Underrated Movies to Watch on Disney+

Underrated Movies to Watch on Disney+
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There’s nothing quite like a good binge session, but considering the vast library of titles available on streaming services, it’s easy for a great movie to slip through the cracks and not receive the hype it deserves.

To help spotlight those lesser loved titles, we’ve collected seven underrated movies currently streaming on Disney+ that you should add to your To Watch List.

If you don’t currently have a Disney+ membership you can sign up here.


Ford v Ferrari

Based on a true story, Ford v Ferrari recounts the story of how Ford set out to create a racing car that could defeat Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race. The team, led by designer Carroll Shelby, design and build the Ford GT40, which will be driven by the firebrand driver, Ken Miles

Ford v Ferrari was one of the best releases of 2019, and features some fantastic performances from both Matt Damon as Shelby and Christian Bale as Miles. Just as Ford staked their claim as one of the great names of motorsports, Ford v Ferrari has firmly claimed its spot as a great sporting movie.

Watch Ford v Ferrari on Disney+ here.

Free Solo

There are some documentaries that you absolutely need to see because the sheer magnitude of their focus is nothing short of unbelievable. Free Solo is one of those documentaries.

It follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he attempts to scale El Capitan, a 914m high cliff-face. As the documentary’s name suggests, it’s a free solo climb, which means Honnold uses no ropes, harnesses or safety equipment.

The film is a testament to Honnold’s will-power and athletic ability, as he puts his life on the line to achieve a victory over something that seems impossible. It’s the kind of movie that makes you sweat just by thinking about it.

Watch Free Solo on Disney+ here.

Mulan

Mulan is the latest live-action remake of a classic animated Disney film. Although, as adaptations go, this owes more to the traditional Chinese folkore than the animated movie. The film tells the story of Mulan, a young woman who takes the place of her elderly father when he’s conscripted to fight against Rouran forces.

While the film is missing the musical numbers of the original, Mulan still has the same level of heart and does a good job of establishing itself as its own thing. Director Niki Caro leans into the influence of classic martial arts movies, filling Mulan with some impressive action sequences and elaborate set pieces.

Watch Mulan on Disney+ here.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

For some, calling The Nightmare Before Christmas underrated might be a bit of stretch. But just because you loved it as a child that doesn’t mean that it’s loved by a newer generation. So why not share the spooky joy?

The Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who has become disillusioned with the repetitiveness of the haunted holiday. After stumbling into “Christmas Town, he becomes infatuated with the cheery holiday. So Jack kidnaps Santa Claus and throws his own Halloween-themed version of Christmas.

This movie continues to stand the test of time. Directed by Henry Selick, it’s still a high-water mark for stop-motion animated movies, and features back-to-back classic songs.

Watch The Nightmare Before Christmas on Disney+ here.

Pete’s Dragon

This is the Disney remake that no one remembers. Which is a shame, because Pete’s Dragon is a genuinely good movie. It’s that special kind of sweet that way only Disney movies can do.

Based on the 1977 film of the same name, Pete’s Dragon tells the story of Pete, who is abandoned in a forest at a young age, living there for six whole years. It’s okay, though. During this time Pete is kept safe by a furry, green dragon named Elliot.

Pete is eventually discovered and brought back to society. But when Elliot is also discovered, Pete must do everything he can to protect his best friend who mistakenly see him as a monster.

Watch Pete’s Dragon on Disney+ here.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

I feel like we all got sick of Pirates of the Caribbean as a franchise at some point, but when was the last time you watched the first movie? If it’s been a hot minute since you witness the swashbuckling action, you should definitely give it a rewatch. Before the series goes a bit off the rails and leans too much on the increasing ridiculousness of Jack Sparrow, The Curse of the Black Pearl is a near-perfect action-adventure movie.

Set 1728, the film follows the reluctant team-up of the overly chivalrous Will Turner and the eccentric pirate captain Jack Sparrow as they set out to save Elizabeth Swann, after she’s kidnapped by a crew of cursed pirates.

Watch Pirates of the Caribbean on Disney+ here.

The Rocketeer

Released in 1991, The Rocketeer failed to soar the box office. However, in the almost 30 years since it launched, this movie has built itself a nice cult following. Set in Los Angeles during the late 1930s, The Rocketeer follows stunt pilot Cliff Secord, who, after discovering an experimental jetpack, decides to become a superhero, taking on Nazi secret agents in the golden age of Hollywood.

It’s directed by Joe Johnston, who would later improve upon The Rocketeer‘s vintage pulp aesthetic for Captain America: The First Avenger. So, in a way, this is a proto-Marvel movie.

Watch The Rocketeer on Disney+ here.


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At Lifehacker, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We have affiliate and advertising partnerships, which means we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. BTW – prices are accurate and items in stock at the time of posting.

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