The consensus for subscribers of Disney+ is that the streaming service is for kids and families. However, some movies seem to be more geared towards adults. Disney+ has about 500 movies available, from childhood favorites to newer options. Setting Star Wars and Marvel aside, there are plenty of other options for adults. Disney+ has expanded its audience base and has created some of the best dark series that should be excluded from any kid’s watch list. Gone are the days when adults need to ask if there is anything for them to watch on the streaming service.
Disney+ does create a lot of magical content with cute animations and amazing production quality. Since they are widening their audiences, they have begun creating several titles that are non-animated and tackle subjects like drama, loss, violence, and other adult topics that should probably not be shown to a kid. So, what are the movies that the adults should queue up next? Disney+ has recently added a bunch of movies exclusively geared for adults. Here are the top Disney+ movies for adults that need to be watched next.
Updated September 15th, 2023, by Sean Shuman: This list of Disney+ movies for adults has been updated with even more entries to keep the discussion fresh.
15 Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool is one of the few adult-oriented superhero films out there, and surprisingly enough, it’s currently streaming on Disney+. Featuring Ryan Reynolds playing our titular loud-mouth mercenary, this film serves as an origin story for Deadpool following his subjection to a military experiment. Now granted near-immortality, a permanently scarred visage, and a morbid sense of humor, he seeks revenge on those who conducted the experiment to begin with.
The film was a passion project for Reynolds, with development stemming as far back as 2004. After a particularly disastrous appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the character was given a second chance with his crass humor and mature content intact. It’s a film whose wanton violence and mature themes make it perfect for an older audience. Following Disney’s acquisition of Fox, you can also see Deadpool make his MCU debut in Deadpool 3 alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.
14 Logan (2017)
Logan took everyone’s favorite adamantium-enhanced mutant and chiseled a mature story around him. Serving as the conclusion to the Wolverine trilogy that started with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, this dramatic send-off sees James “Logan” Howlett — aka, Wolverine — now plagued with a failing healing ability. Left to tend to an aging Professor X, Logan finds his world upended when the arrival of a new mutant sets off a powder keg of violence.
Directed by James Mangold, who directed the previous entry in the trilogy, The Wolverine, this exciting conclusion is as violent as it is saddening. It tackles some pretty lofty subjects, including aging and mortality, with a bittersweet ending adults can thoroughly appreciate. Of course, being an action film, Logan never skimps on Hugh Jackman slashing things with his claws. It’s widely considered to be one of the best comic book movies of the 2010s, on top of being one of the best Marvel movies period.
13 Isle of Dogs (2018)
Isle of Dogs may be another stop-motion Wes Anderson film, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s only for kids, Isle of Dogs feels more tailored for adults. Set in an alternate Japan, Isle of Dogs sees a city named Megasaki banishing its dog population to “Trash Island” due to the fear surrounding canine influenza. A young boy named Atari, the nephew of Megasaki’s mayor, ventures out to Dog Island to rescue his lost pet, all while rumors of misconduct back home start to take hold.
An ensemble cast comprised of Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Jeff Goldblum, Greta Gerwig, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, and more all lend their talent to Isle of Dogs. The film’s sense of humor, along with its overall tone, is surprisingly subdued given its outlandish premise. You can also expect Wes Anderson’s signature style to be present throughout, giving an extra layer of creativity through the medium of animation.
12 Miracle (2004)
2004’s Miracle is one of the greatest sports movies ever made. As grandiose a statement as it is, you’d be hard-pressed to find people who disagree. Based on the true story surrounding the 1980 Winter Olympics, Kurt Russell stars as Herb Brooks, the coach for the United States men’s hockey team. With the United States set to compete against the Soviet Union he had to rally a group of underdogs together to create what would later become the famous “Miracle on Ice.”
Miracle will hit much harder for adults due to its historical context. Carried by its compelling performances and its incredible craftsmanship, what could’ve been a bog-standard success story is elevated into something truly compelling. Miracle is easily one of the most inspirational and unapologetically patriotic films of the mid-2000s.
11 Howard (2018)
If you’ve grown up with classic Disney movies like Aladdin or The Little Mermaid, maybe you’d like to know how these terrific stories were brought to the big screen. Howard, an exclusive Disney+ documentary released in 2018, tells the story of the eponymous Howard Ashman, a lyricist noted to be one of the biggest contributors to the Disney Renaissance. After providing his talent to the ever-popular comedic musical Little Shop of Horrors, Ashman’s award-winning songs on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast would cement his legacy before his tragic passing in 1991.
This documentary not only focuses on his musical contributions but also Howard’s involvement with the Disney Renaissance behind the scenes as well as his projects outside of it. This extensive collection of archival footage and interviews is also assembled under Don Hahn’s direction, carrying with it a similar style to his 2009 documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty. It’s an essential piece of behind-the-scenes Disney history that any fan of the company should consider seeing.
