One of Disney Plus’ big selling points when it launched in 2019 was its vast back catalog of movies, yet its TV offering was unlikely to compete with the likes of Netflix. Nowadays, however, any selection of the best Disney Plus shows boasts an impressive array of animation, documentaries, superheroes, galaxies far, far away and more.
If you're a fan of Star Wars or Marvel, you're more likely to find the hottest new adventures on Disney Plus than on the big screen. As well as being among the best Disney Plus shows, the likes of The Mandalorian, Andor andWandaVision are just as important to their respective universes as movies – in other words, if you don't have Disney Plus, you're going to miss out on essential storytelling.
While Disney faced fan ire over the axing of highly-rated Disney Plus shows and movies including A Small Light and Togo, there's other highly-rated series to watch like Dopesick and the brand new Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Disney Plus also serves as a reliable option for younger viewing, especially with the latest addition of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which will no doubt pull in older viewers with its nostalgia factor.
This guide also includes shows that are on Hulu to give readers outside of the US a more comprehensive overview of what's available. Read on for our picks of the best Disney Plus shows you can stream today.
Best animated shows on Disney Plus
Futurama
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Seasons: 12 (available on Hulu in the US)
Main cast: Billy West, Katey Sagal, John DiMaggio, Tress MacNeille, Maurice LaMarche
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 86%
The second Matt Groening gem to appear on this list, Futurama, is just as entertaining. Honestly, I would love to live one day inside his brain because he consistently delivers absolute gems, who else would've devised the premise of a pizza delivery guy being frozen and re-awakening in the year 3000? This wacky look at the future is highly entertaining and there's some loveable characters that make this show so special. Fry encounters an obnoxious robot, a sassy one-eyed space pilot, and his great-great-great (recurring!) nephew Professor Farnsworth, who is now far older than he is. It's bonkers and brilliant.
The Simpsons
Seasons: 35
Main cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria
Age rating: TV-PG (US); PG (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 85%
As the longest-running show on this list and certainly one of the most iconic, The Simpsons continues to be a huge name. While it has, arguably, dipped in quality to the point I argued it should have died years ago its golden era is something I can watch time and time again. With endless quotable moments, hilarious satire, and heartwarming scenes in equal measure, The Simpsons will forever be my favourite animated comedy even if they really do need to throw in the towel. If you're a newcomer, seasons 1-12 are top tier!
What If...?
Seasons: 2 (season 3 on the way)
Main cast: Jeffrey Wright, Hayley Atwell, Benedict Cumberbatch, Samuel L. Jackson, Sebastian Stan
Age rating: 12+ (US); PG (UK), PG (AUS)
RT score: 89%
The first anthology on the list, What If...? boasts an impressive cast of 50 Marvel alumni reprising their roles in the first season, so this really is a collaborative piece and a love letter to the beloved franchise. Here, like the title suggests, we explore alternative timelines in which characters make very different choices. Across its nine-episode run, the show alters pivotal events to show worlds where Peggy Carter takes the super-soldier serum, T’Challa becomes Star-Lord instead of Peter Quill and most of Earth’s mightiest heroes become zombies. So you can expect a wide range of stories here! The third and final season lands on December 22.
X-Men: The Animated Series / X-Men 97
Seasons on Disney Plus: 5 (6 with X-Men 97)
RT score: 83% (critics); 90% (audience) and 99% (critics); 95% (audience)
Age rating: TV-Y8 / 6-plus (UK)
Arguably the TV show that set Marvel on its path to big screen dominance, this long-running ’90s cartoon was pioneering in the way it took the serialized storytelling of comic books to kids’ TV. It's loaded with familiar characters, is surprisingly complex, and delivers new takes on classic X-Men storylines. In short: it’s a true classic. X-Men 97, a long overdue sequel to the original series, is also available on Disney Plus and it's easily one of the best Disney Plus shows ever made. Read my spoiler-light thoughts on X-Men 97's first three episodes to see why. Oh, and then find out how to watch the X-Men movies in order to get the lowdown on every mutant-starring movie and TV series to date.
- Watch X-Men: The Animated Series on Disney Plus and/or stream X-Men 97 on Disney Plus
- Watch the X-Men: The Animated Series trailer and/or the X-Men 97 trailer
Best comedy shows on Disney Plus
Abbott Elementary
Seasons on Disney Plus: 3 (available on Disney Plus (3 seasons), Max (3 seasons), and Hulu (3 seasons) in the US
RT score: 99% (critics)
Age rating: TV-PG (US) / 12-plus (UK)
Abbott Elementary appeared out of nowhere and, without initially taking the world by storm, just seems to have that quintessential TV magic to become a hugely underrated (and award-winning) hit. The workplace comedy follows a group of dedicated teachers working in a Philadelphia-based public school. The odds are stacked against them, but their passion and drive keeps them going and ensured they give their pupils the best education possible. In my view, fans of mockumentaries and sitcoms, including The Office, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, and Derry Girls will want to give it a whirl.
