Top 10 Hidden Gems on Disney Plus
#10: Marvel Animated '90s Shows
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Before making it big with live-action movies and the MCU, Marvel enjoyed a fair amount of success on the small screen. The "X-Men" and "Spider-Man" animated series are fondly remembered, but Disney+’s collection extends far beyond just those cartoon classics. During the '90s, Silver Surfer, The Incredible Hulk, Fantastic Four, and Iron Man all got animated shows that grew more obscure with each passing year, and there was even a series dedicated to the Avengers. While not masterpieces, these cartoons have their charms, and they can now be streamed alongside live-action series like "Marvel’s Runaways."
#9: “The Imagineering Story” (2019)
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Along with their movies and series, Disney has been delighting children and adults for decades through their theme parks. Split into six parts, "The Imagineering Story" is a tribute to Walt Disney and the creative minds behind these iconic attractions. While the docuseries does touch upon some failures in the company's history, "The Imagineering Story" is very much a celebration of Disney's legacy and brand. Featuring archival footage and interviews set within the parks, this series is a delightful and easy to consume overview of the work that goes into crafting the happiest places on Earth.
#8: “Diary of a Future President” (2020-)
Without an association to established properties like "Star Wars" or the MCU, new live-action shows on Disney+ might struggle to stand out amidst the service's legendary catalog. "Diary of a Future President" is a well-acted and heartwarming family comedy about Elena, a girl attending middle school who will eventually become the Leader of the Free World. While diversity is a central theme in the series, "Diary of a Future President" generally follows Elena throughout her daily life as she deals with common challenges faced by kids on the brink of adolescence.
#7: “Prop Culture” (2020-)
Although they might not get as much attention as other elements in films, props have been crucial in crafting Disney's image. "Prop Culture" revolves around Dan Lanigan, a passionate collector who is determined to track down props from various Disney projects. It is not just about finding Mary Poppins' umbrella or examining "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids'" inventions, as "Prop Culture" is at its best when it explores the human element behind every item. Disney fans interested in learning more about films like "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" will find a lot to love in "Prop Culture."
#6: “Disney's Newsies: The Broadway Musical!” (2017)
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1992's "Newsies" was not exactly Disney's biggest success story, but the musical really came to life on stage. For those who could not see the show in person, "Newsies: The Broadway Musical" is the next best thing and does a fantastic job presenting the brilliance of the Tony Award-winning production. Filmed in Los Angeles during the show's United States tour and also featuring cast members from its Broadway era, "Newsies" is a must for fans of the original movie or musicals in general. After "Newsies," "Encore!" should be the next in line for a watch.
#5: “Soy Luna” (2016-18)
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While "Soy Luna" launched in 2016 in Latin America, it was not available with English subtitles until Disney+ added the show to its collection. "Soy Luna" takes a somewhat typical Disney Channel live-action sitcom premise and goes full soap opera, a creative choice that ends up paying off big time. The story is simple enough: Luna has to move from Mexico to Argentina when her parents get offered a new job, which means a new school, different friends, and a shocking backstory. "Soy Luna" moves at a good pace and knows how to put together a great song.
#4: “The Great Mouse Detective” (1986)
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1989's "The Little Mermaid" launched the Disney Renaissance, a golden age for the Mouse. This successful period stood in stark contrast to Disney’s Bronze Age, leaving films like "Oliver & Company" to be consumed by the shadow of the Renaissance era. One film that can never receive too much attention is "The Great Mouse Detective," a charming take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos with phenomenal animation, a captivating storyline, and Vincent Price voicing a villainous rat. When it comes time for a rewatch of Disney's animated classics, make sure to not skip over "The Great Mouse Detective."
#3: “So Weird” (1999-2001)
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Some childhood favorites can be a bit difficult to revisit decades later, but that is not the case with "So Weird." Lasting three seasons, "So Weird" follows a family on a road trip that happens to involve run-ins with gremlins, angels, and all sorts of supernatural beings, many of which embrace their horror potential. "So Weird" uses its stories to explore mature themes like death and anxiety, all the while delivering engrossing adventures with a haunting edge. This strange series was unlike anything else on the Disney Channel when it first aired, and that remains the case with Disney+.
#2: “SparkShorts” (2019-)
This statement might come as a shock, but Pixar is pretty decent at that whole animation thing. While the studio's feature-length masterpieces need no introduction, Pixar's shorts are at a higher risk of being overlooked, which would be a shame. Usually lasting around 10 minutes, the "SparkShorts" tell stand-alone stories that highlight the unique voices of Pixar's many talented creators. More Pixar is always a good thing, and these shorts enable the studio to explore mature situations that usually wouldn’t be found in their feature films. The heart-pounding "Kitbull" and the touching "Out" are especially wonderful. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” (2019-) Because This Show Is More Than Just an Exercise in Nostalgia “Frank and Ollie” (1995) Because This Documentary Shines a Light on Two Animators Who Helped Shape Disney “The Apple Dumpling Gang” (1975) Because This Forgotten Comedy Stars Don Knotts, Bill Bixby, & Tim Conway “Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2” (2020) Because This Is a Documentary That Even Non-Fans of “Frozen” Can Enjoy “Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure” (2017-20) Because Rapunzel’s Story Didn’t End in 2010 & That Is a Very Good Thing
#1: “Treasure Planet” (2002)
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In the 2000s, Disney's animated films struggled to reach the heights seen in the '90s. Maybe the movie that suffered the most from the Disney fatigue was "Treasure Planet," a commercial flop that still stands to this day as one of the company's most unconventional features. A sci-fi retelling of "Treasure Island," this 2002 adaptation oozes creativity through its mix of futuristic and traditional iconography. "Treasure Planet" also represents a turning point in Disney's legacy, as the film mixed hand-drawn animation with CG to groundbreaking and mostly impressive effect. Disney's library has too many great films to count, but "Treasure Planet" is one project that does not always get its due.
