Shows on Disney Plus
Looking for your next binge-worthy obsession? Disney Plus has evolved far beyond animated classics to become a streaming powerhouse packed with acclaimed television series across every genre imaginable. Whether you're craving long-running animated comedies, pulse-pounding sci-fi mysteries, addictive reality competitions, or gripping dramas that defined their eras, the best shows on Disney Plus deliver something for every mood and moment. This carefully curated selection of the highest-rated series streaming on Disney Plus right now showcases the platform's incredible diversity—from beloved cult favorites that have stood the test of time to fresh new releases making waves with critics and audiences alike. You'll find everything from supernatural thrillers and family-friendly baking competitions to fascinating documentary series and guilty-pleasure reality TV that's impossible to stop watching. With Disney Plus constantly expanding its library through strategic acquisitions and original productions, finding quality shows worth your time can feel overwhelming. That's why we've assembled this essential guide to help you cut through the noise and discover the absolute best Disney Plus shows available to stream today.
This Australian animated series is a masterpiece of children's programming that adults will genuinely love watching. Created by Joe Brumm, Bluey follows a six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy and her family as they turn everyday moments into imaginative adventures. What sets this show apart is its profound understanding of childhood development and family dynamics—each seven-minute episode captures the magic of play while addressing real parenting challenges with warmth and wisdom. Voice actors David McCormack and Melanie Zanetti bring Bluey's parents, Bandit and Chilli, to life as genuinely engaged, sometimes imperfect parents who prioritize connection over perfection. The animation is vibrant and expressive, while the writing balances humor with surprisingly emotional moments that might make you tear up. Whether Bluey and her sister Bingo are playing "Keepy Uppy" or learning about disappointment, the series celebrates the importance of presence, creativity, and unconditional love in ways that resonate across generations.
Watch a soft-spoken artist transform blank canvases into serene landscapes in real-time while offering gentle life wisdom is the simple but profoundly effective premise of this legendary instructional series. Bob Ross hosts each episode from his studio, demonstrating his wet-on-wet oil painting technique while encouraging viewers that anyone can create art. What could have been dry instruction becomes something almost meditative, as Ross's calming voice and positive philosophy turn painting lessons into something approaching therapy. The show never condescends to its audience or oversells the difficulty of what Ross accomplishes with seemingly effortless brushstrokes. Beyond technique, it's Ross's genuine warmth and his celebration of "happy little accidents" that have given the series enduring cultural relevance decades after its original run. It remains the gold standard for instructional television that understands teaching is as much about encouragement as information.
The devastating terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, unfold hour by hour through the voices of those who experienced them firsthand in this exceptional documentary series that honors both the tragedy's victims and the resilience of survivors. Through newly recorded interviews and rarely seen footage, the six-part National Geographic series reconstructs the day's timeline from early morning through the collapse of both towers, following firefighters, office workers, Pentagon staff, and flight passengers' family members. What distinguishes this documentary from other retrospectives is its immersive, chronological approach and its focus on individual human stories rather than political analysis. The testimony of survivors, first responders, and bereaved family members carries extraordinary emotional weight, creating a powerful historical record that ensures these experiences aren't forgotten. While emotionally demanding viewing, the series handles its subject matter with remarkable sensitivity and journalistic integrity. It stands as an essential document of a day that changed history.
Intimate, revelatory, and absolutely essential, this documentary series presents The Beatles' story as told by the band members themselves through extensive interviews and breathtaking archival footage. Spanning their formation through their breakup, the eight-part series offers unprecedented access to the creative process behind the most influential band in popular music history. Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, along with insights from John Lennon's interviews, provide candid reflections on their extraordinary journey, from Liverpool's Cavern Club to global phenomenon. What makes this anthology truly special is the rare footage and demo recordings that illustrate how their songs evolved from initial ideas to finished masterpieces. The series doesn't shy from the tensions and conflicts that ultimately split the group, but it's primarily a celebration of their unmatched musical innovation and cultural impact. For Beatles fans, it's indispensable; for music lovers generally, it's a master class in creativity and collaboration.
