Audiences can count on Disney+ to be a crowd-pleaser when it comes to streaming some of the best movies. The platform has plenty of variety, even outside the kid-friendly animation it’s known for. The streaming service has fans covered with its plethora of Star Wars content, Marvel Studios’ action-packed superhero blockbusters, and fascinating educational content from National Geographic.
Even so, having such a deep library can make it hard to single a movie out for a night in. But fans have more than enough options on hand, and this guide is updated monthly to focus on some of the best movies on Disney+ right now.
If you want to expand your search, we’ve also rounded up the best new movies to stream, the best shows on Disney+, the best family movies on Disney+, the best movies on Amazon Prime, and the best movies on Hulu.
The Abyss (1989)
Director James Cameron (Avatar) was making a name for himself in the 1980s, and The Abyss was another worthy standout. The plot sees a group of Navy SEALS team up with an oil platform crew to recover a nuclear sub that mysteriously sank deep into the ocean. The group finds themselves in a race against time to reach it before Soviet vessels do, but they’ll discover an even more mysterious and powerful presence 25,000 feet underwater. Even with movies like Cameron’s Terminator and Aliens dominating ‘80s science fiction, The Abyss is also an incredibly riveting sci-fi thriller in its own right. Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Michael Biehn bolster a story filled with a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere and plenty of intrigue.
Pets (2025)
Bryce Dallas Howard continues to flex her directorial muscles with Pets on Disney+. A documentary film, Howard gives audiences a look at a series of people and the heartwarming connections they maintain with the animals in their lives.
From dogs and cats to goats and pigs, viewers will be kept thoroughly entertained through the movie’s mix of interviews, stories, and viral videos. Pets will make a delightful watch for any animal lover. The documentary will tug at the heartstrings as much as it will leave the audience laughing as it explores these loving relationships.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Though it bombed at the box office, Solo: A Star Wars Story was a solid space adventure on its own merits. The Ron Howard-directed movie tells the origin story of the iconic smuggler Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich). From barely getting by on the streets of Corellia with his friend Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) to joining a daring heist for a crime boss alongside Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), these early capers shape the scoundrel fans know in the Original Trilogy.
Solo: A Star Wars Story managed a moderately positive reception thanks to its high-octane and heist-themed premise. It’s also rounded out by an excellent supporting cast, including Woody Harrelson as Han’s mentor and Donald Glover as the smooth-talking Lando Calrissian. The story’s pacing is better suited to TV, but Solo remains a fun sci-fi adventure with flavors of the Western genre.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Fans are eagerly awaiting Tom Holland’s next outing as Spider-Man in the MCU. But fans can rewatch the actor’s original trilogy on Disney+ in the meantime, starting with director Jon Watts’ Spider-Man: Homecoming. The hero’s most recent live-action reboot sees high schooler Peter Parker juggling the increasing responsibilities of his Spider-Man persona under Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) mentorship.
Meanwhile, disgruntled salvage company owner Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton) turns to weapons trafficking after Stark’s company takes over the city-wide cleanup in the aftermath of The Avengers. Spider-Man: Homecoming was well-received as an introduction to Holland’s take on the hero, presenting a relatable young man forced to deal with larger-than-life problems. It also overcomes the usual MCU critiques of lackluster villains, with Keaton portraying a menacing and creative version of the Vulture.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Perhaps the most polarizing installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is now available on Disney+. Set nearly two decades after The Last Crusade, director Steven Spielberg’s sequel sees Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) in a race against the KGB led by agent Spalko (Cate Blanchett) for a mysterious ancient artifact.
Indy must uncover the sinister conspiracy led by the Soviet agent with the help of his former lover Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and son Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf). Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull received mixed reactions from audiences. While the premise was far from novel, Crystal Skull’s globetrotting sense of adventure made it a worthy excuse to see Ford don the iconic hat and whip again.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
With Captain America: Brave New World in theaters spotlighting Sam Wilson’s next-generation hero, following it with the original movie is fitting. Directed by Joe Johnston, Captain America: The First Avenger was the original story for Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). Originally a fragile but lion-hearted young man, Rogers takes the Super Serum to become Captain America and leads the fight against the Nazi and Hydra leader Red Skull (Hugo Weaving).
