What content does Disney Plus have?
Disney+ content is what you’d expect. It’s Disney, but a lot more. That’s because, over the last 20 years, Disney has strengthened its offerings through network and production company acquisitions. And with each acquisition, Disney gained a library of content and intellectual property. Here’s a rundown of the content you’ll find exclusively on Disney+.
Disney+ content
Disney Originals:The Walt Disney Company has been producing movies since 1927. That’s almost 100 years of original, childhood-defining, exclusive animated entertainment, not to mention all the live-action remakes. Below are some popular examples:
Pixar:Over a decade before Disney’s streaming platform launched, it acquired animation juggernaut Pixar for $7.4 billion. As Disney CEOBob Iger said, buying Pixar “put [Disney] on the path to achieving what I wanted to achieve, which is scale when it comes to storytelling.” For the casual viewer, Pixar represents almost every classic animated kid’s film that Disney didn’t make. Here are a few examples:
21st Century Fox:Disney bought 21st Century Fox ahead of its streaming platform launch. This industry-shaking, $71 billion deal gave Disney ownership of Fox’s TV and film assets. Here’s a brief look at some award-winning Fox titles that are available on Disney+:
National Geographic:Disney received a 73% stake in National Geographic as part of its 21st Century Fox acquisition. With it came a back catalog of highly respected documentaries to extend Disney+’s appeal to a broader audience. Here are a few to get you started:
ABC/ESPN:This was one of Disney’s earliest deals. It was finalized in 1995, and this is why you can access TV shows likeModern FamilyandGrey’s Anatomyon Disney+. When Disney bought ABC, it also bought 80% of ESPN. Despite being a sports specialist, ESPN is the fifth most-watched TV network in America. ESPN+ is the network’s associated streaming platform, and this has become a major part of Disney+’s bundle plans. Here’s a reminder of some of the content that is now available with a Disney+ bundle because of this acquisition:
Hulu:Hulu competes with Disney+, though they are bothcontrolled by the Walt Disney Company. Hulu includes R-rated shows and films, whereas most of Disney’s content is rated PG-13, TV-14, or under. And Hulu has more to choose from, with over 2,500 movies compared to Disney’s 750. However, Disney plans tofold its apps into a single platform. Below are some examples of the original Hulu content you may access via Disney+:
Disney Plus pricing
When it launched in 2019, a Disney+ subscription would set you back $6.99 in the U.S. Below are the current prices (as of August 2023):
Most of the prices in the table aredue to increase in October 2023. Although the basic ad-supported subscription will remain the same, the commercial-free Disney+ will increase to $13.99. This still makes it cheaper than Netflix’s ad-free service, which will set you back $15.49 per month.
How to watch Disney Plus
If you have a screen and internet access, you may probably access Disney+. However, you can get onto the streaming platform via your browser or mobile app. This is a TV and film platform, which is why it’s also compatible with a range of TV platforms, including:
Disney+ apps are also downloadable on Android, iPhone (iOS), PlayStation 5, and Xbox One. Disney+ is available on most TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers, eliminating the need for a specialized device for access.
However, it’s not yet a globally available service. At the time of writing, it is available in around100 countries across North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.
Disney Plus enhanced features
Here are some of the enhanced features that come with Disney+:
Profiles:You can set up seven profiles per subscription. The platform treats each profile as an individual household member. That means that settings like program autoplay and subtitle defaults are set at the profile level. Each profile has a personal name and avatar, and users are offered program recommendations based on their viewing behavior.
Parental controls:With profile settings come parental controls. Adults can PIN protect their profiles to stop younger family members from accessing inappropriate content. Also, kids' profiles can be set with content limits based on age ratings.
Downloads:Disney+ allows you to download unlimited shows and movies to watch offline, but only if you have an ad-free subscription. The features are unavailable with the basic subscriptions.
GroupWatch:With GroupWatch, you can sync your watching with friends and family, even when you’re apart. It may not be immediately obvious how to use this feature, soreview the support sitefor guidance.
Accessibility:Captions, subtitles, and audio dubs are generally available in 16 languages, though the number of languages varies depending on the title and country.
Audio quality:The audio format varies depending on the title. A lot of content is available in 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos.
Video quality:The following options are available, depending on the title: Full HD, 4k Ultra HD, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and IMAX Enhanced.
Alternatives to Disney Plus
Netflix:Netflix is the streaming platform that started it all. Like Disney, Netflix offers an ad-supported subscription, which costs $6.99 per month. The standard ad-free service is priced at $15.49 per month. Unlike Disney, Netflix relies on acquiring the exclusive right to show films and TV shows for a limited time. Still, Netflix is responsible for some of the most impactful original content of recent years, including shows likeStranger Things,Wednesday,The Witcher, andSquid Games.
Amazon Prime Video:Amazon Prime Video is a streaming platform that comes bundled with anAmazon Prime membershipat $15.99 per month. Amazon has invested heavily in original programming, including theRings of Power, which cost$715 million to produce. It’s also the best place to see established series likeA League of Their Ownand Phoebe Waller Bridge’sFleabag.
Max (FKA HBO Max):Max is a premium streaming service that features content from other WarnerMedia properties, such as DC Comics and Cartoon Network. Max has carved out a reputation for prestige programming. With titles like Lena Dunham’sGirlsand Issa Rae’sInsecure, it’s hard to argue with the label. And don’t forgetGame of Thrones,The Wire,Succession, andChernobyl. Not bad for $15.99 per month.
Apple TV+:Apple TV+ is a streaming service that offers original content produced by Apple for $6.99 per month. Fans ofTed LassoandThe Morning Showwill be familiar with the platform, which is most easily accessed on Apple devices. While Android mobile devices are not supported, you may watch Apple TV+ through Android TV devices like Chromecast.
The future of Disney Plus
Disney+ strode into the market as a ready-made colossus. While Disney offers a comprehensive entertainment package, it stands alongside a vibrant array of streaming options, each with distinct offerings. Despite its popularity, it has consistently lost money since its launch. Withprice increases around the cornerand intense competition, it’s hard to say what the streaming landscape will look like in five years. Still, whatever the market looks like, Disney+ will be part of it.
