15 Underrated Movies on Disney Plus Worth Your Time

15 Underrated Movies on Disney Plus Worth Your Time

Disney Plus has become a treasure trove of entertainment, but not every gem gets the attention it deserves.

While blockbusters and beloved classics dominate the conversation, countless underrated films sit waiting to surprise you with their creativity, emotion, and pure entertainment value.

Whether you’re in the mood for thrilling action, eerie horror, heartfelt drama, or nostalgic adventure, this list will guide you toward hidden favorites that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

1. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

Forget the mixed reviews—this sequel delivers exactly what fans of creature features crave.

The film throws subtlety out the window and embraces full-throttle monster mayhem with impressive practical effects that make every battle feel visceral and real.

Set in a small Colorado town, the story wastes no time plunging ordinary people into an extraterrestrial nightmare.

The R-rating allows the filmmakers to push boundaries that the franchise desperately needed, resulting in genuinely shocking moments.

While critics dismissed it as too dark visually, that atmospheric choice actually heightens the horror elements beautifully.

If you appreciate creature design and old-school monster movie thrills, this underrated entry offers pure, unapologetic entertainment worth experiencing.

2. The Black Hole (1979)

Disney took a bold creative risk with this surprisingly dark space adventure that still feels unique today.

The film explores themes of obsession, madness, and mortality—heavy topics rarely tackled in family entertainment, especially during that era.

Visually, the movie remains stunning with its ambitious practical effects and haunting production design.

The massive spaceship sets and the titular black hole create an atmosphere of cosmic dread that lingers long after viewing.

Maximilian, the menacing robot antagonist, stands among cinema’s most intimidating mechanical villains.

The film’s willingness to embrace philosophical questions and its unforgettably bizarre ending make it a fascinating time capsule that deserves rediscovery by modern audiences seeking something different.

3. The Castaway Cowboy (1974)

James Garner brings his signature charm to this delightful fish-out-of-water tale set in 1850s Hawaii.

The premise alone—a Texas cowboy teaching Hawaiians to herd cattle—promises fun, and the film delivers with warmth and humor throughout.

What makes this Western special is its unique tropical setting, offering gorgeous scenery that breaks from traditional dusty frontier landscapes.

Garner’s easygoing charisma carries the story effortlessly, making even predictable moments feel fresh and engaging.

The family-friendly adventure balances gentle comedy with genuine heart, creating entertainment that works for multiple generations.

It represents old-school Disney storytelling at its most comfortable and inviting, proving that sometimes simple pleasures make the best viewing experiences.

4. The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

Long before he became an action star, Kurt Russell charmed audiences in this wonderfully weird comedy about accidental genius.

When a college student receives a computer’s entire database through an electrical accident, hilarious complications naturally follow.

The film captures the 1960s fascination with technology while maintaining a timeless sense of fun and mischief.

Russell’s energetic performance makes the absurd premise work, proving his star quality even in his Disney days.

Yes, the science is completely ridiculous, but that’s precisely the point—this is pure escapist entertainment that doesn’t take itself seriously.

The movie offers nostalgic charm and lighthearted laughs, reminding viewers that Disney comedies once embraced delightful silliness without apology.

5. Deep Water (2022)

Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas deliver unsettling performances in this twisted exploration of a marriage built on secrets and manipulation.

Their characters’ bizarre arrangement—allowing extramarital affairs to save their relationship—creates constant, uncomfortable tension that hooks viewers immediately.

Director Adrian Lyne returns to the erotic thriller genre with confidence, crafting scenes dripping with dark humor and psychological gamesmanship.

The film refuses to provide easy answers or sympathetic characters, making it refreshingly unpredictable.

While some found it too slow-burning, patient viewers will appreciate how the dread builds methodically toward shocking revelations.

The chemistry between the leads crackles with danger and dysfunction, creating a viewing experience that’s as uncomfortable as it is compelling.

6. The Invitation (2022)

Gothic romance meets vampire horror in this stylish thriller that knows exactly what it wants to be.

The film takes its time establishing atmosphere and character relationships before unleashing its bloody, supernatural payoff in spectacular fashion.

Set against stunning English countryside estates, the movie creates an intoxicating visual experience that recalls classic Gothic literature.

The slow-burn approach might test impatient viewers, but the payoff justifies the patience required.

What elevates this beyond typical vampire fare is its commitment to style and its willingness to embrace both romance and horror equally.

The final act delivers satisfying thrills while maintaining the elegant aesthetic established earlier, creating a complete package that horror fans will appreciate.

7. Kidnap (2017)

Halle Berry commands every frame of this relentless thriller with raw, desperate energy that never lets up.

Playing a mother whose son is abducted in a parking lot, Berry carries the film almost single-handedly through sheer emotional intensity and physical commitment.

The movie strips away unnecessary subplots and focuses entirely on the primal fear of losing a child.

This streamlined approach creates nonstop tension that keeps viewers on edge from the opening minutes through the climactic confrontation.

Critics dismissed it as simple, but that simplicity is its greatest strength—pure, adrenaline-fueled storytelling without pretension.

Berry’s performance elevates what could have been forgettable into genuinely gripping entertainment that showcases her underrated dramatic range.

8. The Lost City (2022)

Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum prove that old-fashioned romantic adventure comedies still work when executed with genuine affection and humor.

The film embraces its ridiculous premise—a romance novelist kidnapped to find ancient treasure—without winking too hard at the audience.