Captain America: The First Avenger may not be a standout MCU movie, especially compared to its direct sequel, but it’s a triumphant introduction for Evans’ beloved take on the hero. Even with the standard “superhero origin” formula, it follows it with a simple effectiveness that gives fans plenty of action-packed entertainment.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
68%
7.6/10The Star Wars prequel trilogy may have been a general missed opportunity, but the finale was the bright spot. Directed by George Lucas, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith chronicles the waning days of the Clone Wars and sets the stage for the Galactic Empire.
Following the master-apprentice duo of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), the young prodigy finds himself at a moral crossroads, with the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is packed with fast-paced action choreography and intense character drama. The trilogy closer does well to capture the operatic tone the sci-fi franchise is known for.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
74%
7.9/10While Taika Waititi’s latest MCU endeavor with Thor left much to be desired, Thor: Ragnarok is still a worthy watch. Also directed by Waititi, the plot sees the titular God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) forced to escape bondage on the alien planet Sakaar. Alongside the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor must make it in time to prevent the villainous Hela (Cate Blanchett) from ushering in Ragnarok.
Where 2022’s Love and Thunder leaned far too hard on the campiness, Thor: Ragnarok was praised for striking the right balance of humor and larger-than-life action. Aside from Hemsworth’s spirited performance as the hero, stylized visuals and Blanchett’s electric presence make Ragnarok stand out even today.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
The MCU’s multiverse saga has seen highs and lows, but Deadpool & Wolverine was a welcome addition. A sequel to the main Deadpool series and Fox’s broader X-Men movies, Shawn Levy’s feature sees Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) team up with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) for a timeline-hopping mission.
After discovering the TVA plans to destroy Wade’s universe, he convinces a jaded and reluctant Logan from another continuity to stop the organization. Deadpool & Wolverine revels in the fact that it gets away with its raunchiness, offering a refreshing change of pace from the usual MCU output. Reynolds and Jackman’s chemistry is hysterical, perfect for the bombastic tone of the former’s antihero.
Frozen (2013)
Co-directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, Frozen became a cultural sensation for Disney in 2013. Set in a fantasy world, the plot revolves around the princess of Arendelle, Anna (Kristen Bell), and her sister, Elsa (Idina Menzel). The latter is now isolated in the North Mountain and accidentally plunges the land into a perpetual winter.
This leads Anna and her companions Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), the reindeer Sven, and the snowman Olaf (Josh Gad) to find the estranged magical sister. Thanks to its winter-themed visuals and broad appeal, Frozen is lauded as the best Disney animation movie of the 2010s. Comedy, infectious music, and a lovable cast back up a resonating story fitting for the holiday season.
Avatar (2009)
Few can match director James Cameron’s blockbuster-level influence on the film medium, and 2009’s Avatar was the start of a juggernaut franchise. Set in a sci-fi world in the mid-22nd century, humans are aggressively colonizing the planet Pandora for its extremely valuable mineral resource. This colonization threatens the homes and lives of the native Na’vi tribe.
But when former Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) empathizes with their plight, he joins Neytiri (Zoe Saldana) and her fellow Na’vi in the fight against the human mining operation. Avatar’s core premise doesn’t score points for originality. However, the story is elevated by masterful special effects and a cast of characters that the audience can invest in. Worthington and Saldana’s characters are perfect points of view for this imaginative sci-fi universe.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
Director Andrew Adamson returns to adapt the second book in C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series, Prince Caspian. Set one year after the events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund, (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) find themselves thrust back into the world of Narnia.
The siblings must help the eponymous Prince Caspian, whose life is on the line from the threat of his uncle King Miraz. Much like its predecessor, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian was praised for its stunning visual effects, bringing Lewis’ high-fantasy world to life. The notably darker storyline is anchored by a strong performance from the young ensemble, with Liam Neeson’s voice for Aslan serving as another welcome return.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Following up on an acclaimed predecessor is never easy, but Inside Out 2 lives up to expectations and beyond. Directed by Kelsey Mann, the movie takes place two years after 13-year-old Riley Anderson’s (Kensington Tallman) move to San Francisco.