• Watch Abbott Elementary on Disney Plus
• Watch Abbott Elementary's trailer on YouTube
Extraordinary
Seasons on Disney Plus: 2 (available on Hulu in the US)
RT score: 100% (critics)
Age rating: TV-MA (US) / 18-plus (UK)
Tired of the same old Marvel shows? Extraordinary may reignite your interest in the superhero genre. Set in a world where everyone develops a superpower at 18, Extraordinary follows Jen, a 25-year-old Londoner who's still waiting for her ability to manifest. Stuck in a dead-end job, Jen feels like there's no light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe, though, her superpower is just being the extra special kind of ordinary in a world of superpowered beings. It might not sound wholly inventive, but Extraordinary is the product of mixing Fleabag and The Boys (one of Prime Video's best series) together to create a highly enjoyable show. One I heartily recommend for anyone searching for an original take on the superhero field.
• Watch Extraordinary on Disney Plus
• Watch Extraordinary's trailer on YouTube
Modern Family
Seasons on Disney Plus: 11 (available on Peacock and Hulu in the US)
RT score: 85% (critics); 90% (audience)
Age rating: TV-PG (US) / 12-plus (UK)
Like many US sitcoms (including Friends), Modern Family has become a comedy classic since its original 2009 release. The series follows the lives of three diverse families who live in suburban Los Angeles, with the trio linked by their familial patriarch Jay Pritchett (played by Ed O'Neill). Sofia Vergara, Ty Burrell, Sarah Hyland, and Rico Rodriguez are among its notable cast members who have gone on to have solid careers in Hollywood. A multi-award-winning series that remains as popular (and funny) today as it was 15 years ago, Modern Family is a familiar take on the sitcom formula, but it's a show elevated by its fantastic and likeable cast, outlandishly sharp and witty storylines, and surprising lack of weak links narratively or cast-wise.
• Watch Modern Family on Disney Plus
• Watch the Modern Family trailer on YouTube
Best drama shows on Disney Plus
The Artful Dodger
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1 (available on Hulu in the US)
RT score: 92% (critics)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / 16-plus (UK)
A sequel to Charles Dickens’ legendary Oliver Twist novel, this Australian-made TV series has drawn a surprising amount of critical acclaim since last November. Thomas Brodie-Sangster (The Maze Runner, Game of Thrones) plays the titular character, aka Jack Dawkins, who’s turned his back on a life of crime to become a renowned young doctor in 1850s Australia. However, when Fagin – his former gang boss – resurfaces and coerces Jack to resume his former identity, Jack questions whether he can truly move on from his criminal past. With a genuinely enjoyable plot and character-driven moments, it's a roguish, fast-paced, and delightful period piece.
• Watch The Artful Dodger on Disney Plus
• Watch The Artful Dodger trailer on YouTube
Culprits
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1 (available on Hulu in the US)
RT score: 83% (critics)
Age rating: TV-MA (US) / 16-plus (UK)
Writer-director J. Blakeson (The Descent Part 2, I Care a Lot) delivers devilish thrills and captivating heist-based spills with Culprits, a crime-drama that quickly subverts expectations by slowly evolving into a stylish and slick sort-of-whodunit mystery. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Gemma Arterton lead a starry cast as Joe and Dianne, the heads of an elite criminal crew who, after successfully pulling off a high-stakes heist, suddenly find themselves being killed off one by one by a ruthless assassin. Eddie Izzard, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Niamh Algar are among its supporting players.
Fleishman is in Trouble
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1 (available on Hulu in the US)
RT score: 87% (critics)
Age rating: TV-MA (US) / 18-plus (UK)
Fleishman is in Trouble provides a fascinating insight into how single parents juggle their kids, dating, and their jobs – all the while wondering if they made the right decisions in life. Jesse Eisenberg plays Toby Fleishman, who's lumped with his kids when his ex-wife disappears without a trace. Facing the prospect of juggling his children, job, and burgeoning dating life (thanks to those pesky dating apps), Fleishman realizes he'll never figure out what happened to his former partner until he gets his own life in order. Led by another "I hate how much I love this character" style performance from Eisenberg, this is another home run from underrated studio FX.
