When most consumers think ofDisney+and their massive catalog, they likely imagine lighthearted comedies or innocent romances. Princesses, orphans, farm boys, and the like, these are characters we expect to see at the forefront of classic Disney productions. Spies?Hitmen or assassins? Criminals? Not so much. Indeed,thrillerand suspense aren’t typically genres that come to mind for Disney.
However, the streaming platform has plenty of TV series and films that sit within this genre outright or imbue strong thriller elements via subplots. Disney+ is underrated for its thriller selection, which shows that not all thrillers have to consist of massive amounts of bloodshed, life-or-death stakes, or storylines that are unsuitable for children. Whether it be superhero thrillers or comedic thrillers, there’s something for every kind of viewer. Here are the best thrillers on Disney+.
10Agent Carter (2015-2016)
Agent Carter
Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe may enjoyAgent Carter. This superhero “spy-fi” follows the character Peggy Carter, played by Hayley Atwell, whom some may recognize fromCaptain America: The First Avenger. To the outside world, Peggy is an average woman in the 1940s in NYC. She does administrative work and is put together, though her marital status does raise eyebrows. When she’s not sitting behind a desk, she works as an agent for the Secret Scientific Reserve, solving various crimes.
What Makes It Great
While the series is set in the MCU and references characters related to Steve Rogers (aka Captain America) and Steve himself, anyone can enjoy the show. Peggy is a character who continuously proves those around her wrong as to what she’s capable of. The mystery threads woven through the show are smartly paced and filled with high-action moments involving Peggy in gunfights and hand-to-hand altercations. This mix of the historical drama, thriller, crime, and superhero genres will surely entertain.
9Emil and the Detectives (1964)
Emil and the Detectivesis based on a novel of the same name by German writer Erich Kästner. Emil is a 10-year-old boy during the 1920s. He gets on a bus set to visit his grandmother in Berlin. His mother gave him an envelope with a lot of money. The young boy falls asleep during his travels, and when he awakes, the money is gone. He is certain his seatmate is the culprit ,and asks for help from some child detectives.
Both Emil and the rough-around-the-edges children involved in catching the thief are incredibly likable and fun to follow. Sometimes narratives about children solving crimes are a little too unbelievable to get on board with, but it somehow works here. Emil is not just solving the slight against him, but also gets roped into the thrilling misdeeds, which involve a good ol’American movie heist. With the corruption taking place and the intense motivation of the kids for justice, viewers are sure to be invested in this film.
8Sister Act (1992)
Sister Actmay be known primarily as a comedy, but it has plenty of thriller elements keeping readers anticipating what will happen next. It centers on Deloris Winston (Whoopi Goldberg), a lounge singer who performs in a club run by her criminal boyfriend, Vince. The teachers of her Catholic school would surely disapprove. She catches Vince murdering someone and believes she could be next. To protect her, the police place her in witness protection, where she assumes the identity of a nun named Sister Mary Clarence.
This film is aclassic fish-out-of-water story, as we see Deloris struggle to adapt to her new environment. The growing pains are what audiences come to the movie for, but the crime elements and found family that are also present are nice cherries on top. Most of the film is quite lighthearted, especially seeing Deloris' more spirited and carefree nature rub off on the other nuns. But the frequent reminders of Vince and the hit he has out for her remind viewers (and Deloris) that there’s danger looming.
7Cruella (2021)
A live-action prequel feature film following a young Cruella de Vil. Starring Emma Stone.
Read Our Review
Cruellais the villain origin story of one of Disney’s most iconic characters: Cruella de Vil. She was first seen in the101 Dalmatiansstory as the evil boss wanting to skin puppies for her fur coats. InCruella, we see what initially turned her into the monster we all love to hate. Born Estella Miller, the film gives glimpses into the ostracization she felt in school, what led her to London, how she connected with her gloriously incompetent henchmen, and, of course, her fascination for Dalmatians' spots.
Emma Stone had big shoes to fill in her portrayal of Cruella. One fear many have with villain origin stories is the filmmakers watering down the character too much in an attempt to humanize them. That isn’t totally lost here, with much attention given to her backstory and family. However, Cruella still exists with her flamboyant demeanor and over-the-top evilness that would seem like a caricature with other characters but works here. And given that we see Cruella is not opposed to breaking the law to get ahead, viewers know they’re in for a suspenseful ride.
6National Treasure (2004)
National Treasure
National Treasureis a heist film full of loads of conspiracy, lore, and action. Since Benjamin Gates (played by Nicolas Cage) was a boy, he had an interest in treasure nurtured by his grandfather. There was a particular mystery that stuck with him for years, involving the Founding Fathers and a lost ship. As an adult, he believes he’s unlocked where the map to the treasure lies: the Declaration of Independence. His former allies want to steal the document for their own gain, which Ben is against. In order to prevent it from getting into the wrong hands, Ben opts to remove the document himself.
