Mark your calendars, because the long-awaited streaming service, Disney+, is finally hitting our shores on February 23!
When it first launched in the US and other countries in late 2019, we couldn’t help but feel a little FOMO too, especially when lockdown hit us just a few months after.
Well, Disney has heard you, and if you haven’t already seen the giant posters or ads on your TV screens, you can start streaming Disney+ from February 23 onwards at S$11.98 a month, or S$119.98 a year.
If you’re a Starhub user with a TV+, Broadband or Mobile+ plan, you’ll get to enjoy Disney+ at no additional charge!
What’s Disney+?
Bringing together the best stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and Star, you can expect the nostalgic classics, timeless favourites, and original Disney+ films and series.
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And just like the streaming services we’re familiar with, Disney+ allows you to download any series or movies and watch them whenever, and wherever you want on any compatible mobiles, tablets, streaming devices, gaming consoles & smart TVs.
You’re also able to stream your favourite movies and shows on up to four screens at once, so if you think S$11.98’s a little too pricey when you factor in your other subscriptions, a shared account with three of your friends or family will break that down to less than S$3 per month!
But with over 500 movies and 15,000 episodes of shows, where do we even begin? Here are our top 25 shows and movies we’ll be streaming once we get our hands on a subscription!
Disney – Animated Classics
1. The Little Mermaid (1989)
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The Little Mermaid had every child wishing for a life under the sea, and this timeless classic is just one of the many iconic Disney Renaissance era films (think Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, and Hercules) that boasts an incredible soundtrack.
You’ll swoon, you’ll laugh, and you might even shed a tear or two.
2. Zootopia (2016)
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The movie that spawned the hit song Try Everything by Shakira, Zootopia is a buddy cop comedy film that highlights the very timely theme about systemic racism, and even the War on Drugs.
While it offers a thoughtful and inclusive message, the movie still keeps the spirit of the familiar Disney humour and animation style that the little ones will still enjoy.
P.S: A television spin-off, Zootopia+ is already in the works, and is said to feature the mobster shrews, the tiger dancers, and the sloths from the movie!
3. Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)
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A fun and lively sequel to Wreck-It-Ralph, Ralph Breaks The Internet retains the same charm as its predecessor and takes you on an incredible journey of friendship and finding yourself.
Similar to the first film, the movie includes some cameos and references, including a cameo by the band Imagine Dragons, whose song Zero was featured on the trailer, the game Fortnite Battle Royal, Marvel creator Stan Lee, and the beloved Disney princesses in a scene with Vanellope von Schweetz!
Disney – Live Action Remakes
4. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
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A tale as old as time, the live action remake of Beauty and the Beast was a global box office hit, and certainly worth a rewatch for the gorgeous costumes, sets, and incredible music!
5. Aladdin (2019)
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A dazzling visual spectacle, the movie that initially drew some flak for Will Smith’s blue genie look has proven itself to be one of the many live-action remakes that will stand the test of time.
Peppered with comedic moments and a feet-tapping soundtrack, you’re in for a fun time when you hit play on Aladdin.
6. The Lion King (2019)
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Relive the heart-wrenching moment at the gorge (we won’t spoil it for you if you haven’t already watched The Lion King), and sing along to the classic tunes in the live action The Lion King.
With a star-studded voice cast including Beyoncé as Nala and even an academy award nomination, this film is an emotional masterpiece that you should definitely give a chance.
7. Mulan (2020)
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If you didn’t manage to catch the epic reimagining of the legendary Mulan when it hit the screens last October, you can look forward to watching it in the comfort of your own home.
While this live action remake did not include our favourites Mushu and General Li Shang, the intense action sequences and soundtrack sure make up for it.
For those who lamented that Disney remakes were just a rehash of the classic animated originals, you’ll be glad to know that the Mulan remake features new characters, including Gong Li as Xianniang, a powerful witch with shapeshifting abilities, and Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan, the Rouran warrior-leader as the main antagonists in the film.
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
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If you’re looking for an entertaining, swashbuckling film for a chill Sunday night in, put on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Featuring a talented cast and returning favourites such as Geoffrey Rush as Hector Barbossa and Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, the movie is nothing short of an epic adventure and Sparrow’s familiar innuendo-laden jokes.