The returning cast of anthropomorphic emotions includes Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, and Lewis Black, but they’re faced with new emotions trying to dominate Riley’s mind. Inside Out 2 builds on what made the original so beloved with its emotional sensitivity and nuanced portrayal of a child’s growing pains. Combined with vivid animation and a sense of humor, Inside Out 2 is relatable and entertaining for all audiences.
West Side Story (2021)
While musicals aren’t as prominent as they were decades ago, the West Side Story remake is a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, the movie is set in 1957 New York and retells the classic story of a fierce rivalry between two teenage gangs — the Jets and the Sharks.
Tensions rise when Tony (Ansel Elgort), a reformed Jets gangster, falls in love with Maria (Rachel Zegler), the sister of a Shark leader. Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story received critical acclaim for the spectacle of its cinematography and engaging musical numbers. It proudly wears the musical genre’s roots on its sleeve, and it’s all backed by spirited performances from Elgort and Zegler.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
75%
6.9/10Based on C. S. Lewis’s classic books, the first film adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia is a solid watch. Directed by Andrew Adamson, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe sees four children escaping the German Blitz in England into a world otherwise thought of as wild imagination.
The children stumble upon a wardrobe that transports them to a once-peaceful high-fantasy world now plagued by war due to the White Witch’s eternal winter. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was critically well-received for being a visually stunning and narratively faithful adaptation. Liam Neeson’s voice performance as the lion Aslan is a major highlight, but the overall story and impressive special effects make this a great movie for all audiences.
Inside Out (2015)
Considering the sequel’s resounding success and recent arrival on Disney+, revisiting the first Inside Out would make for a great movie night. The story focuses on young Riley, an 11-year-old girl who is struggling to adapt to their family’s big move to another city.
Her anthropomorphic team of emotions tries to help manage this massive change, but things get complicated when Joy (Amy Poehler) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) get lost. Inside Out is easily one of Pixar’s best movies of the 2010s, thanks to its creative premise, impressive voice cast, and colorful animation. Like its sequel, the story also handles its coming-of-age themes with emotional maturity.
Young Woman and the Sea (2024)
The sports drama Young Woman and the Sea was originally a Disney+ original movie until the company opted for a theatrical release following successful test screenings. Directed by Joachim Rønning (Kon-Tiki, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), the story follows the journey of real-life competitive swimmer Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle.
The movie chronicles her life, from overcoming a near-fatal case of measles as a child to her rise as an Olympic athlete. Young Woman and the Sea received a strong critical reception for its inspirational retelling of Ederle’s life. Bolstered by Daisy Ridley’s lively lead performance, Young Woman and the Sea is a must-watch for fans of biographical sports dramas.
X-Men: First Class (2011)
For audiences wanting more mutant action after Deadpool & Wolverine, X-Men: First Class is essential. Directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, Kingsman: The Secret Service), this origin story mainly follows the growing bond and eventual rift between Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto (Michael Fassbender).
While Xavier and Magneto’s recruited mutants gradually take sides, Hellfire Club leader Sebastian Shaw is dead set on sparking nuclear war amid the Cuban Missile Crisis. X-Men: First Class remains one of the best live-action portrayals of the mutant team thanks to its terrific ensemble cast. It juggles its characters well, and using the 1960s as a backdrop makes First Class an excellent superhero-themed period piece.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Matching First Class was no easy task, but X-Men: Days of Future Past achieved that and more. Directed by Bryan Singer (X-Men, Bohemian Rhapsody), this sequel sees Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) travel back to 1973 to prevent a global catastrophe.
Joining the past versions of the heroes from First Class with the classic iterations from the 2000s movies, the team fights to prevent a dystopic future where robot Sentinels slaughter humans and mutants alike. X-Men: Days of Future Past received strong reviews for its striking visuals, exciting action sequences, and the increased scope of its story. It raised its stakes to postapocalyptic levels without feeling derivative and did justice to Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s acclaimed comic book arc of the same name.
The Princess Bride (1987)
The Princess Bride is a 1980s classic that’s aged incredibly well. Directed by Rob Reiner and adapted from William Goldman’s 1973 novel, it tells the tale of the farmhand Westley (Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (Robin Wright) — the titular bride — who fall in love and go to great lengths to reunite.
