9 shows on Disney+ for different social needs from post-work stress relief to lazy weekends with friends

Streaming platforms are usually my source of entertainment and relaxation, well-practised from years of using the Internet when bored.

After a long day, it feels good to be able to turn to the silver screen, from the comfort of my home.

When Disney+ entered the local scene in 2021, I was excited to watch many more types of content.

Beyond reliving my childhood diet of “Kim Possible” and “Ratatouille” – I realised that Disney+ also offers many Hollywood blockbusters and up-and-coming shows, from most of the Marvel Studios’ franchise (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”) to series produced by National Geographic (“Limitless with Chris Hemsworth”).

There’s pretty much something for every occasion, which is great because different settings warrant different shows.

You might not watch a romantic comedy with family, for example, because it could get awkward, but it’s okay to watch an action film together for two hours.

Here are nine trending movies and series that you can dive into on Disney+, whether you’re looking for something to destress, or for a chill afternoon with friends.

Post-work destress

1) The Zone: Survival Mission

For fans of “Running Man” or comedy, you’ll want to catch the new Korean variety show “The Zone: Survival Mission”.

Produced by Cho Hyo Jin, the brains behind hit series “Running Man”, it also features the popular Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kwang-soo.

Kwon Yuri, from one of K-Pop’s most popular girl groups Girl’s Generation, completes the cast – in more ways than one.

The premise behind the variety show is simple: the three members must survive various 4-hour, real-life simulations in a virtual space called “The Zone”, to earn a mysterious currency called “Z-coin”.

The only thing they can rely on are their wits to endure the various situations they are thrown in, with signature slapstick humour and comedic antics that will have you rolling.

2) Modern Family

“Modern Family” is an American comedy sitcom that revolves around three different but related families – patriarch Jay Pritchett and his wife, Gloria, and her son; Jay's daughter, Claire, and her family; and Jay's son, Mitchell, who lives with his partner, Cameron.

The series shares their daily trials and tribulations in a comedic but relatable way, like when Haley first learns how to drive, and her parents have to teach her and get stressed.

@user877653161424 this is the funniest scene #fyp #modernfamily #haleydunphy #funny #viral ♬ original sound - Modern family>>>>>

There are too many funny moments from “Modern Family” to detail, but here are some of the very best:

From Season 1 Episode 1, when Phil misunderstands Gloria:

@cinematvfreak Phil being Phil #fyp #viral #scenes #modernfamily #phildunphy #gloriadelgadopritchett #sofiavergara #netflix #tvshow #funny ♬ original sound - TV addict

From Season 1 Episode 12, when Cameron and Mitchell accidentally lock their baby in the car:

@spenceralthouse This “Modern Family" scene is too good lol #modernfamily #tv #ericstonestreet #jessetylerferguson #acting #abc ♬ original sound - spencer.althouse

From Season 3 Episode 21, when Gloria does not know the word for helicopter:

@modernfamily_fanp_age #modern #modernfamily #modernfamilyscenes #sofiavergara #gloriadelgadopritchett ♬ original sound - modernfamily

Modern Family provides exactly what you need after a long day at work, which for me is a good laugh and not having to think too much.

Binge all seasons on Disney+, as it is the only streaming service in Singapore to offer the series.

Although it has 11 seasons, each episode is only about 20 minutes.

Late-night date night

3) The Menu

Then there’s “The Menu”, a dark 2022 American comedy-thriller film that will have you hooked from start to end.

Without giving away too much, the premise follows a young couple who travel to a remote island to dine at an exclusive restaurant with a lavish menu.

Except of course, there are several surprises along the way.

Featuring Anya Taylor-Joy (who starred in “The Queen’s Gambit”) and Nicholas Hoult (who starred in “Warm Bodies”), the film received several positive reviews from critics, with a score of 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

It is definitely a must watch with your partner, and if both of you are easily scared, you can cuddle at the thrilling bits.

4) Boston Strangler

Alternatively, there is true-crime thriller “Boston Strangler'', loosely based on the notorious Boston Strangler murders, which happened in the early 1960s.