• Watch Fleishman Is In Trouble on Disney Plus
• Watch Extraordinary's trailer on YouTube
Lost
Seasons on Disney Plus: 6 (available on Hulu in the US)
RT score: 86% (critics); 90% (audience)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / 16-plus (UK)
Few TV shows have cut through the cultural zeitgeist as much as Lost did in the early 2000s. The supernatural sci-fi drama series was the talk of the town for many years – and with good reason. Its elaborate overarching mystery, time travel aspects, and endearing, love-to-hate characters cemented it as the world's most popular TV show, and one I regularly watched until it got way too silly around its fourth season. Many people felt the same as I did, too. Lost's popularity waned in its latter seasons, while its finale left a lot to be desired. Few can argue against its cultural impact, though, and many observers (myself included) say it pioneered the type of serialized storytelling we see today. A worthy inclusion in our best Disney Plus shows list.
• Watch Lost's trailer on YouTube
Moving
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1 (available on Hulu in the US)
RT score: 100% (critics)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / 16-plus (UK)
Like The Boys and Extraordinary, Moving is a superhero-centric series with a twist. Based on Kang Full's webseries of the same name, this South Korean-developed show follows three teenagers (and their families) who discover they have superpowers. Rather than follow a similar, well-worn trajectory of Marvel and DC offerings, though, Moving tells an exciting, heartfelt, thematically dense, and relatable tale that just happens to include characters with superhuman abilities. It's proven so popular, it's become the most-streamed Korean show on a Disney-owned platform ever. No wonder we called it a brilliant Hulu and Disney Plus thriller akin to Squid Game.
The Patient
Seasons: 1 (available on Hulu in the US)
Main cast: Steve Carell, Domhnall Gleeson,
Age rating: TV-MA (US); 15 (UK)
RT score: 89%
Steve Carell is one of my favorite actors of all time. When he's not playing the brilliantly awkward Michael Scott in The Office, he does a full 180 and delivers the most emotionally charged, heartbreaking performances. The latter is certainly true when it comes to The Patient, a series that gripped me from start to finish. Here, Carell's therapist character Alan Strauss is kidnapped by one of his patients, Sam Fortner (Domhnall Gleeson), who admits he's a serial killer. The result is a tense drama where Alan must try to reason with his patient, saving his own life in the process. The series focuses primarily on these two men, and it's a nail-biter.
Reservation Dogs
Seasons on Disney Plus: 3 (available on Hulu in the US, and Binge/Foxtel in Australia)
RT score: 99% (critics)
Age rating: TV-MA (US) / 18-plus (UK)
Created by filmmakers Sterlin Harjo (Mekko) and Taika Waititi (What We Do In The Shadows, Thor: Love and Thunder), Reservation Dogs tells the story of a group of bored teenagers living in a small town in the Muscogee Nation in rural Oklahoma. They're desperate to escape and go to great lengths to fund a move to California, including both committing and fighting crime. I found Reservation Dogs to not only be a terrific TV show, but also one that set a new precedent by being made almost entirely by – and starring – an Native American team. Subsequently, the praise it's earned for its storytelling, excellent casting, and the way it deals with grief and life as a young Indigenous person is deserved.
• Watch Reservation Dogs on Disney Plus
• Watch the Reservation Dogs trailer on YouTube
The Bear
Seasons: 3
Main cast: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce
Age rating: TV-MA (US); 15 (UK); M (AUS)
RT score: 96%
The Bear is difficult to define, being billed as both a drama with comedy and psychological elements. The result is one of the most stressful shows of all time but it's absolutely worth it! Here, Jeremy Allen White plays Carmy, a young chef from the fine dining world who returns to Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop. While there, he must adjust to a very different environment, including the soul-crushing reality of running a small business. Yes, chef! Corner!
Sons of Anarchy
Seasons: 7 (available on Hulu in the US)
Main cast: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Tommy Flanagan, Ron Perlman
Age rating: TV-MA (US); 15 (UK); M (AUS)
RT score: 87%
Sons of Anarchy is one of the coolest shows of all time. It's gripping, gritty, emotional, the list goes on. If the stellar cast list isn't enough to convince you, then perhaps the plot will. The series focuses on Jax, who is struggling to balance fatherhood with his responsibilities within an outlaw motorcycle club. There's some really heavy themes going on here, at times it's a lot, but it's 7 seasons of pure goodness with a killer soundtrack to match. What's not to love?
