Disney bought Marvel Studios in 2009 and they bought Lucasfilm in 2012. Since then, the media giant has come out with several Marvel and Star Wars projects. They have expanded these universes massively and released new content original to their streaming platform.
Disney+ has released many original movies, shows, and specials since its startup in 2019. Many of their original shows are based on pre-existing movies and franchises, and in addition to Marvel and Star Wars, Disney has created shows based on Pixar and Disney Channel properties.
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers - 7.4
Based On The Mighty Ducks (1992)
The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is about a kid’s hockey team made up of rejected players and oddball kids, much like its predecessors. The show explores Gordon Bombay’s life now. He’s sworn off hockey and coaching, but when the lackluster team shows up at the Ice Palace, they all find their love of hockey, and he discovers his love of coaching again.
Many viewers agree that this show is not as good as the movie, but it’s a fair story for a new generation of fans. There is resentment toward Disney for resetting Bombay’s character development for the show, and Emilio Estevez himself has announced he would not be returning for a second season due to creative differences and contract disputes. Despite its flaws, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers is still one of the highest-rated Disney+ originals, likely because of the involvement of the cast of the original movie.
The Book Of Boba Fett - 7.4
Based On The Star Wars Movies
The Book Of Boba Fett follows the titular character and Fennec Shand as they fight for Jabba the Hutt’s old territory and create a name for themselves in the galaxy’s underworld. It’s based on the Star Wars movies and the crime lord clone of Jango Fett.
This Star Wars series is certainly not regarded as one of the best franchise shows on Disney+. Fans and IMDb users often complain that it is boring or slow, and they also express confusion over the Mandalorian’s appearance in some of the episodes, as he seems to steal the show from the main character and distract from the premise. Nevertheless, The Book of Boba Fett has its avid fans who praise the later episodes as well as its amazing cinematography and special effects.
What If…? - 7.4
Based On Movies In The MCU
What If…? is an animated series that shows viewers some of the many possible storylines their favorite characters may have encountered if one thing in the main cinematic universe had happened differently.
This show is made for fans who have seen all the Marvel movies, therefore in many cases, its praise or criticism depends on the viewer and the extent of their exposure to the movies. What If…? surprises fans by weaving all of the plot threads of each episode into one major conflict that must be solved in the final episodes. Several fans agree that some installments are better than others, but it improves when the stories begin to converge.
Hawkeye - 7.6
Based On Movies In The MCU
Hawkeye follows Clint Barton and Kate Bishop, one of Phase 4’s best new characters, as they get tangled up in a black market sale of the Ronin suit. They encounter the Tracksuit Mafia and some familiar faces along the way.
Hawkeye can be incredibly cringe-worthy at times, especially with Rogers: The Musical and the LARP scenes. The incorporation of Yelena and the infamous Kingpin were some of the highlights of the show, though viewers were somewhat disappointed in the way he was portrayed. IMDb users express that while Hawkeye isn’t perfect, it’s a fun family adventure that can be enjoyed during the holidays.
Obi-Wan Kenobi - 7.7
Based On The Star Wars Movies
Obi-Wan Kenobi picks up ten years after Revenge of the Sith and follows Obi-Wan as he watches over a young Luke and Leia. The first season has not yet been fully released, but the reaction has been very positive.
Though this new Star Wars show is very new, critics and fans have been sharing their reviews and discussing their critiques of the series. It is already clear that the highlight of Obi-Wan Kenobi is Ewan McGregor’s return to the franchise. Most viewers love the nostalgia the show has produced so far, while others are very critical of every small change to the original movies, just as they are with every other continuation or reboot of this beloved space franchise.
Star Wars: The Bad Batch - 7.9
Based On The Star Wars Movies
Star Wars: The Bad Batch is an animated series taking place after the Clone Wars. It follows a group of clones with special abilities as they come together to face the new world.
Fans enjoy seeing the clones’ perspective of the end of the war. They love the plot-centric episodes and praise Dave Filoni for writing and producing another great Star Wars project. But other viewers aren’t convinced. For example, one unpopular The Bad Batch opinion that is becoming increasingly more popular among viewers is that Omega is annoying and shouldn’t have been included in the show. Regardless of its detractors, The Bad Batch will be returning for another season.
WandaVision - 7.9
Based On Movies In The MCU
WandaVision is a direct continuation of Wanda’s arc in Infinity War and Endgame. The show explores her grief following Vision’s death and the facade she creates around herself to avoid dealing with it.
WandaVision was something very new to the MCU, being the first Marvel Disney+ original show to be released. Most fans and IMDb users express their love of the story, lauding WandaVision for delving deeper into Wanda’s character and the subject of grief. The mystery of the first few episodes is intriguing too, as viewers don’t know what’s going on. The caveat is that there was so much speculation over cameos and big teases that many fans were left disappointed by the finale.
Dug Days - 8.1
Based On Pixar’s Up (2009)
Dug Days follows Dug and Carl after the events of Up and is comprised of five short episodes. Carl keeps Dug as a pet, and the quirky speaking dog gets into silly adventures with squirrels, puppies, flowers, and more.
Fans love this mini-series, as the tone of the show is nearly identical to that of the original movie. It’s a delightful show that keeps the conflict light and positive. Ed Asner, the voice actor for Carl, passed away less than a week before this show came out, which makes the series even more meaningful. Although it would be great to see more from this show, Carl can be played by no one but Asner.
Loki - 8.2
Based On Movies In The MCU
Taking place immediately after Loki escapes from New York in Endgame, this Disney+ show sees the God of Mischief take on the TVA, an organization that supervises the sacred timeline.
Loki is one of the best multiverse TV shows in existence and many Marvel fans believe it is the best of all the Disney+ shows taking place in the MCU. Tom Hiddleston is great as always and Owen Wilson knocks his Marvel debut out of the park. The exploration of the different Loki variants was incredibly unique, and the introduction of Kang the Conqueror was an awesome surprise. Like any other show, Loki has its flaws and its critics, but it’s mostly received positive feedback.
The Mandalorian - 8.7
Based On The Star Wars Movies
The Mandalorian follows the iconic titular bounty hunter as he decides to protect Grogu, otherwise known as Baby Yoda, from those who want to exploit his special abilities.
A wide majority of viewers love The Mandalorian for its entertaining story and the nostalgia it elicits. Fans praise Jon Favreau’s writing and Pedro Pascal’s performance as the bounty hunter, as well as the character phenomenon that is Grogu. This space western series was released at the start of the streaming platform in November 2019, so it’s not only the highest-rated show based on movies, but it’s also the longest true original series to have a home on Disney+.