Best Movies to Stream this Weekend on Disney+, Including a Popular Animated Sequel

The streaming landscape continues to offer a diverse range of cinematic experiences for viewers looking to spend their leisure time with high-quality entertainment. From animated classics that have defined generations to modern blockbusters that pushed the boundaries of visual effects, the current library on Disney+ provides options for every demographic. This weekend, subscribers can delve into heartwarming tales of friendship, epic space operas, and groundbreaking superhero finales. The following selection highlights ten of the most notable films currently available on the platform.

‘Ratatouille’ (2007)

In this Pixar animation, a rat named Remy possesses an extraordinary sense of taste and dreams of becoming a professional chef. He forms an unlikely alliance with a clumsy garbage boy named Linguini at a famous Parisian restaurant. Together, they navigate the pressures of the culinary world while hiding Remy’s identity from the public and a suspicious head chef. The film explores themes of talent and perseverance in the face of societal expectations.

‘Inside Out 2’ (2024)

This sequel returns to the mind of Riley, who has now entered her teenage years and is facing new emotional complexities. The original five emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—find themselves displaced when a group of new emotions, led by Anxiety, takes over Headquarters. Riley must navigate the challenges of ice hockey camp and changing friendships while her internal world undergoes a major renovation. The story focuses on the formation of a complex sense of self during adolescence.

‘Tangled’ (2010)

Princess Rapunzel has spent her entire life locked in a hidden tower by Mother Gothel to protect the magical powers of her long golden hair. When the charming thief Flynn Rider stumbles upon her tower, Rapunzel strikes a deal with him to act as her guide to see the floating lanterns. Their journey through the kingdom leads to various encounters with palace guards and local thugs. The film is a reimagining of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale.

‘Rio’ (2011)

Blu is a rare blue macaw who lives a pampered life in Minnesota and believes he is the last of his kind. Upon learning of a female macaw named Jewel in Rio de Janeiro, Blu and his owner travel to Brazil to help save the species. Despite Blu’s inability to fly, he and Jewel must escape from animal smugglers with the help of various local birds. The movie showcases the vibrant culture and music of Brazil during the Carnival season.

‘Zootopia’ (2016)

In a bustling metropolis populated by anthropomorphic animals, Judy Hopps becomes the first rabbit to join the police force. She teams up with a cynical con-artist fox named Nick Wilde to solve a mysterious case involving disappearing predators. Their investigation reveals a deep-seated conspiracy that threatens the harmony of the entire city. The narrative addresses themes of prejudice and social stereotypes within a diverse community.

‘Up’ (2009)

Carl Fredricksen, an elderly widower, decides to fulfill a lifelong promise to his late wife by traveling to Paradise Falls in South America. He attaches thousands of helium balloons to his house, inadvertently taking along a young Wilderness Explorer named Russell. During their adventure, they encounter a rare flightless bird and a pack of talking dogs. The film is noted for its emotional opening sequence and its portrayal of an intergenerational friendship.

‘Avatar’ (2009)

On the lush alien world of Pandora, Jake Sully, a paralyzed former Marine, takes the place of his deceased brother in a corporate mission. He operates a biological remote-controlled body known as an ‘Avatar’ to interact with the indigenous Na’vi people. Jake eventually finds himself torn between his military assignment and his growing connection to the Na’vi culture and their environment. The film utilized groundbreaking motion-capture technology and 3D visual effects.

‘Avengers: Endgame’ (2019)

Following the devastating events where Thanos wiped out half of all life in the universe, the remaining Avengers must find a way to undo the damage. The team executes a high-stakes plan involving time travel to retrieve the Infinity Stones from different points in history. This journey forces the heroes to confront their pasts and make significant personal sacrifices. The film serves as the culmination of over a decade of interconnected storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ (2022)

Set more than a decade after the first film, Jake Sully and Neytiri have started a family on Pandora but must flee their home when humans return. They seek refuge with the Metkayina clan, a group of Na’vi who live in harmony with the planet’s vast oceans. The family must learn the ways of the water people while preparing for an inevitable confrontation with the RDA forces. The sequel expands the world-building of Pandora with a focus on marine biology and family dynamics.

‘TRON: Ares’ (2025)

In this latest installment of the franchise, a highly sophisticated program named Ares is sent from the digital world into the physical world. This mission marks humanity’s first significant encounter with an AI being capable of interacting with human reality. As Ares navigates the complexities of the real world, the boundaries between technology and organic life become increasingly blurred. The film continues the visual legacy of the series while exploring modern concepts of artificial intelligence.

Please share your thoughts on these Disney+ selections in the comments.