Documentaries
9. Howard
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The man who was gave a mermaid her voice, and a beast his soul, Howard Ashman was behind some of the most successful films of the Disney Renaissance era in the 90’s.
Unfortunately, he died of AIDS before Beauty and the Beast (which he wrote the lyrics and screenplay for) was even released, and this documentary is dedicated to his legacy.
Writer and director Don Hahn, who worked with Ashman on Beauty and the Beast tenderly recounts Ashman’s life, while new and archival audio interviews run over old footage, photographs and clips from the movies he worked on in this emotional and heart-wrenching documentary.
Pixar
10. Soul
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Ever wonder where your passion, your dreams and your interests come from? What is it that makes you… YOU?
Soul takes you on a journey from the streets of New York City to the cosmic realms to discover the answers to life’s most important question. Speaking from experience, this is definitely one of those movies that will have you in a pensive mood, and perhaps even re-evaluating your life!
11. Coco
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A heartwarming visual spectacular about familial love and death, Coco‘s thoughtful narrative takes a family friendly approach and melds fully dimensional characters, clever, lighthearted touches, and vivid, beautiful visuals to create a must-watch movie.
12. Ratatouille
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We’re definitely itching to travel, and we think Ratatouille can be your ultimate cabin fever cure. An inspiring tale of a rat, Remy, chasing his gastronomical dreams, the film is set in the heart of Paris and boasts some stunning sceneries and architecture of the city of love!
Marvel – Marvel Cinematic Universe
13. Wandavision
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The first Disney+ show in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the nine-episode series picks up after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Your favourite heroes are back, with Elizabeth Olson and Paul Bettany reprising their roles as Wanda Maximoff and Vision.
Inspired by early TV sitcoms, Wandavision brings something new to the table with a different concept from the past MCU films and Marvel shows.
The two superheroes living in a surreal suburban neighborhood, but their picturesque lives begin to take a turn (not for the better) as Wanda’s abilities as the Scarlet Witch becomes the center of a spiraling mystery.
14. Avengers
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Get your blankets and popcorn ready, because when Disney+ arrives, you can look forward to binging all* your favourite MCU films! Start from the beginning with Iron Man, and follow the Avengers’ journey to the end with Avengers: Endgame.
We’ll recommend watching the movies in chronological order for the best experience, and for reference, here’s a list of the MCU movies in chronological order by Randy Bowers on Letterboxd.
*excluding The Incredible Hulk and Spider-Man: Homecoming
Marvel – 20th Century Studios
15. Fantastic Four and X-Men
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Not forgetting the Marvel Comics films produced by 20th Century Studios (previously known as 20th Century Fox), which Disney acquired back in 2019; while not all the titles are available for streaming on Disney+ here are the ones you can watch come February 23: X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), Fantastic Four (2005), The Wolverine (2013), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Fantastic Four (2015), and X-Men: Apocalypse (2016).
Star Wars – The Trilogies
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… comes every Star Wars movie from the original trilogy through The Rise of Skywalker on Disney+ this February, so get ready to binge it all!
16. Star Wars Original Trilogy
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The movie that started it all, turning sci-fi films into a blockbuster genre, Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) and its sequel The Empire Strikes Back (1980) have been hailed as the greatest sci-fi films of all time, whilst the third film and final instalment in the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi (1983), received positive reviews.
Centering on the Galactic Civil War between the Rebel Alliance and the tyrannical Galactic Empire, as well as the archetypical hero’s journey of Luke Skywalker in his quest to become a Jedi, follow Luke as he joins forces with Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, the droids, and the Rebel Alliance in facing the Empire and Darth Vader.
17. Star Wars Prequel Trilogy
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Relive the epic space opera from Anakin’s early beginnings in The Phantom Menace (1997) and Attack of the Clones (2002) to [SPOILER ALERT] his eventual spiral into the Sith Lord Darth Vader in Revenge of the Sith (2005).
18. Star Wars Sequel Trilogy
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The trilogy that the has the Star Wars fandom divided into two – some liking it and some not, watch it for yourself and who knows, it could become one of your very favourites.