Westley and his group of adventurers must rescue her from her arranged marriage to the evil Prince Humperdinck. The Princess Bride is a timeless, acclaimed movie that has the perfect mix of fantasy, romance, comedy, action and adventure. Despite its seemingly simple premise, it’s a story that can appeal to anybody and gives the otherwise tired “damsel-in-distress” trope a colorful spin.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Director Wes Anderson is known for his unique visual style and eccentric storytelling, and his 2009 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox is no exception. The plot revolves around the adventures of a fox (Wolfs‘ George Clooney) working as a newspaper columnist tempted by his past as a thief.
After a string of heists on a group of farmers goes wrong, Mr. Fox, his family, and his community find themselves hunted. Fantastic Mr. Fox earned critical acclaim partly for its impressive stop-motion animation and art direction. The story was similarly praised for using the animation medium and anthropomorphic cast to convey themes of class struggles and societal norms.
Let It Be (1970)
For over 50 years, director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s Let It Be could be found almost exclusively as bootleg copies. Thankfully, a 4K restoration of this Beatles time capsule was finally made available on Disney+.
Let It Be records The Beatles’ rehearsal sessions from January 1969 for the eponymous album, which was initially titled Get Back. The documentary was originally released after the band’s breakup in 1970, but every attempt to rerelease it on home video formats since the 1980s failed. Let It Be is an insightful retrospective and chronicles an important part of the band’s history.
Jim Henson Idea Man (2024)
Jim Henson was one of the most influential puppeteers for creating now-iconic franchises like The Muppets, Sesame Street, and The Dark Crystal. Directed by Ron Howard, Jim Henson Idea Man recounts the creator’s early career years, developing those beloved properties, and his relationship with his wife and Muppets, Inc. co-founder Jane Henson.
Jim Henson Idea Man received positive reviews for its affectionate overview of Henson’s professional and personal life. One part documentary and one part tribute movie, Idea Man shows how Henson’s drive made him a pioneer in this art form.
Big (1988)
Tom Hanks is one of the most celebrated actors in film history, with Big regarded as one of his breakout hits. Directed by Penny Marshall, it tells the story of a boy named Josh Baskin (David Moscow) who makes a wish at a carnival machine to be “big.”
The next morning, Josh discovers that he’s aged into an adult body (Tom Hanks) but retained his 13-year-old mind. Big earned widespread acclaim as one of the best comedies of the 1980s. Thanks to its charming premise and Hanks’ hilarious and lively performance, it holds up well today as a comedy classic.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
The Pirates of the Caribbean movies are still the studio’s most lucrative attempts at adapting iconic Disney park rides. Directed by Gore Verbinski, The Curse of the Black Pearl sees eccentric 18th-century pirate Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) set off to rescue Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), the daughter of Port Royal’s governor.
Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) and his crew aboard the Black Pearl kidnap her as they attempt to undo a curse placed on them after stealing an Aztec treasure. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl stands as the series’ best, taking advantage of the novelty behind building an engaging story around a theme park ride. The movie was well-received for its swashbuckling tone and spirited performances by the main cast.
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Though Sony’s post-Sam Raimi reboot didn’t pan out as hoped, Marc Webb’s first take in The Amazing Spider-Man was a promising start. Led by Andrew Garfield as the titular hero, it follows Peter Parker’s struggles to balance his new dual life while attempting to uncover a conspiracy surrounding his parents’ disappearances,. This leads to a violent clash against Dr. Curt Connors’ (Rhys Ifans) beastly persona the Lizard. Peter’s love interest Gwen Stacy (Poor Things‘ Emma Stone) also gets caught in the crossfire.
The Amazing Spider-Man features a passionate performance by Garfield, as he carries a convincing coming-of-age story amid the action. Similarly, Stone’s casting as Gwen Stacy is pitch-perfect. She’s convincing character on her own merits while maintaining an electric chemistry with Garfield’s Peter.
Toy Story 2 (1999)
Even with the first Toy Story‘s acclaim, the sequel more than lived up to its expectations. Directed by John Lasseter, the movie follows Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the original crew’s attempt to rescue Woody (Tom Hanks) from an obsessive toy collector.
