Best Disney+ Movies You’ve Never Seen

Disney+ has a deep bench beyond the familiar blockbusters, with originals and studio sleepers that slipped under the radar. These films cover true stories, inventive family adventures, and sharp documentaries from Disney, 20th Century, and National Geographic. Each one is available on the service and brings a specific hook like notable directors, award recognition, or unique real-life subjects. Here are lesser known picks worth adding to your queue.

‘Togo’ (2019)

Set during the 1925 serum run to Nome, this adventure follows musher Leonhard Seppala and lead dog Togo as they race antitoxin across Alaska. Willem Dafoe portrays Seppala and Julianne Nicholson co-stars. Ericson Core directed and the production filmed in Alberta to capture harsh winter conditions. The film highlights the relay’s logistics and credits Togo’s role in the longest and most difficult leg.

‘Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made’ (2020)

Adapted from Stephan Pastis’s book series, this story centers on a Portland kid detective who runs a one-boy agency with an imaginary polar bear partner. Tom McCarthy directed after winning acclaim for earlier work in grounded drama. The cast includes Winslow Fegley, Ophelia Lovibond, and Craig Robinson. The script keeps the casework rooted in school and family challenges while using the city as a backdrop.

‘Stargirl’ (2020)

Based on Jerry Spinelli’s novel, this coming-of-age film follows a new student whose offbeat style changes the culture at a high school. Grace VanderWaal makes her acting debut and provides original music. Julia Hart directed and shot key scenes in New Mexico to stand in for Arizona. The production blends performance sequences with campus life to track the characters’ shifting friendships.

‘Clouds’ (2020)

This biographical drama tells the story of musician Zach Sobiech and the song that brought him unexpected attention. Justin Baldoni directed and drew from the memoir by Zach’s mother, Laura Sobiech. Fin Argus and Sabrina Carpenter lead the cast with Madison Iseman and Neve Campbell in supporting roles. The film covers Zach’s studio sessions, school schedule, and collaboration with producer Stephen J. Johnson.

‘Safety’ (2020)

Inspired by the life of Clemson defensive back Ray Ray McElrathbey, this sports drama shows how he juggled college football and guardianship of his younger brother. Reginald Hudlin directed and filmed portions at Clemson University with cooperation from the athletic department. Jay Reeves stars alongside Corinne Foxx and Thaddeus J. Mixson. The story traces NCAA compliance steps, dorm logistics, and community support programs that helped the family.

‘The One and Only Ivan’ (2020)

Drawn from Katherine Applegate’s novel, this hybrid feature follows a silverback gorilla who performs at a mall circus and discovers a path beyond the ring. The voice cast includes Sam Rockwell, Angelina Jolie, Danny DeVito, and Helen Mirren with Bryan Cranston in live action. The production used advanced animation and capture techniques at Pinewood Studios. Disney released it direct to streaming with behind-the-scenes materials highlighting the visual effects pipeline.

‘Howard’ (2018)

This documentary profiles lyricist Howard Ashman, whose work with Alan Menken shaped modern Disney animation. Don Hahn directed and incorporates archival home videos, demo tracks, and studio recordings. Interviewees include collaborators from ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, and ‘Aladdin’. The film chronicles workshop sessions, Broadway origins, and the transition into the animation story room.

‘Queen of Katwe’ (2016)

Mira Nair’s drama follows Ugandan chess player Phiona Mutesi as she advances through local and international tournaments. The cast features Madina Nalwanga with Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo. Production partnered with the real chess community in Kampala and used extensive location shooting. The film details coaching routines, scholastic competitions, and federation pathways that guided her progress.

‘The Finest Hours’ (2016)

This seafaring rescue recounts the 1952 Coast Guard mission to save the crew of the tanker SS Pendleton off Cape Cod. Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, and Ben Foster lead the ensemble. The film used water tanks and gimbal rigs to stage storm conditions alongside digital extensions for the cutter and tanker. Disney’s release included technical notes on ship design, radio procedure, and survival gear used in the period.

