also be overcome. It all provides a touching and incredibly rewatchable movie.

4 West Side Story (2021)

A Remake Of A True Classic

Few people thought remaking the iconic musical West Side Story would be a good idea, but with Steven Spielberg at the helm, there was certainly curiosity. As it turns out, Spielberg’s West Side Story remake is better than the original and stands out as one of the filmmaker’s best movies of the last decade.

The movie takes place in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the 1950s, following the love story between a former gang member and the sister of his rival. Spielberg gives the movie an epic feel with the musical numbers feeling utterly engrossing and exciting.

While the audience has to excuse some of the leaps in logic in the rushed Romeo and Juliet romance, the love story feels like it takes a backseat to the more interesting West Side Story supporting cast, including an Oscar-winning turn from Ariana DeBose and a breakout role from Mike Faist.

3 The Princess Bride (1987)

One Of The Most Quotable Films Of All Time

There are plenty of fairy tales to find on Disney+ but The Princess Bride is one that will appeal to the adult crowd with its sense of fun and self-awareness. The movie begins with a grandfather reading a story to his grandson and takes the audience into the charming, hilarious, and strange love story of a common girl named Buttercup and her mysterious lover named Wesley.

The Princess Bride is one of the most quotable movies of all time as it spins the familiar genre story into a clever satire that never forgets to have fun with the tale of giants and warlocks and swordsmen. The result is a movie that will keep the audience laughing throughout at the silliness and colorful characters while also telling a genuinely sweet and charming adventure. Kids will like it but adults likely remember it fondly from the past.

2 Avatar (2009)

The Start Of James Cameron’s Epic Franchise

James Cameron delivered his second top-grossing movie of all time with Avatar and kicked off the ongoing Avatar franchise. Cameron has always been a director with ambition and boldness in his projects with Avatar proving yet again that it is never wise to bet against him.

The movie follows a soldier who travels to a distant planet where he undergoes an avatar program to infiltrate indigenous tribes, only to find purpose with them. While some pointed to the familiarity of the story as a huge fault in the movie, the spectacle that Cameron creates cannot be denied.

It is a ground-breaking visual experience and an engrossing journey to this new world that Cameron continues to build in the sequels. While the immense success of the movie baffled some, it is more proof that Cameron is one of cinema’s great storytellers.

1 Logan (2017)

The Most Mature X-Men Film

Disney Plus is filled with superhero movies that younger audiences can enjoy, but Logan provides a great look at what the genre can offer to the average adult viewer. High Jackman returns as Logan aka Wolverine for a standalone adventure to cap off his arc in the X-Men Fox universe. The movie follows Logan as he cares for a dying Charles Xavier and is introduced to a young mutant in need of help.

From the opening moments, Logan cements itself as a very different X-Men movie with the kind of violence, vulgarity, and dark storylines that never made it into the movies before. Jackman gives his best performance in the iconic role while Patrick Stewart is excellent returning as Xavier. The result is a brutal, thrilling, and emotional superhero movie that gives the character an ideal sendoff which has made audiences wary of Jackman’s return as Wolverine in Deadpool 3.