However, things get complicated when Woody considers staying in the collector’s glorified museum with his new friend Jessie (Joan Cusack). Toy Story 2 accomplishes the rare feat of surpassing its iconic predecessor. It continues the winning formula of exploring original cast’s relationships while introducing endearing new characters. Cusack’s Jessie is a particular highlight, as she seamlessly cements her place as one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
The Space Race (2023)
Co-directed by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortés, The Space Race is a standout documentary film from National Geographic. The movie tells the story of the first Black astronauts who broke through racial barriers during the early days of the Civil Rights movement to become key figures within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight, and Charles Bolden.
It’s an enlightening and fascinating watch that revisits this story through a combination of decades’ worth of film archives and interview materials. The Space Race is a compelling documentary movie that covers a lesser-known aspect of American history.
X2 (2003)
The early 2000s continued to be kind to one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic superhero teams with X2: X-Men United. Bryan Singer returned to the director’s chair for this sequel, telling a thrilling story that forces Professor Charles Xavier’s gifted students to team up with Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants to put an end to Colonel William Stryker’s genocidal plans.
The villain leads an onslaught on Xavier and his school of mutants in an attempt to reprogram the Professor’s tracking computer, Cerebro, to assassinate every known mutant on the planet systematically. As with the first movie in this series, X2: X-Men United was critically praised for balancing a well-rounded ensemble cast bolstered by commendable performances. Its engaging plot and impressive action set pieces further complemented what was one of the best superhero sequels of that decade.
X-Men (2000)
While fans are still waiting on the X-Men to make their proper MCU debut, the original 2000 live-action movie is still an entertaining watch. X-Men details how several of the iconic Marvel mutants joined Professor Charles Xavier (Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s Patrick Stewart) and his titular team while focusing particularly on Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Rogue (Anna Paquin).
Xavier and his mutant allies find themselves in the middle of a violent conflict with the more extreme Brotherhood of Mutants, led by Magneto (played by Ian McKellen). Director Bryan Singer’s X-Men is a nostalgic watch in the modern age, filled with action and a packed ensemble cast. It contains just the right amount of early 2000s campiness to be an engaging story even today.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
The beloved Harrison Ford closes out his tenure as the adventurous archeologist in director James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. In this final outing, Indy and his estranged goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) team up in a race against time to find a dangerous ancient artifact.
Nazi scientist Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) intends to uncover this mysterious tool to change the outcome of World War II. Though the movie had a comparatively lukewarm reception when looking at more celebrated features like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Dial of Destiny still shows why Ford succeeded in making the swashbuckling action hero a household name.
Deadpool (2016)
65%
8/10A spinoff X-Men movie from the Fox era of the franchise, director Tim Miller’s Deadpool was a surprise hit for the superhero genre. Led by the funny and charismatic Ryan Reynolds as the titular antihero, the movie follows the tragic origins of Wade Wilson and his relentless hunt for the man who ruined his life.
As tragic as his origins are, Deadpool seamlessly weaves in the character’s signature raunchy comedic edge from the comic book source material. The movie’s success further popularized the idea of R-rated superhero productions, with Reynolds’ casting proving to be a match made in heaven.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
66%
7.7/10Director David Leitch takes the reins for Deadpool 2, which sees the beloved Merc With a Mouth take on a wider array of threats from the X-Men universe. Wade forces the X-Force superhero team to help save a young mutant boy from a ruthless time-traveling soldier named Cable (Josh Brolin).
Overall, Deadpool 2 doubles down on the action and comedic elements that made the original such a hit, and it largely pays off. Reynolds’ performance as the foul-mouthed mercenary with a heart of gold is as charismatic as fans would hope, and his chemistry with Brolin’s Cable is effortlessly entertaining.
Logan (2017)
77%
8.1/10Perhaps one of the best superhero movies in general, director James Mangold brought to screen Wolverine’s best theatrical outing in Logan. Set in an alternate canon separate from the mainline X-Men movies, this gritty tale sees a punished and battered Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) and Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) in a post-apocalyptic countryside where mutants are vehemently persecuted, killed, and experimented on for nefarious purposes.