‘Own the Room’ (2021)

National Geographic’s feature covers five student entrepreneurs competing at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards. The film follows applicants from different countries as they refine pitches, file paperwork, and meet mentors. Directors Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster capture workshops and judging panels across the program timeline. The production documents prototype builds and market research that support each business plan.

‘Flora & Ulysses’ (2021)

Adapted from Kate DiCamillo’s book, this family adventure centers on a girl who discovers a squirrel with unusual abilities. Matilda Lawler stars with Alyson Hannigan and Ben Schwartz. The filmmakers used trained animals and digital augmentation for specific sequences. The story weaves comic book references with neighborhood settings like bookstores and cul-de-sacs.

‘Rise’ (2022)

This biographical film tells the story of the Antetokounmpo family’s journey from Nigeria and Greece to professional basketball success. The cast features Uche Agada, Ral Agada, and Dayo Okeniyi. The production recreates youth leagues, immigration paperwork challenges, and scouting opportunities in European arenas. Disney released it as a streaming original with support from the NBA for uniforms and team likenesses.

‘More Than Robots’ (2022)

Directed by Gillian Jacobs, this documentary follows high school teams preparing for the FIRST Robotics Competition. The cameras visit build spaces, mentor meetings, and regional events across multiple countries. The film records design reviews, wiring sessions, and rule briefings that drive each deadline. It also shows how teams adapt strategies when supply chain delays affect parts.

‘Wolfgang’ (2021)

This documentary profiles chef Wolfgang Puck from early training to restaurant expansion. David Gelb directs and brings in archival footage, kitchen demonstrations, and interviews with colleagues. The film traces the opening of Spago, menu development, and television appearances that broadened his brand. It shows recipe testing, supplier relationships, and service pacing inside the restaurants.

‘Hollywood Stargirl’ (2022)

This sequel follows Stargirl as she moves to Los Angeles with her mother and becomes involved in a low-budget film project. Julia Hart directs with Grace VanderWaal returning and Judy Greer, Uma Thurman, and Elijah Richardson joining the cast. The production incorporates original music performed by VanderWaal. Scenes use real neighborhoods and small venues to ground the story in a local arts community.

‘Better Nate Than Ever’ (2022)

A middle schooler sneaks off to New York City to audition for a Broadway musical with help from his aspiring-actor aunt. Tim Federle adapts his novel and directs, featuring Rueby Wood, Lisa Kudrow, and Aria Brooks. Location shooting uses Times Square, theater districts, and rehearsal spaces to capture the audition process. The film highlights callbacks, understudy work, and the practical steps young performers take to break in.

‘Godmothered’ (2020)

An inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training heads to the real world to prove her profession still matters. Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher lead the cast in a contemporary holiday setting. Production combines practical effects with digital augmentation for magic sequences. The story framework explores wish requests, bureaucratic rules inside the fairy-tale organization, and how assignments are tracked and evaluated.

‘Noelle’ (2019)

Santa’s daughter takes on unexpected responsibilities at the North Pole when her brother struggles with the role. Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader headline with support from Shirley MacLaine. The production builds elaborate holiday workshops and streetscapes on soundstages. Visual effects departments coordinate snow environments and sleigh flight while the script tracks succession protocols and delivery logistics.

‘The Call of the Wild’ (2020)

Adapted from Jack London’s novel, this adventure follows a domesticated dog thrust into Yukon sled work. Harrison Ford stars with a performance-capture canine created by visual effects teams. Filmmakers blend live-action landscapes with digital animals for complex sequences. The story charts pack hierarchy, sled routes, and gold rush outposts along established trails.

‘Free Solo’ (2018)

This National Geographic documentary covers Alex Honnold’s attempt to free-solo climb El Capitan without ropes. Directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin coordinate specialized rigging and filming placements to avoid interfering with the climb. The production records training plans, injury mitigation, and route memorization. Cameras capture rehearsal pitches, nutrition routines, and decision checkpoints used by the athlete and crew.

