Soul, Luca, and Turning Red are getting theatrical releases for the first time, and these 10 Disney+ original movies deserve the same treatment next. Soul, Luca, and Turning Red are all critically acclaimed Pixar films that were released straight to Disney+ due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Disney just now giving them theatrical distributions years after their initial Disney+ releases. If this release strategy turns out to be a success, it is possible that more Disney+ originals could get wide releases, and these 10 would be the perfect candidates.
While Disney has always been a staple of the movie theater experience, some of the studio’s smaller movies have been getting released straight to Disney+ in recent years, whether that be due to the COVID-19 pandemic or a lack of confidence that the movie will succeed in theaters. However, theatrical re-releases have always been big for Disney, with the company constantly putting their films back in theaters years later. These Disney+ films that didn’t receive wide releases would be perfect for this strategy, with these 10 films potentially getting a second wind upon a re-release.
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10 Pinocchio (2022)
Disney’s theatrically-released live-action remakes have been huge successes, so when looking over Disney+ movies that could potentially receive theatrical re-releases, the Disney+ original live-action remakes are obvious choices. Pinocchio is a big-name title that got a Disney live-action remake in 2022, and while it didn’t do well on the streaming service, a theatrical release could help it gain some more traction. The brand recognition and star-studded cast could help the film succeed, with it being a major blockbuster that warrants a theatrical experience.
9 Peter Pan & Wendy
Another live-action remake that was released straight to Disney+ is Peter Pan & Wendy, with it deserving a theatrical release as well. Countless retellings and reimaginings of Peter Pan have been released in theaters to critical and commercial success, so it is strange that Disney didn’t release their own remake in theaters. Director David Lowery has found success with theatrically released movies like The Green Knight and Disney’s own Pete’s Dragon remake, meaning that Peter Pan & Wendy may find similar success.
8 Lady & The Tramp (2019)
The third live-action remake that was released straight to Disney+ is Lady and the Tramp, with it being the first of the trio to get released. Although Lady and the Tramp isn’t Disney’s biggest IP, it is pretty recognizable, meaning that it could probably turn a profit if it were given a theatrical release. Disney movies, live-action remakes, and dog movies are all typically successful, and Lady and the Tramp combines all three of these factors, making it a clear candidate for theaters.
7 Hocus Pocus 2
Hocus Pocus 2 avoided a theatrical release when Disney brought it straight to the streaming service in 2022, but the film could easily find itself being a box office hit if it were released in theaters. While the original Hocus Pocus wasn’t a hit, its cult status caused the franchise to become a beloved Halloween classic. Hocus Pocus 2 was one of the biggest Disney+ releases of 2022, with the decision to plop it on a streaming service being a surprising one.
6 Disenchanted
Another legacy sequel to a fan-favorite live-action Disney classic is 2022’s Disenchanted, with it also skipping a theatrical release in favor of being put straight to Disney+. The film is a sequel to 2007’s Enchanted, which was a massive box-office hit for Disney. Due to the original’s success, a theatrical release for Disenchanted could have been a major hit. Instead, however, the sequel seems to be mostly forgotten. Giving Disenchanted a theatrical re-release now could be the perfect way to renew interest in the film, with it appealing to both adults and young children.
5 Werewolf By Night
To the surprise of many, Disney actually released an MCU film straight to Disney+ back in 2022: Werewolf by Night. Although it is a bit shorter than most other MCU movies, with it clocking in at just under an hour, the Halloween special would undoubtedly draw in some interest if it were given a big-screen release. Werewolf by Night was overlooked by many MCU fans due to its streaming release, but a Disney horror movie that ties into the MCU has all the markings of a surefire theatrical success.
4 Togo
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One of the earliest Disney+ original movies was 2019’s Togo, a film that could easily find success with a theatrical re-release. The film tells the immensely popular story that was explored in the animated classic Balto, although Disney’s version of the story isn’t an exact remake. The film was a major critical success and it stars Willem Dafoe, meaning that it could find success in theaters, with it standing out from Disney’s usual fare.
3 Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers
One of the most notable Disney+ original films is Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, with it being shocking that the film didn’t get a theatrical release back in 2022. The movie revitalizes the iconic series of the same name, with it also bringing in all kinds of other beloved animated characters from tons of different franchises. The film features major stars like Andy Samberg, John Mulaney, Seth Rogen, and more, and it combines live-action with animation. Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers was still popular despite its Disney+ release, and it could be even bigger in theaters.
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2 Cheaper By The Dozen (2022)
Disney+ has its own remake of Cheaper by the Dozen, and the 2022 film could also find success in theaters. The movie would build off the back of the popular Steve Martin Cheaper by the Dozen remake while also advertising itself as a modern retelling of the story, something that many fans can get behind. The film could easily have been a hit if it were released theatrically, and since it’s a new addition to a major franchise, it could still work if given a theatrical re-release.
1 Crater
Crater was a major sci-fi movie released on Disney+ in 2023, but the circumstances surrounding the film mean that it deserves a theatrical release. Disney+ removed Crater after only seven weeks, purging the film in an attempt to increase the profitability of the streaming service. It is impossible for viewers to legally watch Crater now, but a theatrical re-release could be the key to saving the film, bringing it back into the limelight after its unfortunate fate on Disney+.
