New Photo - The 34 best shows on Paramount+

From cult favorites like &34;Freaks and Geeks&34; to longrunning competition series such as &34;Survivor,&34; here are the streamer's finest TV offerings. The 34 best shows on Paramount&43; From cult favorites like &34;Freaks and Geeks&34; to longrunning competition series such as &34;Survivor,&34; here are the streamer's finest TV offerings. By James Mercadante, and Kevin Jacobsen on December 1, 2025 6:27 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/bestshowsonparamount092223a068fa65ec8e42f38c793531a3b94b60.

From cult favorites like "Freaks and Geeks" to long-running competition series such as "Survivor," here are the streamer's finest TV offerings.

The 34 best shows on Paramount+

From cult favorites like "Freaks and Geeks" to long-running competition series such as "Survivor," here are the streamer's finest TV offerings.

By James Mercadante,

and Kevin Jacobsen

on December 1, 2025 6:27 a.m. ET

Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo on 'I Love Lucy'; Josh Wilder, Yam Yam Arocho, and Carolyn Wiger on 'Survivor'; The cast of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'

Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo on 'I Love Lucy'; Josh Wilder, Yam Yam Arocho, and Carolyn Wiger on 'Survivor'; The cast of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'. Credit:

CBS (2); Courtesy Everett

In March 2021, CBS All Access decided it was high time for a makeover and reemerged as Paramount+, donning the coveted plus sign that's all the rage in the streaming world. For TV fanatics, the platform houses an expansive media library of originals and content from the Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS) vault, including shows from MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, and more. Whether you're yearning for a trip down memory lane with classics like *I Love Lucy* or seeking newer shows like *Matlock*, this streaming platform has all of your bases covered.

Read on for EW's list of the best shows on Paramount+.

Tim McGraw as James Dutton on '1883'

Tim McGraw as James Dutton on '1883'. Emerson Miller/Paramount+

When Taylor Sheridan sought to expand the universe of his hit contemporary Western drama *Yellowstone*, he delved into the region's past and the Dutton family's first forays into their eventual homeland. *1883* features real-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as James and Margaret Dutton, who endure an arduous journey alongside their family and immigrant settlers as part of a wagon train run by crusty Civil War veteran Shea Brennan.

Crackling with interpersonal drama and hard truths about living off the land, *1883* offers a compelling glimpse into another time. And it doesn't stop there: Sheridan further expanded the *Yellowstone* universe with *1923*, another Paramount+ prequel series starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton. *—Johnny Loftus*

Where to watch *1883*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Audie Rick, Marc Rissman, James Landry Hérbert, Gratiela Brancusi, Anna Fiamora

The Amazing Race (2001–present)

Phil Keoghan hosting 'The Amazing Race'

Phil Keoghan hosting 'The Amazing Race'. Sonja Flemming/CBS

One of the reality TV stalwarts of the 2000s is still going strong all these years later. *The Amazing Race* features teams of two racing around the world and navigating unfamiliar countries — without the benefit of Google Maps. Each leg of the race features location-specific challenges, competing in Detours and Roadblocks while hoping to not be the last team to check in at the Pit Stop at the end of every episode, which typically results in elimination. With teams eliminated one by one, the ultimate winning pair receives a $1 million cash prize, but the fun of the show isn't always the destination so much as the journey along the way, showcasing vibrant cultures and contestants pushing themselves outside their comfort zones.

Because of the nature of the show, you don't have to start from the beginning and watch in order, but every season is available on Paramount+, including the 38th race, whose finale airs Dec. 10. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *The Amazing Race*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Phil Keoghan

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005–2008)

Sokka (voice: Jack De Sena), Katara (voice: Mae Whitman), and Aang (voice: Zach Tyler Eisen) on 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'

Sokka (voice: Jack De Sena), Katara (voice: Mae Whitman), and Aang (voice: Zach Tyler Eisen) on 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'. Everett Collection

While multiple live-action versions have been mounted over the years, none can compare to the original *Avatar: The Last Airbender*. The animated series follows the epic saga of Aang, a 12-year-old boy blessed with the ability to manipulate all four elements — water, earth, fire, and air, each represented by a corresponding nation — and his efforts to provide peace amid the Fire Nation's attempted takeover. Frequently hailed as one of the best animated series ever made, *Avatar*'s greatest quality is its ability to immerse you in its richly drawn world. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Avatar: The Last Airbender*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Zach Tyler Eisen, Mae Whitman, Jack DeSena, Dante Basco, Michaela Jill Murphy, Dee Bradley Baker, Mako, Greg Baldwin, Grey DeLisle, Mark Hamill

Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)

Gabrielle Carteris as Andrea Zuckerman, Jennie Garth as Kelly Taylor, Luke Perry as Dylan McKay, Jason Priestley as Brandon Walsh, Ian Ziering as Steve Sanders, Shannen Doherty as Brenda Walsh, Tori Spelling as Donna Martin, and Brian Austin Green as David Silver on 'Beverly Hills, 90210'

Gabrielle Carteris as Andrea Zuckerman, Jennie Garth as Kelly Taylor, Luke Perry as Dylan McKay, Jason Priestley as Brandon Walsh, Ian Ziering as Steve Sanders, Shannen Doherty as Brenda Walsh, Tori Spelling as Donna Martin, and Brian Austin Green as David Silver on 'Beverly Hills, 90210'. Mikel Roberts/Sygma via Getty Images

*Beverly Hills, 90210* made a quiet splash in 1990 and soon earned success after embracing a more teen-centric plot — perfectly timed with other networks pausing their programming for Gulf War reporting — which propelled the show into pop culture stardom. Nestled against the lush backdrop of Beverly Hills, the series chronicles a tight-knit friend group's evolution from adolescence to grown-up realities across 10 seasons, overcoming several cast rotations while mainstays Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, and Ian Ziering anchored its entirety.

But beyond the allure of West Coast glamour and trivial affairs, this show dove headfirst into societal issues such as homophobia, racism, body image, sexual assault, and more, laying the cornerstone for the teen drama genre we know and love today. *—James Mercadante*

Where to watch *Beverly Hills, 90210*: Paramount+

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Luke Perry, Brian Austin Green, Douglas Emerson, Tori Spelling, Carol Potter, James Eckhouse, Joe E. Tata

Big Brother (2000–present)

Jag Bains, Matt Klotz, and Bowie Jane Ball on 'Big Brother 25'

Jag Bains, Matt Klotz, and Bowie Jane Ball on 'Big Brother 25'.

CBS/Paramount+

For millions of fans, it isn't summer without the three-month obsession that is *Big Brother*. The cutthroat reality series traps a group of contestants in a house together with no contact with the outside world. The houseguests square off in competitions for the power to nominate others for eviction and vote each other out one by one.

Unlike *Survivor*, its fellow long-running reality competition companion, *Big Brother* doesn't take itself too seriously. In fact, it can be outright cartoonish sometimes, with goofy costumes, challenges, and twists aplenty. But, for diehard fans, there's nothing like watching the season unfold week to week, with live feeds of the house also available to stream 24/7 on Paramount+. As always, expect the unexpected. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Big Brother*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Julie Chen Moonves

The Challenge (1998–present)

Alyssa Snider and Cassidy Clark on 'The Challenge: USA 2'

Alyssa Snider and Cassidy Clark on 'The Challenge: USA 2'. Jonne Roriz/Paramount

While there are plenty of reality competition shows across a multitude of streamers, MTV stands tall with its magnum opus, *The Challenge*, which Paramount+ offers starting with 2005's 10th season. What initially began as a humble spinoff affair for *The Real World* and *Road Rules* has since blossomed into the ultimate television crossover event. *The Challenge* now plays host to a diverse roster of reality stars plucked from a smorgasbord of shows including *Survivor*, *Are You the One?,* *American Ninja Warrior*, *Big Brother*, *Love Island*, and more. An ever-evolving competition, contestants are thrown into the gauntlet, playing in teams or flying solo while tackling a myriad of missions in their quest for game supremacy and cash prizes. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *The Challenge*: Paramount+

Cheers (1982–1993)

Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli, John Ratzenberger as Cliff Clavin, and George Wendt as Norm Peterson on 'Cheers'

Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli, John Ratzenberger as Cliff Clavin, and George Wendt as Norm Peterson on 'Cheers'. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Looking for "a place where everybody knows your name?" Swing by the iconic Boston bar owned by none other than Sam "Mayday" Malone, a former Red Sox pitcher who serves up drinks alongside a captivating crew of regulars who later take up a lot of screen time. (As EW's critic wrote, "For a show without a center, *Cheers* is still awfully funny.") With sharp dialogue, masterful physical comedy, and characters you can't help but root for, this show amassed 28 Emmys and four Golden Globes — and had the second-most-watched series finale of all time. Let's raise a glass to that! *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Cheers*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley, Bebe Neuwirth

Colin From Accounts (2022–present)

Patrick Brammall as Gordon Crapp (left) and Harriet Dyer as Ashley Molden (right) on 'Colin From Accounts'

Patrick Brammall as Gordon Crapp (left) and Harriet Dyer as Ashley Molden (right) on 'Colin From Accounts'.

