Great English Movies on Disney+ Hotstar

Are you craving that boost of happiness, fear and adrenaline that good movies make you feel? Behold a list of our favourite English movies on Disney+ Hotstar, which are sure to take you on a topsy-turvy journey of emotions. Some of them were iconic Nineties films which continue to remain incredibly relevant and beloved today. Others are modern flicks that delve into the deep bonds of friendship and family. 

If any of this sounds like what you’re looking for, this list will help you find the perfect watch: Star-studded casts and thrilling storylines await you.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

“O captain, my captain!”

Mister Keating (Robin Williams) is an unconventional teacher who urges students to chase their dreams and live freely. His valuable lessons leave a lasting impact on his students, who restart the ‘Dead Poets Society’, a community where they recite great poetry and find happiness in their friendships. But the faculty doesn’t take to Keating’s teaching methods, and their retaliation brings forth shocking events that lead to a solemn yet powerful end.

The film centres around the lives of students and how a genuine role-model can positively shape the youth, along with society’s suppression of young dreams. Teenage minds are impressionable, and maybe that's not a bad thing. We see the teenagers finally realising their purpose and finding their voice, and what’s more heartwarming than that? This film is bound to remind you of all the great people that make you who you are today.

Speed (1994)

The ultimate edge-of-your-seat thriller, this film revolves around a young detective (Keanu Reeves) and a brave passenger (Sandra Bullock) who is forced to take the wheel of a bus when they discover that the vehicle has been rigged with a bomb. What’s more, the bomb will explode if the bus’s speed drops below 50 mph. The duo must also figure out how Payne (Dennis Hopper), the disgruntled man that rigged the bomb, is keeping tabs on them.

Keanu Reeves and action movies is a match made in heaven, and paired with a brilliant performance from Bullock, Speed is a highly entertaining watch. The twin stories of finding Payne, along with dangerously manoeuvring the bus is thrilling. The high-octane plot makes for an intense experience that tells a story of grit, courage and determination. 

Night at the Museum (2006)

Larry (Ben Stiller) gets a job as a night guard at the extravagant Museum of Natural History, but finds himself in a unique predicament when he realises that all the exhibits come alive at night. Strap yourself in for an adventure of fun and disaster as Larry grows accustomed to his new ‘friends’, and must take their help to ensure the museum’s magic tablet doesn’t get robbed.

At its core, Night at the Museum is a feel-good watch that showcases the beauty of unconventional friendships. Plus, who wouldn’t want to see museum exhibits running around wreaking havoc, especially if it includes a giant T-rex fossil? With over four films in the movie franchise, this one is a surefire audience-favourite.

Keep an eye out for the delightful love-hate relationship between Octavius (Steve Coogan) and Jedediah (Owen Wilson).

Black Panther (2018)

T’Challa, played by the late actor Chadwick Boseman, goes back to his incredibly advanced and hidden-from-the-world hometown, Wakanda, to claim the throne. Wakanda is also home to the strongest metal on Earth, vibranium. He faces a daunting challenge when a powerful relative (Michael B. Jordan) threatens to attack the nation. With trusty Wakandan heroes ready to fight by his side, will he rise to the occasion as a true leader and lead his people into a new future? 

Paying homage to the rich heritage of Black culture, this film came out at the peak of Marvel’s creativity, and contains everything that makes for a classic Marvel film — incredibly fun action, dizzyingly futuristic visuals and a solid plotline that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Both protagonist and antagonist are great foils to each other, making for an intriguing dynamic and a fierce battle. With elaborate world-building and simple yet effective storytelling, Black Panther exemplifies Marvel at their very best.

The Menu (2022)

Margot, played by the impressive Anya Taylor-Joy, is the date of the filthy-rich Tyler (Nicholas Hoult). The couple travel to a remote island to a highly exclusive, invite-only restaurant with a lavish menu. But things take an unexpected turn when it turns out that the head chef (Ralph Fiennes) has plans to uncover the dirty secrets of the wealthy snobs, and cater a life-altering dinner — literally.

The Menu is a critique of the social classes, how the wealthy value exclusiveness over quality. It is a tale of gruesome deaths and revelations that will keep you on your toes, wondering what will happen next. Margot’s case is particularly interesting, as she doesn’t subscribe to the values of the rich, and she essentially becomes a wildcard in the plot, with the chef even asking: “I have to know, if you’re with them, or us”, further showcasing the deep social divide.