While Disney's streaming service provides a great resource for family-friendly movies, the best movies on Disney+ for adults prove that it's not all aimed at younger audiences. When Disney+ first launched, it was seen as the perfect platform for kid-related content from cartoons to Disney classics to the big franchises like the MCU and Star Wars. However, as the streamer has grown, it shifted its focus to include options for older audiences, many of these titles coming from the acquisition of Fox. The best adult movies on Disney+ offer more mature stories that subscribers will love.

There are some great options within the collection of grown-up-focused movies on Disney+. This can include violent and thrilling action films, intense dramas, or perhaps just complex stories the younger viewers may not be interested in. These are movies with big-name stars like Denzel Washington and Hugh Jackman as well as acclaimed directors like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg. While there are plenty of family movies on Disney+ that all ages can enjoy, the best adult movies on the streamer are worth checking out.

25 Young Woman And The Sea (2024)

Daisy Ridley Plays A Real-Life Trailblazing Athlete

One of the latest Disney+ releases is already one of the best that the platform has to offer, delivering a true sports story that is filled with the kind of inspirational underdog sentiment that audiences love. Young Woman and the Sea is the true story of Trudy Ederle (Daisy Ridley), a young woman who finds her ion for swimming and quickly makes it her goal to be the first woman to complete the treacherous swim crossing the English Channel.

The movie combines a number of elements flawlessly, such as an engrossing period piece that explores the sexist view of women at the time as well as a triumphant story of someone putting their all into a seemingly impossible task and refusing to give up. Ridley gives a wonderful performance, making Trudy into a lovable and grounded hero whom the audience quickly cheers for. There are also heartwarming aspects of Trudy's family that add to the emotional yet crowd-pleasing story.

24 Jim Henson: Idea Man (2024)

A Look At The Genius Behind The Muppets

The Muppets franchise is one of those properties on Disney+ that has many titles perfect for young ages and family-friendly viewing. However, one related project that adults will especially find interesting is the documentary Jim Henson: Ideal Man. The movie gives an in-depth look at the life and work of Jim Henson, the genius mind behind The Muppets, Sesame Street, Labyrinth, and more wonderous creations.

Seeing such a creative mind explored and how Henson seemed to create the impossible is a thrill to watch for all audiences. However, many adults would have grown up watching and experiencing Henson's work during his lifetime will have a special appreciation for the documentary. It also speaks to themes outside of his iconic projects, looking at Henson as a family man and a friend while also featuring interviews with his loved ones and key collaborators.

23 McFarland USA (2015)

Kevin Costner Leads An Underdog Sports Story

Kevin Costner's many sports movies include a number of iconic movies, from Bull Durham to Field of Dreams. However, one of his most underrated sports movies is currently on Disney+ for more audiences to discover. Like many of the great sports films, McFarland USA is based on a true story and follows Costner as the new coach of a high school track and field team made up of Hispanic athletes with little experience in the sport but a lot of potential.

Another terrific underdog story, McFarland USA takes a look at how these athletes were counted out by many of the top competitors in the sport based on their background. It is also a look at the hardships the young men had to overcome in their communities and the way of life they were trying to escape. Costner leads the cast of unknown actors with a great performance as the motivating coach who also comes to learn the struggles the team faces that he is not familiar with.

22 While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Sandra Bullock's Strange And Charming Romcom

There are many great rom-coms available on Disney+ that may not be appropriate for the younger s of the platform, but offer plenty of charm and laughs for adults. One of the best romcoms to come out of the '90s is also available with Sandra Bullock's star-making turn in While You Were Sleeping. The comedy finds Bullock playing a woman who witnesses a man get hit by a bus. After accompanying the comatose man to the hospital, she is mistaken for his girlfriend and goes along with the lie, only to fall for the man's brother (Bill Pullman).

It is a premise that might sound too strange to work, but the end result is surprisingly effective with the movie managing to avoid any creepiness. A lot of that has to do with Bullock who is charismatic, funny, and iconic in the lead role. She makes the audience fall in love with her character despite the poor decisions she makes. Decades later, While You Were Sleeping still holds up as a cozy rom-com.