Lisa Tomasetti/Paramount+

This quirky romantic Australian series follows the meeting of two people and the dog they come to share. It all begins when Gordon (Patrick Brammall) nearly runs over Ashley (Harriet Dyer), who impulsively flashes him in return. This leads to Gordon accidentally hitting a stray dog in the road, and the panicked pair try to attend to him — eventually naming him Colin — and form an unexpected connection in the process. Infused with clever humor and infectious chemistry between the two leads (Brammall and Dyer are married in real life), *Colin From Accounts* is one of the more underrated comedies streaming today. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Colin From Accounts*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer

Couples Therapy (2019–present)

Dr. Orna Guralnik on 'Couples Therapy'

Dr. Orna Guralnik on 'Couples Therapy'.

This absorbing docuseries offers an in-depth look into the difficult process of couples resolving their issues in therapy. Dr. Orna Guralnik sees three or four couples per season, allowing us to track their weekly progress as they work through challenges related to sex, parenthood, financial instability, and more. Forgoing the spectacle and sensationalist drama of other reality programs, *Couples Therapy* is refreshingly honest and grounded as it shows the potential benefits of analysis. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Couples Therapy*: Paramount+

The Daily Show (1996–present)

Jon Stewart hosting 'The Daily Show'

Jon Stewart hosting 'The Daily Show'.

*The Daily Show* has seen more than a few reinventions since it first hit Comedy Central airwaves in 1996. The infotainment variety series, which discusses the hot-button issues of the day with a comedic slant, has long been a welcome reprieve for political news junkies. After leaving his post in 2015, Jon Stewart returned to the desk in 2024 — just in time for another tumultuous presidential election — to host Monday episodes, with fan-favorite correspondents hosting the rest of the week's shows. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *The Daily Show*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Jon Stewart, Desi Lydic, Ronny Chieng, Michael Kosta, Dulcé Sloan, Troy Iwata, Grace Kuhlenschmidt, Josh Johnson, Lewis Black, Jordan Klepper, Leslie Jones, Charlamagne tha God

Drunk History (2013–2019)

Alia Shawkat as Alexander Hamilton and Tony Hale as James Madison on 'Drunk History'

Alia Shawkat as Alexander Hamilton and Tony Hale as James Madison on 'Drunk History'.

Comedy Central/Courtesy Everett Collection

Think of it as the most entertaining history lesson you've ever had. Adapting the Funny or Die web series of the same name, *Drunk History* invites actors and comedians to retell stories about political figures, while inebriated. Meanwhile, the show features actors (including many famous faces) re-enacting the story in the reteller's own slurred, giggle-ridden words. Only the fourth through sixth seasons are available on Paramount+, but there's plenty of fascinating history to learn about at your disposal — just don't take any of the character dialogue as gospel. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Drunk History*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Derek Waters, Bennie Arthur, Tim Baltz, Maria Blasucci, Mort Burke, Michael Cera, Sarah Burns, Craig Cackowski, Michael Cassady, Michael Coleman, Aasha Davis, Tymberlee Hill, Adam Nee, JT Palmer, Greg Tuculescu

Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)

Ray Romano as Ray Barone, Brad Garrett as Robert Barone, Doris Roberts as Marie Barone, Peter Boyle as Frank Barone, and Patricia Heaton as Debra Barone on 'Everybody Loves Raymond'

Ray Romano as Ray Barone, Brad Garrett as Robert Barone, Doris Roberts as Marie Barone, Peter Boyle as Frank Barone, and Patricia Heaton as Debra Barone on 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. CBS via Getty

Family sitcoms had been done to death even by the time *Everybody Loves Raymond* premiered in 1996, but its well-observed writing and perfectly assembled cast elevated it to true comedy gold. The titular Raymond, or, "Ray" (Ray Romano), is a Long Island sportswriter whose evasion of household responsibilities gets him into conflict with his beleaguered wife, Debra (Patricia Heaton). They also have to contend with Ray's parents, overbearing Marie (Doris Roberts) and blunt Frank (Peter Boyle), alongside Ray's older brother Robert (Brad Garrett), who all frequently bring the drama to Ray and Debra's home.

The family's suburban struggles make for brilliant comedic tension as each episode feels like live theater; it's no wonder the show was showered with Emmys during its time, including wins for Romano, Heaton, Roberts, and Garrett. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Everybody Loves Raymond*: Paramount+

**EW grade: **A

**Cast:** Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, Madylin Sweeten

Evil (2019–2024)

Mike Colter as David Acosta on 'Evil'

Mike Colter as David Acosta on 'Evil'. Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+

She's a forensic psychologist who's visited by demons in her dreams. He's a proponent of hallucinogenic drugs who's studying to be a Catholic priest. Together, they explore what's bogus vs. what's real about supernatural events and the dark side of faith. Katja Herbers stars alongside Mike Colter on *Evil*, an inventive, wild, and often sidesplitting take on an *X-Files*-style setup that migrated from CBS to Paramount+ around its third season.

EW's critic praised the series for its abundance of "sheer acting talent and narrative trickery built into every episode. Colter remains impossibly charming as a decent person whose spiritual confidence masks profound insecurities," while "Herbers is a dream of witty toughness and parental anxiety, balancing daily concerns about her children with a curiosity about the bizarre world her cases open up." *—J.L.*

Where to watch *Evil*: Paramount+

**EW grade:** A

**Cast: **Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Kurt Fuller, Marti Matulis, Brooklyn Shuck, Skylar Gray, Maddy Crocco, Dalya Knapp, Christine Lahti, Michael Emerson, Ashley Edner, Andrea Martin

Frasier (1993–2004)

Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane on 'Frasier'

Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane on 'Frasier'. Gale Adler/Paramount/Getty

Psychiatry extraordinaire Frasier Crane can be found on the airwaves through this beloved *Cheers* spinoff series (which returned for a two-season revival on Paramount+). After leaving his life and marriage in Boston, the eponymous character relocates to Seattle, where he reunites with his father — a retired detective sidelined by a gunshot wound to the hip — and his younger brother/fellow psychiatrist, Niles. There, he procures a new gig as a radio show host, offering psychiatric advice to occasional surprise callers from famous voices.

With an impressive haul of 37 Emmys, including five consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series awards, *Frasier*'s true essence lies in its family dynamics between Fraiser and Niles, which EW's critic described as "the most hilarious and poignant siblings on television" because of their "lofty, melancholy, yet funny exchanges [that] represent the least typical joke-writing." *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Frasier*: Paramount+

**EW grade: **B+

**Cast: **Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin, John Mahoney, Dan Butler

Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000)

(From left to right): Seth Rogen as Ken Miller, Busy Philipps as Kim Kelly, Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis, Samm Levine as Neal Schweiber, Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir, John Francis Daley as Sam Weir, Martin Starr as Bill Haverchuck, and James Franco as Daniel Desario on 'Freaks and Geeks'

(From left to right): Seth Rogen as Ken Miller, Busy Philipps as Kim Kelly, Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis, Samm Levine as Neal Schweiber, Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir, John Francis Daley as Sam Weir, Martin Starr as Bill Haverchuck, and James Franco as Daniel Desario on 'Freaks and Geeks'. NBCU Photo Bank

It's unforgivable that the show that launched the careers of James Franco, Linda Cardellini, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and more fell victim to NBC's premature cancellation during its first season. ("Is it just me, or does the whole world suck?") In a mere 18 episodes, this sleeper hit gem left a lasting imprint on viewers across generations and earned cult status over the years.

Created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow — who went on to harness the talents of this ensemble in subsequent projects — *Freaks and Geeks* is the coming-of-age tale of a high school mathlete who joins a clique of music-loving, pot-smoking burnouts, while her nerdy younger brother steers through the perils of freshman year. As EW's critic wrote, the series authentically nuanced portrayal of teen life "embodies all of its contradictions, craziness, hopes, and fears," and is one of those rare sitcoms that "sustains funniness for its full 60 minutes." *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Freaks and Geeks*: Paramount+

**EW grade:** A

**Cast:** Linda Carellini, John Francis Daley, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, Samm Levine, Martin Starr, Becky Ann Baker, Joe Flaherty, Busy Philipps

Ghosts (2021–present)

(From left to right): Utkarsh Ambudkar as Jay Arondekar, Rose McIver as Sam Arondekar, Rebecca Wisocky as Hetty Woodstone, Richie Moriarty as Pete Martino, Danielle Pinnock as Alberta Haynes, Devan Chandler Long as Thorfinn, Sheila Carrasco as Flower Montero, and Roman Zaragoza as Sass on 'Ghosts'

(From left to right): Utkarsh Ambudkar as Jay Arondekar, Rose McIver as Sam Arondekar, Rebecca Wisocky as Hetty Woodstone, Richie Moriarty as Pete Martino, Danielle Pinnock as Alberta Haynes, Devan Chandler Long as Thorfinn, Sheila Carrasco as Flower Montero, and Roman Zaragoza as Sass on 'Ghosts'. Bertrand Calmeau/CBS

Married couple Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar) move into an idyllic country house only to discover it's overrun by ghosts who all died on the property. Sounds like the makings of your standard haunted house thriller, but *Ghosts*, adapted from the U.K. series of the same name, isn't interested in scaring anyone. The single-camera sitcom follows the various hijinks of the ghosts — all trapped in the outfits they wore at the time of their deaths — as they try to get a handle on the modern world; meanwhile, Sam and Jay deal with the fact that the former can see and hear the ghosts while the latter cannot.

