During this uncertain and potentially stressful time, spending most of the time at home, likely surrounded by loved ones, it helps to escape reality when possible. We might have more time than usual on our hands, so turning to our preferred device of choice for entertainment is perhaps even more a way of life at the moment — if that's possible.
Those subscribers of Disney+ have seemingly endless options — for all ages — to help pass the time or enjoy following a day of e-Learning. Here's a look at 25 of the best binge-worthy options from the popular streaming device.
Those subscribers of Disney+ have seemingly endless options — for all ages — to help pass the time with some of Hollywood's most beloved movies, memorable classics and popular series. Here's a look at 25 of the best binge-worthy options from the popular streaming device.
One of the most enticing reasons for subscribing to Disney+ is the access to every featured film in the Star Wars franchise, including the fantastic Rogue One and Solo. Even the most recent Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is there. Still, one can make a weekend out of watching some of the most memorable films of all time. We'll understand if you opt to pass on Episodes I-III. Just make up for it by watching The Empire Strikes Back over and over.
Subscribers will enter the world of The Mandalorian, the bounty hunter with a tortured soul and a heart. And of course, The Child, aka "Baby Yoda," has become the star of the first season of this popular series. One of the biggest hits and most streamed series of 2019, fans of the Stars Wars franchise can delve into another aspect of the overall saga — taking place after Return of the Jedi and before The Force Awakens. Perhaps more exciting, the new season begins on Oct. 30, 2020.
One of the hottest ticket on Disney+ is this sequel to the wildly popular Frozen (2013) to the streaming service. Sequels normally don't live up to their predecessors, but this is one of the exceptions. It's a great option for fans of both films (the uber-popular original is also available on this platform). Elsa, Anna, Olaf and the gang are ready to entertain.
Not a fan of Star Wars? Marvel more your preference? Disney+ has you covered. A total of 20 popular films from the MCU are available, including Avengers: Endgame, Black Panther and Captain Marvel. That's not to mention, several animated options featuring the likes of Spider-Man, Hulk and our friends from the Guardians of the Galaxy. There's also a special 75-year celebration piece on the history of Marvel.
It really doesn't matter what age we're talking, Pixar films span generations and could provide some feel-good moments during this time where anxiety tends to get the best of us on occasion. All four "Toy Story" movies are available, along with the "Cars" franchise. In addition other classic Pixar films, some of its original projects and film shorts are on the roster.
Here's a challenge worth taking and one that would be quite impressive if accomplished. Seasons 1-30 of The Simpsons are available on Disney+. Talk about binge-watching. It really does not get better than this, and it's one in which the whole family can take part. From the debut episode to "Homer at the Bat" to "Marge vs. the Monorail" to "Krusty Gets Kancelled" to "Deep Space Homer" to all the memorable Halloween episodes, sit back, grab a Duff beer and enjoy.
Some might not realize that Disney is responsible for some of the most memorable and beloved sports movies ever created. Such classics as Remember the Titans, Miracle, The Rookie and Bend It Like Beckham are just some of several popular films of the kid available on Disney+. They can make for a quality day of viewing, especially with live sports on the back-burner at the moment.
As we know, Disney has been providing quality entertainment for decades, and some of the company's most cherished films are here to stream in the comfort of your own home. Iconic classics like Mary Poppins, The Muppet Movie, Old Yeller and The Love Bug are just some available to Disney+ subscribers looking for a little nostalgia — or to introduce to a new generation.
It's a paramount that we find time for humor. Disney+ is there for those in a need of a good laugh — or 10. It features a slate of classic comedies for just about any member of the family such as Splash, 10 Things I Hate About You and Never Been Kissed. Those are just a handful of streaming comedy options on this platform there for your enjoyment.
Disney and cartoon features go hand in hand, and the little ones — along with the adults too — are in for a treat with some of the great all-time animated movies available here. If it has not been done already, youngsters can enjoy the likes of Cinderella, Peter Pan, 101 Dalmatians, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and, a little more recent, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.
Music tends to make people feel good, and Disney+ has plenty of musicals to keep the toes tapping and hearts warm. If you're into classics, there are staples like "The Sound of Music." More modern-day franchise favorites like Z-O-M-B-I-E-S, the wildly popular High School Musical franchise, plus The Descendents. And that's just for starters.
"Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity-dog." Mickey Mouse is synonymous with Disney, and there is plenty of Mickey programming to enjoy for streamers. From the early days of Steamboat Willie to short films starring Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Pluto and Goofy to fun at the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It's all there for a binge-worthy good time.
Before Miley Cyrus became an international pop star, she was already a household name to Disney fans thanks to the original series Hannah Montana. The show, which also starred her equally famous father Billy Ray Cyrus, was a springboard for Cyrus' pop stardom and available to subscribers to binge. Also, other original series for teens like Hilary Duff's Lizzie McGuire and That's So Raven are on the slate.
One of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s was the Ben Savage-led Boy Meets World. The series ran on ABC from 1993-2000, and all seven seasons are there for the watching on Disney+. So join the fun and witness the misadventures of Cory, Topanga, Shawn, Eric and Mr. Feeny, perhaps over one weekend or when spring break roles around.
Kids should make a point to check out this Disney+ original show. Follow 12-year-old Elena Cañero-Reed (Tess Romero), who one day will become President of the United States, as she chronicles the ups and downs of middle school. It's a wholesome series that touches on many topics facing today's kids while also delivering that subtle and harmless Disney humor. Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) is an executive producer and stars as the adult Elena.
Our smaller, younger loved ones need to be entertained, too. There's a good bet preschoolers and early-childhood education-aged children are already glued to the screen when the likes of PJ Masks, Puppy Dog Pals or Muppet Babies pop on. All of those series, plus many more, are available on Disney+, along with such classics as Handy Manny, Imagination Movers and Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
Now, Disney+ is not all movies and cartoons, there are plenty of opportunities for a fun learning environment. National Geographic has a prominent presence on Disney+. It features hours upon hours of educational — and entertaining — movies, documentaries and original series (like Wicked Tuna and Notre Dame: Race Against the Inferno).
One of the more interesting series within the Nat-Geo portal of Disney+ is the innovative Drain the ... series. As in: Drain the Great Lakes, Drain the Bermuda Triangle and Drain the Oceans. Those are just a few of the programs available showcasing what these areas would look like — through digital recreations — when the water is gone.
Animal fans can watch Disney+ for days with plenty of creative, innovative and entertaining programming of the kind. "The Incredible Dr. Pol" handles animal emergencies, Cesar Millan is the Dog Whisperer while Dog: Impossible offers a number of ways to take care of our canine friends. The choices are truly endless and have the ability to make the time indoors go by quicker than you think.
Jeff Goldblum is one of Hollywood's most accomplished actors, and he's taken his act to Disney+ with The World According to Jeff Goldblum. All 12 episodes of this original series are available for subscribers to watch as Goldblum uses science, and his own brand of humor, to explain and showcase everyday happenings or dig deep into common objects such as ice cream, jewelry and RVs.
Looking to do some traveling without leaving the house -- or the vicinity of your favorite entertainment device? So why not take to Disney+ to visit some of the most special places on the planet. Viewers can take a trip to the Grand Canyon (Into The Grand Canyon), Easter Island (Easter Island Unsolved), Yellowstone (Wild Yellowstone) or Antarctica (Continent 7: Antarctica) — just to name a few, and captured by National Geographic's brilliant camera work.
Now more than ever we can use some inspiration, especially for our children, who, for those of a certain age group, are trying to grasp the magnitude of this international health crisis. Marvel's Hero Project should deliver. The Disney+ original series (20 episodes at the moment) highlights real-life youngsters who are making a difference in various ways throughout their communities and beyond.
For those who love weddings and Disney, this is streaming choice of your dreams with Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings. Disney+ combines both with two seasons worth of weddings that involve Disney themes, parks or memories. It will be unique to those who have always wanted to, or have, incorporated Disney into their romantic relationship.
Now this is a fun one. Frozen star Kristen Bell hosts Encore! The series brings former high school classmates back to take another turn at putting on stage performances of musicals performed back in the day. Such favorites as Grease, Godspell, Fiddler on the Roof and Oklahoma! are showcased. Any fan of amateur musical theater should be hooked.
It's a good bet girls of all ages love a princess. If that's the case, Disney+ has that covered. There is plenty of Princess-themed programming. We already touched on the Frozen franchise and Cinderella, but Anne Hathaway-vehicles The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement are available as well as the underrated skating favorite Ice Princess and latest film adaptation of the musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress.
A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for nearly 30 years. If he could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High and Grand Lakes University.
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