Best new films on Disney Plus
A heartwarming tribute to The Muppets legend Jim Henson and inspiring biopic Young Woman and the Sea are July's top picks
Jim Henson: Idea Man, is a charming tribute to the late creator of The Muppets, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard. Featuring interviews with Henson's family, the doc chronicles the puppeteer's journey from airing his first puppet sketch show aged 19 to the creation of the iconic Kermit. Actresses Rita Moreno, who won an Emmy for her guest stint as herself in The Muppets, and Jennifer Connelly, who Henson directed for 1986 film Labyrinth, also contribute.
Daisy Ridley stars in new biographical drama Young Woman and the Sea. Ridley portrays Gertrude Ederle, the American competitive swimmer who in 1926 became the first woman to ever swim the English channel. Only five men had completed the rough 21 mile stretch, and Gertrude's first attempt was a bust. While the male-dominated swimming world still believed women were physically inferior, Gertrude's first failure only made her more determined to prove the naysayers wrong.
Billy and Molly: An Otter Love Story is a heartwarming and visually stunning documentary exploring the love between a wild otter - Molly - and her devoted rescuer, philosopher Billy. Filmed on the remote Scottish islands of Shetland, the film showcases the breathtaking rugged shoreline, as orcas, dolphin pods and migratory birds pay their visits.
Read on for our full list of Disney Plus film tips, then check out our best film recommendations on BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
Young Woman and the Sea
History | Drama
2024 | Joachim Rønning | 129 mins | PG
Summary:This is the extraordinary true story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel. Through the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the 21-mile trek from France to England.
The Beach Boys
Documentary | Music
2024 | Frank Marshall | 113 mins
Summary:A celebration of the legendary band that revolutionized pop music, and the iconic, harmonious sound they created that personified the California dream, captivating fans for generations and generations to come.
Jim Henson Idea Man
Documentary
2024 | Ron Howard | 108 mins | 12
Summary:Featuring unprecedented access to Jim Henson's personal archives, filmmaker Ron Howard brings us a fascinating and insightful look at a complex man whose boundless imagination inspired the world.
Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story
Documentary
2024 | Charlie Hamilton James | 77 mins
Summary:A man forms an unlikely friendship with a wild otter while living in the remote Shetland Islands.
Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge
Documentary
2024 | Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy | 97 mins
Summary:Child of a Holocaust survivor, Princess by marriage, and founder of a fashion empire, the many faces of fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg are revealed in this captivating and glamorous documentary portrait, featuring interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Marc Jacobs, Hillary Rodham Clinton and more.
Let It Be
Documentary | Music
1970 | Michael Lindsay-Hogg | 81 mins | U
Summary:A documentary chronicling the Beatles' rehearsal sessions in January 1969 for their proposed "back to basics" album, "Get Back," later re-envisioned and released as "Let It Be."
Tiger
Documentary | Family
2024 | Mark Linfield | 90 mins
Summary:Journey alongside a young tigress raising her cubs in the fabled forests of India.
Wish
Animation | Family | Fantasy | Adventure
2023 | Chris Buck | 95 mins
Summary:Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force – a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe - the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico - to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.
Madu
Documentary
2024 | Matthew Ogens | 101 mins | 12
Summary:From practicing barefoot on the streets of Lagos to performing on stage in England, twelve year old Anthony Madu leaves his home in Nigeria to study at one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world. Anthony, who had barely left his neighborhood in Lagos, finds himself thrust into a new world where his wildest dream is suddenly within reach. His journey is a story of extraordinary obstacles, courage, growth, and ultimately, his search for belonging.
Prom Dates
Comedy
2024 | Kim O. Nguyen | 86 mins
Summary:Jess and Hannah, who made a pact at 13 to have the perfect senior prom. Despite the impending changes that college will bring over the next four years, the two are committed to honoring their prom pact. But with only 24 hours left before the big event, everything falls apart when they break up with each of their dates. Jess and Hannah are left with one night to find new dates and live out their middle-school fantasies.