While there are plenty of laughs to be had, the series also doesn't shy away from emotional moments, as the ghosts try to make peace with their deaths to move on to the afterlife. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Ghosts*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Brandon Scott Jones, Danielle Pinnock, Richie Moriarty, Asher Grodman, Sheila Carrasco, Devan Chandler Long, Rebecca Wisocky, Román Zaragoza

The Good Fight (2017–2022)

Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart on 'The Good Fight'

Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart on 'The Good Fight'. Robert Ascroft/CBS

Brilliantly acted, often satirical, and furiously contemporary, *The Good Fight* follows in the footsteps of the hit CBS legal drama *The Good Wife* (see below). This spinoff tracks the rise and fall of the whip-smart, fabulously dressed attorney Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski), who joins the across-town firm of Reddick, Boseman & Kolstad alongside *Good Wife* veteran Lucca Quinn.

Also starring Rose Leslie and featuring a strong ensemble cast, the series debuted its first four seasons on CBS All Access and its remaining two on Paramount+. With frequent animated musical asides, its final season's "civil war" concept, and powerhouse talent additions like John Slattery and Andre Braugher, *The* *Good Fight *always keeps things interesting. *—J.L.*

Where to watch *The Good Fight*: Paramount+

**EW grade:** A

**Cast: **Christine Baranski, Cush Jumbo, Erica Tazel, Rose Leslie, Delroy Lindo

The 20 best movies on Paramount+

Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron in 'Mean Girls'; Tom Cruise as Capt. Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell in 'Top Gun: Maverick'; Lupita Nyong'o as Sam in 'A Quiet Place: Day One'

The 40 best TV shows to binge-watch right now

Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael 'Robby' Robinavitch on 'The Pitt'; Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Fleabag on 'Fleabag, Wirt (voice: Elijah Wood) in 'Over the Garden Wall'

The Good Wife (2009–2016)

Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick on 'The Good Wife'

Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick on 'The Good Wife'. Eike Schroter/CBS via Getty Images

Art truly mirrors life on *The Good Wife*, where married showrunners Robert and Michelle King drew inspiration from a weirdly specific yet all-too-familiar pattern of political scandals involving prominent male politicians cheating on their lawyer wives. After years of embracing the role of the self-sacrificing mother and spouse, Georgetown graduate Alicia Florrick (Julianna Margulies) is forced to resurrect her legal career as a junior litigator after her high-profile husband is sentenced to jail for misusing state funds for prostitutes.

Boldly shattering the television mold, *The Good Wife *introduced audiences to a remarkably complex and unapologetically flawed female protagonist, and was hailed by EW's critic as "a non-genre series that drops Easter eggs and rewards careful viewing; a program that led the conversation on issues like cybersecurity and political graft; and a show that explored the romantic lives of 40- and 50-year-olds, but not for laughs." *—J.M.*

Where to watch *The Good Wife*: Paramount+

**EW grade:** A

**Cast:** Julianna Margulies, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, Chris Noth, Archie Panjabi

Halo (2022–2024)

Pablo Schreiber as John-117, Kate Kennedy as Kai-125, Bentley Kalu as Vannak-134, and Natasha Culzac as Riz-028 on 'Halo'

Pablo Schreiber as John-117, Kate Kennedy as Kai-125, Bentley Kalu as Vannak-134, and Natasha Culzac as Riz-028 on 'Halo'. Paramount+

Bringing the vast landscape of the smash hit *Halo* video games to the screen was a challenge accepted by executive producer Steven Spielberg. Pablo Schreiber stars as resolute supersoldier Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, who becomes involved in humanity's 26th-century struggle against an aggressive bunch of aliens known as the Covenant. Joining Schieber's Master Chief in the United Nations Space Command are Olive Gray's Commander Miranda Keyes and Natascha McElhone's brilliant scientist Dr. Elizabeth Halsey.

If you want world-building, *Halo*'s got you covered. And if you want sci-fi action, that's here, too. But what might surprise you most about the series is the level of humanity Schreiber brings to his Master Chief. *—J.L.*

Where to watch *Halo*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Pablo Schreiber, Olive Gray, Shabana Azmi, Natascha McElhone, Bokeem Woodbine

The Hills (2006–2010)

Stephanie Pratt, Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, and Kristin Cavallari on 'The Hills'

Stephanie Pratt, Lauren Conrad, Audrina Patridge, and Kristin Cavallari on 'The Hills'. Jeff Lipsky/MTV

Ah, the iconic moment etched into every millennial's memory: Lauren Conrad confronting Heidi Montag with a resounding "You know what you did!" at Les Deux nightclub. Conrad's fame began with her gig on *Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County*, but what really catapulted her to reality TV royalty was her very own spinoff series, which perfectly captured the era of velour tracksuits and side-swept bangs. From Conrad's internship at *Teen Vogue* to all of the nights spent at the hottest spots, *The Hills* not only offered a glimpse into the world of Y2K fashion but also the entertaining escapades of twentysomethings navigating Los Angeles' glittering playground.

While you're at it, extend your nostalgic time travel trip with *The Hills*' 2019 spinoff, *New Beginnings*. (Even if it did end up hitting the brakes after two seasons, remember: "The rest is still unwritten.") *—J.M.*

Where to watch *The Hills*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Lauren Conrad, Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge, Whitney Port, Kristin Cavallari, Lo Bosworth, Stephanie Pratt

I Love Lucy (1951–1957)

Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo on 'I Love Lucy'

Lucille Ball as Lucy Ricardo on 'I Love Lucy'. CBS Photo Archive/Getty

Time to break out your great big bottle of "Vitameatavegamin."** **In a bold move that defied the norms of its time, Lucille Ball insisted that her real-life Cuban-American husband, Desi Arnaz, should play her onscreen spouse on what would become the sitcom of all sitcoms. This timeless comedic tandem — where Lucy's zany antics collided with Ricky's straitlaced demeanor — kept generations in stitches for a remarkable 180 episodes. Not only did *I Love Lucy* unapologetically thrust the once-taboo themes of interracial marriage and pregnancy into the spotlight, but it also clinched four Emmys and the esteemed position of being an inaugural inductee into the Television Academy Hall of Fame — cementing its status as a quintessential TV classic. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *I Love Lucy*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, William Frawley, Richard Keith

Key & Peele (2012–2015)

Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key in a sketch on 'Key & Peele'

Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key in a sketch on 'Key & Peele'. Danny Feld/Comedy Central

While Jordan Peele continues to churn out acclaimed psychological horror movies (including *Get Out,* *Us*, and *Nope*), and Keegan-Michael Key takes the lead on whimsical series like Apple TV+'s *Schmigadoon*, it's absolutely essential to rewind to their roots on their Emmy-winning sketch variety show. Following in the footsteps of iconic comedy duos, this dynamic pair possesses an electric synergy that's fit for endless material, including "Meegan, come back!" and the substitute teacher who creatively butchers every student's name.

Although *Key & Peele* wrapped in 2015, the comedy counterparts' friendship continues to conjure onscreen magic, with projects like *Keanu* (2016), *Toy Story 4* (2019), and *Wendell & Wild* (2022), and an ever-growing list of joint ventures. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Key & Peele*: Paramount+

**Cast: **Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele

Matlock (2024–present)

Kathy Bates as Madeline 'Matty' Matlock, Leah Lewis as Sarah Yang, and David Del Rio as Billy Martinez on 'Matlock'

Kathy Bates as Madeline 'Matty' Matlock, Leah Lewis as Sarah Yang, and David Del Rio as Billy Martinez on 'Matlock'.

Sonja Flemming/CBS

*Matlock* may seem at first glance like the latest lazy remake of a popular series, but you certainly won't feel that way by the end of the pilot. Kathy Bates stars as Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a retired lawyer who nabs a job at a prestigious New York City law firm. While Matty cites financial troubles as a reason for her return to the workplace, she actually has a secret ulterior motive that's too juicy to spoil here. With a complex, Emmy-nominated performance from Bates at its center, EW's critic ranks *Matlock* as one of the 10 best shows of 2024, calling it "more than comfort TV — it's a procedural with a soul." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Matlock*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Kathy Bates, Skye P. Marshall, Jason Ritter, David Del Rio, Leah Lewis**

Nathan for You (2013–2017)

Nathan Fielder on 'Nathan for You'

Nathan Fielder on 'Nathan for You'.

Comedy Central/Courtesy Everett Collection

Meet Nathan Fielder, the star graduate from one of Canada's top business schools (with really good grades, naturally). On this Comedy Central docu-reality series — co-created with Michael Koman — Fielder portrays an oddball caricature of himself, using his business acumen and a patchwork of life experiences for a noble mission. Aiming to rescue small businesses from financial ruin, his well-intentioned (and objectively absurd) efforts often turn into inevitable chaos. From pitches for poo-flavored frozen yogurt to a budget electronics store accessible only through comically tiny doors, Nathan's well of wild ideas never runs dry. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Nathan for You*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Nathan Fielder

RuPaul's Drag's Race (2009–present)

RuPaul in a season 16 promo for 'RuPaul's Drag Race'

RuPaul in a season 16 promo for 'RuPaul's Drag Race'.

Right alongside CBS stalwarts like *Survivor*, *The Amazing Race*, and *Big Brother*, *RuPaul's Drag Race* has become a reality TV institution. While RuPaul and company set out each season to crown America's next drag superstar, even those who don't win have become major figures in the industry, including Shangela, Alaska, and Peppermint. You can now binge all 17 seasons on Paramount+ — prepare to be gagged. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *RuPaul's Drag Race*: Paramount+

**Cast:** RuPaul, Merle Ginsberg, Santino Rice, Michelle Visage, Billy B, Ross Mathews, Carson Kressley, Ts Madison

South Park (1997–present)

Stan (voice: Trey Parker), Cartman (voice: Trey Parker), and Kenny (voice: Matt Stone) on 'South Park'

Stan (voice: Trey Parker), Cartman (voice: Trey Parker), and Kenny (voice: Matt Stone) on 'South Park'.

