9 Best Disney+ Shows That Aren’t Marvel Or Star Wars

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While Disney+ is well-known for hits like The Mandalorian and Marvel shows, some of its strongest content is actually original programming that goes beyond superheroes and science fiction. Disney+ offers a surprising variety of shows, including compelling documentaries, character-focused dramas, and quality animated series, proving it’s capable of much more than many people realize.

Disney+ has something for almost everyone, with both fresh takes on classic stories and completely new content. The platform excels at telling engaging stories of all kinds, appealing to viewers of all ages and with diverse interests – and it’s doing this with shows that don’t even need the popularity of Marvel or Star Wars to stand out.

Percy Jackson And The Olympians

2023-Present

Disney/David Bukach

Based on the beloved books by Rick Riordan, the new series Percy Jackson and the Olympians is the faithful adaptation fans have been hoping for. It tells the story of Percy, an average kid who learns he’s the son of a Greek god, and is suddenly caught up in a world full of monsters, ancient predictions, and perilous adventures.

Though aimed at younger viewers, Percy Jackson and the Olympians is enjoyable for everyone. The show expertly mixes funny moments with exciting adventures and heartfelt emotions, all centered around Percy’s unexpected role in saving Olympus. This adaptation is a vast improvement over the previous movies, staying true to the original books while feeling fresh and current. With plenty of teen drama and romance, the series is relatable and quickly becoming one of Disney+’s top hits.

What makes Percy Jackson special is how much care goes into developing its characters and creating its world. Percy’s story isn’t just about fighting monsters; it’s also about him learning who he is and the importance of friendship, and those connections feel real. Featuring a younger cast makes the story’s themes even more impactful, and Rick Riordan’s vision is finally being brought to life as it should be.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

2019-2023

Everett

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series successfully brought back the beloved High School Musical franchise, but it also carved out its own unique path. Instead of simply retelling the original movies, the show follows a group of students putting on a production of High School Musical at the very location where the films were made—a smart and self-aware twist on the classic story.

This series is done in a fun, documentary-like style, mixing memorable songs with the everyday struggles of being a teenager – just like what fans loved about the original. The characters feel real, so you quickly become invested in what happens to them. It’s a fast-paced, heartfelt show that also gave a big boost to Olivia Rodrigo’s career, and she’s now a Grammy winner!

Big Shot

2021-2022

Everett

Starring John Stamos, Big Shot tells the story of a fiery college basketball coach who loses his job and ends up coaching a team at a prestigious all-girls private high school. While it starts as a funny story about someone in a completely new environment, the show soon becomes a touching and inspiring look at personal growth and the power of working together.

“Big Shot” delves into themes of mentorship, taking responsibility for your actions, and personal growth – not just for the coach, but for the players as well. While the series centers on the coach’s journey, it also gives the teenage athletes complex and realistic personalities, showcasing their dreams and vulnerabilities. This blend of character development makes the story appealing to viewers of all ages and elevates it beyond a typical sports drama.

Harlem Ice

2025

Harlem Ice is a documentary series that follows young Black figure skaters as they overcome obstacles in a sport where diversity has historically been limited. The show highlights the incredible skill, determination, and hard work of the girls from Figure Skating in Harlem as they strive to succeed in a competitive and often unwelcoming world.

Despite flying under the radar on Disney+, Harlem Ice is a show worth watching. It honestly portrays the difficulties faced by its young athletes, from money troubles to unfair systems, while also highlighting their successes both in hockey and in life. Harlem Ice is a great example of Disney+’s knack for telling important, real-life stories that often go untold.

Limitless With Chris Hemsworth

2022-2025

Everett

In the documentary series Limitless, Chris Hemsworth moves beyond acting to investigate what our bodies and minds are truly capable of, and how we can live healthier, longer lives. Throughout the series, he’s guided by leading health and neuroscience experts as he pushes his own physical and mental boundaries.

This show is visually beautiful, taking viewers to amazing places like Switzerland and Mallorca, Spain. It explains complex scientific ideas in a way that’s both simple and captivating. Chris Hemsworth’s genuine curiosity and openness make the show compelling and leave you eager to discover more.

The Artful Dodger

2023-Present

Everett

The Artful Dodger is a fresh take on the famous character from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, catching up with him 15 years later. The series follows Jack Dawkins as he tries to build a new life as a surgeon in 1850s Australia, but his history of crime comes back to threaten everything he’s worked for. It’s a historical drama with a contemporary feel.

This show features characters with plenty of flaws, but it’s impossible not to find yourself hoping they succeed, even though they often do questionable things. The writing is a major highlight – it’s both funny and keeps you on the edge of your seat. By giving a classic character a fresh adventure, the series appeals to longtime fans and newcomers alike. Good news for viewers: season 2 of The Artful Dodger premieres on February 10th.

American Born Chinese

2023

Everett

Inspired by Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel, American Born Chinese is a funny and moving series that blends Chinese mythology with the challenges of growing up. It centers on Jin Wang, a high school student who feels like he doesn’t quite fit in, and whose story becomes connected to figures from classic Chinese tales.

American Born Chinese beautifully blends humor and heartfelt moments while exploring important themes like fitting in, understanding who you are, and the pressures families can put on each other. The series is also fantastic because it stars Academy Award winners Ke Huy Quan and Michelle Yeoh, both delivering amazing performances.

Win Or Lose

2025

Everett

Okay, so I just finished watching Win or Lose, Pixar’s first original series, and honestly, it’s a really clever idea. It centers around a middle school softball team and the week before their big championship game. What’s cool is each episode is shown through the eyes of a different player. It keeps things super interesting because even if you think you know what’s going on, seeing it from someone else’s perspective makes it feel totally new. It’s a really refreshing way to tell a story, and I’m hooked!

The series is structured in a way that lets viewers directly feel the impact of both understanding and misunderstanding, particularly when characters are under a lot of pressure. Win or Lose delves into what drives each character, revealing how quickly miscommunications can damage relationships and what it takes to repair them. It’s a deeply moving and relatable show that demonstrates animation’s ability to explore important themes for audiences of all ages.

Parallels

2022

Everett

Parallels is a French sci-fi show about four teens who stumble into parallel universes when their world is shattered. They’re thrown into different timelines and meet alternate versions of themselves and their loved ones, leading them to surprising self-discoveries.

I have to say, while the sci-fi elements and visuals are definitely a big draw, what really makes this Disney+ series work is how much it focuses on the characters. It’s amazing to watch them grow and change throughout the show. Sure, jumping between universes puts a strain on their friendships, but ultimately, it brings them closer and makes their bond even stronger. It’s a really satisfying journey to watch them all come out on top.

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2026-01-17 16:11