“Disney+ doesn’t just mean sci-fi movies and films from the Marvel universe. I have pleasantly discovered many good movies in the Disney Plus Romania collection, including a considerable number of films that I hadn’t had access to before. The extraordinary image quality of Disney Plus is worth mentioning as well. If you try it, you’ll agree with us… Here are our Top 10 Unforgettable Disney Plus Movies.
1. The Empire of Light (2023) – Disney+
We begin the Disney+ movie list with Sam Mendes’ latest film (known for American Beauty, 1917), The Empire of Light. An emotionally charged and very human drama, as Sam Mendes is known for, The Empire of Light had its premiere in Romanian cinemas in February 2023, and now, less than two months later, we can enjoy it at home.
Set in a coastal town in the early 1980s, the power of human connection during complicated times finds its expression in an emotional and romantic story. Empire of Light features a stellar cast, led by Oscar winner Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Lost Daughter), Micheal Ward (Blue Story, Top Boy), and Oscar winner Colin Firth (The King’s Speech, A Single Man).
The director and screenwriter is Sam Mendes, an Oscar winner whose works you’ve surely seen, such as American Beauty, 1917, Revolutionary Road, and James Bond: Skyfall. Check out the trailer for The Empire of Light.
2. See How They Run (2022): Disney+
Following the success of the British crime comedy Knives Out, other detective comedies try to copy its formula. See how they run manages to stand out as a successful comedy with an intriguing mystery to follow, but unfortunately lacks the same “charisma” as Knives Out.
Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan play the roles of two British detectives investigating successive crimes within a theater production’s cast… But the coolest and most flamboyant character is portrayed by Adrien Brody, whom we’ve missed seeing in such a fabulous form
You can watch the charming trailer of this comedy It’s available on Disney+.
3. The Menu (2022) – Top 10 Unforgettable Disney Plus Movies
Another Disney+ movie we enjoyed features Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen’s Gambit), and Nicholas Hoult shining in their roles. The Menu is a dark comedy with horror elements, but it’s not a foodie movie as the title might suggest. On the contrary, it’s a social critique of those who indulge in expensive restaurants, being arrogant and self-proclaimed experts in fine dining. On the other hand, the workers in this industry are exhausted, facing the pressure from the chef or the stress they impose on themselves to meet the customers’ demands…
Nicholas Hoult invites Anya Taylor-Joy to an island where one of the most renowned restaurants in the world operates… But what should be a unique culinary experience turns into a horror experience. We won’t tell you more…
In the dull landscape of recent movies, The Menu is not to be missed, even though it might not be a perfect 10 film. Sometimes, it has quite obvious touches in its social criticism without necessarily offering a cinematic solution sufficiently connected or entertaining. You can watch it on Disney Plus.
4. Far From The Madding Crowd (2015)
Continuing our list of Disney+ movie recommendations, we have a period drama. Adapted, as expected, from Thomas Hardy’s 1874 novel, this new adaptation (the fourth!) stars Carey Mulligan and Matthias Schoenaerts, directed by Thomas Vinterberg (Another Round, The Hunt).
A British film set in Dorset, where a young woman (Carey Mulligan), educated but without financial means, works at her aunt’s farm. Here, she meets Gabriel (Matthias Schoenaerts) but rejects his advances, claiming to be too independent and headstrong Life will lead her to other situations and other suitors…
5. The Banshees of Inisherin (2023)
Probably the film that will go down in the history of cinematography on this Disney+ movie list, Banshees of Inisherin is one of the most innovative and eccentric European drama films of recent times. Moreover, it’s one of the most emotional and delicate dramas. However, you need to grant it some patience until the film takes flight.
A film about separation, but not a romantic one The action takes place on an Irish island, sparsely populated by bored and uneventful people. In this rather monotonous life, the few friendships are very valuable, focusing on the friendship between Padraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson), but also the one between Padraic and the miniature donkey, Jenny. As close and empathetic as they are to each other, Padraic and Colm are just as absurd and even cruel. To the point where the situation spirals out of control.
Perhaps because empathy only exists in combination with cruelty, and monotony can only be experienced in contrast to something interesting, and so on. We all experience both pairs multiple times in a day, sometimes even from the same person. A profound film about the human condition that will touch unexpected depths in many viewers.
6. Boston Strangler (2023): Top 10 Unforgettable Disney Plus Movies
Continuing the list of films available on Disney+, we have an original Disney+ production. A well-acted film that steadily builds suspense without disappointing, and also addresses some societal issues of the ’60s.
A detective thriller starring Keira Knightley and Oscar-winning Chris Cooper, centered around the infamous Boston Strangler’s murders. The film’s central figure is Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley), the first journalist to connect the dots between the Boston Strangler’s crimes. As more victims appear, Loretta tries to continue her investigation with her colleague and friend, Jean Cole, but the two face the sexism of the times.
7. My Cousin Rachel (2017)
Next up is a period drama. Like all successful period films, this one is also based on a novel. The book bears the same title and was written by Daphne du Maurier. However, unlike other adapted period novels, this one was written in the mid-20th century, although it’s set in the 19th century. Thus, you’ll feel a subversive feminist thread running through the film, as the main character tries to gain independence through any means available to a woman of that time.
A romantic drama, My Cousin Rachel revolves around the relationship between Philip and the widow of his cousin, Rachel. Philip is adopted by his cousin upon the death of his parents and raised by him on a Cornish estate in the first half of the 19th century. It is a well-crafted and well-acted film, and Rachel Weisz, who plays Rachel, is truly remarkable.
8. The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021)
A biographical film in which Jessica Chastain delivers an outstanding performance, earning her the Oscar for Best Actress this year. Tammy Faye is an evangelist who, together with her husband, played by Andrew Garfield, builds a religious media empire. In simpler terms, they launch a television channel discussing religious topics. The film follows Tammy from childhood until the empire’s downfall due to a scandal.
9. Le Mans ’66 – The Sports Drama of 2019
Continuing the list with Disney+ movie recommendations is what is called a sports drama. More precisely, it follows a story from the world of sports that seeks to bring back into history two forgotten heroes of the sports world: the racing drivers Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles. In the case of Le Mans ’66, it’s about the Ford racing team that attempted to defeat the perennial winning team, Ferrari. I’m not a fan of racing, nor am I even a fan of cars 🙂 but I enjoyed the movie. It has a well-told story, with characters facing real conflicts and excellent actors. It will definitely keep you engaged, and you’ll see Christian Bale and Matt Damon in two great roles.
Le Mans ’66 was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar in 2019.
10. Death on The Nile (2022): Top 10 Unforgettable Disney Plus Movies
A detective movie, the second in the series of adaptations directed by Kenneth Branagh after Agatha Christie. We liked it more compared to the first production from 2017, Murder on The Orient Express, which is also available on Disney Plus Romania. Kenneth Branagh returns as detective Hercule Poirot, investigating crime after crime on a cruise ship sailing on the Nile. The film also stars Annette Bening, as well as two of Hollywood’s current stars, Gal Gadot and Armie Hammer, and Emma Mackey, whom you know from Sex Education, Russell Brand, Rose Leslie from Downton Abbey, and Game of Thrones.
If you want to watch a film with vintage charm and an exotic atmosphere, with plenty of mystery, then Death on The Nile is for you. It is one of the most entertaining films to watch from 2022, a movie that draws you into its story and takes you far away to other times and places.
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