It’s been two years since we’ve been graced with the arrival of the streaming service that holds all of our childhood favourites. From award winning animated films to cheesy 80s cartoons to live-action classics, streaming has never been the same since the dawn of Disney+ on November 12, 2019.
Two years later, and the streamer continues to deliver classic favourites, but also original content, some of which, have been praised by critics and award shows alike. To celebrate the anniversary of its launch, Disney+ has released a plethora of new and existing titles for its subscribers including “Jungle Cruise”, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”, “Home Sweet Home Alone”, “Olaf Presents” and many others.
However, to honour Disney+ Day (perhaps one of the greatest days of our lives), we’ll be travelling back to the beginning and highlighting the best content to come out of the streamer – changing our lives for the better.
Honourable Mentions
Loki: The third MCU series to be released on Disney+ gave Tom Hiddleston the chance to thrive as worldly and complex God of Mischief. The time travel aspects may have been a total brain trip at times, but it was still a fun watch.
Lady and the Tramp: The first classic animated Disney film turned live-action for Disney+ is almost as charming as the original cartoon. The real life dogs deliver authentic performances in this feel-good, cute remake.
Folklore: the long pond studio sessions: Commemorating the surprise release of Taylor Swift’s Grammy Award winning album, was this intimate documentary that gives a great outlook as to how the songwriter comes up with her ideas. All hail Queen Taylor!
Lego Star Wars Holiday Special: Disney+ has a lot of Lego Star Wars content, but their first original special provided non-stop laughs and nods to every movie, show and character in the franchise. The perfect holiday gift for any Padawan.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch: The Clone Wars offshoot delivered one heck of a premiere but struggled to maintain that momentum the rest of the season. Fortunately, Clone Force 99 will be back to kick some butt and grow as characters for many more seasons.
Behind the Attraction: Disney Park nerds have been delighted by this delightful series that explores the inner workings and establishment of the best rides and attractions at the parks. There has only been one season, but there is still so much more to digest.
Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom: This backstage pass to one of Disney’s most underrated parks perfectly balances light hearted entertainment, with educational content discussing the importance of taking proper care of the park’s animals.
Forky Asks A Question: “Toy Story 4” has given its breakout star a brighter spotlight with these hilarious shorts. Forky’s questioning of every basic human concept is laughable but also weirdly relatable, and we’re hoping Pixar delivers more of this series.
16. Meet the Chimps
This National Geographic docuseries gives us a unique look into Chimp Haven, a 200 acre refuge tucked deep in Louisiana, which is home to more than 300 chimpanzees. “Meet the Chimps” blends heartwarming comedy between the chimps, who quickly become beloved characters in their own right, with real-life drama. From romances to bromances, tears and tantrums, Jane Lynch narrates the surroundings of Chimp Haven as though she’s there with the staff who dedicate their lives to giving these chimps a second chance at survival. It’s hard not to get invested in the day to day lives of these chimps, but seeing them interact is the uplifting animal content we all need.
15. Clouds
Based on the real life of Zach Sobiech, “Clouds” is an emotionally touching story about a young teenager who has to come to terms with the fact that his cancer has spread. A talented musician who exudes an air of confidence despite being known as the “cancer kid” at school, Fin Argus plays Zach with an air of coolness, but also a layer of a young boy who is terrified. His friendship with writing and singing partner, Sammy Brown, played by the talented Sabrina Carpenter, is the cornerstone of the film as they work together to make Zach’s dream come true. Although the ending is known, it still packs a devastating punch and beautifully gives Zach Sobiech the homage he deserves.
14. The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers
This sequel series of the beloved 1990s film franchise follows a new crop of kids who form an underdog hockey team now that the Ducks franchise has become the villain of its own story. While the show has nods to the original films, including a rundown Coach Bombay helping to lead the team of misfits, it primarily focuses on the preteens and their own struggles with fitting in, embracing who they are and trying to navigate the stressful world of peewee hockey. Lauren Graham consistently delivers a comedically moving performance as Alex, hockey mom turned Coach, leading her team to deliver one of the best non-Star Wars/Marvel shows on the streamer.
13/12. Disneynature Elephant/Dolphin Reef
Although one day we might have to choose between these two gorgeously charming and insightful nature documentaries, for now we simply choose to appreciate them both equally as some of the best entries in the Disneynature library. Released to celebrate Earth Month, each film follows a young animal as they look to learn from their elders but also explore the beautiful landscapes around them. Narrated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Natalie Portman respectively, “Elephant” and “Dolphin Reef” each contain a whimsical sense of wonder as well as suspense and fear. You’re immediately invested in the well-being of these animals and can’t help but feel joy watching them grow.
11. Black Is King
We’ve discussed Black Is King ad nauseum here, but it’s worth mentioning again how important this visual album is in its celebration of Black excellence, particularly Black African excellence. A visual companion to the 2019 album, “The Lion King: The Gift”, “Black Is King” uses story elements of “The Lion King” as an allegory for the African diaspora’s journey of discovery and celebration of their culture. It’s art that has never been seen or done before. While Beyoncé is the star, she shares this opportunity with fellow Black artists such as Nija and Tiwa Savage. It was one of the first times Disney+ offered something different than what people were expecting, and it’s magical.
10. SparkShorts
A series of independent animated short films produced by Pixar, SparkShorts tells stories of people, places and topics that aren’t often covered by the mainstream animated world. From “Purl” covering toxic masculinity in the workplace to “Loop” following a boy and a non-verbal autistic girl who must learn to understand each other to “Out” which features a young gay man who hasn’t come out to his parents. Although each short is only given five to seven minutes to tell its story, SparkShorts always manage to tug the heartstrings like other Pixar Animated Features, while giving a voice to those who aren’t often seen or heard in the mainstream.
