Best Original Movies on Disney Plus To Watch In 2024

Disney Plus, the powerhouse streaming service that graced our screens in November 2019, has swiftly become a key destination in the ever-intensifying streaming wars. With a plethora of timeless classics and a treasure trove of acquisitions from Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, and the Fox acquisition,  Disney Plus offers a captivating blend of nostalgia and fresh, original content. In this cinematic journey through time, we explore some of the best original movies on Disney Plus, from its inception in 2019 to the latest releases in 2024.

Better Nate Than Ever (2022)

Run Time: 1 hr 31 min | Genre: Musical Comedy | Director: Tim Federle

Kicking off our list is Better Nate Than Ever, a musical comedy released in 2022. Directed by Tim Federle, this heartwarming tale follows Nate, played by Rueby Wood, who, after facing rejection in his school show, embarks on a whimsical adventure. With Broadway aspirations, Nate, accompanied by his best friend and quirky aunt, takes a bus from Pittsburgh to NYC to audition for a new Broadway show. Filled with Broadway cameos and an abundance of heart, Better Nate Than Ever encapsulates the essence of Disney magic.

Prom Pact (2023)

Run Time: 1 hr 39 min | Genre: Romance Comedy | Director: Anya Adams

In 2023, Disney Plus gifted audiences with Prom Pact, an adorable romantic comedy paying homage to the golden age of high school romance—the 1980s. Peyton Elizabeth Lee stars as an ambitious high schooler entangled in a classic love triangle with her best friend and the school jock. Written by Anthony Lombardo and directed by Anya Adams, Prom Pact combines cute, corny cliches with a brilliant supporting cast, delivering a modern twist on John Hughes’s vibes.

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Run Time: 1 hr 43 min | Director: Anne Fletcher

The Sanderson Sisters returned in 2022 with Hocus Pocus 2. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy reprised their iconic roles in this sequel, taking viewers on a nostalgic journey through modern-day Salem. Teens accidentally bring the witches back from the afterlife, adding layers to the cherished mythology set forth in the first film. With Whitney Peak and Belissa Escobedo joining the cast, Hocus Pocus 2 serves up a delightful blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling.

Noelle (2019)

Run Time: 1 hr 40 min | Genre: Christmas Fantasy Comedy | Director: Marc Lawrence

In 2019, Disney Plus introduced “Noelle,” a Christmas fantasy comedy directed by Marc Lawrence. Anna Kendrick portrays Noelle Kringle, Santa’s daughter, on a quest to help her brother take over Santa’s responsibilities following his untimely demise. Set in the picturesque Phoenix, Arizona, this instant holiday classic features a supporting cast including Bill Hader, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Gross, Billy Eichner, and Julie Hagerty.

Artemis Fowl (2020)

Run Time: 1 hr 35 min | Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy Adventure | Director: Kenneth Branagh

Based on the best-selling YA book series by Irish author Eoin Colfer, Artemis Fowl graced Disney Plus in 2020. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the film unravels the story of Artemis Fowl II, a precocious child prodigy who discovers his father’s kidnapping and his involvement in stealing priceless antiquities from both the human and fairy tale world. With a lively cast including Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonnell, and Josh Gad, Artemis Fowl offers a captivating blend of fantasy and adventure.

Secret Society of Second-Born Royals (2020)

Run Time: 1 hr 39 min | Genre: Sci-Fi Adventure Fantasy Superhero | Director: Anna Mastro

In the same year, Disney Plus treated audiences to Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, essentially the first Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) made specifically for the platform. Led by Peyton Lee from Andi Mack, the movie is set in a mythical European country where royal kids attend a prestigious boarding school. Discovering their extraordinary superpowers during a summer school class, the second-born royals unite to foil an evil plot. For fans of classic DCOMs like Descendants, this film is a must-watch.

Black Beauty (2020)

Run Time: 1 hr 50 min | Genre: Adventure Drama Family | Director: Ashley Avis

Black Beauty, released in 2020, is an international co-production that found its home on Disney Plus. Director Ashley Avis brings to life a fresh adaptation of Anna Sewell’s 1877 novel. The film follows the titular horse, voiced by Kate Winslet, and the young girl (Mackenzie Foy) who forms a deep connection with her. With scenes ranging from unsettling depictions of animal cruelty to genuinely transportive moments, Black Beauty is a beautiful and affecting family drama.

Final Wrap Up!

Disney Plus has established itself not only as a hub for timeless classics but also as a pioneer in original content creation. From heartwarming musical comedies to nostalgic romantic comedies and fantasy adventures, the platform caters to diverse tastes and age groups. As we traverse through the years, from the platform’s inception in 2019 to the latest releases in 2024, these best original movies on Disney Plus offer a cinematic journey that captures the essence of storytelling magic. So, grab your popcorn, immerse yourself in the world of Disney, and let the enchantment unfold on your screen.