Photo: Disney +
Zootopia. Photo: Disney +

Searching for entertainment other than Marvel and Star Wars? Let's round up the best gems on Disney Plus.

Zootopia

Zootopia, also known as Zootropolis in some countries, has a little more bite than the average wholesome Disney film. It does a good job of explaining its unique world where carnivores and herbivores coexist. But optimistic police officer Judy Hopps still faces the prejudices that come with being the first rabbit in the big city police department. Zootopia adeptly delivers a message of inclusivity through a plot involving peaceful animals turning feral, plus an unlikely partnership between Judy and sly red fox Nick Wilde. Sophisticated as well as packed with pacy and memorable hilarity - the sloth DMV scene is a standout - Zootopia will keep everyone entertained.

Hidden Figures

Photo: Inside the Magic
Photo: Inside the Magic

If you're partial to a true, uplifting story, Hidden Figures ticks all the boxes. The Oscar-nominated biopic brings to light the widely unknown achievements of the Black female mathematicians who were instrumental in helping NASA during the space race. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson are the names you'll hopefully take away. The women are played by the always magnificent Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe. Classic and essential storytelling.

Black Panther

Photo: New Statesman
Photo: New Statesman

The best Marvel movie, period, end of the story. An epic power struggle for the throne of Wakanda is just the outline of this superhero tale rich with conflict over identity, ancestry, the history of Africa, and what it means to be a leader. Audiences immediately fell in love with director Ryan Coogler’s vision of the fictional Wakandan nation, and kids will be dressing up as Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa for Halloweens to come.

Moana

Photo: Boston University News Service
Photo: Boston University News Service

Easily one of my favorite modern animated movies and sees Moana answer the call of the ocean, taking to the seas to save her people from a terrible curse. The movie features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the Demigod Maui and his character really adds some great comedy moments. Moana delivers an awesome soundtrack including “Your Welcome” and “How Far I’ll Go”. This movie rarely has left the top of the trending charts, showing how popular this film is with kids who must be watching this one on repeat a fair few times a week!

Avengers: Endgame

Photo: Strange Harbors
Photo: Strange Harbors

The biggest blockbuster ever is set after the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

Hamilton

Photo: OnMilwaukee
Photo: OnMilwaukee

Thanks to Disney+, you can have a night at the theater at home. Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Thomas Kail were smart enough to enlist a team of camera crews to capture Hamilton with its original Broadway cast before they left the show for other projects. So while it’s not exactly the same as seeing it live, it is still an experience you can’t get anywhere else.

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

Photo: Parent Previews
Photo: Parent Previews

One of the best original Disney Plus movies, Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made is as fun as its title suggests. Timmy Failure is an 11-year-old detective running his personal agency with the help of polar bear Total, his imaginary best friend. Being weird is something to celebrate in this delightful caper bursting with imagination.

Mulan

Photo: Legacy Press
Photo: Legacy Press

Continuing its crusade of live-action remakes of cartoon classics, Disney brings Mulan -- for a $30 fee on top of your subscription. Or just wait until Dec. 4 for it to become free for all subscribers. Unlike 2019's The Lion King, 2020's Mulan adds more to its story about a young woman who takes her father's place in a fight against a Hun invasion during the Han dynasty. You won't hear any of the iconic songs, but it's a visual feast with a few new characters and exhilarating action. It should be a good one to pump all the family up.

Black Is King

Photo: Disney+
Photo: Disney+

Nearly single-handedly leading the rise of the "visual album" (The Beatles started it all the way back in the '60s), Beyoncé and her latest, Black Is King, melds together just that: stunning visuals and music from the tie-in album she curated to the recent The Lion King. A "love letter to Africa", the film's story is told with the help of some of today's outstanding black artists, including Beyoncé, who directs as well. With unbelievable cinematography, a score featuring traditional African music, instantly iconic costume design, and powerful cultural themes, every second of this personal work of art needs to be glued to your eyeballs.

The Greatest Showman

Photo: Cuồng phim
Photo: Cuồng phim

You’ll be charmed in spite of yourself. Zac Efron taps, Zendaya flies, and Hugh Jackman is busting out every Broadway trick he’s ever learned to make the story of America’s first circus as thrilling as can be. It’s kind of a perfect family musical, but be warned: The kids will be belting “This Is Me” in the car for at least a month.

Howard

Photo: Disney+
Photo: Disney+

If you're a fan of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, then go behind-the-scenes with the late writer behind the lyrics of their iconic songs. Documentary Howard lovingly unfurls a portrait of Howard Ashman's life and work, dotted with fascinating clips from the productions of those Disney classics. With music from Alan Menken, who scored the unforgettable songs with Ashman, Howard glows with love for the songwriter and lyricist.

The best movies on Disney+ have a little extra dose of magic other streaming services are lacking. When you hear those strings and see that iconic castle, you know something magical is about to start. And while not every movie on Disney+ is technically a Mouse House original, the streaming service has wisely kept its offerings to family-friendly fare that are always entertaining.

For more interesting news of KnowInsiders, check out below!

Best on Netflix: Top 9 Thriller Movies Best on Netflix: Top 9 Thriller Movies

As well I Care A Lot and Behind Her Eyes dominating the trending section of the streaming platform of Netflix, KnowInsiders here ranked the top ...

Full List of Golden Globe: The Winners, Best movies and Televisions Full List of Golden Globe: The Winners, Best movies and Televisions

The 2021 Golden Globe ended with lots of winners and memorable moments. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler hosted this year's ceremony, where Jane Fonda was honored ...

Amazon Prime in March 2021: Full List of the Best Movies/TV Shows, Dates, Schedules and Video New Releases Amazon Prime in March 2021: Full List of the Best Movies/TV Shows, Dates, Schedules and Video New Releases

Amazon Prime in March 2021: Full List of the Best Movies and TV Shows, Video New Releases, Dates and Schedules. Here's everything coming to Amazon ...