Shardlake
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1 (available on Hulu in the US)
RT score: 81% (critics)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / 12-plus (UK)
Based on the late C.J. Sansom's Tudor era-set mystery novels, Shardlake stars Arthur Hughes as Matthew Shardlake, a honorable but physically handicapped lawyer who investigates a Scarnsea monastery-based murder on behalf of Henry VIII's all-powerful right-hand man Oliver Cromwell (Sean Bean). A suspense-riddled mystery thriller, Shardlake has earned plenty of acclaim from fans and critics alike. Think of it as a 15th century Game of Thrones (minus any dragons, black magic, and other fantasy elements), and you'll get the gist. Its first season only comprises four episodes, so it's easy to stream it over one weekend, too.
Only Murders in the Building
Seasons: 4 (available on Hulu in the US)
Main cast: Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 97%
Only Murders in the Building is a total gem. In this mystery drama series, three very different neighbours team up after a chance encounter sees them bonding over true crime. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and gets to work carrying out their own investigation. The first season was so well received it has come back for three more, each with a different case for these three to solve. It's gripping, funny and heartwarming in equal measure.
- Watch Only Murders in the Building on Disney Plus
- Watch Only Murders in the Building trailer on YouTube
Dopesick
Seasons: 1 (available on Hulu in the US)
Main cast: Michael Keaton, Kaitlyn Dever, Peter Sarsgaard, and Will Poulter
Age rating: TV-MA (US); 15 (UK); N/A (AUS)
RT score: 89%
Adapted from Beth Macy's book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America, Dopesick explores America's struggle with opioid addiction from multiple angles – from the boardrooms of Purdue Pharma to a Virginia mining town and the hallways of the DEA. Dopesick is a gripping, yet harrowing portrayal of the people impacted by the OxyContin opioid addiction with captivating performances from the star-studded cast. It made me feel angry, yet full of praise for the series at raising awareness of such a big issue that impacted the US.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Seasons: 7 (available on Hulu in the US)
Main cast: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendon, Anthony Head
Age rating: TV-PG (US); 15 (UK); N/A (AUS)
RT score: 85%
I’ve been a huge Buffy fan since I first watched it at 16, and it still sits on top as my favorite TV show of all time. A cult classic from the late ‘90s, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is more than a show about the destiny of a young fighter of vampires, demons, and dark forces, but it chronicles the spiritual and moral growth of a close-knit group of friends from high school into young adulthood. It’s one of the very few shows I’ve watched that resonates the most with me - even if its storylines and supernatural creatures are completely unrealistic!
Best docuseries on Disney Plus
Welcome to Wrexham
Seasons: 3 (available on Hulu in the US)
Main cast: Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney, Paul Mullin
Age rating: TV-MA (US); 15 (UK); MA (AUS)
RT score: 94%
I promise you don't even need to be a football fan to enjoy this. There's something nice about watching a small town club grow, meeting the locals and seeing how two Hollywood stars interact with them all. Welcome to Wrexham is a triumph and it's so easy to become invested in the lives of the players, staff and of course, the fans who work tirelessly to support them.
Light & Magic
Seasons: 1
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 100%
This brilliant six-part documentary reveals how Industrial Light & Magic, the company George Lucas founded to create visuals for Star Wars, became the most celebrated VFX house on the planet. Director Lawrence Kasdan (screenwriter of both The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark) assembles most of the key players to reminisce, while the impressive behind-the-scenes footage is the ultimate nostalgia rush. Mostly, however, it’s a celebration of a group of people who came together to repeatedly achieve the impossible – for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking, it’s inspiring stuff.
The Beatles: Get Back
Seasons: 1
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 93%
The Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson dives into the footage recorded for 1970 Beatles doc Let it Be, and the result is a stunning portrait of John, Paul, George and Ringo at work. Presented without narration (occasional title cards provide context), it’s nominally the story of sessions that culminated in the band’s famous final rooftop gig, but mostly this meandering three-part series makes you feel like you’ve been given an access all areas pass to watch the most famous band in history do their thing. And thanks to extensive clean-up work, Get Back looks and sounds like it was recorded yesterday.
The Imagineering Story
Seasons: 1
Age rating: TV-PG (US); PG (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 100%
If you're a Disney fan, there's a chance you also like the Disney Parks. Well you're in luck, because The Imagineering Story which delves into the history of the beloved theme parks and the work that went into bringing them to life. The name comes from the affectionate title given to all the artists, designers, engineers and more who have worked to create all the rides and locations you know and love, called "Imagineers". There's another similar documentary called Behind the Attraction which focuses on individual rides and how they came about. Check out The Tower of Terror - my personal favourite!
