Disney+ had a lot to offer in 2024 but how do their original projects rank?
Disney+ has been in a tricky situation when it comes to original shows and films. In 2023, they made the controversial decision to purge numerous original TV series and movies for budget reasons, which means a lot less to watch. They also had a merger with Hulu and a new partnership with HBO Max.
2024 had a lot of new projects by Disney+, with some being better received than others. Echo was a bit so-so for some fans and the assortment of kids fare. Yet some original projects were great, not just shows but some movies and documentaries as well.
These are how the 10 best DIsney+ original projects of 2024 rank as a reminder of why this streamer is still worth its price.
10. The Acolyte
Kicking it off with what may be the most divisive Star Wars show ever. The Acolyte has been discussed a lot, good and bad. For every fan who loved it, another loathed it, while many fell in the middle, seeing its flaws yet also its promise. It wasn't a perfect show by any means, storytelling missteps, some pacing issues, and other problems that held it back.
Yet there was good stuff, from terrific action to a stunning mid-season episode killing off several characters and addressing the flaws of the Jedi. Amandla Stenberg did a good job in the dual role of twins and didn't deserve the huge hate of some toxic fans.
There was the promise of improvement in its second season, yet the viewing numbers didn't merit it. Hopefully, as time goes on, Star Wars fans can re-evaluate this show in a new and better light.
9. Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3
This show marked the end of an era, bringing to a close the entire Clone Wars franchise. It did so in style with the clone troopers racing to rescue a captured Alpha. The episodes flowed nicely, exploring more of the rise of the Empire and frantic action. That included the unexpected return of villainess Asajj Ventress.
The series never forgot it was the characters that mattered, showing the Batch dealing with being soldiers in a war already lost but kept on fighting. The story arc of Crosshairs trying to redeem himself was also well done.
The finale brought it to a fine conclusion that set up their future road and marked the end of the animated era that revitalized Star Wars and was not bad at all.
8. Skeleton Crew
While it's still ongoing, the newest Star Wars series is already proving itself one of the best. The setup seems obvious (kids lost in the Galaxy), but the series is doing a fine job with some unique twists and turns. The mystery behind their world being "lost" adds layers, and seeing their parents back home unraveling their own search is a good parallel to their adventures.
The kids are engaging in being kids, falling into treasure hunts, and equal parts excited and terrified. Jude Law clearly has the time of his life as their pirate mentor, with his own mysterious past.
If the show sticks the landing for its first season, it can rank as a good bounce back for the Star Wars properties to get fans to remember how fun it is.
7. Beatles '64
One of the best music documentaries of the year, this could have been a by-the-numbers take on the famous band's first visit to the United States. But director David Tedeschi took a much-discussed tale and humanized it. It addressed how the Beatles' arrival helped heal an America reeling from John F. Kennedy's assassination but in a new way.
It was aided by using modern tech to enhance older footage of the band hanging around their hotel and talking, making it feel like it was shot yesterday. There are also great observations from anyone from David Lynch to Smokey Robinson on how it felt watching the band perform and what impact they had on pop culture.
Even the most dedicated Beatlemaniac will find new stuff to enjoy, while casual fans can get a kick out of this lovely study of the band that changed the world.
6. Out of My Mind
Slipping under the radar, this movie was one of the most warmly made family films of the year. It focuses on Melody (Phoebe-Rae Taylor), a young girl with cerebral palsy in a wheelchair. The gimmick is that Melody imagines her voice being Jennifer Aniston, who does provide it. That adds a touch to the tale of Melody attending public school and putting up with bullying as she tries to fit in.
Taylor's film debut shows her great talents that could lead to a bigger career. She does more with an expression than any dialogue and you truly feel for her struggles and desires. The good supporting cast helps with Aniston's voice not a gimmick but a true performance.
While the movie wasn't a huge hit, it's a throwback to the classic Disney heartwarming stories and deserves more eyes on it.
5. Doctor Who
Just in time for its 60th anniversary, the iconic British sci-fi series moved to Disney+ and got a great new energy. That's mostly thanks to Ncuti Gatwa as the newest incarnation of the time-traveling alien, fresh and funny and still carrying the Doctor's trademark eccentric joy. He was matched by Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday following him around with some great tales from meeting the Beatles to a take on Bridgerton with aliens.
While we had humor, there was heart and even drama, with one episode directly addressing how, for the first time, the Doctor was a black man. A couple of episodes were true thrillers, and the finale brought back one of the greatest-ever Who villains in a terrifying tale.
The Disney budget gave it a bigger scope while Gatwa proved himself in the role. As fans await the next season, it's great to see the Doctor once more making his way to a new home.
4. Renegade Nell
Every streamer has a great show that deserves a longer life, only to be canceled after one season. For Disney+ in 2024, that was Renegade Nell. The setup was wonderful, starting as a historical drama of an 18th-century woman (a fantastic Louisa Harland) framed for murder and becoming a highwaywoman. But then came the twist that, thanks to a fairy, Nell can gain super-strength to fight bad guys.
The series was a blast from start to finish, with outrageous action, hilarious dialogue, engaging characters, and a well-told story. The supporting cast gelled with Harland, who had a star-making role as Nell and committed to it.
The finale had the promise of another year, so it's a shame we won't get it, but at least viewers can enjoy what promises to be a future cult favorite.
3. Jim Henson Idea Man
A documentary on the creator of the Muppets was always going to be a good watch. Yet Ron Howard outdid expectations with a beautiful look at Jim Henson and his legacy. He explored the man behind the magic, how he crafted these characters, and how the behind-the-scenes clips were wonderful.
Maybe it didn't break new ground in revelations of Henson's life, but what mattered was how Howard framed the tale of Henson's imagination, cutting loose and crafting so many loveable characters. It's no wonder it earned Howard a couple of Emmy awards, as it's hard not to feel moved watching this celebration of a genius taken from us too soon.
2. Agatha All Along
The MCU had a good comeback this year with Deadpool & Wolverine. Yet the true gem was this wonderful series that brought back Kathryn Hahn's delightful wicked witch, Agatha Harkness. Hahn alone is capable of carrying a series on her own but even better was a supporting cast including Aubrey Plaza and Broadway icon Patti LuPone. Mix them with magic and mischief and you have a recipe for success.
The show then got better as it went, mixing in elements of witch lore (complete with Agahta as the Wicked Witch of the West) and the mystery of Teen growing. LuPone got a showcase episode; the twists made sense, and the music was wonderful. "The Witch's Road" song has already become a favorite.
The finale set up more adventures and made Hahn's character one of the greatest scene-stealers for the MCU, and this is one of the best Disney+ series.
1. X-Men '97
It says a lot that the best superhero-related project of 2024 by any studio was a TV show sequel to a 1990s animated series. Fans expected this to be a nostalgic reboot of the beloved Fox series, and there was a bit of controversy after the original showrunner Beau DeMayo was let go despite working on the first two seasons. What fans never expected was for the series to be a stunning achievement in storytelling that rocked everyone watching.
It was what the X-Men stories should be, addressing the issues of prejudice and some stunning twists involving Jean Grey and Cyclops. The biggest moment was the shocking death of a major character, which felt more real than any live-action character passing.
Even non-X-Men fans went wild for this, with this ending on many legitimate lists of the best shows of 2024. So, it's no surprise it was Disney+'s best original offering in 2024, and fans can't wait to see how it tops itself in season 2.