21 Father Of The Bride (1991)

Steve Martin Leads A Sweet And Funny Comedy

Steve Martin is one of the most iconic comedic actors of all time. He has a number of movies that the whole family can enjoy, like Cheaper by the Dozen and The Pink Panther. However, one of his best movies is available on Disney+ and takes a unique adult perspective to a rom-com story. Father of the Bride is, unsurprisingly, a comedy about a wedding. However, instead of the focus being on a young happy couple, Martin is the star as the man seeing his daughter getting married.

The movie is filled with typical wedding chaos and wild antics that bring big laughs, including a scene-stealing ing role from Martin's legendary comedy partner, Martin Short. However, the movie is also a poignant story of a man seeing his daughter start her adult life and move on from being his little girl. Parents old enough to see their children starting similar chapters of their lives will no doubt find a lot of heart amid the laughs.

20 The Beach Boys (2024)

A Documentary About The Influential Band

Along with big franchises and hit movies, Disney+ also features a lot of documentaries that cover a wide range of subject matter. One of the latest and most popular offerings is The Beach Boys, an extensive look at the iconic rock group that revolutionized pop music in their era with a unique and engrossing sound.

It spans the origins of the group, the genius of Brian Wilson, the rivalry with The Beatles, and much more of what made The Beach Boys so iconic.

The movie is directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimny, and explores many different aspects of the band and their incredible influence. It spans the origins of the group, the genius of Brian Wilson, the rivalry with The Beatles, and much more of what made The Beach Boys so iconic.

While it is a fascinating exploration of a hugely influential band, many older audiences who are more familiar with their music could be especially entertained by this celebration of some incredible artists.

19 Miracle (2004)

Kurt Russell Stars In The True Sports Story

There are a number of true sports stories on Disney+ that will thrill and inspire fans of all ages. Miracle is one such movie that has become a beloved classic since its release. The film takes a look at the true story of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, led by Herb Brooks.

The team overcame great odds to win a victory against the formidable team of the Soviet Union, making for an iconic sports upset. Kurt Russell stars as Brooks, delivering one of the best cinematic coaches of all time.

Buzz Schneider, a member of the 1980s team, is played in the movie by his own son, Billy Schneider.

He is a tough and demanding leader but one who inspires his players to do what everyone else says cannot be done. Even for those who don’t consider themselves hockey fans, it is hard not to get swept up in the uplifting and emotional underdog story.

18 Dan In Real Life (2007)

Steve Carell Elevates This Dramedy

While Steve Carell is known for his hilarious work on The Office and in movies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, he has also shined in a lot of dramatic roles. One of the first leading roles in a drama that Carell took at the height of his stardom was Dan in Real Life.

He plays a widower struggling to get on with his life who finds himself falling for a new woman, but the issue is that she happens to be his brother’s new girlfriend. The movie is a sweet and heartfelt story that still features some humor and fun, allowing Carell to shine in both modes.

There is romance, tragedy, and a compelling story of a family coming together. Those looking for the big laughs they might expect from Carell could be disappointed, but it is a grown-up drama that is worth a look for its real and thoughtful characters.

17 Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)

A Touching Story About A Father And Teacher

There are a lot of stories about families that Disney+ s can check out on the platform, but Mr. Holland’s Opus offers a smaller and more intimate story. Richard Dreyfuss stars as the titular character, a frustrated composer whose failure to make it in his profession leads him to begin teaching at a high school instead.

While also learning how to take care of his hard-of-hearing son, Mr. Holland finds his purpose in bringing music to his students in a meaningful way. The movie is a beautiful story about the power and influence of a good teacher.

However, it is also about the struggles of this family, dealing with their son’s condition. They face frustration, heartbreak, and anger together, but become closer as a result. It is an emotional story, but one that is wholly satisfying and worthwhile. Dreyfuss is excellent in his Oscar-nominated role.

16 Free Solo (2018)

An Exhilarating Rock-Climbing Documentary

Another documentary on Disney+, this one offers a much different real-life tale. Free Solo is the incredible cinematic experience that follows Alex Honnold, a dedicated rock climber who is accompanied by a film crew as he attempts to take on his biggest challenge – climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without any safety equipment. It is a harrowing yet inspiring journey to embark on.

Honnold is a fascinating character to go on this journey with as his ion and relentless drive even in the face of such danger is engrossing. However, the filmmakers on hand add to the thrills with their amazing work in going with Honnold every step of the way. Even if the audience might know the outcome, it is a pulse-pounding and exhilarating ride unlike any other documentary around. The stunning movie earned an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.