Best fantasy shows on Disney Plus
Agatha All Along
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1
RT score: 84% (critics)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / 14-plus (UK)
After the stunning WandaVision, Disney Plus' series about the iconic Agatha Harkness came as a welcome surprise to fans. Admittedly, a lot of us wondered if we needed the series at all, but it's delighted fans all over the world. In fact, our Senior Entertainment Reporter Tom Power said in his review that Agatha All Along magically mocks the 'who asked for this?' brigade, so that's us told eh! It's always nice to see a darker entry into the franchise, especially one that plays on horror elements, so it's easy to see why Agatha All Along was so popular and is more than worthy of a spot on this list.
Moon Knight
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1
RT score: 86% (critics)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / 16-plus (UK)
If anyone tries to argue that Marvel projects are too similar in tone, Moon Knight is the dark, brooding counterpoint. Where most superheroes have a single alter-ego, the eponymous hero has at least two, because mercenary Marc Spector (the ever-excellent Oscar Isaac) has dissociative identity disorder (DID). Spector’s condition is handled with sensitivity, alongside a creepy plot about feuding ancient Egyptian gods. Ethan Hawke proves to be one of the best Marvel villains as the power-hungry Arthur Harrow, and Amadeus Oscar-winner F. Murray Abraham has a ball as the voice of Khonshu, the deity who supplies Moon Knight’s powers. It's a funny, mind-bending, and heart-wrenching limited series – and certainly one of the best Disney Plus shows, in my view. Learn more about why that's the case in my Moon Knight review.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1
RT score: 92% (critics)
Age rating: TV-PG (US) / (12-plus (UK)
After Percy Jackson’s early 2010 movie adaptations bombed at the box office – the films "just didn’t resonate" with audiences, the book series’ creator told TechRadar – the fan-favorite demi-god has earned a new lease of life on Disney Plus. Based on the beloved teen fantasy novels, Percy Jackson and the Olympians tells the tale of, well, Percy Jackson, who learns he’s the son of Greek god Zeus and embarks on a quest to retrieve his father’s lightning bolt, which Percy is believed to have stolen, and restore order to Olympus. We weren't as enthused as others about this TV adaptation, with our reviewer suggesting Percy Jackson and the Olympians isn’t a Greek tragedy or a god-tier Disney Plus series. Given we’re in the minority, though, it deserves a spot on this list. It landed a season 2 renewal after its storming Disney Plus success, too.
Renegade Nell
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1
RT score: 87% (critics)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / (12-plus (UK)
Set in a fantasy version of 18th century England, Renegade Nell stars Derry Girls' Louisa Harland as the titular character, who's framed for murder and decides to embrace her criminality by becoming the most-feared highwaywoman in the country. Oh, and she does with the aid of a magical sprite named Billy Blind (voiced by Ted Lasso's Nick Mohammed, who imbues her with magical abilities. Released with little fanfare, Renegade Nell has quietly gone about its business as one of the best Disney Plus shows of 2024. It's a fun, breezy, tween-inspired series that's certainly worth viewing if you want something easy and entertaining to stream.
Shōgun
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1 (available on Hulu in the US)
RT score: 99% (critics); 91% (audience)
Age rating: TV-MA (US) / 18-plus (UK)
A TV adaptation that captures the beauty, tribe-filled drama, and hyperviolence of Feudal Japan, FX's expensive but stunning live-action take on James Clavell's best-selling novel of the same name is Succession meets Game of Thrones wrapped up in 16th century clothing. There are many reasons why Shogun is not among the best Disney Plus shows ever made, but also a record-breaking FX series. I could wax lyrical about them here, but my spoiler-light Shogun opinion piece does a much better job of explaining why. Once you're done streaming it, continue your history-inspired streaming adventure with these three other Shogun-like hit shows. A second season is also in development.
• Watch Shogun trailer on YouTube
Best kids shows on Disney Plus
Bluey
Seasons: 3
Main cast: Dave McCormack, Melanie Zanetti
Age rating: 0+ (US); U (UK); U (AUS)
RT score: 90%
Don't let the family friendly vibes put you off, Bluey is thoroughly entertaining even when you're 29 and don't have kids (source: me). I would also assume it's a great choice if you do have kids, as you can easily watch several episodes without getting a headache. You're welcome. In all seriousness, though, it really is a delightful series and tackles some big topics in a smart, age-appropriate way. Bluey and Bingo are two mischevious young dogs who get up to all sorts of adventures, big and small, while their parents Bandit and Chilli deliver equal amounts of laughs. It's a show with huge heart, lovingly made in Australia, and there's even a few tear-jerking moments too!