Wickedly smart and visually electric, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss's modern update of Arthur Conan Doyle's detective crackles with manic energy and inventive style. Benedict Cumberbatch inhabits Sherlock Holmes as a "high-functioning sociopath" whose brilliance borders on insufferable, while Martin Freeman grounds the series as the utterly endearing Dr. John Watson. Set in contemporary London, the adaptation cleverly updates classic cases with smartphones and internet culture without losing the essence of what makes these characters timeless. Each ninety-minute episode feels like a feature film, packed with stunning cinematography that visualizes Sherlock's deductive process in thrilling ways. Andrew Scott's Moriarty is deliciously unhinged, and the chemistry between the leads drives everything. The writing is sharp enough to match its protagonist's intellect, making this absolutely essential viewing for mystery lovers.
Steve Carell's portrayal of Michael Scott is nothing short of iconic in this masterpiece of workplace comedy that redefined the mockumentary format for American television. Created by Greg Daniels and adapted from Ricky Gervais's British series, the show follows the daily lives of employees at Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch, where inappropriate comments, absurd office politics, and surprisingly heartfelt relationships collide in the most hilarious ways possible. The ensemble cast—including Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, and Mindy Kaling—delivers pitch-perfect performances that balance cringe comedy with genuine emotional depth. Whether you're watching Michael's latest HR nightmare unfold or rooting for Jim and Pam's romance, every episode offers quotable moments and laugh-out-loud scenarios that have kept audiences rewatching for years. This is essential viewing for anyone who loves smart, character-driven comedy.
An alcoholic genius scientist drags his anxious grandson across infinite dimensions for increasingly dangerous adventures, and somehow this premise has spawned one of the most brilliant animated series ever created. Dan Harmon and Justin Roilich's Rick and Morty masterfully blends absurdist humor with genuine emotional depth, never afraid to deliver devastating character moments between the interdimensional chaos and sci-fi shenanigans. The show's willingness to experiment with narrative structure—from anthology episodes to serialized storylines—keeps every season feeling fresh and unpredictable. Justin Roilich voices both title characters with manic energy, while the supporting cast, including Chris Parnell and Sarah Chalke, grounds the family dynamics. The writing is razor-sharp, packed with clever references and philosophical questions disguised as crude jokes. Whether Rick is battling alternate versions of himself or the family is dealing with relationship drama, the series consistently delivers some of the smartest and most hilarious television available.
When a young boy named Monkey D. Luffy gains the power to stretch like rubber after eating a magical Devil Fruit, he sets out to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become King of the Pirates. This epic anime adventure from creator Eiichiro Oda has been sailing strong since 1999, and for good reason—it's an absolute masterclass in long-form storytelling. The series brilliantly balances humor, heart, and high-stakes action while building one of the most richly detailed fictional worlds in anime history. Each arc introduces memorable characters with genuinely moving backstories, and the crew's bonds deepen in ways that earn every emotional payoff. Yes, the episode count is intimidating, but the journey is absolutely worth it. The pacing improves significantly after the early arcs, and once you're invested in Luffy and his Straw Hat crew, you'll understand why fans have stayed devoted for over two decades.
Deceptively whimsical at first, this shonen anime transforms into something progressively darker and more sophisticated as it explores the journey of young Gon Freecss searching for his absent father. Madhouse's 2011 adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi's manga is a masterclass in long-form storytelling, with each arc building complexity in both plot and character development. What begins as a straightforward adventure anime evolves into a profound examination of human nature, morality, and the costs of ambition. The Chimera Ant arc alone stands as one of anime's greatest achievements—a harrowing, emotionally devastating exploration of what separates humans from monsters. The voice acting in both Japanese and English is exceptional, and the animation remains consistently strong across 148 episodes. This is essential viewing for anyone who thinks they've outgrown shonen anime, proving the genre can achieve genuine artistic depth.
Nathan Fillion leads this brilliant space western as Captain Malcolm Reynolds, a charming rogue navigating the galaxy's outer rim aboard his beloved Firefly-class ship, Serenity. Created by Joss Whedon, this criminally short-lived series blends witty banter, lived-in sci-fi aesthetics, and genuine heart into something truly special. The ensemble cast—including Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, and Morena Baccarin—creates a found family dynamic that feels authentic and deeply affecting. Each episode balances standalone adventures with serialized character development, exploring themes of loyalty, freedom, and survival in a 'verse where the Alliance's reach extends far but not everywhere. The Western-meets-space-opera setting provides endless opportunities for creative storytelling, while the Mandarin-peppered dialogue and lived-in production design make the universe feel remarkably real. Despite lasting only one season, Firefly's influence on science fiction television remains undeniable, proving that fourteen episodes can leave a lasting legacy.
