The best Disney Plus shows prove the platform is no longer just a home for animated classics. With Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, National Geographic and Hulu content under one roof, subscribers have plenty of grown-up options, from gritty crime dramas to music documentaries. Disney Plus new releases keep arriving, so it is easy to miss a gem. If you also want fresh picks from other platforms, check out our list of the best new TV shows of fall 2026.
Why the Best Disney Plus Shows Stand Out
Disney has turned big franchise names into serious television. Lucasfilm and Marvel launched dozens of series, and National Geographic, FX and the BBC library add depth. Since Disney+ merged its content with Hulu in 2024, many popular Hulu titles also stream here, so one subscription covers far more than superheroes and princesses. Availability can change by region, so confirm a title in your app before planning a binge.
Marvel and Star Wars Picks Worth Your Time
Star Wars fans should start with Andor, the Rebellion origin story that won five Emmys and is often called the closest thing to prestige drama in the franchise. The Mandalorian remains the series that set the tone for the live-action shows, while Ahsoka follows the former Jedi in her hunt for Grand Admiral Thrawn. For something lighter, Skeleton Crew sends four kids lost across the galaxy, and the animated Tales of the Underworld pairs villains Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane.
On the Marvel side, Daredevil: Born Again brings Charlie Cox back opposite Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk in a darker, more mature crime drama. Loki mixes time travel and humor, Agatha All Along gives Kathryn Hahn a spotlight, and Ironheart follows Riri Williams after Wakanda Forever. Animation fans can try X-Men ‘97, Eyes of Wakanda and the zombie-filled Marvel Zombies. Many of these are among the best Disney Plus shows for viewers who want a story that rewards close attention.
Documentaries and Music Specials
Non-fiction is a hidden strength. The End of an Era is a six-episode docuseries in which Taylor Swift reflects on the Eras Tour and what it meant to perform for fans night after night. The Beatles: Get Back uses Peter Jackson’s restored footage to show the band in the studio, and it earned five Emmys. The Beatles Anthology has been restored and expanded for streaming. Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films looks at the actors and technology behind James Cameron’s franchise, and Limitless follows Chris Hemsworth as he pushes his body to its limits. For casual viewers, these docuseries are some of the best Disney Plus shows to sample first, since the episodes are easy to dip into.
Family Favorites and Nostalgia
Percy Jackson and the Olympians has won praise for staying faithful to Rick Riordan’s books, and its second season has arrived. Bluey works for kids and parents alike, with short episodes about everyday emotions. Pixar’s Win or Lose tells one softball week from several perspectives, while Goosebumps: The Vanishing adds spooky fun for older kids and teens. Classic sitcoms like Boy Meets World and Dinosaurs, plus the endless library of The Simpsons, keep nostalgia fans busy.
If you prefer movies, our ranking of the best movies of 2026 so far can help you plan a weekend. Want to compare services? See the best Netflix shows of October 2026.
Where to Start
Pick by mood. Choose Andor for slow-burn drama, Loki for fun, Get Back for music history, and Bluey or Percy Jackson for family night. Once you finish one, the platform’s recommendations will lead you deeper into each universe.
FAQs
What are the best Disney Plus shows for adults?
Andor, Daredevil: Born Again, Ironheart, The Beatles: Get Back and Agatha All Along are strong adult-friendly choices.
Is Disney+ only for kids?
No. Marvel, Star Wars, FX, Hulu and National Geographic content gives the service plenty of mature, prestige-style programming.
Does Disney+ include Hulu shows?
Yes. Since the 2024 merger, many Hulu titles are also available on Disney+, though availability can vary by region.
Which Star Wars series should I watch first?
The Mandalorian is the easiest entry point, and Andor is ideal if you want a more serious story.
With action, documentaries, animation and family comfort viewing all in one place, the best Disney Plus shows offer something for almost every taste. Start with one of the picks above, then keep exploring as new titles arrive.