It’s really easy to boil downDisney+into its biggest properties: Marvel, Disney,Star Wars, and Pixar. Maybe you’d throw in National Geographic if you’re the type to enjoy nature or historical documentaries. But outside the big five “hubs” that are given prominence over all else, Disney+ has a plethora of other content in its steadily growing library. Despite a recent purge of content after the sudden return of Bob Iger as CEO, there’s still a plethora of classics available to stream at your leisure.
Old musicals, classic stories, and retro throwbacks are still alive and kicking on Disney+ in the US. If you’re looking for classic older movies available on this family-friendly streaming service, you’re in luck. Here are our picks for the best of the best Disney+ has to offer.
30The Sandlot (1993)
The Sandlot
The Sandlottakes place during the summer of 1962 in California. Scott Smalls is a fifth-grader who recently moved into a new neighborhood; all he wants is to hang out with the boys on the local baseball team and play ball at their secret hideout. But being the troublemaker he is, Scotty hits a home run that sends the ball over the tall fence and into an adjacent backyard, where “the Beast” lives. What follows is a plan full of adventures, mishaps, and poignant lessons about friendships.
A Classic Summertime Adventure
Some movies simply exude the nostalgia of growing up in the summer.The Sandlotis a fun story about a tender time in the life of a fifth-grader andhow he grows up and fits in. Directed by David Mickey Evans, the movie consists of grounded characters who feel relatable and are made all the more believable because of the chemistry they share. As a coming-of-age adventure, this cult classic focuses on what it really means to be a twelve-year-old. The film remains timeless because of its exploration of childhood and innocence.
In this Disney classic, two animated segments are brought to life and infused with spooky fun. First, we have “The Wind in the Willows," in which we see the happy-go-lucky and mischievous Mr. Toad using wacky schemes to get an automobile because it’s the latest fad. In the second segment, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” a superstitious schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, falls for Katrina. However, when the three get mixed up in a love triangle, the legendary Headless Horseman offers a chilling change in pace.
A Charming Anthology of Adventures
Among the earliest anthology films produced by Disney,The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toadbreathes new life into beloved characters and makes their stories ripe with humor and beautiful hand-drawn visuals. Directed by a bunch of directors including Clyde Geronimi and Jack Kinney, the movie is nothing short of a joyful right into a simpler time. From Mr. Toad’s gleeful adventures to Ichabod’s white-knuckle-heightened imagination, the film is a masterclass in both suspense and tone. That said, both segments are filmed well enough to transport you into a storybook adventure.
28Sister Act (1992)
Sister Act
A mystery comedyfrom the 1990s that does everything right,Sister Actfollows Deloris Wilson, who witnesses her boyfriend commit a crime and the police place her in witness protection. Now living as a nun in a convent, Deloris uses her dynamic singing voice and sassy attitude to shake things up a bit. After experiencing the dull and lackluster Sunday Mass, she steps in to help the nuns find their voices and confidence. The entire time, she clashes in her opinions with Mother Superior.
Beloved for Good Reason
Whoopi Goldberg is a total firecracker of humor and charm as Deloris. She steals every scene with her perfect acting and brings newfound energy to the film’s soundtrack.Sister Actis directed by Emile Ardolino, who finds the right balance of emotional moments as well as signature Disney messages of accepting yourself and finding your purpose. At its core, however, the classic is a fish-out-of-water story, and so it provides the kind of feel-good entertainment and joyous songs meant for all ages.
27The Sound of Music (1965)
The Sound of Music
Based on the iconic 1959 stage musical, which was composed by Richard Rodgers,The Sound of Musictakes you to 1930s Austria, where a young and free-spirited Maria is studying to become a nun at Nonnberg Abbey. She soon leaves the abbey to become a governess for the large and disciplined Von Trapp family. With her innate charm, she brings joy and music back to their lives and also catches the eye of Captain Georg. Amid troubling times and a changing world, Maria and Georg attempt to preserve their love.
A Truly Timeless Musical
Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director,The Sound of Musicbrought to the screen memorable rolling hills and lively songs. Under Robert Wise’s direction, this Broadway adaptation enchanted audiences of the timeand fascinated generationsthat came and went. The movie stars Julie Andrews, who is a force to be reckoned with as Maria. She showcases her passion for life and her gift of perseverance and reminds us that only family and music have the power to lift us in our darkest times.
26Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Blending science fiction with comedy,Honey, I Shrunk the Kidsfollows an eccentric scientist named Wayne Szalinski. He’s working on a shrink ray in his backyard lab. Struggling to get it right, Wayne accidentally shrinks his kids and the neighbor’s kids down to the size of a quarter-inch. As the adults argue, the tiny beings must band together, survive trash cans and tall grass, escape predators like dogs and birds, and eventually find a way to reverse their size before it’s too late.