Nearing 30 years on the air, *South Park* continues to make headlines and remains a hot topic in cultural discourse. The animation staple, centered on the shenanigans of four boys living in the small town of South Park, Colo., is unapologetically profane and unafraid to tackle the latest social debates of the day, including abortion, the climate crisis, cancel culture, and religion. Showrunners Trey Parker and Matt Stone have retained that audacious spirit with season 28 (concluding on Dec. 10), which satirizes Donald Trump and his administration with a frank and critical eye. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *South Park*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mona Marshall, April Stewart

SpongeBob SquarePants (1999–present)

SpongeBob SquarePants (voice: Tom Kenny) on 'SpongeBob Squarepants'

SpongeBob SquarePants (voice: Tom Kenny) on 'SpongeBob Squarepants'. Nickelodeon

Let's go back to 1999, when a certain absorbent, yellow, and porous fellow made his debut in a pineapple under the sea. And more than (cue the time card) two decades later, *SpongeBob SquarePants* is still riding the Nickelodeon waves, earning its place as one of the longest-running animated series alongside the likes of *The Simpsons* and *South Park*. Our ever-optimistic fry cook continues to radiate his "Best Day Ever" energy in the whimsical Bikini Bottom, where he embarks on hilarious escapades alongside his eclectic crew — including a slightly clueless starfish, a penny-pinching crustacean, a grouchy squid, and a science-savvy squirrel.

With its effervescent humor and never-ending supply of underwater adventures, *SpongeBob *is a timeless delight that has kept generations entertained, and even led them to adopt nautical catchphrases like "Barnacles" or "Oh, tartar sauce" into their swear vocabulary. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *SpongeBob SquarePants*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Tom Kenny, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Clancy Brown, Mr. Lawrence, Dee Bradley Baker, Carolyn Lawrence, Jill Talley, Mary Jo Catlett

Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024)

Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets, Doug Jones as Saru, and Wilson Cruz as Hugh Culber on 'Star Trek: Discovery'

Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets, Doug Jones as Saru, and Wilson Cruz as Hugh Culber on 'Star Trek: Discovery'.

CBS Television Studios

Paramount+ contains hundreds of hours of *Star Trek** *movies and shows, with Discovery being the streamer's first foray into original Trekkie-friendly programming. A prequel to *Star Trek: The Original Series*, *Discovery* follows Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), a Vulcan-raised human whose mutiny on the USS *Shenzhou* caused her to be detained and imprisoned, until she is reassigned to the USS *Discovery*. EW's critic praised Martin-Green's performance from the start: "She is a commanding presence, weary and excited, bemused and desperate, never less than fully *engaged.*" —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Star Trek: Discovery*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Shazad Latif, Anthony Rapp, Mary Wiseman, Jason Isaacs, Wilson Cruz, Anson Mount, David Ajala, Rachael Ancheril, Blu del Barrio, Tig Notaro

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)

Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'

Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'. CBS via Getty Images

For those yearning to "live long and prosper," the third voyage of the *Star Trek* TV franchise beckons. While behind-the-scenes turbulence initially threatened the journey — artistic conflicts between *Trek* creator Gene Roddenberry and writers and producers almost deprived us of Patrick Stewart's legendary Captain Picard* — **Star Trek: The Next Generation* transports viewers into a new era of interstellar exploration aboard the USS *Enterprise* (NCC-1701-D). Here, a novel crew of Starfleet officers embarks on exhilarating missions through unexplored territories.

As noted by EW's critic, "There is a whole galaxy of explanations for why people respond to *Next Generation*. The thrills and chills of space travel, the vivid depictions of brave new alien worlds and civilizations, the sheer drama of blasting into the unknown — these are also powerful reasons to tune in." *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Star Trek: The Next Generation*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Majel Barrett, Wil Wheaton

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022–present)

Tawny Newsome as Ensign Beckett Mariner and Jack Quaid as Ensign Brad Boimler on 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'

Tawny Newsome as Ensign Beckett Mariner and Jack Quaid as Ensign Brad Boimler on 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'.

Among a bright cast of new helmspeople, medical officers, and engineers, Anson Mount spearheads this *Star Trek*: *Discovery* spinoff series as Christopher Pike, captain of the USS *Enterprise* during the years before the events of the original show. And yes, Spock is here, too. *Strange New Worlds* has received high marks for its production design, with its kicky riffs on 1960s aesthetics as well as its further development of characters that have been around for more than half a century. *—J.L.*

Where to watch *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*: Paramount+

**EW grade: **B

**Cast:** Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Jess Bush, Christina Chong, Rebecca Romijn, Celia Rose Gooding

Survivor (2000–present)

Kelly Wiglesworth, Rudy Boesch, Susan Hawk, Richard Hatch, and Sean Kenniff in the first season of 'Survivor'

Kelly Wiglesworth, Rudy Boesch, Susan Hawk, Richard Hatch, and Sean Kenniff in the first season of 'Survivor'. CBS

The EW tribe has spoken: You should watch *Survivor*. Hosted by Jeff Probst*, *the gripping reality competition series plucks contestants from their comfort zones, dumping them at remote locations where they must unleash their inner warriors. As they navigate an intense blend of physical and mental challenges for rewards and immunity, their strategic skills are tested through calculated votes for elimination, ultimately leaving one "sole survivor" standing with a million-dollar prize. From Sue Hawk's unforgettable "snakes and rats" speech in season 1 to the blindsiding of Erik Reichenbach in season 16 to the scheming antics of supervillain Russell Hantz in season 19, the show has been generating iconic moments since its 2000 debut.

Don't be daunted by the number of seasons; you can leap in at any point, but why not start from the beginning? If it somehow doesn't click, you can bring us your torch. —*J.M*.

Where to watch *Survivor*: Paramount+

**Cast: **Jeff Probst

The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

Rod Serling in a promotional photo for 'The Twilight Zone'

Rod Serling in a promotional photo for 'The Twilight Zone'. Everett Collection

Your next stop: the Twilight Zone! Courtesy of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning mind of Rod Serling, this sci-fi/horror anthology series is arguably one of the greatest TV shows to ever exist. Each half-hour episode unpacks a self-contained saga where characters grapple with phantasmagorical forces, ultimately culminating in unforeseeable twists that typically reveal profound moral truths. While it bears the hallmarks of its era, its evergreen appeal and visionary ingenuity continue to delight viewers and inspire auteurs — as evidenced by the numerous attempts to resurrect its magic, most recently Jordan Peele's 2019 reboot. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *The Twilight Zone*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Rod Serling

Twin Peaks (1990–1991)

Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne and Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper on 'Twin Peaks'

Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne and Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper on 'Twin Peaks'. ABC via Getty Images

In an era of formulaic network television, oddball director David Lynch (*Eraserhead*, *Blue Velvet*) emerged as the perfect visionary to reshape the medium with this genre-bending series co-created by Mark Frost. With its pioneering introduction of season-long murder mysteries, innovative camerawork, music by Angelo Badalamenti, and surreal aesthetics, this tour de force — a part-neo-noir, part-supernatural horror, part-comedy — marked an unprecedented achievement in small-screen storytelling, as its unfading influence pops up on shows like *Riverdale*, *Stranger Things*, and more.

*Twin Peaks* engrosses its viewers in the titular town, where, amidst its eccentric citizens, FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper investigates the murder of homecoming queen Laura Palmer. For more twisted mysteries, Paramount+ also offers the 2017 revival series, *Twin Peaks: The Return*, a cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of TV even further. *—J.M.*

Where to watch *Twin Peaks*: Paramount+

**Cast:** Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook, Richard Beymer, Lara Flynn Boyle, Sherilyn Fenn, Warren Frost, Peggy Lipton, Joan Chen, Everett McGill, Kimmy Robertson, Ray Wise, Piper Laurie

YO! MTV Raps (2022)

Diamond Kuts hosting 'Yo! MTV Raps'

Diamond Kuts hosting 'Yo! MTV Raps'. Ser Baffo/Pramount+

Paramount+ has really leaned into society's collective need for nostalgia, offering a suite of , MTV-derived programming. *YO! MTV Raps* is one of the latest legacy titles to resurface, joining *Behind the Music*, which appeared on the streamer in 2021. Back in the '80s, Fab 5 Freddy and André "Doctor Dré" Brown were the ringleaders for the show's rambunctious mix of live segments, interviews, and rap video programming, but while the content remains the same, this *YO! MTV* *Raps* reboot features DJs Conceited and Diamond Kuts as hosts, who welcome guests like singer Freddie Gibbs and rapper Latto. *—J.L.*

Where to watch *YO! MTV Raps*: Paramount+

**Cast:** DJ Conceited, DJ Diamond Kuts

- TV Reviews & Recommendations

Original Article on Source

Source: "EW TV"

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Source: TV

Published: December 03, 2025 at 11:38AM on Source: RED MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

The 34 best shows on Paramount+

From cult favorites like &34;Freaks and Geeks&34; to longrunning competition series such as &34;Survivor,&34; ...
New Photo - The 29 best family films on Disney+ for movie night

Intergalactic adventurers, cuddly animal companions, and true stories of triumph are all featured in the streamer's best kidfriendly films. The 29 best family films on Disney&43; for movie night Intergalactic adventurers, cuddly animal companions, and true stories of triumph are all featured in the streamer's best kidfriendly films. By Devin Nealy and Ilana Gordon on December 1, 2025 7:25 a.m. ET :maxbytes(150000):stripicc()/bestfamilymoviesdisneyplus101223b01d9e9346ef416f967b9644e1e9c808.