Along the way, the aged pair ends up defending a young mutant girl named Laura from the mutant-hunting Reavers. A masterful blend of the superhero, neo-noir, and Western film genres and bolstered by Oscar-worthy performances from Jackman and Stewart, Logan is one of the most impactful comic book movies since The Dark Knight.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
After an extended delay, James Gunn finally came back to put his finishing touch on the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy with Vol. 3. Set after the events of Avengers: Infinite War and Endgame, Quill and the rest of the misfit superhero crew are still dealing with the death of their timeline’s Gamora.
Now joined by an alternate version of Gamora introduced in Endgame, the Guardians take off on a mission to rescue Rocket Raccoon from the High Evolutionary (played by Chukwudi Iwuji), an alien cyborg scientist who seeks to create his twisted idea of a perfect society. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 has been praised for its relentlessly emotional approach and sendoff for this beloved team of underdog superheroes.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
In preparation for Harrison Ford’s last hurrah as Indiana Jones, Disney+ is adding the series’ beloved classics. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg, Raiders of the Lost Ark marks the debut of the fan-favorite adventurer trying to stop Nazi forces from securing a dangerous treasure.
The movie was revolutionary for its time, pushing the boundaries for action set pieces and the evolution of the pulpy adventure genre. Indiana Jones is still an iconic character, with the swashbuckling archeologist’s first theatrical outing holding up well even today.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Director Steven Spielberg followed up on the blockbuster hit that was Raiders with the solid Temple of Doom. The plot follows Harrison Ford’s treasure-hunting adventurer arriving in India to retrieve a mystical stone and stop a bloodthirsty cult. The local villagers are desperate for Indy’s help, as the Thugee cult indulges in ritual sacrifices, sacrifices, and blood magic.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was well-received for its intense new story and darker approach, though, it was more controversial in the ’80s for its comparatively bleak atmosphere to Raiders.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Once again helmed by Spielberg, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a strong finish to the original three movies. While Temple of Doom was technically a prequel to Raiders, Last Crusade moves the timeline forward as Indy travels around the world to rescue his missing father Henry Jones (played by Sean Connery).
Jones Sr. went missing on a hunt for the Holy Grail and was held hostage by Nazis. Temple of Doom retroactively received the positive reception it deserved, but Last Crusade does well to reintegrate the lighter, swashbuckling atmosphere of the first movie.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe built itself into a wildly lucrative property since 2008’s Iron Man. 11 years later, Avengers: Endgame was released to become a pop-culture phenomenon and the crossover event of the decade.
Reeling from the catastrophic events of Infinity War, the Avengers gather who remains to lead a final assault on the galactic conqueror Thanos. The Russo brothers managed to make Endgame a satisfying payoff to 11 years’ worth of mythos and cap off the Infinity Saga.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
One of the biggest comic book movie events in recent years, Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War is a jam-packed crossover event. The first in a two-part story with the sequel Endgame, Infinity War finally sees the cosmic threat Thanos — played menacingly by Josh Brolin — take his universe-wide fight to Earth and its mightiest heroes.
It delivers a long-awaited series of clashes and interactions between various heroes and villains, and is a major bright spot in the MCU’s catalog. Infinity War is constantly tense with action and revelations, setting the stage for this universe’s biggest narrative payoff.
Captain America: Civil War (2016)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Since the tragic passing of actor Chadwick Boseman, the sequel to Black Panther was always going to have a somber atmosphere about it. However, Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever succeeds in being a tasteful and touching tribute that advanced the story from this corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In the wake of King T’Challa’s death, the leaders of the nation need to rally together as Namor — the king of an ancient underwater civilization — leads an assault on Wakanda. Angela Bassett, in particular, leads the film with a commanding performance.
Return of the Jedi (1983)
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
65%
7.8/10Star Wars (1977)
90%
8.6/10Forty -five years ago this week, the original Star Wars hit theaters and changed the movies forever. It was subsequently given the “Episode 4: A New Hope” name, but to the first generation of fans, it all starts here. In a desperate bid to keep Darth Vader (David Prowse with James Earl Jones as Vader’s voice) from retrieving the plans for a super weapon called the Death Star, Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hides them with two droids. From there, destiny awaits a restless young man named Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), an exiled Jedi called Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), the Wookie Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and the scoundrel known as Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Even after all of these years, it’s still a rousing space adventure.
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
82%
8.7/10