O.J. Simpson anchors this extraordinary documentary series that transcends the story of one man to explore America's complex relationship with race, celebrity, and justice. Director Ezra Edelman crafts a masterful nearly eight-hour examination that begins with Simpson's rise as a football legend and cultural icon, then methodically traces how his life became a flashpoint for the nation's deepest tensions. The series brilliantly contextualizes the infamous 1995 trial within decades of Los Angeles history, from the Watts riots to Rodney King, making it essential viewing for understanding modern America. Edelman's exhaustive research and compelling interviews create a riveting narrative that never drags despite its epic length. This is documentary filmmaking at its absolute finest—a work that illuminates far more than its central figure and demands your complete attention.
Dive behind the curtain of Disney's most revolutionary division in this absolutely captivating documentary series that chronicles the history of Walt Disney Imagineering from its inception to the present day. Director Leslie Iwerks delivers an extraordinary six-part exploration that reveals how a team of artists, engineers, and dreamers transformed ambitious visions into groundbreaking theme park experiences. Through breathtaking archival footage, candid interviews with legendary Imagineers, and unprecedented access to ongoing projects, the series illuminates the creative processes behind attractions from Disneyland's earliest days through modern marvels like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The storytelling is masterful, balancing technical innovation with human drama, while never shying away from challenges and setbacks. For Disney enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by creative collaboration, this is essential viewing that celebrates imagination in its purest form.
Irreverent, gleefully offensive, and somehow still running strong after nearly two decades, this comedy about terrible people doing terrible things in Philadelphia has carved out its own unique space in television history. Creator Rob McElhenney stars alongside Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito as a group of narcissistic bar owners whose schemes inevitably backfire in spectacular fashion. What makes the show exceptional is its willingness to push boundaries while never asking you to sympathize with its protagonists—they're awful people, and that's precisely the point. The comedy is dark, absurdist, and frequently uncomfortable, tackling everything from social issues to personal delusions with equal satirical fervor. The cast's chemistry is phenomenal, with each actor understanding exactly how to play their character's specific brand of selfishness. It's comedy that refuses to play safe, and its longevity proves there's an appetite for humor this sharp and uncompromising.
In medieval Iceland and eventually across the North Atlantic to the shores of Vinland, young Thorfinn's journey from innocent child to revenge-driven warrior unfolds against the backdrop of Viking expansion and conflict. This anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura's manga is exceptional, delivering both visceral action and profound meditation on violence, revenge, and redemption. The animation from studio Wit (later MAPPA) is consistently gorgeous, bringing weight and consequence to every sword clash while capturing the harsh beauty of Nordic landscapes. What elevates Vinland Saga beyond typical historical action is its willingness to complicate and challenge its protagonist's quest for vengeance, exploring the human cost of violence on both personal and societal levels. The character development is patient and earned, particularly as Thorfinn confronts what his pursuit of revenge has cost him. It's mature, thoughtful storytelling that respects both history and emotional truth.
When scientific evidence meets criminal investigation, truth emerges from the smallest details—and this documentary series proves that premise with absolutely riveting consistency. Each episode examines a real criminal case solved through forensic science, from DNA analysis to fiber comparison to blood spatter patterns. What makes the show exceptional is its clarity in explaining complex scientific concepts without dumbing them down, respecting viewers' intelligence while remaining accessible. The calm, methodical narration by Peter Thomas perfectly complements the analytical approach, letting the cases unfold like puzzles being methodically solved. The series never sensationalizes its often-disturbing subject matter, maintaining appropriate gravity while celebrating the scientists and investigators who bring justice through painstaking work. Whether you're fascinated by true crime or scientific methodology, this series delivers consistently compelling television that's both educational and genuinely gripping.
This riveting documentary series investigating real-life aviation disasters sets the standard for disaster reconstruction programming and remains utterly compelling viewing two decades later. Each episode meticulously examines a different air crash, combining dramatic reenactments, CGI animations, cockpit voice recordings, and interviews with investigators, survivors, and aviation experts to piece together what went wrong. Narrated with appropriate gravity by Stephen Bogaert and Jonathan Aris, "Mayday" excels at making complex technical failures comprehensible to general audiences while maintaining respect for victims and their families. The production values are consistently high, and the storytelling is suspenseful even when outcomes are known. Beyond the dramatic reconstructions, the series serves an educational purpose by highlighting how each tragedy led to crucial safety improvements that have made air travel significantly safer.