The three films The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019) follows a 19-year-old orphan named Rey, and the plight of the Resistance against the First Order, which has risen from the fallen Galactic Empire.
While searching for her parents, Rey learns the ways of the Force under Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa and confronts Kylo Ren—the son of Leia and Han Solo, nephew of Luke, and grandson of Anakin Skywalker—who has fallen to the dark side.
You can expect the epic space battles, John Williams’ incredible score, and tearjerker moments despite your favourite characters from the original trilogy taking a backseat.
Star Wars – Anthology Films
19. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
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Set a week before the events leading up to Star Wars: A New Hope, Rogue One follows a group of rebels who band together to steal plans of the Death Star, the ultimate weapon of the Galactic Empire and details the Rebel Alliance’s first effective victory against the Empire, first referenced in A New Hope’s opening crawl.
You’ll still experience those thrilling space fights and even see snippets of Darth Vader himself, but the third act of the film set in Scarif (filmed in the Maldives), the tropical scenery is a refreshing break from the usual desert lands of Tatooine or the swampy rainforests of Dagrobah.
And who knows, you might end up rooting for this ragtag bunch of rebels, and maybe even shed a tear or cry a river when the end credits roll.
20. Solo: A Star Wars Story
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Go back in time 10 years before the first Star Wars film with Solo, the second Star Wars anthology film following everyone’s favourite smuggler, scoundrel, hero, and captain of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo.
Exploring the early adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca, who join a heist within the criminal underworld, there’s a twist ending that acknowledges one of the major story arcs of The Clone Wars and Rebels animated series. It’s not over just when you think it is!
Star Wars – Disney+ Original Series
21. The Mandalorian
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Set five years after the last film in the original trilogy, Return of the Jedi, The Mandalorian follows the adventures of a lone bounty hunter who operates in the Outer Rim, away from the dominion of the New Republic as he goes on the run after being hired to retrieve “The Child”.
If you haven’t already guessed, The Child is indeed Baby Yoda, the adorable character who took the world by storm and spawned merch and makeup lines. If you need another reason to watch the show…. it’s Baby Yoda’s cuteness.
Star – TV Series
22. Grey’s Anatomy
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The American medical drama that’s spanned 17 seasons, Grey’s Anatomy focuses on the lives of surgical interns, residents, and attendings as they develop into seasoned doctors while balancing personal and professional relationships. It’s one of those binge-worthy shows you’ll get hooked on right from the start, so be prepared to set aside some time for over 369 episodes!
23. Scandal
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The critically-acclaimed political thriller Scandal may be off to a slow start, but we bet you’ll be invested in no time. How could you not with the hairpin plot twists and whiplash character reveals?
The show takes place in Washington, D.C. and focuses on Olivia Pope’s crisis management firm, Olivia Pope & Associates (OPA), and its staff, as well as staff at the White House and surrounding political scene. Kerry Washington’s character, Olivia Pope, is partially based on former George H.W. Bush administration press aide Judy Smith, who serves as a co-executive producer on the show too.
National Geographic
24. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted
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In an interview with Nat Geo, Ramsay mentioned the inspiration behind Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted.
“I suppose the more successful I’ve become, the more I want to strip back. I’m always willing to learn; I want to expand on my repertoire. I still need to feel that vulnerability and touch base with that insecurity of what I don’t know,” Ramsay said.
Despite being one of the biggest names in the culinary world, he seems to be extremely humble and down-to-earth.
You’ve seen him yell the most creative obscenities and insults at the contestants on Hell’s Kitchen, you’ve seen him tear apart dishes on Masterchef, but in this National Geographic series, chef Ramsay journeys to some of the most incredible and remote locations on Earth in search of culinary inspiration, epic adventures, and cultural experiences you will never forget.
25. Hostile Planet
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We’ve got to admit, nature documentaries never fail to blow us away with their astounding cinematography and storytelling, and Hostile Planet does just that.
The ground-breaking wildlife series explores Earth’s most hostile environments, going to the extremes of deep, high, cold, hot, wet, and dry to reveal the truly extraordinary ways in which animals have adapted to survive in the face of great adversity over the course of six episodes.
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