Disney+ is the streaming service home to some of the most impressive, engaging, and beloved works from the Walt Disney Company. From its animated short subjects to its full-length feature films, there's something for everyone to enjoy. But what some people haven't noticed is that Disney+ has more than a few great documentaries and docuseries as well.
Not only do they have a fine selection of National Geographic programs, but a few Disney-made docs as well. With the help of IMDb, we've pulled together a list of interesting and informative documentaries available on Disney+. Who says learning can't be a little magical?
African Cats (7.6)
It's a documentary about two different species of African wild cats narrated by both Patrick Stewart and Samuel L. Jackson, what more could you possibly want in a nature flick? This film harkens back to the days of Walt Disney's True-Life Adventures series by pairing a nature doc with a definite narrative about two different African animal families and the savannah they call home.
A family of cheetahs and a pride of lions must brave the African savannah in this Disney-made documentary. The film shows the different ways the animals raise their young to fend for themselves and to exist in the environment. It's a great starter documentary for those dipping their toe in the genre.
Waking Sleeping Beauty (7.6)
To the Disney fandom, this is a very important and regarded film about a crucial time in the company's history. Basically, Waking Sleeping Beauty is a historical documentary that covers events in Disney Animation from 1984 to 1994 where we see Disney transition from the early '80s and into the Disney Renaissance.
In the film, we see corporate takeovers, the transition of power, and the starting point of many famous Disney animators such as John Musker, Ron Clements, John Lasseter, and even a young Tim Burton in archival footage. It's a great film for any Disney fan or anyone remotely interested in animation or filmmaking in general.
Marvel Studios: Assembling A Universe (7.7)
Because why wouldn't we mention a documentary about the creation of one of the greatest fictional universes ever imagined? Assembling a Universe is the ultimate behind-the-scenes look into the world of Marvel and the MCU. It's practically ideal for any fans of the MCU series or Marvel comics as a whole.
Released in 2014, the special covers topics from Agents of SHIELD to Guardians of the Galaxy as viewers are guided through the world of their favorite superheroes and villains. Seeing the MCU come together with its cast of spectacular characters is truly a Marvel-ous experience.
Science Fair (7.7)
National Geographic's Science Fair tells the story of nine teenaged aspiring scientists as they compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Not only is this film incredibly informative in terms of science, engineering, and related fields, but it's inspiring to see how many young people are so deeply committed to changing the world.
It might be called Science Fair but these aren't your average kids with high-school-level science experiments. These teens are definitely future Nobel Prize winners and geniuses that deserve all the acclaim and praise they receive. If you're looking to be inspired, this is the film for you.
The Plausible Impossible (7.8)
Though it's technically an episode of Disneyland, we're going to include it simply because it features Walt Disney himself talking to us about the art of animation. It's an informative feature that blends educational style with the magic of Disney, even featuring appearances by beloved animated characters.
The idea of the plausible impossible serves as the foundation for the lecture on animation history which drives the episode. Though it might be a tad dated by today's standards, it still stands as a reminder of how far Disney has come as a studio and a company.
The Boys: The Sherman Brothers Story (7.8)
If you've ever gotten a classic Disney tune in your head and found yourself unable to get it out, there's a good chance it was written by the Sherman Brothers, Richard and Robert Sherman. This film tells the story of how the two songwriting juggernauts became involved with the Disney company.
The film pulls interviews from various Disney alumni, some of which who knew both brothers personally, to tell the story of the magical musical partnership that resulted in some of the most cherished and up-beat songs the world has ever known. From Mary Poppins to the various park themes, this film is the story behind the songbook.
The Pixar Story (7.8)
We've talked about Disney, we've talked about Marvel, we've even got a National Geographic piece or two, but now we turn our attention to the studio that revolutionized the way we do modern animation, Pixar. The Pixar Story is essentially that, the story of Pixar animation studios from the very beginning.
Featuring interviews from Pixar mainstays like John Lasseter, Brad Bird, and even Steve Jobs, the film is a Pixar history lesson from humble beginnings to fully animated features with revolutionary CGI animation techniques. It's perfect to watch following Waking Sleeping Beauty.
Diana: In Her Own Words (7.9)
One of the most talked-about documentaries to come from our neighbor across the pond, Diana: In Her Own Words is a documentary film made up of found footage of the late Princess Diana of Wales discussing her life and other different topics including her marriage to Prince Charles. Naturally, a film concerning the prolific princess was bound to turn a few heads.
With a score of 7.9, the film definitely has our attention. It's a more up-close-and-personal peek into the life of this famous royal. Hearing Princess Diana speak about her life years after her passing is equal parts intriguing and chilling in this National Geographic special.
Frank And Ollie (8.0)
Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston were to of Disney's most talented and most dedicated animation artists. Responsible for a menagerie of beloved animated characters over the course of their career, it makes sense that a Disney-made documentary of the two figures should make our list.
The two artists were a part of some of the biggest movements and moments in not only the Disney company but animation history. Hearing a pair of Walt Disney's original animation team talk about their days at the studio should grab the attention of every hardcore Disney fan with a Disney+ subscription immediately.
Empire Of Dreams (8.3)
In this epic documentary, viewers will hear the story of how a simple sci-fi flick from the '70s grew into a rich legacy of X-Wings, Droids, and Jedi. Empire of Dreams is the tale of George Lucas's original Star Wars trilogy and every drop of blood, sweat, and tears that went into giving us the epic space-opera we know and love today.
Whether you're a Jedi Master or a newly recruited Rebel, it's always important to know where your stories began. This film dives deep into the career of George Lucas, the process in crafting the films, and the impressive lore and legacy the trilogy left in its wake. The Force is definitely strong with this one.