Let’s be honest: your Disney+ homepage is probably stuck in a loop. Every time you log in, it’s the same rotation of “The Avengers,” “The Lion King,” and whatever “Star Wars” show just dropped. It’s a great library, sure, but after a while, it starts to feel like you’re eating at the same five-star restaurant but only ever ordering the chicken tenders.
The streaming world runs on “Watch Time.” Disney wants to keep you on the platform as long as possible, so they show you what they know you’ll like—which usually means the big franchises. But ever since the Hulu merger was finalized earlier this year, the “Star” hub (or the Hulu section in the US) has become a goldmine for things that don’t fit the “Magic Kingdom” mold.
There are over 1,300 movies hiding in that catalog. Some were box office darlings that time forgot, while others were “experimental” projects that never quite got their flowers. If you’re tired of the algorithm feeding you the same hits, it’s time to dig a little deeper.
From 20th Century Studios thrillers to animated sci-fi that was decades ahead of its time, here are the 15 most underrated movies on Disney+ that you should be watching in May 2026.
The Top 15 Underrated Disney+ Gems to Watch Tonight
1. Young Woman and the Sea (2024)
If you only know Daisy Ridley as Rey, you’re missing out. This biopic tells the story of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel. It’s an old-school, inspiring sports drama that feels like it was made in Hollywood’s golden age. It had a quiet theatrical release, but on a big 4K screen at home, the cinematography is breathtaking.
2. Send Help (2026)
Sam Raimi is back, and he’s not playing around. This isn’t a superhero movie; it’s a stripped-down survival horror that feels like a spiritual successor to his early work. It follows two people stranded on an island after a crash, and while that sounds like a standard premise, Raimi’s “mischievous” directing style turns it into something much more psychological and weird.
3. We Bury the Dead (2025)
Released late last year, this isn’t your typical zombie flick. It’s set in a devastated Tasmania where Daisy Ridley searches for her husband. Instead of focusing on gore and jump scares, it uses the undead as a backdrop for a story about grief. It’s quiet, haunting, and beautifully shot.
4. Arco (2025)
Arco is the kind of movie that reminds you why animation is an art form. Set in the year 2075, it’s about a girl who meets a boy from a utopian future. The colors are vibrant, the world-building is incredibly clever, and it manages to be hopeful without being cheesy. It’s a visual feast that deserves a spot next to the Pixar classics.
5. Treasure Planet (2002)
This is the ultimate “how was this not a hit?” movie. It’s “Treasure Island” but with flying ships and cyborgs. It cost a fortune to make and bombed in 2002 because Disney didn’t know how to market it. Today, it’s a masterpiece of 2D/3D hybrid animation. If you like sci-fi adventures with a lot of heart, this is a mandatory watch.
6. The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
People talk about the Disney Renaissance starting with “The Little Mermaid,” but it actually started here. It’s a Sherlock Holmes story where the detective is a mouse living under 221B Baker Street. Vincent Price’s performance as Professor Ratigan is easily one of the top five Disney villain performances of all time. It’s witty, dark, and perfectly paced.
7. Ron’s Gone Wrong (2021)
This movie came out when theaters were still struggling, so it largely flew under the radar. It’s a sharp look at how social media and tech affect kids, but it’s wrapped in a hilarious story about a defective robot named Ron. It’s actually funnier than most big-budget comedies and has a message that feels more relevant in 2026 than ever before.
8. Young Sherlock (2025)
Guy Ritchie brought his signature energy to this “origin story” of the world’s most famous detective. It’s fast-paced, stylish, and a bit gritty. While some purists might prefer the slower BBC version, this movie is a blast for anyone who wants a mystery with a bit of “punch.”
If you love “Stranger Things,” you need to go back to the source. This is the quintessential 80s sci-fi: a boy disappears and returns eight years later, having not aged a day. It features a very young Sarah Jessica Parker and a spaceship voiced by Paul Reubens. It’s pure, unadulterated nostalgia.
10. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Raya got a bit lost because it was released during the “Disney+ Premier Access” era, meaning many people skipped the $30 price tag and never looked back. That’s a mistake. The world of Kumandra is one of the most detailed settings Disney has ever created, and the action sequences are legitimately thrilling.
11. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)
Imagine if Disney made an Indiana Jones movie but in animated form. That’s “Atlantis.” There are no songs, no talking animal sidekicks, and the characters actually use guns. It was too different for audiences in 2001, but for modern viewers, it’s a refreshing break from the “Disney Formula.”
12. Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
Don’t let the title fool you. This isn’t just a fluff movie about buying shoes. Isla Fisher is a comedic powerhouse here, and the supporting cast (John Goodman, Joan Cusack) is incredible. It’s a genuinely funny look at the absurdity of credit card debt and the fashion industry.
13. The Last Duel (2021)
This is a “grown-up” movie that often gets hidden behind the family-friendly filters. Directed by Ridley Scott, it tells the same story from three different perspectives. It’s a heavy, intense drama with some of the best medieval combat ever put on film. It’s not “fun” in the traditional sense, but it’s an incredible piece of filmmaking.
14. We Bought a Zoo (2011)
Sometimes you just want a movie that feels like a warm hug. Matt Damon plays a widower who buys a literal zoo to give his kids a fresh start. It’s based on a true story, and while it could have been sappy, director Cameron Crowe keeps it grounded and real.
15. The Marvels (2023)
The internet was not kind to this movie, but if you actually watch it, you’ll find one of the most energetic and fun MCU movies in years. It’s short, the chemistry between the three leads is fantastic, and the “Flerken” sequence is worth the subscription price alone. Forget the “fatigue” and just enjoy the ride.
Tips for Finding More Hidden Gems on Disney+
If you’ve finished this list and still want more, stop looking at the “Recommended for You” section. Instead:
- Explore the “Star” or “Hulu” Hub: Where the adult-oriented 20th Century Studios films live.
- Search by Collections: Go to the search tab and look for the “Through the Decades” or “Cult Classics” sections.
- The “Coming Soon” Tab: Catching movies like “Send Help” before they get buried by the next big blockbuster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Movies like “The Last Duel,” “Barbarian” (depending on your region), and biopics like “Young Woman and the Sea” are perfect for a more mature audience who wants something beyond the typical superhero fare.
Why are some Disney movies so hard to find?
The algorithm prioritizes “New” and “Trending” content to maximize watch time. Older movies or niche titles from the 20th Century Studios library often require a direct search or a deep dive into the “Decades” collections.
Does Disney+ have non-Disney movies?
Yes! Thanks to the acquisition of 20th Century Fox and the integration of Hulu, Disney+ now hosts a massive variety of films from the “Alien,” “Predator,” and “Die Hard” franchises, as well as Searchlight Pictures award-winners.