Big City Greens
Seasons: 4
Main cast: Chris Houghton, Marieve Herington, Bob Joles, Artemis Pebdani, Zeno Robinson
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); U (AUS)
RT score: 86%
If you've ever moved from a small town to a big city, you'll know how overwhelming that experience can be. This is the crux of Big City Greens, and it explores themes of navigating a strange new world in a playful way. It's offbeat, slice of life, and very charming. If you can't get enough, there's also some Big City Greens shorts to sink your teeth into.
Cars on the Road
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1
RT score: 93% (critics)
Age rating: TV-G (US) / 6-plus (UK)
A TV sequel to the Cars film franchise, Cars on the Road stars everyone's favorite animated automobiles – Lightning McQueen and Mater – as they embark on a cross-country trip to attend the wedding of Mater's sister. Cars on the Road isn't the first Pixar TV show we expected to see, especially as the movies vary in quality. However, with the movie's voice acting cast returning to reprise their roles, dollops of laugh-out-loud humor, and its classic buddy road trip vibes, this is one kids-oriented series we can get behind. My nephew loves it so, for that reason alone, I had to include it on our best Disney Plus shows list.
• Watch Cars on the Road on Disney Plus
• Watch the Cars on the Road trailer
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Seasons on Disney Plus: 2
RT score: 100% (critics); 26% (audience)
Age rating: TV-PG (US) / 9-plus (UK)
A soft reboot of the early 2000s cult classic, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is an animated coming-of-age sitcom that the whole family can enjoy. It follows 14-year-old Penny Proud and her family as they navigate various challenges in their daily lives, including high school, the workplace, familial disputes, and generally getting into trouble. Critics have praised its never-miss-a-beat dialog and humor, colorful colloquialisms, and engaging life lessons that any viewer can take something from. Despite what its RT audience ratings suggests, I guess it's better than it looks
- Watch The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder on Disney Plus
- Watch The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder trailer
Gravity Falls
Seasons: 2
Main cast: Jason Ritter, Kristen Schaal, Alex Hirsch, Linda Cardellini, J. K. Simmons
Age rating: 0+ (US); U (UK); U (AUS)
RT score: 100%
Though it's short with only two seasons, Gravity Falls is still one of the best animated shows Disney Plus has to offer. Here, twin siblings Dipper and Mabel spend the summer with their great-uncle Stan in the mysterious town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, and plenty of misadventures follow. It's worth watching for Waddles, Mabel's pet pig alone, who steals the show in my humble opinion because what's an animated show without an adorable animal sidekick? This is one you can revisit again and again - it never seems to get old. If you can't get enough, there's also 5 minute Gravity Falls shorts exclusively available on Disney Plus.
Phineas and Ferb
Seasons: 4
Main cast: Vincent Martella, Thomas Sangster, Richard O'Brien, Mitchel Musso
Age rating: 0+ (US); U (UK); U (AUS)
RT score: 89%
Phineas and Ferb is an absolute blast. With a soundtrack by Texas rock band Bowling For Soup (who also star as a fictional band in the series), the many iconic adventures of secret spy Perry the Platypus, and great recurring gags including meddling sisters, this is an ideal easy watch that's fun for the whole family. I'm still watching this one as I rapidly approach 30, so you're never too old for a bit of Phineas and Ferb. I'm not judging!
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place
Seasons: 1
Main cast: David Henrie, Mimi Gianopulos, Janice LeAnn Brown, Alkaio Thiele
Age rating: TV-G (US); G (UK); G (AUS)
RT score: 100%
Wizards Beyond Waverly Place is one of the most-watched shows on Disney Plus right now, and I can only pin its popularity down to people like me who were obsessed with the original show from Disney Channel’s prime days. Now well into adulthood, Justin Russo (David Henrie) has a family of his own and is reacquainted with his magical past when his sister Alex (Selena Gomez) presents him with a young wizard student who’s their only chance at saving the world from an impending evil threat. When it comes to reboots of Disney Channel classics, it’s very easy for them to fall flat, but for Wizards it honors the same silly humor and characterizations as well as adopting a similar premise for its story.
- Watch Wizards Beyond Waverly Place on Disney Plus
- Watch the Wizards Beyond Waverly Place trailer on YouTube
Best sci-fi shows on Disney Plus
Skeleton Crew
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1
RT score: 94% (critics)
Age rating: TV-PG (US) / 12-plus (UK)
Skeleton Crew is the latest Star Wars series to hit Disney Plus and two episodes in, our Senior Entertainment Reporter Tom Power already called it "one of the best Disney Plus shows of 2024" in his review so naturally, it's going in here! After watching it for myself, I can attest it is a really fun entry into the Star Wars franchise with big names like Jude Law and Nick Frost alongside some great up and coming child stars who really make a great impression as they go off on an adventure to get back home.
