Disney Plus is known for family-friendly movies, but they have films for adults too! These are the best movies on Disney Plus for adults!
When people think of Disney Plus, they typically think of all the movies for kids. Like the Disney Classics they grew up with. But Disney Plus also has a lot of great movies meant for adults as well. These are some of the best movies on Disney Plus for adults.
Check out my list of Disney Plus shows for adults too! There is a lot of great series available!
Marvel Movies on Disney Plus
Disney Plus is home to *almost* the entire collection of Marvel movies. That includes movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the X-Men, and the Fantastic 4. These movies are all rated PG-13 and are typically geared more toward adults. But they are superhero movies, so they also appeal to children. However, there are 3 Marvel movies that stand out. They are the only movies on Disney Plus that are rated R.
Logan
This apocalyptic movie stars Hugh Jackman as Logan, aka Wolverine. He cares for an aging Professor X in the desert. They are a few of the last surviving mutants. When they discover a young girl, Logan takes it upon himself to protect her.
This movie is rated R because it is violent. It takes a more realistic and gruesome route with violence than most comic book movies. It’s as if John Wick had claws. It also has a beautiful story.
Deadpool and Deadpool 2
The other 2 rated R films on Disney Plus are Deadpool and Deadpool 2. Deadpool is rated R due to violence, strong language, and adult humor. The adult humor makes it appealing to many that aren’t comic movie fans. Deadpool 3 is in the works and will also be rated R.
Deadpool is about Wade Wilson, former Special Ops turned mercenary. He is experimented on by an evil scientist. These experiments leave him disfigured and with the ability to heal rapidly. The powers make him nearly indestructible.
The New Mutants
The New Mutants is rated PG-13, Marvel, and isn’t nearly as popular as Logan or Deadpool. But I included it because it is one of the few films on Disney Plus categorized as a Horror movie.
It is an X-Men spinoff movie about five teenage Mutants. They undergo treatments to cure themselves of their powers. But in the process, it becomes apparent that they are in danger.
Drama Movies on Disney Plus for Adults
While You Were Sleeping
This is a classic rom-com starring Sandra Bullock. Her character, Lucy, saves her crush from being hit by a train. While he’s in the hospital in a coma she pretends to be his fiance. The movie is PG, but it premiered in 1995. The references and stars of the movie definitely make it fitting for an older audience.
Dan in Real Life
Steve Carrell plays Dan. He is a widower struggling to raise three daughters alone. While visiting his family, he flirts with a woman at the local bookstore. But later he discovers that the woman he’s falling for is his brother’s girlfriend.
Drum Line
This coming-of-age teen drama stars Nick Cannon and Zoe Saldana. Cannon plays Devon, a freshman drummer for a university drumline. He is often at odds with his fellow drummers and struggles to follow the rules. But he has to overcome himself to help save his drumline.
Ever After
A retelling of Cinderella starring Drew Barrymore and Anjelica Huston. This movie is beautiful and heartbreaking. Definitely a little bit more of a grownup retelling of the classic fairytale. Drew Barrymore recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the film with some of her costars. They all wore costumes from the movie. My millennial heart was so happy to see it!
West Side Story
West Side Story is an award-winning musical inspired by Romeo and Juliet. The musical debuted in the late 1950’s and was turned into a film in 1961. The story takes place in the West Side of New York City where two rival gangs compete for territory. The gangs are the Jets, the white, blue-collar side of the neighborhood, and the Sharks, made up of Puerto Rican immigrants. Against all odds, Tony (a former Jet) and Maria (the younger sister of the Sharks’ leader) fall in love.
Steven Spielberg remade the movie again in 2021. That is the version available on Disney Plus. The movie is definitely geared toward an older audience because it deals with racism, gang violence, sexual assault, and murder.
Other Movies for Adults on Disney Plus
Hamilton
Lin Manuel Miranda’s cultural phenomenon, Hamilton, is the story of the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. Alexander Hamilton’s story is told in musical form. The music is heavily influenced by hip-hop and contains a lot of rap. This unique musical style led to immense popularity. There is a film version of one of the performances available on Disney Plus.
Free Guy
Free Guy is the story of a video game background character, Guy. He becomes self-aware and decides to rewrite his story in the game. He wants to play the hero. So he embarks on an adventure to save the day. Ryan Reynold plays Guy, so the movie is full of his signature sarcastic humor. Plus a few fun cameos.
Red Tails
During World War II, the American Army recruited 13 black men to train as fighter pilots. These men became known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The first black airmen in the US Armed Forces. This movie tells the inspiring story of how they defied racist beliefs to become legends.
The Princess Bride
Inconceivable! The Princess Bride is a 1987 cult classic. Either you love it, or you hate it.
It’s about a young woman, Buttercup, that falls in love with a farmhand named Wesley. After a long separation, their paths cross again. But they must fight to stay together. The story is narrated by a grandfather, reading the book to his grandson, Fred Savage. The movie is romantic and funny.
National Geographic Documentary Movies for Adults on Disney Plus
Free Solo
This documentary follows rock climber Alex Honnold as he prepares for a climb. He wants to be the first to climb El Capitan in Yosemite National Park free solo.
The Rescue
A documentary about the Tham Luang cave rescue of 2018. Twelve boys and their soccer coach were exploring caves after practice. Heavy rain hit and flooded the caves. They remained trapped for days in the now underwater cave.
We Feed People
A film about Jose Andres and his nonprofit, World Central Kitchen. Andres has two Michelin stars and is a famous chef. He founded World Central Kitchen in 2010. It became well-known in 2017 thanks to Andres’ efforts to help the people of Puerto Rico following the devastation of Hurricane Maria.
Akashinga – The Brave Ones
The Akashinga is an all-female anti-poaching unit. They are changing the way animals are protected in Zimbabwe. They were founded in 2017 and have captured hundreds of poachers.
Mafia Confidential
A crime documentary about a mafia leader apprehended after evading custody for 23 years.
Music Documentary Movies on Disney Plus for Adults
Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation
A documentary about Miley Cyrus, her music, and the process of getting where she is today. She also performs several songs from her album, Endless Summer Vacation.
Black is King
Black is King is a visual album written, directed, and produced by Beyonce. It is a reimagining of The Lion King. It tells the story of a young African prince who is exiled after the death of his father.
Happier Than Ever – A Love Letter to Los Angeles
Happier Than Ever is a concert film starring Billie Eilish. The film blends live-action and animation for an incredible performance of 16 songs at the Hollywood Bowl.
Taylor Swift Folklore – The Long Pond Studio Sessions
The Long Pond Studio Sessions is an intimate concert film. Taylor Swift performs all of the songs from her album Folklore and discusses the creative process with collaborators and friends. A must-watch for any Swifties!
