X-Men: The Animated Series
If it weren’t for this animated series, which ran for five seasons beginning in 1992, there would have never been the popular X-Men film series.
Originally aired on Fox Kids Network, X-Men: The Animated Series was based on the X-Men comic book series published by Marvel Comics, which artist/co-writer Jack Kirby and writer Stan Lee created. The series features the now-familiar characters of Cyclops, Wolverine, Rogue, Storm, Beast, and many more, and there are 76 episodes available.
The World According to Jeff Goldblum
The first original Disney Plus series on the list, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, follows the long-time actor as he explores a wide range of products, including tattoos, RVs, coffee, and more. From National Geographic, the series has already been renewed for a second season. The first season debuted in November 2019 and includes 12 30-minute episodes.
The Simpsons
The longest-running American sitcom and longest-running American scripted primetime television series is now part of the Disney family thanks to its purchase of Fox properties in 2019. The series, currently with 679 episodes, started in 1989 as a short for the long-forgotten The Tracey Ullman Show. The Simpsons, of course, follows the working-class life of Homer and Marge Simpson and their child, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Along the way, viewers experience other characters in the fictional town of Springfield, including Seymour Skinner, Moe Szyslak, Ned Flanders, Mr. Burns, and many others. For the entire Simpsons experience, be sure also to check out The Simpsons Movie, which is also available on Disney Plus.
Boy Meets World
This now-iconic American television sitcom ran for seven seasons on ABC. Following the everyday events and life lessons of Ben Savage’s Cory Matthews, the series focused on middle school, high school, and college life late in the 20th century. Joining Savage in the series was William Daniels, Betsy Randle, Will Friedle, and many more. Twelve years after Boy Meets World ended, the Disney Channel debuts a sequel. Girl Meets World, also available on Disney Plus, ran for three seasons.
Phineas and Ferb
Anyone who has ever watched the Disney Channel knows about Phineas and Ferb’s antics. Though it ran for only four seasons, there are 222 episodes available to watch. There are also three specials and a 2020 Disney Plus film. Predominantly set during summer vacation, the series features Phineas Flynn and his stepbrother Ferb Fletcher as they embark on another grand project. Along the way, they often run into the evil Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, Perry the Platypus, and members of OWCA (the Organization Without a Cool Acronym).
The Mandalorian
Star Wars fans couldn’t get enough when this series launched alongside the Disney Plus service last fall. Also known as Star Wars: The Mandalorian, the series is set five years after the events of Return of the Jedi and 25 years before The Force Awakens. The series follows the title character, a bounty hunter named Din Djarin, as he moves through the reaches of the New Republic. Along the way, he meets many different characters, including Baby Yoda.
With a first season order of eight episodes, the Mandalorian returns later this year with season 2.
Big Hero 6: The Series
In 2014, Disney delighted audiences with the film Big Hero 6, which was loosely based on the comic book series by the same name by Marvel Comics. The series, currently airing on the Disney Channel, features the voices of Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, and Jamie Chung. The stories occur after the film’s events and use traditional hand-drawn animation. Big Hero 6: The Series currently consists of two seasons totaling 46 episodes, with also shorts available, and a third season has been ordered.
DuckTales
The 1980s DuckTales animated television series ran for 100 episodes over four seasons. In 2017, a reboot debuted based on the Uncle Scrooge comic book; the series follows Scrooge McDuck and his three nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Very popular for Disney, DuckTales led to other cartoons, including Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Darkwing Duck, and TaleSpin. There’s also a DuckTales movie. You can find them all on Disney Plus.
Gravity Falls
Finally, there’s Gravity Falls, an animated mystery comedy TV series that originally aired on Disney Channel and Disney XD. Spread across 40 episodes; the series follows the adventures of Dipper Pines, his twin sister Mabel, and the grumpy Great Uncle Stan. Truly a cartoon for all ages, Gravity Falls offers a beautiful combination of nostalgia and out-of-this-world exploring.
Join the Fun
Disney Plus is available everywhere streaming services reside. And a subscription to Disney Plus is just $7.99/per month for the basic ad-supported version and $10.99/per month to go ad-free. Or, you can save by getting the Disney Plus bundle that includes Hulu and ESPN+, with the Duo bundle starting at $9.99/month. Disney Plus is your exclusive home for Star Wars, Marvel, Nat Geo, Pixar, The Simpsons, and all Disney content. The service streams in resolutions up to 4K Ultra HD in Dolby Vision and HDR 10. It’s also worth noting that if you are already a Hulu (No Ads) or Hulu Live subscriber, you can add the Disney+ bundle to your existing account. You can watch Disney Plus content through streaming and downloading for offline use.