Alias
Seasons on Disney Plus: 5 (also available on Sky/Channel 4 in the UK)
RT score: 86% (critics)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / 16-plus (UK)
Alias was the show that put JJ Abrams on the map. Lost might have been more popular and Felicity was his first real foray into TV, but this sci-fi spy thriller made many people take notice of him. Jennifer Garner stars as Sydney Bristow, a CIA-based double agent who poses as an operative for the SD-6, a global criminal organization. Assuming multiple identities and personalities, Bristow must stay one step ahead of those she pursues, all the while keeping her job secret from her friends and family. Like other Abrams-developed series, its plot can sometimes collapse in on itself and some seasons are stronger than others. But, with dazzling action set-pieces, solid writing across the board, and fantastically believable characters, Alias is a sharp-shooting sci-fi series that I believe new viewers will enjoy.
• Watch Alias on Disney Plus now
• Watch Alias trailer on YouTube
Andor
Seasons: 1
Main cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn Hahn, Kat Dennings
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 96%
Undoubtedly the best of the Star Wars TV shows and arguably the highlight of Lucasfilm’s entire Disney era output, Andor reveals a side of George Lucas’s universe we’ve never seen before. Diego Luna's Cassian Andor (one of the doomed heroes in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) may be the title character, but showrunner Tony Gilroy expands the scope of this prequel series so much further, creating a complex, morally ambiguous exploration of the Rebel Alliance’s origins. With a synth-heavy, Blade Runner-esque score and cinematography that owes as much to the Bourne movies as Star Wars, this is sophisticated, adult-focused drama that just happens to be set in a galaxy far, away. The already-announced second season can’t come soon enough.
Daredevil
Seasons: 3
Main cast: Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Toby Leonard Moore, Vondie Curtis-Hall
Age rating: TV-MA (US); 15 (UK), M (AUS)
RT score: 92%
Long before Disney Plus existed, Marvel’s now-defunct television division signed a deal with Netflix to make street-level superhero shows, which eventually found their way onto Disney Plus in 2022. Of that contingent, Daredevil is unquestionably the best. Charlie Cox is brilliant as Matt Murdock, the blind criminal lawyer who lives a double life, striving to clean up his Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood as the titular costumed vigilante. Meanwhile, Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk/Kingpin proves to be the ideal nemesis, a villain who can be menacing without the need for superpowers. Thanks to Spider-Man: No Way Home, She-Hulk, and Echo, Netflix's Daredevil is officially canon in the MCU. He's also getting his own MCU TV show – Daredevil: Born Again – as part of Marvel Phase 5 in Match 2025, which picks up events from the Netflix series. Cox and D'Onofrio will star in it, and I simply can't wait.
Hawkeye
Seasons: 1
Main cast: Jeremy Renner, Hailee Steinfeld, Tony Dalton, Fra Fee
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK), PG (AUS)
RT score: 92%
It's one of the highest-rated Marvel shows for a reason. Hawkeye is my favourite of the Disney Plus Marvel offerings (with WandaVision a close second... more on that later). It's nice to finally see Clint Barton aka the titular Hawkeye getting more attention, having previously been sidelined by bigger heroes such as Captain America. Here, Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye reluctantly comes out of retirement and teams up with eager protégé Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), confronting enemies from his past to be with his family in time for Christmas. There are some excellent villains too as Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk appears, having previously made his brilliant debut in Daredevil. Read Tom Power's Hawkeye interview-led feature that finds out why it was such a subversive street-level series for Marvel to tackle).
Loki
Seasons: 2
Main cast: Tom Hiddleston, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Wunmi Mosaku, Eugene Cordero, Tara Strong Owen Wilson, Sophia Di Martino
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); PG (Aus)
RT score: 87% (critics)
One of the MCU's most popular villains/antiheroes embarks on his own adventure in Loki, which sees Thor’s brother taken into custody by the Time Variance Authority – a bureaucratic organization on a mission to keep history playing out as it should. Mixing elements of Doctor Who with a mismatched cop comedy – Loki’s double act with Owen Wilson’s Agent Mobius is wonderful – it takes the MCU to places it’s never been before. Loki season 2 expands on the narrative and character development of its predecessor, too, as well as setting up potentially big multiverse story threads to come. Read my thoughts on Loki season 1 and Loki season 2 review to find out why I enjoyed the series so much. Loki season 2's ending all-but-confirmed its two and done for the trickster god's standalone series. If this is the end of his titanic MCU career (we hope the sun will shine on him again), it's a devastatingly brilliant and poignant way for actor Tom Hiddleston to bow out.
