Hunting for your next great watch onDisney+? I’ve got you covered, with three shows that are ideal to watch over the weekend. Not only are they brilliant, but you’re able to also reasonably start and finish them in a few days.
Whether you fancy some bite-sized animation, fantasy adventure fun, or a Marvel treat, here’s what to hit play on next.
2021 - present
2
18
5 hours 24 minutes
Status
Ongoing
Star Wars: Visionsis an animated anthology series, exploring different parts of theStar Warsuniverse beyond the standard Skywalker fare. The first season was created by various Japanese studios, while the second season went global, with the likes of Aardman (Wallace & Gromit) and Cartoon Saloon (Wolfwalkers) offering their takes on the galaxy far, far away.
One of the great things aboutVisionsis that the animation studios seem to have been given free rein to lean in to their unique styles. Not only in the visuals (whether it’s hand-drawn 2D, computerized 3D, or claymation) but also in the storytelling. There are lightsabers, Sith, and everything you might expect, but the tales remain surprising—some are dark and emotional, others more light-hearted and charming. Considering each episode is only brief and standalone, it’s no matter if one doesn’t strike a chord because chances are the next one will.
It’s difficult to single out the best episode, but one of my favorites isThe Spy Dancer, set at a cabaret frequented by stormtroopers. Unbeknownst to them, the club is run by rebels, with the lead dancer planting tracking devices on their armor to gain intelligence for the anti-Imperial cause. It’s stunningly animated, especially as the dancers' fabric moves through the air, and is surprisingly emotional.
2024
1
8
5 hours 51 minutes
Ended
Renegade Nellis one of the most underappreciated series on Disney+ and was unfortunately canceled after just one season. Don’t worry, though, as it tells a complete story—no never-answered cliffhangers here. If you’re in the mood for a fantasy adventure with bundles of fun and action, this is the perfect show for you.
Set in the 18th century, the brilliant Louisa Harland stars as the titular Nell, a strong-willed young woman who has magical superhuman strength thanks to a fairy companion called Billy Blind. After being framed for murder, Nell goes on the run with her sisters and becomes a highwaywoman, fighting through various escapades in a bid to prove her innocence. Harland plays Nell with buckets of energy and is undoubtedly the standout, though the other cast, like Adrian Lester as the conniving Earl of Poynton, are also great.
Renegade Nellisn’t in the business of taking itself too seriously, but it’s perfectly capable of tugging at your heartstrings in one moment before making you laugh in the next. It’s an ideal, breezy weekend watch for adults and teens alike.
2021
9
6 hours 3 minutes
One of the original Disney+ exclusive shows, and the first in the Marvel universe, it’s easy to overlookWandaVisionin favor of the more recent hits likeDaredevil: Born Again. But if you’ve never seen this Scarlet Witch and Vision-led series, do yourself a favor and right that wrong this weekend, even if you don’t have much of an interest in the characters from the movies.
WandaVisionisn’t the typical superhero tale of an evil bad guy wanting to take over the world and blow up some landmarks along the way. It’s far more unexpected, presented in the style of different sitcom eras as Wanda and Vision are living a seemingly normal suburban existence, trying to fit in and hide their abilities. It’s best not to know any more than that, but be aware it might take a couple of episodes until you get into the groove and find yourself hooked.
Both Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany are on top form here, as are the likes of Kathryn Hahn. If you enjoyWandaVisionand want more of Hahn (and who doesn’t?), then waste no time in binging the 2024 spin-off seriesAgatha All Along.
If you’re looking tomaximize your Disney+ subscription, see if you may binge all three of these shows in a single weekend. And don’t forget that you can download shows for offline viewing, if you want to watch while on the go.
Disney+
Binge all of these shows, along with plenty more, with a Disney+ subscription.