Intergalactic adventurers, cuddly animal companions, and true stories of triumph are all featured in the streamer's best kid-friendly films.

The 29 best family films on Disney+ for movie night

Intergalactic adventurers, cuddly animal companions, and true stories of triumph are all featured in the streamer's best kid-friendly films.

By Devin Nealy and Ilana Gordon

on December 1, 2025 7:25 a.m. ET

Miguel (voice: Anthony Gonzalez) in 'Coco'; Chris Pratt as Peter Quill in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'; Jack Skellington (voice: Chris Sarandon) in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'

Miguel (voice: Anthony Gonzalez) in 'Coco'; Chris Pratt as Peter Quill in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'; Jack Skellington (voice: Chris Sarandon) in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection (2); Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Disney+ cracked the vault open — forever. The younger generations will never know the agony of waiting for Disney classics to become available on DVD, only to watch them disappear into a cloud of fairy dust soon after. But thanks to Disney+'s extensive archive, kids (and adults) can experience films from the company's Golden Age and today.

Featuring daring princesses, underdog athletes, and enough talking animals to make George Orwell proud, these are the 29 best family movies on Disney+. Pick your favorite and watch as the Disney magic transforms your evenings.**

Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Belle (voice: Paige O'Hara) and the Beast (voice: Robby Benson) in 'Beauty and the Beast'

Belle (voice: Paige O'Hara) and the Beast (voice: Robby Benson) in 'Beauty and the Beast'.

Walt Disney Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Belle is a brainy beauty from a small village who desires a life beyond the provincial domesticity that's expected of young women. When a horrific man-beast abducts her father, she bargains with the monster to take his place. As Belle settles into the Beast's palatial castle — filled with a friendly staff of anthropomorphic furniture and glassware — she discovers that her captor and his servants owe their present state to a cruel curse.

If the Beast can give and receive true love from another, the spell will be lifted, but his irascible nature makes this quite the challenge. *Beauty and the Beast* is arguably the crown jewel of Disney's golden age circa the late '80s and early '90s. Fun fact: this movie was so well-received that it became the first animated film to earn a Best Picture Oscar nomination. *—Devin Nealy*

Where to watch *Beauty and the Beast*: Disney+

**EW grade:** B

**Directors: **Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

**Cast: **Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Jerry Orbach, Richard White, Angela Lansbury, David Ogden Stiers, Rex Everhart

Bend It Like Beckham (2002)

Parminder Nagra as Jess Bhamra (center) in 'Bend It Like Beckham'

Parminder Nagra as Jess Bhamra (center) in 'Bend It Like Beckham'. Christine Parry/Fox Searchlight

This coming-of-age soccer movie (or, rather, football in England, where it's set) catapulted Keira Knightley to movie star status, but it's *Bend It Like Beckham*'s cultural perspective and commentary that truly make it special. The story follows Jess Bhamra (Parminder Nagra), a teen girl obsessed with soccer (and with David Beckham, who gave the film permission to use his name because he wanted to promote girls' soccer). Feeling suffocated by her strict Indian parents and their hope that she'll someday become a homemaker and devoted wife, Jess secretly joins a soccer team and must juggle responsibilities for both her family and her coach (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).

The film resonates with anyone who knows the acute angst of pretending around loved ones to be someone they're not. The result is director Gurinder Chadha's supremely watchable sports film about gender, culture, sexuality, diversity, and love — and it's a touching one to boot. *—Ilana Gordon*

Where to watch *Bend It Like Beckham*: Disney+

**EW grade: **A

**Director: **Gurinder Chadha

**Cast: **Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Juliet Stevenson, Shaznay Lewis, Archie Panjabi

Big (1988)

Robert Loggia as MacMillan and Tom Hanks as Josh in 'Big'

Robert Loggia as MacMillan and Tom Hanks as Josh in 'Big'. Everett Collection

Josh Baskin can't catch a break. All our diminutive 12 year old protagonist wants is to be "big," and after plugging a quarter into a creepy fortune-telling machine, his dream comes true. The following morning, Josh doesn't only wake up in a larger body but a significantly older one as well (that of Tom Hanks).

The transformation thrusts him headfirst into adulthood, sending the naive pre-teen on a literal coming-of-age journey that emphasizes the old maxim: Be careful what you wish for. Revisiting director Penny Marshall's whimsical classic will be a treat for parents, but *Big*'s true genius is how it allows children to vicariously live out the universal fantasy of becoming a grown-up. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Big*: Disney+

**Director: **Penny Marshall

**Cast: **Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, John Heard, Robert Loggia

Coco (2017)

Miguel (voice: Anthony Gonzalez) in 'Coco'

Miguel (voice: Anthony Gonzalez) in 'Coco'.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

This modern Pixar classic boasts a dazzling aesthetic, complete with skeletal characters that are never too spooky for younger children. Our young hero, Miguel, loves two things: music and his family. Unfortunately for him, the former is banned in his home, and his grandmother breaks his guitar after discovering his passion for the forbidden art.

Distraught over the incident, Miguel visits the grave of his favorite musician, Ernesto de la Cruz, on the Day of the Dead. After strumming Ernesto's guitar, Miguel ventures into the Land of the Dead, where he learns the truth about his dearly departed relatives. *Coco*'s breathtaking character designs are the primary standout in this affecting, mystical romp while honoring the traditional iconography of Mexican culture. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Coco*: Disney+

**EW grade: **B+

**Director: **Lee Unkrich

**Cast: **Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renée Victor, Edward James Olmos, Ana Ofelia Murguía

Cool Runnings (1993)

Malik Yoba as Yul Brenner, Leon Robinson as Derice Bannock, Doug E. Doug as Sanka Coffie, and Rawle D. Lewis as Junior Bevil in 'Cool Runnings'

Malik Yoba as Yul Brenner, Leon Robinson as Derice Bannock, Doug E. Doug as Sanka Coffie, and Rawle D. Lewis as Junior Bevil in 'Cool Runnings'. Everett Collection

Following his failure to qualify for the 100-meter race at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games, Jamaican sprinter Derice Bannock (Leon Robinson) scrambles to find a new path toward athletic glory. In a desperate attempt to keep his dream alive, Bannock tries to build Jamaica's first Olympic bobsled team — despite the country's year-long tropical climate. To help bring his vision to fruition, Bannock enlists the aid of former bobsled champion Irving Blitzer (John Candy), who tarnished his reputation by cheating years prior. The two then begin to recruit a ragtag team of misfits as they all try to make history *and* a name for themselves.

With a breezy 98-minute runtime, *Cool Runnings* possesses a surprising emotional depth that balances perfectly with its humor and charm. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Cool Runnings*: Disney+

**Director:** Jon Turteltaub

**Cast: **John Candy, Leon Robinson, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba, Rawle D. Lewis

The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

Emperor Kuzco (voice: David Spade), Kronk (voice: Patrick Warburton), and Yzma (voice: Eartha Kitt) in 'The Emperor's New Groove'

Emperor Kuzco (voice: David Spade), Kronk (voice: Patrick Warburton), and Yzma (voice: Eartha Kitt) in 'The Emperor's New Groove'.

Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Emperor Kuzco (David Spade) is an arrogant narcissist who is utterly oblivious to reality outside his lavish castle. Hoping to usurp him from the throne, Kuzco's advisor, Yzma (Eartha Kitt), cooks up a plot to poison the puerile figurehead.

However, her lovable lunkhead of a servant, Kronk (Patrick Warburton), gives the emperor the wrong vial of poison and turns him into a llama. After narrowly avoiding the assassination attempt, Kuzco befriends one of his subjects, Pacha (John Goodman), who aims to aid the fallen royal in regaining his humanity while simultaneously teaching him some humility. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *The Emperor's New Groove*: Disney+

**Director: **Mark Dindal

**Cast:** David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt, Patrick Warburton, Wendie Malik

Enchanted (2007)

Amy Adams as Giselle and Patrick Dempsey as Robert Philip in 'Enchanted'

Amy Adams as Giselle and Patrick Dempsey as Robert Philip in 'Enchanted'. Everett Collection

Giselle (Amy Adams) is the quintessential animated maiden, with a song in her heart and true love on her mind. As she starts to approach her highly coveted "happily ever after" with the dashing Prince Edward (James Marsden), the tyrannical Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon) sends the princess from the two-dimensional land of Andalasia to the real world of New York City. After befriending her polar opposite in a divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey), Giselle begins to adapt to the big city lifestyle — until her friends from home come to call.

Twenty-first-century Disney films with a metatextual lens on the studio's own classics have become a subgenre of their own, but few do it as saliently as *Enchanted*. This movie is required viewing for anyone who knows their princess mythos inside and out. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Enchanted*: Disney+

**Director: **Kevin Lima

**Cast: **Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, Susan Sarandon, Rachel Covey, Timothy Spall

Finding Nemo (2003)

Marlin (voice: Albert Brooks) and Dory (voice: Ellen DeGeneres) in 'Finding Nemo'

Marlin (voice: Albert Brooks) and Dory (voice: Ellen DeGeneres) in 'Finding Nemo'.