The Mandalorian
Seasons: 3
Main cast: Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Werner Herzog, Taika Waititi, Giancarlo Esposito
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 90%
The Mandalorian was Disney Plus' first major hit, so it deservedly takes a place in our best Disney Plus shows article. Iron Man director Jon Favreau created this series, which stars Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, The Last of Us) as a mysterious bounty hunter wearing a box-of-tricks suit of armor, who forms an unlikely bond with a kid who looks a lot like Yoda. The show's second season is particularly strong, offering high-end fan service alongside terrific new Star Wars stories. Spin-off The Book of Boba Fett was comparatively disappointing, but The Mandalorian season 3 mostly thrilled me once more, even though it's a slower and slightly more divisive entry (in my opinion) compared to its predecessors. Rather than getting The Mandalorian season 4, Mando and Grogu are jetting off to the big screen, with a movie titled The Mandalorian & Grogu entering full production this year. Season 3, then, could mark the end of their largely super TV show.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Seasons on Disney Plus: 1
RT score: 82% (critics); 61% (audience)
Age rating: TV-14 (US) / 12-plus (UK)
Ewan McGregor returns as the titular Jedi Master in a six-part miniseries that bridges the gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope (if you need to a full timeline rundown, find out how to watch the Star Wars movies in order). A decade after abandoning Anakin Skywalker on Mustafar, Obi-Wan Kenobi finds the titular character utterly broken, hiding from the Empire while keeping a distant but watchful eye on the young Luke Skywalker. However, when a certain princess is kidnapped by sinister forces, he’s reluctantly drawn back into the fight, gradually rediscovering his mojo on his way to a rematch with his former apprentice, aka Darth Vader. Star Wars purists may bemoan that the show stretches canon almost to breaking point, and I don't think it makes full use of its clearly talented cast. Still, McGregor gets way more to do than in the prequels and Obi-Wan's two showdowns with Vader are a dream. Read my chat with its cast and crew to learn how Obi-Wan Kenobi redeems Star Wars' inconsistent past, too.
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Seasons: 1
Main cast: Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Wyatt Russell, Erin Kellyman, Danny Ramirez
Age rating: TV-14 (US); 12 (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 85% (critics)
Marvel fan favorites Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) team up in the turbulent aftermath of Avengers: Endgame. Yes, it's set after that iconic finger snap, and all the people who had disappeared make a dramatic return. Ultimately, Falcon and the Winter Soldier are a mismatched duo and a thoroughly entertaining watch, filled with big fights and even bigger villains. The series picks up six months after Sam Wilson was handed the mantle of Captain America, and teams up with Bucky Barnes to stop anti-patriots who believe the world was better during the Blip. This is a must watch for devoted fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it shares continuity with the films of the franchise so think of it like you're getting a bit extra.
WandaVision
Seasons: 1
Main cast: Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Kathryn Hahn, Kat Dennings
Age rating: TV-PG (US); PG (UK); PG (AUS)
RT score: 92%
The first Marvel Cinematic Universe TV show also happens to be one of the best. WandaVision is as much a love letter to sitcoms as it is an essential part of the superhero lore. Here, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) are back and loved up as ever, but something's not quite right. We get a glimpse of their romance through the lens of different eras including the 50s, 70s, and 80s. It ends up being a beautiful exploration of grief, and you'll need tissues by the end of it.
How we choose the best Disney Plus shows
Wondering why you're seeing Hulu shows in this list when we have a separate best Hulu shows guide for US readers? This is a global guide that considers what's available in the UK and Australia. If you're in the US, it's worth nothing that we recommend signing up for both Disney Plus and Hulu if you're considering getting access to Disney's on-demand services because after testing the biggest paid-for services available, it's the bundled service that's the best streaming services for TV shows around.
We've also updated our criteria to be the same across all our streaming guides on TechRadar, which means that shows with a Rotten Tomatoes (RT) score lower than 80% from the critics won't be included here. Although, a series doesn't just have to be rated highly to earn a place on this list.
In addition to having an RT critics rating of 80% or above, the series has to be recommended by one of the members of the streaming team, which includes Matthew Bolton, Amelia Schwanke, Tom Power, Lucy Buglass and Grace Morris. This guide has also been broken up into sections relating to which genre a show most fits into to help you find something new to watch.