If viewers are looking for high stakes,National Treasureprovides that in spades. Not only do we get the emotional stakes tied to Ben’s childhood obsession with this case, but also the different physical forces hoping to impede him. He gets other people pulled into the mess, which adds more pressure to him. With intricate historical details and solid acting, the film proves that goriness and extreme violence aren’t necessary for successful thrillers.
Related:Why National Treasure is One of the Best Adventure Films
5Luke Cage (2016-2018)
Luke Cageis another thrilling MCU series that can appeal to a wider audience than hardcore Marvel fans. The titular character (Mike Colter) is a former criminal who lives in Harlem. After an experiment gone wrong, he came out with superhuman abilities, such as an armor-like skin that can withstand most blows, and super strength. He’s a reluctant hero, upset about what happened to him and not wanting to get involved in the crime happening around him. However, he soon encounters individuals who will get him to rethink his stance.
A character with too much strength can be boring, especially in this case where the protagonist has a literal plot shield baked into the premise. Yet even if viewers don’t believe he’ll die in a fight scene, they still worry about the outcome. The effect violence has on the Harlem neighborhood is apparent in the periphery characters and also in Luke’s mindset. He’s an incredibly fascinating character who doesn’t jump into heroism, which makes it instantly more relatable. With just two seasons, it’s a relatively quick watch and the pacing ensures no moment is a drag.
4Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?is a live-action and animated film about a jaded detective and a disgraced actor rabbit. Eddie Valiant doesn’t want anything to do with toons after one killed his brother. He solves the crimes that come to his desk and drowns his sorrows with alcohol, sometimes at the same time. When an assignment comes to investigate what’s plaguing Maroon Carton Studios actor Roger Rabbit, he reluctantly accepts. However, when a murder occurs that implicates Roger, who hides himself at Eddie’s place, the detective must decide if uncovering the truth outweighs his hatred for toons.
Despite the film’s release in the late-80s, theblending of animation and live-actionholds up surprisingly well. So not only is it a pleasure to look at after all these years, but the different layers of the mystery are also addicting. The villains in the story range from the comedic relief of the weasels to the genuinely terrifying Judge Doom. It manages to flesh out the world-building and characters' motivations while not skimping on humorous moments and drama perfect for the Los Angeles backdrop. As we get to know and love Roger, viewers become determined to discover who is causing havoc across Toon Town.
3The Moon-Spinners (1964)
The Moon-Spinnersis anoften-forgotten Disney filmfrom 1964. It’s set on the beautiful Greek island of Crete, where a young British girl named Nikky is traveling with her aunt Frances. They try to stay at the Moon-Spinners Inn, but are met with resistance from the owners, who don’t want visitors. Eventually, the innkeepers acquiesce, but Nikky’s suspicions mount after more suspicious encounters with them and the unveiling of jewel thieves potentially on the island.
This is a vintage film that shows its age with the dialogue, pacing, and characterization, but those are not detractors. It features a silent film star in Pola Negri and actors like that bring a style of melodrama and suspense popular at the time. Nikky may not be a character who will stick out as wholly unique, but she is perfect for thriller/mystery stories such as this. She is a good-hearted person who wants to set the world right. The secondary characters are classic archetypes for the genre and show why they work well.
2Alias (2001-2006)
Sydney Bristow inAliasis recruited as an agent for an organization called the SD-6, which she believes is a branch of the CIA. However, when the group murders her fiancé when she reveals her job, Sydney discovers the SD-6 is an espionage and criminal organization. To get justice, Sydney joinsthe actual CIAand works as a double agent to take down the SD-6 from the inside. But if past experiences taught her anything, it’s to be careful who she trusts and how much of her life she divulges.
Following the storyline of someone getting revenge for the unnecessary death of a loved one would likely be enough to pique the audience’s curiosity. However, there’s so much more inAliasthat hooks viewers. Sydney’s parents have complex histories with the SD-6, adding even more complication to her mission. Additionally, we see Sydney struggling to keep her identity secret from friends and SD-6 colleagues. As we get to know and like them, we also become worried about their fates if (and when) Sydney’s motives become public.
1Jessica Jones (2015-2019)
Jessica Jones
Jessica Jonesfollows the titular character, who is a former superhero battling inner demons. When she was a superhero, she had to do things that haunted her. Though she’s tried to move past that time in her life and opened up her own private detective agency, she can’t seem to outrun her thoughts or her traumas. Now, when the villain responsible for the worst times in her superhero career resurfaces, Jessica must find the strength to defeat him.
As this list suggests, Marvel is not shy to give spin-offs to several characters. However,Jessica Jonesis considered one of the best by many fans. Jessica isn’t simply a bland character with a Tortured Past™. She has an incredible amount of depth and the show takes the time to develop her thoroughly in between the thrilling elements. The show also has a more mature tone than some other Marvel spin-offs and addresses serious issues such as sexual assault. For those who can handle those topics, it’s worth it for the excellent characterization and cat-and-mouse plot.
