Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on Disney+, Including ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

Disney+ remains a primary destination for seasonal favorites and major cinematic releases during the final week of December. This weekend offers a selection of blockbuster science fiction hits along with nostalgic holiday classics that continue to dominate streaming charts. Viewers can explore new additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe or revisit beloved animated stories from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. This curated list highlights the top options available for subscribers looking to maximize their entertainment time.

‘Home Alone’ (1990)

Eight year old Kevin McCallister must protect his house from two burglars after his family accidentally leaves him behind during Christmas vacation. He uses a variety of creative booby traps to defend the property while learning the importance of family. The film features a memorable score by John Williams and has become a staple of the holiday season since its release. It remains one of the most popular live action comedies of all time on the streaming platform.

‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992)

Kevin McCallister finds himself alone in New York City after boarding the wrong flight while his family heads to Florida. He checks into the Plaza Hotel and eventually crosses paths with the same burglars he defeated in the first film. The story emphasizes themes of friendship and generosity through his interactions with a local bird lady in Central Park. This sequel expanded the scale of the original while maintaining the slapstick humor fans expect from the franchise.

‘Zootopia’ (2016)

Judy Hopps becomes the first rabbit police officer in a city where various animal species coexist in different climate controlled districts. She teams up with a cynical con artist fox named Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious missing persons case. Their investigation uncovers a deeper conspiracy that threatens the social harmony of the entire metropolis. The movie won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature for its clever writing and detailed world building.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)

Jake Sully and Neytiri must leave their forest home and seek refuge with the water dwelling Metkayina clan when humans return to Pandora. The narrative focuses on the Sully family struggle to adapt to a new environment while facing a familiar military threat. Director James Cameron utilized advanced underwater motion capture technology to create stunning visuals for the film. This massive blockbuster explores the interconnectedness of nature and the lengths parents will go to protect their children.

‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000)

A reclusive green creature living on Mount Crumpit decides to ruin the holiday for the residents of Whoville by stealing their gifts and decorations. The Grinch encounters a young girl named Cindy Lou Who who begins to change his perspective on the true meaning of the season. Jim Carrey provides a highly physical and expressive performance in this live action adaptation of the Dr. Seuss book. Elaborate makeup and set designs help bring the whimsical world of the Whos to life for audiences.

‘The Fantastic 4: First Steps’ (2025)

This latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduces a new iteration of the iconic superhero team led by Reed Richards. The story is set in a retro futuristic version of the 1960s where the group gains extraordinary abilities after exposure to cosmic rays. They must balance their public lives as celebrities with the responsibility of protecting the world from emerging threats. ‘The Fantastic 4 First Steps’ marks a significant expansion of the Marvel roster and has quickly become a top streamed title on the service.

‘Freakier Friday’ (2025)

Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan return as Tess and Anna Coleman in this sequel to the 2003 body swap comedy. The plot centers on a new supernatural event that forces the characters to inhabit each other’s bodies once again under modern circumstances. They must navigate a new set of personal and professional challenges while trying to reverse the switch. ‘Freakier Friday’ brings back several original cast members and focuses on the evolving dynamics of a mother daughter relationship.

‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ (2024)

This annual television special features elaborate floats and musical performances filmed at Disney theme parks in Florida and California. Famous artists join Mickey Mouse and his friends to celebrate the holiday with choreographed dances and festive songs. The broadcast provides viewers with a front row seat to the seasonal decorations and entertainment offered at the parks. ‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ serves as a traditional viewing experience for families looking to capture the spirit of the holidays from home.

‘Avatar’ (2009)

A paraplegic Marine named Jake Sully is sent to the moon Pandora to take part in a program that allows him to inhabit a biological body called an avatar. He eventually integrates with the local Na’vi tribe and falls in love with the daughter of the clan leader. The conflict intensifies as the human military prepares to mine a precious resource regardless of the environmental cost. ‘Avatar’ remains a landmark achievement in 3D technology and is the highest grossing movie of all time.

‘Coco’ (2017)

Miguel is a young boy with musical aspirations who accidentally travels to the Land of the Dead during the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos. He searches for his great great grandfather to receive a blessing that will return him to the land of the living and allow him to play guitar. The journey reveals hidden truths about his family history and the importance of remembering ancestors. ‘Coco’ earned widespread critical acclaim and two Academy Awards for its vibrant animation and culturally rich storytelling.

Share which of these movies you will be streaming this weekend in the comments.