Go under the sea with Pixar and discover the joys of *Finding Nemo*, the story of a missing fish and the neurotic father determined to bring him home. After clownfish Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) loses his wife, he is left alone with his son, Nemo, a young fish with a busted fin. Marlin vows to keep Nemo safe, but he can't protect him from a youthful rebellion that causes Nemo to get swept off into the ocean, presumably gone forever.

Marlin teams up with Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), a blue tang fish with a short-term memory problem. Together, the fearful Marlin and forgetful Dory attempt to navigate the Coral Sea off Australia's coast to bring Nemo home. Teeming with eccentric characters, vibrant colors, and heartwarming family comedy, *Finding Nemo* is premium Pixar. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Finding Nemo*: Disney+

**Director: **Andrew Stanton

**Cast:** Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush, Bill Hunter

Freaky Friday (2003)

Lindsay Lohan as Anna and Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess in 'Freaky Friday'

Lindsay Lohan as Anna and Jamie Lee Curtis as Tess in 'Freaky Friday'.

Walt Disney/Everett Collection

A charming story about a mother and daughter learning to understand each other, *Freaky Friday** *(2003) is a remake of a film from 1976 and features smart writing, top-notch physical comedy, and real chemistry between stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. Curtis plays Tess Coleman, a widowed psychologist and author who doesn't agree with any of her daughter Anna's (Lohan) choices. The two clash heads until forces beyond their control switch their bodies, making them live as each other.

Curtis does some of her best comedic work playing Tess as seen through Anna's eyes, throwing her whole being into her performance as a teenager trapped in a grown-up's body. The film is a millennial favorite, and its 2025 sequel got an A– review and enthusiastic approval from an EW critic. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Freaky Friday*: Disney+

**Director:** Mark Waters

**Cast: **Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Harold Gould, Chad Michael Murray, Mark Harmon

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Chris Pratt as Peter Quill, Dave Bautista as Drax, Rocket (voice: Bradley Cooper), Zoe Saldaña as Gamora, and Groot (voice: Vin Diesel) in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'

Chris Pratt as Peter Quill, Dave Bautista as Drax, Rocket (voice: Bradley Cooper), Zoe Saldaña as Gamora, and Groot (voice: Vin Diesel) in 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

Peter "Star-Lord" Quill (Chris Pratt) is a fast-talking, slightly dim-witted intergalactic thief who ends up in a brutal space prison after swiping a valuable alien artifact. Inside the facility, Peter meets (and reluctantly befriends) an oddball crew of fellow inmates, including the enigmatic Gamora (Zoe Saldaña), who is regarded as the deadliest woman in the galaxy. With his new friends in tow, our antihero escapes the facility and uncovers a nefarious plot that threatens the entire universe.

As it turns out, Star-Lord & Co. are the only ones who can intervene. What can possibly go wrong? Although interwoven into Marvel's massive 23-film Infinity Saga, James Gunn's *Guardians of the Galaxy* is so effortlessly artful that it succeeds as a stand-alone story. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Guardians of the Galaxy*: Disney+

**EW grade:** A–

**Director: **James Gunn

**Cast: **Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldaña, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Glenn Close, Karen Gillan

The 17 best family movies on HBO Max that'll please any crowd

Batman (voice: Will Arnett) in 'The LEGO Batman Movie'; Timothée Chalamet as Willy Wonka in 'Wonka'; Kiki (voice: Minami Takayama) in 'Kiki's Delivery Service'

The 34 best family comedy movies ready to stream right now

Moana (voice: Auli'i Cravalho) in 'Moana'; Paddington (voice: Ben Whishaw) in 'Paddington'; Mirabel (voice: Stephanie Beatriz), Agustín (voice: Wilmer Valderamma), and Julieta (voice: Angie Cepeda) in 'Encanto'

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Better Middler as Winnifred Sanderson, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson in 'Hocus Pocus'

Kathy Najimy as Mary Sanderson, Better Middler as Winnifred Sanderson, and Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah Sanderson in 'Hocus Pocus'.

Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

A millennial classic that is sure to put a spell on you, *Hocus Pocus** *is the story of what happens when three 17th-century witches face off against 20th-century teenagers. Back in the 1690s, the Sanderson sisters were condemned to death after the witches drained the life force from a young girl to keep themselves from aging. Three hundred years later, their home of Salem, Mass., is now a typical New England suburb — and the sisters are back to finish what they started.

Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker combine their comedic and musical powers to create the best three witch team since the Weird Sisters. And this original trio of stars returned for the film's sequel, released on the Disney+ platform in 2022. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Hocus Pocus*: Disney+

**Director: **Kenny Ortega

**Cast: **Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy, Omri Katz, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw

Home Alone (1991)

Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister and Joe Pesci as Harry in 'Home Alone'

Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister and Joe Pesci as Harry in 'Home Alone'.

Any time is the best time to revisit *Home Alone*, the John Hughes-penned classic that made us yearn for the holidays, our families, and a lovely cheese pizza for one. *Home Alone *is the story of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), an 8-year-old accidentally left in suburban Chicago while his family travels internationally, who attempts to foil a home invasion using household items and American ingenuity.

A '90s movie in the best way possible, *Home Alone *offers hijinks, holiday cheer, and suggestions for how to economically booby trap your home. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern make a perfect pair of criminal buffoons, and director Chris Columbus knows how to create Christmas chaos in a way that feels nostalgic, regardless of whether this is your first watch or your 50th. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Home Alone*: Disney+

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **Chris Columbus

**Cast: **Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Catherine O'Hara

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)

Chance (voice: Michael J. Fox), Shadow (voice: Don Ameche), and Sassy (voice: Sally Field) in 'Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey'

Chance (voice: Michael J. Fox), Shadow (voice: Don Ameche), and Sassy (voice: Sally Field) in 'Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey'.

Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

There are plenty of movies chronicling the triumph of the human spirit, but what about triumphs of sheer animal will? *Homeward Bound* follows three pets temporarily left at a farm while their family moves to the city — but these pets will not be denied. Determined to find their way back to their humans, the wise Shadow, the sarcastic Sassy, and the impulsive Chance attempt to navigate their way home using only their wiles and each other.

While the film doesn't technically qualify as a nature documentary, the shots of the three pets crossing the Sierra Nevada make for some solid cinematography. And if the bickering and bantering between the animal leads doesn't win you over, the ending will take you down. *Homeward Bound *is a great movie to watch with kids and pets, as long as you don't mind them seeing you cry. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Homeward Bound*: *The Incredible Journey*: Disney+

**Director: **Duwayne Dunham

**Cast: **Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, Don Ameche

The Incredibles (2004)

Dash (voice: Spencer Fox), Violet (voice: Sarah Vowell), Mr. Incredible (voice: Craig T. Nelson), and Elastigirl (voice: Holly Hunter) in 'The Incredibles'

Dash (voice: Spencer Fox), Violet (voice: Sarah Vowell), Mr. Incredible (voice: Craig T. Nelson), and Elastigirl (voice: Holly Hunter) in 'The Incredibles'.

Walt Disney/Courtesy Everett Collection

*The Incredibles* is the perfect antidote for audiences that have grown numb to the constant bombardment of superhero cinema. Bob Parr (Craig T. Nelson) is a suburban father of three who lives in the shadow of his former career as the uber-strong Mr. Incredible. To satiate his hunger for the glory days, Bob begins moonlighting as a vigilante, much to the chagrin of his wife and fellow retired "Super," Helen, a.k.a. Elastigirl (Holly Hunter).

However, when Bob overestimates his abilities and bites off a little more than he can chew on a secret mission, his other half has to come out of retirement to save him with their children in tow. *The Incredibles* is often considered to be one of the best Pixar movies ever created, which, considering the studio's almost unassailable reputation, should count for a lot. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *The Incredibles*: Disney+

**EW grade: **A

**Director: **Brad Bird

**Cast:** Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Sarah Vowell, Spencer Fox

Mary Poppins (1964)

Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins and Dick Van Dyke as Bert in 'Mary Poppins'

Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins and Dick Van Dyke as Bert in 'Mary Poppins'. Everett Collection

The aptly named Mr. Banks is a successful and, by extension, extremely busy banker from London who desperately requires a new nanny to supervise his two imaginative children. While father yearns for an authoritative caretaker, his kin, Michael and Jane, have their own qualifications for the perfect guardian.

Enter Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), an angelic young woman with a carefree nature who uses her magical powers and cheerful disposition to help unite the Banks family. *Mary Poppins* is as iconic as Disney movies get, and while its "dated" special effects may not sit well with children raised on contemporary media, the film's stellar soundtrack, performances, and timeless plot will more than compensate for any perceived shortcomings. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Mary Poppins*: Disney+

**Director: **Robert Stevenson

**Cast: **Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Glynis Johns, David Tomlinson, Karen Dotrice, Hermione Baddeley, Matthew Garber, Arthur Treacher

Miracle (2004)

Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks (center) in 'Miracle'

Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks (center) in 'Miracle'.

Buena Vista/Courtesy Everett Collection

Rolling into the 1980 Winter Olympics, the Soviet ice hockey team seemed invincible after snagging four consecutive gold medals. Looking to help America secure a victory against its Cold War rival, coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) begins to employ a fresh approach to come out on top. After quelling the various egos on the team, Brooks is able to galvanize his players toward an impossible goal while embarking on one of the most memorable and miraculous wins in the game's history.

