Tom Power, senior entertainment reporter
It's finally happened. After a long, film-based drought, there are new Disney Plus movies – Young Woman and the Sea and Descendants: The Rise of Red – to watch on one of the world's leading streaming platforms. Celebrations all round, we say!
After a month-long drought, new Disney Plus movies have finally been released on the streaming titan. That's right, there are multiple (and, by that, I mean two) new movies to watch on Disney Plus in Young Woman and the Sea and Descendants: The Rise of Red. The duo cater to different audiences, too, so adults and kids alike can enjoy some new entertainment far on one of the world's best streaming services.
If neither of those sound like your idea of a good time, you're best reading TechRadar's best Disney Plus movies article, which contains plenty of options from the biggest Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar flicks, to a fair few underrated gems. Bookmark that page for later, though, and dive in to learn about all *ahem* three new Disney Plus movies that have arrived since mid-June.
New Disney Plus movies: July
Young Woman and the Sea
Release date: July 19
Runtime: 129 minutes
Age rating: PG (US) / 9-plus (UK)
Director: Joachim Ronning
Cast: Daisy Ridley, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Stephen Graham, Kim Bodnia, Jeanette Hain, and Christopher Eccleston
Rotten Tomatoes (RT) score: 87% (critics); 98% (audiences)
One of the best new Disney Plus movies for a long time, this Ridley-starring period drama tells the remarkable story of Getrude 'Trudy' Ederle, who became the first woman to attempt to swim all 21 miles of the English Channel and, if successful, cement her name in the history books.
From from Young Woman and the Sea to be a dramatic flick about never giving up on your dreams, it's also a masterfully-created and beautifully shot movie that shines a light on female empowerment and the shameful marginalization of immigrants – themes that are as relevant today as they were in 1905, i.e. when this film is set.
Watch Young Woman and the Sea on Disney Plus.
Descendants: The Rise of Red
Release date: July 12 (US only)
Runtime: 95 minutes
Age rating: G (US)
Director: Jennifer Phang
Cast: Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Brandy Norwood, Rita Ora, and China Anne McClain
RT score: 50% (critics); 46% (audiences)
Helmed by Foundation directing alumnus Jennifer Phang, the fourth entry in Disney's Descendants film franchise looks to continue the series' long tradition of telling magical musical fantasy-fuelled tales, regardless of how well they're received (or, in this instance, how well they aren't).
The Rise of Red sees Cantrall star as, well, Red, the rebellious daughter of the tyrannical Queen of Hearts from Wonderland, who receives an invitation to study at the prestigious school known as Auradon Prep. Unsurprisingly, many music-themed hijinks ensue.
One of July's new Disney Plus movies that wasn't acclaimed by fans or critics, Descendants: The Rise of Red nonetheless became the most-streamed Disney Branded Television film of all-time, with 6.7 million people tuning in to watch it in its first three days on the platform. Unless you were one of those individuals, though I'd steer clear of this one as, frankly, it doesn't sound too entertaining.
Watch Descendants: The Rise of Red on Disney Plus.
New Disney Plus movies: June
Tomorrowland
Release date: June 10
Runtime: 131 minutes
Age rating: PG-13 (US) / 12-plus (UK)
Director: Brad Bird
Cast: George Clooney, Shiloh Nelson, Hugh Laurie, Britt Robertson, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, and Keegan-Michael Key among others
RT score: 50% (critics); 50% (audiences)
With an all-star cast led by the charismatic Clooney and Brad Bird, director of The Incredibles (one of the best Pixar movies), involved in its development, Tomorrowland should've been a bigger hit than it was. As its RT scores suggest, though, you couldn't find a more bang average film.
Originally titled 1952 before being renamed after the Disney theme park ride of the same name, Tomorrowland sees Clooney and Nelson star as Frank and Casey, a disillusioned inventor and an enthusiastic teen with a penchant for science, team up to explore an alternate dimension. In this realm, the duo realize their actions affect their own world – which, if you ask us, doesn't sound like something you'd want to mess with. A visually stunning film that's weighed down by shoddy storytelling and thematic exploration that's been done better elsewhere.
Watch Tomorrowland on Disney Plus.
New Disney Plus movies: coming soon
The new Disney Plus movies drought might have ended recently, but another one could be on the horizon. That's because, as of July 19, Disney hasn't confirmed when any other films will make their way onto its primary streaming service.
Hopefully, the entertainment behemoth will reveal what's coming to Disney Plus in August very soon, so we might learn whether a new film or two will be viewable next month in the near future. Once we know more, we'll update this guide.
Not up for a movie? Try our pick of the best Disney Plus shows, see if there's a free Disney Plus trial available, read our Disney Plus review, or get the lowdown on the new Disney Plus price points.