What could have been merely silly becomes genuinely entertaining through committed performances and surprisingly creative action sequences.

The chemistry between the leads feels natural and playful, making their banter as enjoyable as the jungle escapades.

Brad Pitt’s hilarious supporting role adds unexpected comedy gold to an already fun package.

The movie delivers exactly what it promises: escapist entertainment with heart, laughs, and enough self-awareness to charm even skeptical viewers looking for lighthearted adventure.

9. Pearl Harbor (2001)

Yes, the love triangle melodrama feels excessive, but dismissing this film entirely means missing some of the most spectacular aerial combat ever filmed.

Michael Bay’s technical mastery creates breathtaking sequences that capture the chaos and heroism of the historical attack with stunning detail.

The visual effects remain impressive decades later, particularly during the extended attack sequence that puts viewers directly into the horror.

The emotional stakes, while sometimes overwrought, give the destruction genuine human weight that pure action couldn’t achieve.

The film’s ambition deserves respect—attempting to balance intimate romance with massive historical tragedy is incredibly difficult.

While imperfect, Pearl Harbor offers powerful moments of spectacle and emotion that make it worth revisiting with fresh eyes.

10. Return to Oz (1985)

This is not your grandmother’s Oz—it’s a genuinely unsettling journey that trades Technicolor whimsy for Gothic nightmare fuel.

Dorothy returns to find her beloved magical land in ruins, populated by creatures that seem designed to haunt children’s dreams forever.

The Wheelers, Princess Mombi’s collection of heads, and the Nome King create imagery that feels more Tim Burton than L. Frank Baum.

Yet this darkness stays true to the original books, which were far stranger than the 1939 classic suggested.

The film’s commercial failure and dark reputation have given it cult status among fantasy fans who appreciate ambitious, unconventional storytelling.

Its willingness to frighten and challenge young viewers makes it a fascinating artifact that rewards brave audiences with unforgettable imagination.

11. Tomorrowland (2015)

Brad Bird’s visually stunning adventure dares to imagine a future built on optimism rather than dystopian cynicism.

The film’s central message—that belief in human innovation can change the world—feels refreshingly hopeful in an era of apocalyptic storytelling.

The production design creates one of cinema’s most gorgeous fictional worlds, blending retro-futuristic aesthetics with cutting-edge visual effects.

Every frame bursts with imagination and detail that rewards multiple viewings and careful attention.

Critics found the plot convoluted, but the film’s heart and ambition shine through any narrative stumbles.

Tomorrowland challenges viewers to dream bigger and believe in humanity’s potential, offering inspiration wrapped in thrilling adventure that deserved better reception than it received.

12. Love Actually (2003)

Despite years of cultural backlash and critical reassessment, this holiday ensemble remains emotionally effective for audiences seeking romantic comfort food.

The interconnected love stories create a tapestry of relationships that range from heartbreaking to hilarious, covering the full spectrum of human connection.

The all-star British cast delivers committed performances that elevate even the silliest storylines into genuine emotional moments.

Yes, some plot threads haven’t aged perfectly, but the film’s sincerity and warmth continue resonating with viewers worldwide.

The movie understands that love comes in many forms—romantic, familial, platonic, unrequited—and treats each with equal importance.

Its enduring popularity proves that sometimes audiences simply want unabashed sentiment wrapped in festive cheer and memorable characters.

13. The Rocketeer (1991)

Before superhero movies dominated cinema, this pulpy adventure offered pure escapist fun with old-Hollywood charm and timeless action.

Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the film captures the era’s aesthetic perfectly while delivering thrilling aerial sequences that still impress today.

The Rocketeer himself represents classic heroism without cynicism or darkness—just a good-hearted pilot who does the right thing.

This straightforward approach feels refreshing compared to modern superhero stories obsessed with moral complexity and gritty realism.

The Art Deco production design and swashbuckling tone create a unique viewing experience that recalls adventure serials without feeling dated.

Jennifer Connelly, Timothy Dalton, and Billy Campbell bring enthusiasm to their roles, making this underseen gem a delightful discovery for new audiences.

14. Millions (2004)

Danny Boyle applies his distinctive visual style to this unexpectedly moving family film about morality, faith, and sudden wealth.

When two brothers find a bag of stolen cash, they face questions about right and wrong that most family movies wouldn’t dare explore with such honesty.

The film views its story through a child’s perspective, making complex ethical questions accessible without talking down to young viewers.

Boyle’s direction brings energy and creativity to every scene, elevating the material beyond typical feel-good family fare.

What makes Millions special is its willingness to engage seriously with spirituality and goodness in a cynical world.

The result is genuinely touching without manipulation, offering both entertainment and substance that families can discuss together long after viewing.

15. A Goofy Movie (1995)

This animated road-trip comedy delivers surprising emotional depth alongside catchy musical numbers and genuine laughs.

The father-son relationship between Goofy and Max feels authentically complicated, capturing the awkwardness and love of family dynamics with remarkable honesty for a cartoon.

The music absolutely slaps—”I 2 I” and “Stand Out” remain earworms decades later, showcasing Disney’s musical prowess outside their princess franchises.

The animation style captures the energetic spirit of 1990s television animation while maintaining theatrical quality throughout.

What elevates this beyond typical Disney fare is its willingness to make Goofy a flawed but loving parent rather than just comic relief.

The film earns its emotional moments through character development, creating a viewing experience that resonates with anyone who’s navigated complicated family relationships.