‘The Rescue’ (2021)

From the team behind ‘Free Solo’, this documentary details the multinational effort to save a youth soccer team trapped in Thailand’s Tham Luang cave. The film compiles helmet-cam footage, interviews with divers, and recreated passages to explain technical challenges. Timelines outline water levels, weather windows, and oxygen supply management. It shows the coordination between local authorities, international specialists, and volunteer cave divers.

‘Fire of Love’ (2022)

This documentary tells the story of volcanologists Katia and Maurice Krafft through archival film they shot on expeditions. Director Sara Dosa structures their research across continents with detailed field notes and safety practices. The film catalogs camera formats, protective suits, and sampling techniques used near active craters. It also traces collaborations with civil defense groups to improve hazard communication.

‘Science Fair’ (2018)

National Geographic follows high school students competing at the International Science and Engineering Fair. Directors Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster document hypothesis development, lab access, and mentorship. The film tracks regional qualifiers, poster sessions, and judging criteria. Projects span medical devices, machine learning, and bioengineering with emphasis on data collection and reproducibility.

‘McFarland, USA’ (2015)

A coach organizes a cross-country team in a small Central Valley town and builds a training program from scratch. Kevin Costner stars with Maria Bello and a cast of young runners. The production uses real agricultural landscapes and school facilities. The narrative examines practice schedules, conditioning, and the logistics of traveling to meets while balancing work and classes.

‘Pete’s Dragon’ (2016)

This reimagining follows a forest ranger and a woodcarver who uncover the truth about a boy living with a dragon. David Lowery directs with Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, and Oakes Fegley. Filming combines New Zealand locations with digital creature work overseen by multiple effects houses. The story details logging operations, conservation issues, and how sightings are documented by locals.

‘The Rocketeer’ (1991)

Set in late golden-age aviation, this adventure centers on a stunt pilot who discovers a prototype rocket pack. Joe Johnston directs with Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, and Timothy Dalton. Production design recreates airfields, zeppelins, and art deco clubs with miniatures and practical stunts. The film’s effects team coordinates wire work and pyrotechnics to stage aerial chases.

‘The Kid Who Would Be King’ (2019)

A modern student finds Excalibur and recruits classmates to confront an ancient threat. Joe Cornish writes and directs with Louis Ashbourne Serkis, Dean Chaumoo, and Rebecca Ferguson. The production uses school campuses, suburban streets, and ancient sites to stage set pieces. Choreography trains young actors in sword work and ensemble formations for large-scale battles.

‘Treasure Planet’ (2002)

This Disney Animation feature transposes a classic seafaring tale to a solar-sailing sci-fi universe. Directors Ron Clements and John Musker oversee a hybrid technique that blends hand-drawn characters with 3D backgrounds. The art team designs spacecraft, ports, and alien species with a distinctive old-meets-new aesthetic. The score and sound design integrate nautical motifs with futuristic elements to support the setting.

‘A Wrinkle in Time’ (2018)

A young girl travels across space with the help of three astral guides to find her missing scientist father. Ava DuVernay directs with Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling. Production used large scale sets and extensive visual effects to realize locations like Camazotz and Uriel. The film adapts Madeleine L’Engle’s novel with a screenplay by Jennifer Lee and Jeff Stockwell.

‘Tomorrowland’ (2015)

A teen inventor and a former boy genius unlock the secrets of a hidden city built by visionaries. Brad Bird directs with Britt Robertson, George Clooney, and Raffey Cassidy. Filming took place in Canada, Spain, and the United States with practical builds for the 1964 fair sequences. Michael Giacchino composed the score and production designed retro futuristic transport and architecture.