Sports movies based on true stories are a dime a dozen, but Russell's enthralling performance as the inspirational Brooks helps art imitate life, as the actor's skills rally his costars to success. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Miracle*: Disney+

**EW grade: **B

**Director: **Gavin O'Connor

**Cast: **Kurt Russell, Noah Emmerich, Patricia Clarkson

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Natalie Wood as Susan Walker and Edmund Gwenn as Santa Claus in 'Miracle on 34th Street'

Natalie Wood as Susan Walker and Edmund Gwenn as Santa Claus in 'Miracle on 34th Street'.

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett Collection

A Christmas classic, *Miracle on 34th Street* uses the legal system to remind us all of the magic of Santa Claus. Natalie Wood stars as Susan Walker, a young girl who befriends a man named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), who believes himself to be the real Santa Claus. When Kris is fired from his job as a Macy's Santa and threatened with institutionalization, Susan, her mother (Maureen O'Hara), and her mother's friend Fred Gailey (John Payne) rally to save him.

Filmed in black and white, and featuring shots from the real 1946 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, *Miracle on 34th Street* was remade for '90s kids in a project starring Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, and Dylan McDermott (also streaming on Disney+), but the original remains the dominant version and a holiday favorite for all generations.* —I.G.*

Where to watch *Miracle on 34th Street*: Disney+

**Director: **George Seaton

**Cast: **Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart, Natalie Wood

Moana (2016)

Maui (voice: Dwayne Johnson) and Moana (voice: Auliʻi Cravalho) in 'Moana'

Maui (voice: Dwayne Johnson) and Moana (voice: Auliʻi Cravalho) in 'Moana'.

Now that *Moana 2 *is also streaming on Disney+, what better time to revisit the original? Featuring one of the best soundtracks in recent Disney history, *Moana** *is set in Polynesia and tells the story of a young girl who loves the water, but is forbidden by her father from venturing beyond their island. After the ocean chooses her to return a goddess' heart, Moana must brave the sea to save her people.

Featuring a diverse cast, with special attention paid to the Polynesian myths on which the film is based, *Moana *retains all the old Disney magic, but adds a little special something for the new generation. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *Moana*: Disney+

**Directors: **John Musker, Ron Clements

**Cast: **Dwayne Johnson, Auliʻi Cravalho, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk

Mulan (1998)

Mushu (voice: Eddie Murphy), Mulan (voice: Ming-Na Wen), and Khan (voice: Frank Welker) in 'Mulan'

Mushu (voice: Eddie Murphy), Mulan (voice: Ming-Na Wen), and Khan (voice: Frank Welker) in 'Mulan'. Walt Disney Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection

As the Huns begin their incursion into China, the government institutes a draft requiring at least one male resident in every home to enlist for military service. As the lone man of the house, the aging and disabled father of Fa Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) begins to prepare himself for the war effort. Fearful of his chances of survival in war, Mulan disguises herself as a boy and joins the army on his behalf.

To aid in her quest, Mulan's ancestors grant her a family guardian in the form of a talkative dragon named Mushu (Eddie Murphy). Although *Mulan* is replete with stellar performances and gorgeous 2-D animation, the film's iconic soundtrack is truly the star of this show. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Mulan*: Disney+

**Directors: **Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft

**Cast: **Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, B.D. Wong, Pat Morita, George Takei, Miguel Ferrer, June Foray, James Hong

The Muppet Movie (1979)

Kermit the Frog (voice: Jim Henson), Gonzo (voice: Dave Goelz), Camilla (voice: Jerry Nelson), and Fozzie Bear (voice: Frank Oz) in 'The Muppet Movie'

Kermit the Frog (voice: Jim Henson), Gonzo (voice: Dave Goelz), Camilla (voice: Jerry Nelson), and Fozzie Bear (voice: Frank Oz) in 'The Muppet Movie'.

Henson Associates/Courtesy Everett Collection

A chance encounter with a talent agent inspires Kermit the Frog to try his hand at a music career and embark on a road trip to Hollywood. During his journey across the country, he meets a plethora of like-minded Muppets, including fan favorites like Fozzy Bear, Gonzo, Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, and the group's unhinged drummer, Animal, who eventually join the affable amphibian on his quest for fame and fortune. Meanwhile, a conniving restaurateur, Doc Hopper, intends to make Kermit the mascot for his fried frog legs franchise by any means necessary.

It's hard to slot any Muppet movie above another, as the Muppet Cinematic Universe is replete with many classics, but 1979's *The Muppet Movie* isn't just another entertaining entry; it's also a satisfying origin story. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *The Muppet Movie*: Disney+

**Director: **James Frawley

**Cast:** Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Charles Durning, Dave Goelz

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Sally (voice: Catherine O'Hara) and Jack Skellington (voice: Chris Sarandon) in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'

Sally (voice: Catherine O'Hara) and Jack Skellington (voice: Chris Sarandon) in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. Touchstone Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty

Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon) is one of the most beloved citizens in the delightfully spooky Halloween Town, populated by every conceivable ghoul and monster imaginable. Although Jack serves as the spokesperson for their elaborate festivities, he begins to feel disillusioned by the monotonous nature of the seasonal celebrations. During a walk through the forest, the sad skeleton finds portals to several other holiday-inspired lands embedded in the trees.

Inspired by the discovery, Jack uses his stature within the community to spearhead Halloween Town in its first Christmas celebration — but things soon take a grim turn. The Tim Burton-produced *The Nightmare Before Christmas* is an undeniable classic and still considered the gold standard in the world of stop-motion animation. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *The Nightmare Before Christmas*: Disney+

**Director: **Henry Selick

**Cast: **Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Reubens, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Ken Page

The Princess Bride (1987)

Robin Wright as Buttercup and Cary Elwes as Westley in The Princess Bride'

Robin Wright as Buttercup and Cary Elwes as Westley in 'The Princess Bride'.

20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Action fantasies aren't made much better than *The Princess Bride*. Full of giants and princesses, pirates and torturous counts, the film remains as beloved today as it did in the late '80s when Mandy Patinkin first said, "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

The film kicks off with a grandfather (Peter Falk) telling a bedtime story to his sick grandson (Fred Savage), then devolves into a quest for lost love, overdue revenge, and general adventure. Highlights include Wallace Shawn's appearance as Vizzini, the small Sicilian; Billy Crystal's comedic work as Miracle Max; and the love story between Westley (Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (Robin Wright). A swashbuckling romantic comedy, *The Princess Bride* is a reminder that "death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while." *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Princess Bride*: Disney+

**Director: **Rob Reiner

**Cast:** Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André the Giant

The Princess Diaries (2001)

Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis and Hector Elizondo as Joe in 'The Princess Diaries'

Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis and Hector Elizondo as Joe in 'The Princess Diaries'.

Serving as Anne Hathaway's movie debut and breakthrough role, *The Princess Diaries* represents the classic rags to riches story — with a top-notch makeover to boot. Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway) is a nerdy teenager whose primary aspirations in life are to fly under the radar at school and get her best friend's brother to like her back. But when her grandmother (a perfectly cast Julie Andrews) arrives in town and informs her that she's actually the princess of a small European country called Genovia, Mia's plans to remain invisible are thrown out the window.

Director Garry Marshall channels the same energy and charm he brought to *Pretty Woman*, but adds a young adult-appropriate filter. Also notable for featuring Sandra Oh in one of her funniest roles to date, *The Princess Diaries* is a modern fairy tale for all ages. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *The Princess Diaries*: Disney+

**Director: **Garry Marshall

**Cast:** Anne Hathaway, Héctor Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, Caroline Goodall, Robert Schwartzman, Julie Andrews, Sandra Oh

Ratatouille (2007)

Remy (voice: Patton Oswalt) and Alfredo Linguini (voice: Lou Romano) in 'Ratatouille'

Remy (voice: Patton Oswalt) and Alfredo Linguini (voice: Lou Romano) in 'Ratatouille'.

Walt Disney Co./Courtesy Everett Collection

Remy (Patton Oswalt) dreams of becoming the world's next great chef like his hero, Auguste Gusteau (Brad Garrett). Luckily, he lives in Paris, one of the best culinary cities on the planet. However, Remy is also a rat, which makes his goal of working in a kitchen next to impossible. As he comes to terms with his limitations, the rodent learns that he can puppeteer the limbs of a sympathetic human named Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano) by pulling his hair.

Safely concealed under the cook's hat, Remy starts to live his dream while trying not to spill the beans about their big secret. *Ratatouille* is brilliantly paced and stuffed to the brim with enough levity and pathos to satiate the most jaded film critic. Plus, the ending will leave audiences wondering who started cutting onions. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Ratatouille*: Disney+

**Director: **Brad Bird

**Cast: **Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Peter O'Toole, Janeane Garofalo, Will Arnett, Brian Dennehy

Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Princess Aurora (voice: Mary Costa) in 'Sleeping Beauty'

Princess Aurora (voice: Mary Costa) in 'Sleeping Beauty'. Everett Collection

Cursed as an infant by the evil Maleficent, Princess Aurora has spent a large portion of her life in hiding to avoid the dark magic designed to end her life. On her 16th birthday, the day fated to initiate the curse, the sorceress discovers Aurora's safe house in the woods and lures the young girl into a tower where she succumbs to the enchantment.