The dramatised adaptation follows Loretta McLaughlin, the reporter who first broke the story about the serial killer, and her colleague Jean Cole, as they investigate the brutal murders and try to uncover the truth.

It stars Keira Knightley, who plays McLaughlin, and Carrie Coon, who portrays Cole.

Lazy weekends with friends

5) Only Murders In The Building

For something to binge with friends, try mystery comedy-drama series “Only Murders in the Building”.

The series follows three strangers who share an obsession with true crime, but find themselves suddenly wrapped up in one after their neighbour dies in their New York apartment building.

A film buff colleague shared that the series is funny and “good to watch with friends when bored”, as each episode is only around 30 minutes.

It also stars familiar Hollywood figures Selena Gomez and Steve Martin.

There’s currently only two seasons, with about ten episodes each, so that’s just about 10 hours.

The series has received numerous accolades, including nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series, and is slated for a third season, with Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep joining the cast as new characters.

6) j-hope IN THE BOX; SUPER JUNIOR: THE LAST MAN STANDING

For K-pop fans-turned-friends, catch the latest movie documentary by j-hope from BTS, and docuseries by second-generation K-pop legends Super Junior.

You’ve most likely heard of BTS, but like j-hope says in his intro to the documentary, people don’t yet know how “BTS’s j-hope makes music”.

j-hope IN THE BOX ‘Subscription required. ⓒ 2023 BIGHIT MUSIC & HYBE. All rights reserved.’

“j-hope IN THE BOX” thus showcases the daily life of j-hope over 200 days, following his debut as a solo artist.

Meanwhile, “SUPER JUNIOR: THE LAST MAN STANDING” tells the untold story of the group’s meteoric rise to fame, revealed by the group members themselves.

Both are best watched with fellow K-pop friends, so you can sing aloud to “Sorry Sorry” and dance to “Chicken Noodle Soup” together (iykyk). All in the name of fun.

Family hang outs

7) Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Then there is one of the most highly anticipated films of 2022.

Without divulging too much for those who still might not have watched the movie, the TL;DR is that the Wakandans now have to forge a new path in the wake of King T’challa’s demise.

The storyline is decent, and there’s a good number of action sequences and signature Marvel shots, which makes it a great movie to enjoy with the family (it is also PG-13 i.e. kid friendly).

Flying kick by the new Black Panther. Image via YouTube.

Plus, the film just won an Oscar for “Best Costume Design” at the 95th Academy Awards.

If you haven’t watched it, you definitely should catch up on Disney+.

8) The Mandalorian

For more content about life in an alternative universe, you can dive into all three seasons of “The Mandalorian”.

No prior knowledge of the Star Wars franchise is needed; all you need to know is that the story starts five years after “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi”, when Luke Skywalker (good guy) thwarts Darth Vader (“I am your father” guy).

“The Mandalorian” follows the travels of a lone bounty hunter, also known as “Mando”, as he travels across the Star Wars galaxy.

Along the way, he meets Grogu (a.k.a. Baby Yoda) during one of his missions. Instead of delivering Grogu to the evil bad guys, it becomes the Mandalorian's mission to protect the all-powerful kid.

Ngl, I’m a sucker for cuteness, and I’d watch this purely for Grogu.

Here’s a sneak preview of Season 3:

Can’t sleep at night binge (can be watched alone or with a partner)

9) Call It Love

For a drama of the Asian variety, you can check out the new Korean romantic melodrama series “Call It Love”.

It’s a revenge story complicated by the unexpectedness of falling in love, as Sim Woo-joo, the wronged heroine, finds unexpected romance with Han Dong-jin, the son of whom she is seeking revenge on.

Lee Sung-kyung, best known for her roles in “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” (2016-2017) and “Cheese In The Trap” (2016) plays Sim Woo-joo, while prominent actor Kim Young-kwang plays Han Dong-jin.

Lee Sung-kyung swears revenge on an unlikely foe, Han Dong-jin. Photo courtesy of Disney+

With two good looking leads, some high tension acting, and a heartfelt storyline, the 16-episode series brings with it all the elements of a bingeable K-drama.

It can be watched alone, or with a partner for some romantic late-night TV.