When it comes to Disney+, everyone was excited to feast their eyes on the entire catalogue of classic titles––especially kids. But there are oodles of movies, documentaries and shows that are just as entertaining on the streaming platform for parents, too! From dramatic original shows to behind the scene insights and throwback films, keep reading to see some of our fave adult-friendly content on Disney+.
Drama
The Mandalorian
Disney's The Mandalorian is all anyone could talk about when the platform launched in November. The show that introduced "Baby Yoda" is rife with classic Star Wars planets, garb and characters, not to mention an amazing musical score. You can watch the entire first season, with the second to debut later this year.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 & 2
Common Sense Media
While we're the first to agree that almost any Marvel film will fit the bill when it comes a binge session, we particularly love the Guardians of the Galaxy duo. The retro 80's soundtrack makes it perfect for Gen Xers, and with a cast that includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Vin Diesel, you can't go wrong.
The classic teen romance turned drama film is one for the ages. The 1999 hit takes all of us parents back to a simpler time, with a budding Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles before they made it big.
Documentaries
The Imagineering Story
The six hour original Disney+ docuseries takes guests on a complete behind-the-scenes adventure through the creation of Disney Parks. With original photos and film of Walt himself, tons of interviews with Disney Imagineers and an entertaining historical timeline, the Imagineering Story will quickly become a fave.
One Day at Disney
Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney+ have collaborated on One Day at Disney, a 52-week documentary series that highlights the men and women behind the magic. The series kicks off with a feature film showing 10 influential people in the Disney industry, followed by 52 shorts, ranging from four to seven minutes long on diverse cast members.
The Academy Award winning documentary Free Solo follows free solo climber Alex Honnold and his attempt to climb El Capitan. The heart-stopping film will keep you on the edge of your seat as you watch a man without fear tackle his dream.
The OG Parent Trap features a young Hayley Mills and will undoubtedly bring up childhood memories as you watch. The classic tale follows two girls who find out they're identical twin sisters at the age of 13 at summer camp, with lots of wackiness to ensue.
See you later, Navigator! The 1986 indie sci-fi classic follows 12-year old David Freeman who falls down a ravine and wakes up eight years later and abducted by aliens. David's spaceship is one we all dreamed of flying as a kid!
Wayne Szalinski has really done it this time! When the inventor accidentally shrinks his own kids, the journey begins to find and restore them to normal size. The late 80's classic had us all craving for a few oatmeal creme cookies by the end!
Tom Hanks + mermaids? Yes, please! The 1984 fantasy rom com follows Hank's character with a mermaid who's come to shore and his attempts at keeping her out of the local scientist's evil clutches.
If you're looking for a binge-watch sesh, then settle in for 30 seasons of the Simpsons! The history-making series that started in 1989 will make you laugh just as hard as it did when you were a kid, and you just might finally get some of those adult-themed jokes.
The 1988 blockbuster that parents weren't quite sure was appropriate for kids (thank you, Jessica Rabbit) is prime viewing on Disney+. The three time Academy Award winning film depicts cartoons living alongside humans, and brings Toontown to real life.
It's a fine life! Fans of a young Christian Bale can relive their glory days with Disney's cult classic, Newsies. The unforgettable musical is full of dance-worthy songs and tons of stars before they were famous.
––Karly Wood
All photos: Courtesy of Disney+ unless otherwise noted