*Sleeping Beauty* has grown increasingly relevant in the Disney catalog over the years, as Maleficent's series of spinoff films have made the villain a household name. By revisiting the original movie, younger fans can watch the dark fairy in all of her maniacal glory while gaining a broader context of her character. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Sleeping Beauty*: Disney+

**Directors: **Clyde Geronimi, Wolfgang Reitherman, Eric Larson, Les Clark

**Cast: **Mary Costa, Bill Shirley, Verna Felton, Eleanor Audley, Barbara Luddy, Taylor Holmes, Barbara Jo Allen, Bill Thompson

Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977)

Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Alec Guiness as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope'

Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Alec Guiness as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope'. Lucasfilm

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a despotic, imperial government led by the ruthless Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) controlled a large swath of the known universe. With the gigantic Death Star space station — capable of destroying a planet in seconds — under their command, the evil empire faces scant opposition, barring a fringe rebel alliance and the brave Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher).

In a desperate bid to save the galaxy, Leia summons an old hero, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), and his teenage apprentice, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who possesses a mysterious power called the force. *Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope* isn't just the movie that launched George Lucas' iconic franchise; it's also the foundation of modern Hollywood blockbusters. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope*: Disney+

**Director: **George Lucas

**Cast: **Mark Hamill, James Earl Jones, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing

Toy Story (1995)

Buzz Lightyear (voice: Tim Allen) and Woody (voice: Tom Hanks) in 'Toy Story'

Buzz Lightyear (voice: Tim Allen) and Woody (voice: Tom Hanks) in 'Toy Story'.

Buena Vista/Courtesy Everett Collection

A story about a charismatic cowboy doll and his arch rival, the shiny new astronaut toy, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), *Toy Story* is a film about love, loss, and growing up. And if the heartwarming and genuinely funny script isn't enough to draw you in, *Toy Story* has earned its place in cinematic history as the film that inspired the current wave of 3-D animated movies, and heralded the Pixar dynasty that still reigns today.

While its animation may seem dated compared to recent successes, this Disney movie's narrative is structured so intelligently that, much like its protagonist, it can still hang with its newer, glossier competition. *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Toy Story*: Disney+

**Director: **John Lasseter

**Cast: **Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Laurie Metcalf, John Ratzenberger, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn

Turning Red (2022)

Abby (voice: Hyein Park ), Miriam (voice: Ava Morse), Priya (voice: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), and Meilin (voice: Rosalie Chieng) in 'Turning Red'

Abby (voice: Hyein Park ), Miriam (voice: Ava Morse), Priya (voice: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), and Meilin (voice: Rosalie Chieng) in 'Turning Red'. Pixar

Showcasing the relatable struggles of adolescence through the lens of fantasy, *Turning Red* focuses on 13-year-old Meilin "Mei" Lee (Rosalie Chiang), who is initially enjoying her inaugural year as a teenager. However, as she struggles to balance her mother's (Sandra Oh) expectations with her budding interest in boys and pop music, our protagonist makes an unusual discovery. It turns out that stress causes the pubescent women in her family to transform into giant red pandas.

To quote EW's critic, "Has there ever been a better metaphor for puberty than a feral, rampaging animal?" *—D.N.*

Where to watch *Turning Red*: Disney+

**EW grade: **B+

**Director: **Domee Shi

**Cast: **Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Orion Lee, Hyein Park, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho, James Hong

WALL-E (2008)

WALL-E (voice: Ben Burtt) in 'WALL-E'

WALL-E (voice: Ben Burtt) in 'WALL-E'.

If Pixar knows anything, it's how to make existentialism adorable. A film about corporate greed, overconsumption, and overreliance on technology, *WALL-E** *is the animation studio's ninth feature, and arguably one of its best.

The movie follows WALL-E, a roving trash compactor left alone on Earth to consolidate the garbage that caused humans to flee the planet. Director Andrew Stanton knows how to speak volumes with silence, and a good portion of the movie is wordless, or communicated with beeps and other electronic sounds. But a good love story doesn't require much talking, and WALL-E does eventually find a partner — and a purpose — in this beautiful, introspective film. *—I.G.*

Where to watch *WALL-E*: Disney+

**Director:** Andrew Stanton

**Cast:** Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver

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The 29 best family films on Disney+ for movie night

Intergalactic adventurers, cuddly animal companions, and true stories of triumph are all featured in the streamer's best ...
New Photo - Artists Push Back Against Trump Admin Using Their Music

Artists Push Back Against Trump Admin Using Their Music Chad de GuzmanDecember 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM 0 Sabrina Carpenter attends the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. on Sept. 7, 2025. Credit Mike Coppola—Getty Images/MTV "Have you ever tried this one?" pop singer Sabrina Carpenter's voice asks over a video of ICE agents chasing and detaining immigrants that the White House posted on social media on Tuesday, the latest in an apparent campaign to use popculture references to promote the Trump Administration's agenda.

- - Artists Push Back Against Trump Admin Using Their Music

Chad de GuzmanDecember 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM

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Sabrina Carpenter attends the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. on Sept. 7, 2025. Credit - Mike Coppola—Getty Images/MTV

"Have you ever tried this one?" pop singer Sabrina Carpenter's voice asks over a video of ICE agents chasing and detaining immigrants that the White House posted on social media on Tuesday, the latest in an apparent campaign to use pop-culture references to promote the Trump Administration's agenda.

Carpenter, however, did not like whatever the White House was trying to do. "this video is evil and disgusting," Carpenter replied to the post on X. "Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda."

The White House has not taken down the video or removed the sound as of Wednesday, but spokesperson Abigail Jackson told TIME in a statement: "Here's a Short n' Sweet message for Sabrina Carpenter," making a reference to the singer's 2024 album. "We won't apologize for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from our country. Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?"

The White House and other federal agencies and departments during President Donald Trump's second-term Administration have embraced pop music, memes, and even AI-generated images on official accounts.

"Nowhere in the Constitution does it say we can't post banger memes," the White House's X account posted in July.

But Carpenter isn't the first—and likely won't be the last—to object to her work being co-opted by politics she disagrees with.

Unwilling participants in political messaging

Trump has faced pushback from artists for using their music in his presidential campaigns and even first term, but it has not deterred his Administration from aggressively posting videos with music by pop artists, including some who have publicly spoken out against him.

While legally challenging the use of a song can be costly and difficult, many artists have chosen to raise their objections publicly to inform fan bases and listeners of their political stance.

In November, singer Olivia Rodrigo, TIME's 2021 Entertainer of the Year, shot back at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after it used her 2023 song, "All-American Bitch," as the backing track for a video urging illegal immigrants to self-deport. On Instagram, Rodrigo commented, "don't ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda," to which the DHS responded cheekily with a reference to Rodrigo's song lyrics: "America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe. We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice."

In October, singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins called out the "unauthorized use" of his 1986 song, "Danger Zone," in an AI-generated video Trump posted on Truth Social. In the video, Trump flew on a jet emblazoned with "KING TRUMP" while donning a crown and dropping feces over New Yorkers, in apparent response to No Kings Protests across the country. The video with the sound remains on Trump's Truth Social platform.

"Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied," Loggins said in a statement to the media, adding that he was seeking the immediate removal of his song from the video. The White House reportedly responded to questions from NPR about the use of the song with a photo of actors Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards from the 1986 film Top Gun and overlayed text reading, "I feel the need for speed."

The same month, rock band MGMT managed to get taken down a DHS video post of federal agents arresting anti-ICE protesters that used the band's 2017 song "Little Dark Age" as a backing track, alongside the caption: "End of the Dark Age, beginning of the Golden Age." A Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) takedown request was apparently filed, and the video was taken down on X, while it remains available on Instagram but without sound.

Another rock band, Blue Öyster Cult, reacted to Trump's use of their 1976 hit "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" in an AI-generated video in which Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought was depicted as the Grim Reaper pursuing mass layoffs of federal workers and shutting down "Democratic" agencies during the U.S.'s longest-ever government shutdown. In a statement on social media, the band clarified that it was "not contacted or notified in advance" but that the copyright is "100% owned by SONY MUSIC." The video with the sound remains on Trump's Truth Social platform.

British pop singer Jess Glynne also had her 2015 bop "Hold My Hand," which became an internet sensation this year, used by the White House to promote deportations back in July. In a statement to the media, Glynne said she felt "sick" and "devastated" that her song was being used to promote "division and hate," explaining: "Hold My Hand was written about love, support, and standing by someone through everything – it's meant to offer hope and empowerment. Using it to promote something I fundamentally disagree with goes completely against the message of the song." Jet2, an airline whose use of the song in a holiday advertisement went viral and was what was actually used as the backing sound of the White House video, also expressed disappointment, saying the use was "not endorsed by us in any way" and the company was "very disappointed to see our brand being used to promote government policy such as this."

Some artists, however, have largely kept publicly silent about the use of their songs. Notably, Taylor Swift, TIME's 2023 Person of the Year who has at other times been hawkish about unsanctioned use of her music and has called out Trump before for falsely implying her endorsement, has not issued any statement after she had her songs from her latest album The Life of a Showgirl used in White House materials.

Contact us at [email protected].

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Published: December 03, 2025 at 11:45AM on Source: RED MAG

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Artists Push Back Against Trump Admin Using Their Music

Artists Push Back Against Trump Admin Using Their Music Chad de GuzmanDecember 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM 0 Sabrina Carpente...

 

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