Disney+ subscribers better get ready for a thrilling weekend of sci-fi movies on the streaming service, as the selection of genre offerings on the streamer is simply too good not to go all in to begin June. On last weekend’s Disney+ movie recommendations, I talked about Werewolf by Night, Sentimental Value, and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
That list shot for different genres, offering something for every kind of viewer and connecting to exciting new theatrical releases, like the horror movie Backrooms and the return of one of the most iconic movie franchises of all time, with Star Wars’ The Mandalorian and Grogu. Out of the three recommendations, only one of them is currently trending on the streaming service.
At the time of writing, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones stands as the 7th most-watched movie on Disney+ in the United States. That already got me to keep an eye on sci-fi movies to watch on Disney+ this weekend, and when the streamer’s latest major release, an animated sci-fi film, came out, I realized how the genre was perfect for a three-movie binge.
The first list of Disney+ movie weekend recommendations of June was made with a three-movie binge format in mind, meaning that viewers can enjoy one right after the other. I also looked at trends that subscribers might be interested in and recent events, with two animated movies and a live-action film making this a well-rounded list for sci-fi fans and those seeking entertainment in general.
3
Iron Man (2008)
First up is Iron Man, which, yes, is a superhero movie. The first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, like many of the franchise’s entries, relies heavily on sci-fi elements, with Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark becoming Iron Man by inventing a superhero suit that could not exist in the real world. Iron Man is all about advanced technology at its highest level.
Downey is simply magnetic in the role, and given how the actor will return to the MCU in 2026, albeit as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, the timing is perfect to re-experience his first journey in the franchise. Additionally, Iron Man is trending. The Marvel movie is currently the 10th most-watched film on Disney+ in the United States. As such, viewers are flocking to the 2008 release right now.
2
Hoppers (2026)
Hoppers is a recent arrival for Disney+ subscribers, as the animated movie became available on the streaming service on June 3 after its theatrical debut on March 6. It did not take long for it to become a massive streaming hit. At the time of writing, Hoppers is the most-watched movie on Disney+ in the United States, and it makes sense that nationwide viewers are jumping at the chance to watch the new release.
Hoppers tells the story of Piper Curda’s Mabel, a young college student who transfers her mind to a robotic beaver to understand the animals and help them save their forest from being destroyed by a new highway. The animated sci-fi movie is hilarious, with sharp writing and actors with impeccable comedic timing. Names like Jon Hamm, Dave Franco, Meryl Streep, and more star in the Pixar movie.
1
Lightyear (2022)
Ending this weekend’s Disney+ list is another animated sci-fi movie from the great minds at Pixar, and one which I find to be underrated. Lightyear is the Toy Story franchise’s spinoff film centered on the “real” Buzz Lightyear, the man who inspired the famous toy from the main franchise, as Pixar described it as “the definitive story of the original Buzz Lightyear.” Lightyear is a timely option for Disney+ subscribers.
Voiced by Captain America actor Chris Evans, who returns as Steve Rogers this year in Avengers: Doomsday, and right around the corner of Toy Story 5‘s release, Lightyear is the perfect movie to get viewers ready for those releases. It is absurdly gorgeous, with intricate sci-fi elements, like time dilation, charismatic characters, fun jokes, and space action. It was not a box office hit, but it might just become your next streaming obsession on Disney+, ending the weekend sci-fi movie binge with a film worth discovering.