9. Soul
We’ve done an extensive ranking of every Pixar film released here, and “Soul” is a strong contender for one of the studio’s best new age stories due in large part to its relatable lead, Joe Gardiner. A jazz musician stuck in a mediocre teaching job, finally gets his break break, but in an ironic twist straight out of the Alanis Morrissette song, Joe falls through a hole and is taken to the Great Before. Tackling themes of belonging and the meaning of life and death, “Soul” does a great job of mixing comedy with thought-provoking emotion. Joe spends a little too much time as a cat in the middle of the movie, but overall it was still the Christmas gift we all needed to end 2020.
8. The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Six months after the events of “Avengers: Endgame”, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes must deal with the loss of their friend, while also being forced to team up for an adventure that changes the course of their MCU journeys forever. The second original Marvel series to be released on Disney+, “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” had a lot of expectations to live up to, and while it took a couple of episodes to find its footing, once it got rolling it became the action series we all desperately craved. The chemistry between Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie provided a great combination of laughs and excitement, and now we’re all eagerly waiting for “Captain America 4.”
7. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The concept of this show seemed super meta and kind of cheesy at first watch. Yet, within a matter of episodes, HSMTMTS had us hooked, not because of its connection to the iconic DCOM franchise, but because of the complex characters and their relationships with each other. From Nini and Ricky to Seb and Carlos, there is someone for everyone to relate to in this endearing teen dramady. Sure, it also helped to launch the stardom of Olivia Rodrigo, but even before “Driver’s License”, these East High drama kids revitalized the teen musical genre in a fun way, shedding the shadow “High School Musical” over casted and becoming a certified entity all on its own.
6. Noelle
Blending elements from Holiday favourites like “Elf” and “The Santa Clause”, and sprinkling it with an enchanting performance by Anna Kendrick, has led to the best Christmas film to be released in a long time. “Noelle” questions the patriarchal gender norms of Christmas tradition and poses the question, why can’t the spirit of Santa Claus be embodied by a girl? The film never takes itself too seriously, with Kendrick and Bill Hader being the perfect brother-sister duo to lead a Christmas adventure both inside and outside the North Pole. “Noelle” is harmless holiday fun and was the perfect first original film, alongside “Lady and the Tramp” to be released on Disney+ launch day.
5. Luca
For the second time in less than a year, Pixar delivered another gem to Disney+ with “Luca”. Unlike, “Soul”, this film about a sea monster who longs for more, doesn’t deal with any complex issues, but instead revolves around the most important thing in life: friendship. The dynamic between Luca, Alberto and Giulia is the backbone of this adorable film set in the beautiful backdrop of the Italian Riviera. It might be one of Pixar’s more simple stories, but it still has plenty of heart and those tear-jerking moments that make you wish you could share an ice cream with the Portorosso gang. It’s a film that will make you feel youthful again, and was the perfect summer treat.
4. The Imagineering Story
At first glance, “The Imagineering Story” just seems like a commercial for Disney World. However, the parks are just the backdrop that tells the story of the many people who have poured their blood, sweat and tears into creating innovative atmospheres that engulf those who enter into a world of magic. As a Disney Park enthusiast, “The Imagineering Story” was one of the streamer’s greatest gifts. The docuseries is a celebration of the Disney legacy as it delves into the ups and downs the company has faced since the birth of Disneyland. After watching, it’s hard not to feel inspired by the merry band of misfits who dedicate their lives to making dreams come true.
3. Hamilton
Days before I was supposed to see “Hamilton” live in Toronto, the world locked down. It was widely disappointing, but later that year, Disney+ gifted me with another miracle, a live stage recording of the original Broadway musical. For those who haven’t read our rankings for every Hamilton performance here, we’ll just say it’s a production unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Top-notch songs, impeccable performances, sets and costumes that rival the world’s greatest art, this musical about historical figure, Alexander Hamilton has no right to be this good. Yet, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Co. somehow did the impossible, and it’s safe to say we watch this beauty regularly.
2. WandaVision
It took well over a year before Disney+ released original Marvel content, but the wait was worth it, because “WandaVision” is a masterpiece. Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany and Kathryn Hahn deliver Emmy award worthy performances as Wanda and Vision live idealized suburban lives like classic TV sitcoms of yesteryear. “WandaVision” allowed Olsen and Bettany to flex their comedic chops, while still delivering heartbreaking performances as they begin to realize everything is not as it seems (spoiler – it was Agatha all along!) . There likely won’t be another season, at least for a while, but Disney+ definitely made it difficult for any new Marvel show to top this epic experience.
1. The Mandalorian
Having a hit show come out with the streamer’s launch is only a feat that could be accomplished by Disney. Yet, they managed it with this entry into the Star Wars universe that at times rivals the quality and greatness of the original Star Wars films. Set after the defeat of the Empire, “The Mandalorian” follows a lone bounty hunter whose world and code is turned upside down when he is tasked with a mission that leads to the discovery of The Child (aka Grogu, aka Baby Yoda). Some episodes are standalone missions, and others connect to the larger story, but in the end, they all deliver great action and compelling character work. It has only had two seasons, but it’s already one of my all-time favourite shows!
What’s your favourite Disney+ Original and what will you be doing to celebrate Disney+ Day? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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