10 Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
Though plenty of us saw Who Framed Roger Rabbit? as kids, there are still plenty of things within it to appreciate as an adult. A tribute to the world of classic animation, this wild film innovated by blending the worlds of live-action and animation almost seamlessly, with Bob Hoskins being subjected to the cartoon mischief of Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse in equal measure. Hoskins plays a detective, Eddie Valiant, who is tasked with clearing the manic cartoon Roger Rabbit’s name after he’s charged with murder. Valiant will have to overcome his prejudice against Toons to solve the case.
As time goes by, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? feels more and more appropriate for adults. Maybe it’s because of the older properties referenced throughout the film’s story, or maybe it’s because of its cartoony spin on the noir genre. Either way, it’s still thoroughly entertaining more than two decades later.
9 Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
The long-awaited sequel to Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, was more than thirteen years in the making. Needless to say, the wait was worth it. Sam Worthington reprises his role as Jake Sully, who now happily lives among the Na’vi after successfully repelling the RDA’s invasion of Pandora. Though he has crafted a serene life for himself and his newfound family, the sudden return of the RDA to Pandora threatens the planet’s peaceful existence.
The Way of Water not only gives Jake something new to fight for, but it also gives him so much more to lose. There’s a good chance that after the lengthy gap in time between Avatar films, some who’ve seen the original now have children of their own. It’ll allow you to feel more connected to the film’s conflicts.
8 Remember the Titans (2000)
A white and a Black high school combine in suburban Virginia to create T.C. Williams High School. The integration of the schools wasn’t seen until the football team hit the field, and the Black school coach was hired as the head coach over the more experienced ones from the white school.
The team starts working and depending on one another to create one of the best teams the town has ever seen. Remember the Titans is a great movie that deals with some adult situations, re-creating the true story of the Titans for the big screen.
7 The Rookie (2002)
Based on the true story of a high school baseball coach, Jim Morris is the oldest rookie in the major leagues. He makes a bet with his team to win the district championship after they continue to lose.
They do manage to win the championship, and Morris enters Major League Baseball at 35 as the oldest rookie in the majors. The movie stars Dennis Quad, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, and Brian Cox. The Rookie is the perfect inspirational movie for any adult.
6 Hidden Figures (2016)
Hidden Figures is a biographical drama based on a non-fiction book. Three Black women mathematicians became extremely important to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during the Space Race.
They became the brains that contributed to the success of the first launch during the beginning stages of the US space program. These three women come center stage and are seen as heroes in one of Disney’s best movies.
5 The Simpsons Movie (2007)
Homer continues to have a series of unfortunate events in The Simpsons Movie. The movie comes from the long-running animated series and follows the family after Homer decides to adopt a pig that fills a silo in two days. The big bad of Springfield, Russ Cargill, hounds President Arnold Schwarzenegger to destroy the town.
Russ wants him to put a dome over Springfield to prevent anyone from leaving. Homer decides to take down Rustoto to save his home and family. The film’s stakes are notably higher than those found in the original series, giving each member of the Simpson family some tangible growth throughout this feature-length adventure.
4 Avatar (2009)
After his brother dies on the planet Pandora, former marine and paraplegic Jake is taken up to replace his brother. Jake is to continue the mission that his brother was involved in and use his avatar since their genetics are similar.
The marine quickly learns of the evil intentions the humans have against the indigenous Na’vi who want to use their precious natural resources for their gain. Contemporary critics called director James Cameron a king of special effects when he created the jaw-dropping world of Avatar, with the 2022 follow-up giving Jake additional depth as a member of the Na’Vi.
3 The Finest Hours (2016)
The Finest Hours is a true story of survival in this historical drama. Disaster strikes in 1952 on the coast of Cape Cod when a blizzard hits and the SS Pendleton gets lost at sea. The US Coast Guard gets the call and decides to put together a rescue plan in one of the worst conditions possible.
This quickly becomes the most daring mission they have ever put together and succeeds in saving those on the SS Pendleton. This film will have any viewer on the edge of their seat. The director of The Finest Hours, Craig Gillespie, would later direct the acclaimed film I, Tonya in addition to Disney’s Cruella.
2 Free Solo (2018)
Free Solo won the Best Documentary Feature at the 91st Academy Awards, making this a must-watch on Disney+. The film is not for the faint of heart to watch and might even scare most adults. Rock climber Alex Honnold prepares to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park after years of plotting out his every single move.
The title refers to his style of climbing as he scales the entire steep and slick wall without any harness or rope. All Honnold has with him is a back of chalk to help him grip and hold on. It’s an inspirational story that’ll convince you to pursue your passions.
1 Hamilton (2020)
The acclaimed Broadway musical, Hamilton, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda is based on the life of Alexander Hamilton. The musical includes hop, R&B, pop, and, soul as well as the traditional style of show tunes. The show does make some creative changes to actual events as non-white actors were cast as the Founding Fathers and other historical figures.
Miranda even stars in the show as Alexander Hamilton himself. The Broadway show has received high praise for its music and story while also reinterpreting Hamilton’s accomplishments through a modern context. With how Hamilton modernizes the story of its titular Founding Father, it’s a perfect musical for most adults.