Julian Fellowes created this sumptuous period drama about the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in early 20th-century England, crafting a masterful ensemble piece that makes class dynamics utterly compelling television. The sprawling cast, led by Maggie Smith's scene-stealing Dowager Countess and including Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, and Jim Carter, brings depth to characters on both sides of the upstairs-downstairs divide. Fellowes writes with wit and insight about how historical forces like World War I, technological change, and shifting social norms impact both aristocrats and servants, never reducing anyone to simple heroes or villains. The production values are impeccable, with the real Highclere Castle providing a stunning backdrop and costumes that authentically evolve through the decades. The show balances sweeping historical drama with intimate personal stories, soap opera twists with genuine emotional resonance. It's the rare period piece that feels both authentic to its era and accessible to modern audiences, proving that upstairs-downstairs drama still has plenty to say.
A family's past and present intertwine as the series follows the Pearson clan across multiple timelines, exploring how small moments shape entire lives. Creator Dan Fogelman assembles a strong cast including Milo Ventimiglia, Mandy Moore, Sterling K. Brown, Chrissy Metz, and Justin Hartley, asking them to navigate emotionally manipulative storylines designed to provoke tears. The show's ambition in structure—constantly jumping between time periods—is admirable, and certain episodes achieve genuine poignancy. However, the series too often mistakes sentimentality for depth, relying on calculated emotional manipulation rather than earned moments. The performances elevate material that frequently threatens to drown in its own importance. Brown's work as Randall particularly stands out. When the show trusts its actors and restrains its worst impulses toward melodrama, it can be affecting. But the constant reach for tearjerker moments and neat resolutions undermines the complex family dynamics it claims to explore.
Set in contemporary Sydney, this dark Australian dramedy follows the double life of Ray Shoesmith, and it's an absolute revelation. Scott Ryan, who created and stars in the series, brings remarkable nuance to a hitman who navigates brutal contract killings alongside the mundane challenges of parenting, dating, and family obligations. The show's genius lies in its tonal balance—one moment Ray is casually disposing of a body, the next he's nervously meeting his girlfriend's parents or struggling to connect with his daughter. Nash Edgerton's direction keeps things grounded and authentic, avoiding both glorification and moralizing. The supporting cast, including Justin Rosniak as Ray's best mate Gary, adds depth to this singular character study that treats violence with shocking matter-of-factness while finding genuine comedy and pathos in the spaces between.
J.G. Quintel returns to voice Mordecai in this wildly entertaining collection of "lost" episodes that supposedly fell through the cracks during the original show's run. The conceit is delightfully meta—these are presented as recently discovered episodes from the Regular Show vault, complete with fictional behind-the-scenes context that fans will eat up. What's remarkable is how effortlessly the writing recaptures the surreal humor, genuine friendship, and random escalation that made the original series a cult classic. Whether Mordecai and Rigby are dealing with sentient video game cartridges or accidentally opening portals to dimension of living sandwiches, the absurdist comedy hits perfectly. William Salyers returns as Rigby, and the chemistry between the leads remains as strong as ever. The animation quality actually surpasses the original series, making this feel less like leftovers and more like a victory lap. For Regular Show fans, this is essential viewing that proves the creative team still understands exactly what made the series special—heartfelt slacker comedy that could pivot to cosmic stakes at any moment.
Absolutely wild, endlessly inventive, and hilariously unpredictable—Gintama is a comedy masterpiece that gleefully demolishes every anime convention while somehow honoring them all. Created by Hideaki Sorachi, this series follows Gintoki Sakata, a silver-haired samurai doing odd jobs in an alternate-history Japan occupied by aliens. What makes Gintama extraordinary is its fearless comedic range, seamlessly shifting from toilet humor and pop culture parodies to genuinely emotional storytelling and epic action sequences. Tomokazu Sugita voices Gintoki with perfect deadpan delivery, anchoring a cast of bizarre and lovable misfits. The series breaks the fourth wall constantly, mocks other anime shamelessly, and isn't afraid to dedicate entire episodes to absurd premises. Yet beneath the chaos lies real heart—character relationships deepen meaningfully, and dramatic arcs hit with surprising emotional weight. With over 360 episodes, Gintama rewards commitment with some of anime's most satisfying payoffs and gut-busting comedy that never gets old.