Disney+, the long-awaited streaming service has been available in Ireland for almost four months now and I've had the chance to watch plenty of the available content. I've put together a list of my favourite films and tv shows that are available to stream only on Disney+. Enjoy!
The Mandalorian:
A Star Wars story bursting with hype, and for good reason. This. Show. Is. Amazing.
First of all, let's talk about the cutest creature in the galaxy, The Child (aka Baby Yoda). This baby is so cute I can't help but giggle every time I see him on the screen.
The storyline of the show is based around Mando, the Mandalorian, a bounty hunter sent after a mysterious bounty - The Child. When Mando retrieves the child, he is faced with the dilemma of whether or not he should hand over the innocent creature and we follow along with his adventures in a galaxy far far away.
If you are a Star Wars fan, you'll love this show. If you've never seen a Star Wars film, you can still watch this show and fully appreciate it, it is separate and you don't need to have seen any of the films or know any of the plot-lines.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series:
The most ridiculous title for a show, probably ever, but so incredibly entertaining. The show follows a group of high school kids preparing to perform their school musical "High School Musical". Full of high school drama, super singing and hilarious moments. My only critique is that I wanted the episodes to be longer!
The World According to Jeff Goldblum:
Who doesn't love Jeff Goldblum? This show follows the intense funny-man through different aspects of everyday-life and dives into the history and science behind what are now common-place things. Although some of the knowledge is quite general, it is a super interesting show, and just watching Jeff interact with people is a real treat.
The Imagineering Story :
Tears were shed. We watched this show as it came out and the world was in quarantine and oh my gosh I sobbed. This show is the story behind the parks, from Walt's Disneyland to the newest Disney parks in Asia and how they were conceived and executed. We meet some of the most important Imagineers that work at the Walt Disney Company and learn how they've played an integral part in the success of the Disney Company. If you're a Disney mega-fan like me, you've probably already seen this show, and if you haven't, you have to, right now.
The Simpsons :
We all know the Simpsons. I am so glad this is on Disney+. For me, watching the Simpsons in the evening reminds me of when I was a teenager and I would come home from school and do my homework and then get to watch the Simpsons before dinner if I finished my homework in time. It's one of those shows that I love to have on in the background if I'm cooking dinner or need something I don't have to focus too hard on. Also, the Cool Lisa episode is iconic, if you don't agree, I'm sorry, but you're wrong.
Disney Fairytale Weddings:
What Disney Dreams are made of. Yes, it is cheesy, but if you like shows like 'Say Yes To The Dress', then you'll love this show. The show follows couples journeys from the proposal to the wedding day, sharing the magical wedding planning and all the behind-the-scenes magic.
I still cannot decide whether or not I want a Disney wedding?
Marvel's Agents of Shield:
A very cool show where Agent Phil Coulson gets his own starring role. We have seen him before in some of the Marvel films, but now he takes the lead as we gain an insight into the daily goings-on of the S.H.I.E.L.D agents. I'm really into spin-offs and backstories, so I really like this show. The episodes are 40 to 50 mins long, which in some episodes can get a little dull at times, but for the most part, it's a really enjoyable show.
Hamilton:
The beloved Hamilton is shrouded in fandom, and if I'm honest, I wasn't too fussed about this becoming available on Disney+. Don't get me wrong, I love musicals, I have just never been a big fan of watching musicals or concerts on TV, but I really enjoyed Hamilton. My little sister is a Hamilton superfan, so I'd heard a lot of the music before and heard a lot of the hype. Watching the show for myself gave me a new appreciation for Lin-Manuel Miranda's work. It is stunning. It is a super show, with fantastic messages and inclusion. Whether you are a fan of musicals or not, I recommend Hamilton, it really is one of a kind.
Frozen 2:
Frozen 2 is one of the most visually stunning Disney films in my opinion. I saw this twice in the cinema and bought it on DVD the day it was released. It is beautiful and in my opinion, lightyears ahead of the original Frozen. This film has dark elements which really speak to an adult audience as well as having an Oscar-worthy soundtrack. I truly love this film and it has given the Frozen franchise a new lease of life after years of over-saturation throughout the world of Disney.
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker:
My love, my obsession, potentially my favourite Star Wars film. I was so so happy when Disney announced that this was to be released on Disney+ around the same time as the DVD release. I saw this film at the cinema when it came out and ever since I have been dying to see it again. We watched it the day it came out on Disney+ and I've watched it twice since. It is a long one at almost three hours, but grab your popcorn and get ready for the ride of your life.
Out:
A Pixar short released for Pride month. This film tells the story of a young gay man coming out to his parents. As with all Pixar shorts, it captures your heart in just a few minutes and tells a beautiful story of hope and love. I am so happy to see Disney releasing some LGBTQIA+ content.
There is so much content on this platform that I found it overwhelming, to begin with. Almost every Disney Classic and Disney Pixar film are available to watch, along with lots of Disney Channel Original Movies and shows, Marvel films and spin-offs and a whole array of National Geographic content. That doesn't even scratch the surface. Priced just under seven euro a month, it is a service worth investing in.