‘The Rookie’ (2002)

A high school coach makes a deal with his team that leads him back to professional baseball after a long break. Dennis Quaid stars with Rachel Griffiths and Jay Hernandez. The film shot in Texas communities and used real minor league parks for game scenes. Disney’s sports drama details tryouts, pitch speed measurements, and contract calls from scouts.

‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’ (2005)

A young amateur golfer competes against a celebrated champion at a major tournament. Bill Paxton directs with Shia LaBeouf and Stephen Dillane. Production recreated early twentieth century equipment and wardrobe and built period correct courses and galleries. The story follows caddie strategies, club selection, and rules decisions during a tense final round.

‘Flight of the Navigator’ (1986)

A boy disappears and returns with no time passed for him after contact with an alien ship. Joey Cramer stars with voice work by Paul Reubens. The production used then advanced motion control and early digital effects to depict the reflective craft. Location filming in Florida and Norway provided contrasting settings for the NASA facility and the ship’s travels.

‘Eight Below’ (2006)

A research guide must leave his sled dogs behind during a sudden evacuation and later organizes a recovery attempt. Paul Walker leads the cast with Bruce Greenwood and Moon Bloodgood. The film shot in British Columbia and Greenland to stage harsh ice conditions. Animal trainers coordinated a large team of huskies and malamutes for sled sequences.

‘The Three Musketeers’ (1993)

A young swordsman joins three veterans to counter a political plot against the crown. Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, Chris O’Donnell, and Tim Curry star. Filming took place in Austria and the United Kingdom with castles and cathedrals as key locations. Sword choreography and equestrian work anchor the action set pieces.

‘Elephant’ (2020)

Disneynature tracks a herd’s long migration across southern Africa in search of water. Meghan Markle narrates and the crew worked with conservation experts to plan routes. Aerial platforms and remote cameras captured herd movement and interactions at watering holes. The production highlights matriarch leadership and seasonal patterns that guide travel.

‘Penguins’ (2019)

Disneynature observes an Adélie penguin through nesting, chick rearing, and the return to sea. Ed Helms narrates and the crew filmed in Antarctica with strict environmental protocols. Specialized stabilization and time lapse captured colony dynamics and weather changes. The film shows nest building, predator avoidance, and the timing of feeding trips.

‘Into the Okavango’ (2018)

National Geographic follows scientists and guides on a months long expedition to trace the Okavango Delta’s water sources. The team records wildlife surveys, water quality data, and local community input. Field logistics include dugout canoes, aerial spotters, and satellite communication. The documentary presents threats from development and efforts to establish protections for the river system.

‘Sea of Shadows’ (2019)

This National Geographic documentary investigates the collapse of a marine ecosystem tied to illegal fishing in the Gulf of California. Filmmakers embed with activists, scientists, and law enforcement tracking trafficking routes. The crew documents net retrieval operations, acoustic monitoring, and nighttime patrols. The narrative explains how the plight of the vaquita is linked to the totoaba swim bladder trade.

‘John Carter’ (2012)

A former soldier is transported to a distant planet and becomes involved in conflicts among its city states. Andrew Stanton directs with Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and Willem Dafoe. The production combined Utah location photography with stage work and extensive performance capture for Thark characters. Creature and vehicle designs draw from classic pulp illustrations and newly built digital assets.

‘The BFG’ (2016)

A young orphan befriends a gentle giant who collects good dreams and tries to stop human eating giants. Steven Spielberg directs with Ruby Barnhill and Mark Rylance. The film uses performance capture for Rylance and large scale sets for the giant’s home and London landmarks. Music by John Williams underscores sequences that blend live action and animation.

‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ (2010)

A street smart prince teams with a rival princess to safeguard a dagger that can reverse time. Mike Newell directs with Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, and Ben Kingsley. Morocco and the United Kingdom hosted principal photography with large desert sets and parkour based stunt design. The film adapts elements from the game series including traps, acrobatics, and the sand fueled time device.

Share the underrated Disney+ films you would add to this list in the comments.