Cancel your bank holiday plans…
Oh wait, you didn’t have any. Need to pad out the long weekend as we hibernate indoors for the Easter weekend? Put your feet up, pop on the kettle and get yourself a free trial of Disney+. From childhood classics to the entire Marvel universe, there’s a whole lot of wholesome content to get through. Here’s Secret London’s guide to the best films and TV shows to start off with.
Avengers: End Game
Officially the highest-grossing movie of all time, Avengers: End Game is finally available to stream in the comfort of your own home, where you can sob at its ending with only the judgement of the glass of wine you’re nursing. Let’s face it, being transformed into a world where Thanos is the biggest threat rather than Coronavirus seems strangely comforting, making it the perfect antidote to the news right now.
The Mandalorian
If you haven’t seen the cuteness that is Baby Yoda yet, you must have been living under a rock, and if you’ve wondered where it originates from, it’s Jon Favreau’s Disney+ series, The Mandalorian. Star Wars fans have been absolutely hooked on it since its 2019 premiere, with a second season now in production as a result. The series has been described as ‘nostalgic’ to the beloved original trilogy, and follows a lone gunfighter in ‘the outer reaches of the galaxy’ on a new adventure.
Lady And The Tramp
Exclusive to Disney+, Disney’s latest live-action remake just landed on the streaming platform – and it has a stellar cast. Marvel favourite Tessa Thompson plays Lady, while Justin Theroux stars as The Tramp. The film, of course, follows the original story, and includes that iconic spaghetti scene, much to our relief. Cosy up and experience the classic story in a whole new way while stuck indoors isolating.
The World According To Jeff Goldblum
If you, like me, can’t get enough of Jeff Goldblum, then you’re in luck, since Disney has given him his very own show. In a very Jeff Goldlbum way, the Jurassic Park actor explores just some of the things the world has to offer, even the simplest of things like sneakers and ice-cream – with Goldblum providing his own take on them in his usual endearing and inquisitive way. It’s like a fluffier version of a Louis Theroux series, with an equally loveable host.
High School Musical
High School Musical was an instant hit back when it premiered in 2006, making both Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron household names. Take a nostalgic trip back to a simpler time with an absolutely cracking soundtrack, including hits such as Breaking Free and Get Your Head In The Game. For those not familiar, the film follows Gabriella, who has just transferred to a new school, as she experiences the trials and tribulations of a typical American high school – all while being terrorised by her new arch-nemesis, Sharpay.
Dr. Dolittle
Feeling blue in quarantine? There’s no one quite like Eddie Murphy to cheer you up on a down day, and Dr. Dolittle is an absolute classic movie choice for a night cuddled up on the sofa. The comedy follows a doctor who discovers he has a special talent for communicating with animals, but the whole world around him (naturally) thinks he’s losing his mind.
Elephant
Our Planet meets the Royal Family, Elephant is part of Disney’s new documentary offering, Disneynature – and this one in particular is narrated by the wonderfully calming Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The documentary follows Shani and her son as they join their herd and embark upon a journey across the Kalahari Desert – and is the first project the Duchess has taken on since joining the Royal family.
Inside Out
A fairly new entry to Disney Pixar’s roster, Inside Out saw huge critical and audience acclaim upon its release, and is generally considered one of the animation studio’s best movies to date. The film follows Riley, an 11-year-old who’s just moved to San Francisco, as she and her five emotions struggle to adjust to her brand new life. Be sure to prepare the tissues for this one, however, as the range of feelings from a child’s perspective is quite the emotional rollercoaster.
Ratatouille
If you haven’t seen Ratatouille already, you’re missing out. It’s a heartwarming tale about a rat who for some reason has some pretty fancy tastebuds, and he has big aspirations of becoming one of France’s most renowned chefs. You’ll probably be able to work out what the obstacle is there, as Remy the rat soon comes to realise that humans don’t take too fondly to rodents. It’s an easy watch for a Sunday evening, and perfect for lifting the mood mid-quarantine.
Wreck-It Ralph
Another much-loved Disney animation with a fantastic lead, John C. Reilly stars as the titular Ralph, a video game character who’s had enough of being the bad guy and embarks on a journey to become a video game hero – although things don’t quite go as planned. Once you’ve fallen in love with that movie, there’s also a sequel to watch too, titled Ralph Breaks The Internet.
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
This one takes it way back, but it’s one of Disney’s finest nostalgia-inducing films – along with other classics such as The Sound of Music. Released in the early 70s, there’s no denying the animation and effects are pretty rusty, but this movie is the literal equivalent to a hot bowl of soup. Its comforting, heartwarming and thoroughly entertaining. The film follows a witch, three kids and a conman on the hunt for a magical component that will help Britain defend themselves in WWII.
Swiss Family Robinson
Another major throwback to remind you of your childhood, Swiss Family Robinson follows a shipwrecked family as they start afresh building an island home. The family must learn to live in the wild and shed their modern needs as they’re stranded with no hope of returning. It’s a great movie choice if you fancying worrying about someone else’s problems rather than your own, but it’s a whole lot of fun too.