Comedy for the Whole Family
An unexpected box office hit and a beloved to date,Honey, I Shrunk the Kidsbecame the highest-grossing live-action Disney film of all time. Directed by Joe Johnston, the adventure comedy still hasn’t been beat in terms of clever humor and inventive premise. It has this sublime blend of tender moments as the young actors portray themselves as smaller but more resourceful versions of their grown-up selves, as well as advanced ‘80s special effects that make the shrunken perspectives more fun to watch. Overall, a gem of a family comedy.
25Freaky Friday (1976)
Mary Rodgers’ beloved children’s novel has had four adaptations in total, but the 1976 original truly stands out among them all.Freaky Fridayfollows an uptight mother, Ellen, and her rebellious daughter, Annabel, at odds with one another. Their constant bickering and frustration lead to a mystic mishap, and they wake up one day to realize that they’ve swapped bodies. Forced to walk in the other’s shoes (literally),the mother-daughter duostruggles to make peace with their respective roles.
The Underrated Original
The 70s were an era for great comedy and family-friendly films, and Disney’s attempt at bringing a delightful story to life acts as a time capsule to the era. Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster make the mother-daughter relationship as touching as it is hilarious. We can genuinely feel the generation gap through their dialogue and mannerisms. Moreover, the movie’s upbeat vibe, catchy soundtrack, and vibrant energy are the source of nostalgic fun.
24Dumbo (1941)
Another film that has earned remakes,Dumbocenters around a baby circus elephant shunned by all because of his giant ears and small frame. When Dumbo is taken under the wing of Timothy M. Mouse, he finds encouragement and support. But it only lasts for a while because a greedy entrepreneur gets word of Dumbo’s talent for flying and recruits him for his amusement park.
Devastating Yet Uplifting
Disney has a way of telling stories that tug at your heartstrings. The characters are emotionally resonant and the narrativesbrimming with themes of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself.Dumbo, in particular, has amazing hand-drawn animation which makes it visually stunning to watch. The film also features some iconic scenes, such as the pink parade and the bouncing circus sequence.
23Turner & Hooch (1989)
Turner and Hooch
A buddy cop classic but with a twist,Turner & Hoochfollows Detective Scott Turner, a neat freak who lives an organized life but is suddenly saddled with Hooch, a slobbery Dogue de Bordeaux, who becomes his unlikely partner after his owner is murdered and he’s the only witness to the crime. Despite being entirely different, the mismatched pair works together to find the killer. While Hooch poses an adorable hindrance to Scott’s investigation, Scott eventually warms up to him and learns to loosen up.
Perfect for Dog Lovers, Murder Mystery Fans, and Hanks Aficionados
The film is so effortlessly likable that it’s almost a surprise. Through Hooch’s drooling charms and Tom Hanks’ warm presence, the movie proves that opposites do attract. Beyond the feel-good factor,Turner & Hoochis ultimately a murder mystery, and Roger Spottiswoode’s narrative does not let you forget that.If you’ve ever loved a doggoyou should definitely watch the movie.
22The Little Mermaid (1989)
The Little Mermaid
Disney’s animated masterpiece tells the tale of a free-spirited mermaid princess, Ariel, who is oh-so enchanted by the human world above her. Going against her father’s wishes and risking her identity, Ariel makes a bargain with the cruel sea witch Ursula to give up her mermaid tail and become human to find the prince she’s fallen in love with. But instead, Ursula sabotages Ariel’s voice and gives her a three-day ultimatum to make things right.
The Animated Classic
The Little Mermaidis a dazzling film that puts a fresh spin on an ageless story. Jodi Benson brings a distinct warmth and pluck to Ariel, making her a vibrant Disney heroine. Pair that with a striking animation and iconic, show-stopping musical numbers and what you get is asensation that made 1989 a memorable yearfor film. Both kids and adults have found themselves cheering for the princess and rooting for her happiness.
21Emil and the Detectives (1964)
When young Emil travels to the big city with money for his grandmother, a shady stranger pickpockets him. Refusing to give up, Emil joins a group of streetwise child “detectives” and tails the thief. They use disguise and deception, evade the adults, and finally overhear him planning to rob a large Berlin bank. But the thief is onto their plan, which only leads to a race against time.
Hijinks and Capers Galore
The film adapts German author Erich Kästner’s beloved 1929 novel with charm and wit. As the poster child for mischievous youth, Emil makes a great hero. You can relate to him and laugh with him and root for him at the same time. Moreover, the film’s vivid cityscapes and vivacious style work wonders in transporting the audience to a bombed-out Berlin through the eyes of children. Overall, almost sixty years later,Emil and the Detectivesis still good fun.
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