The Days of Disney+ Original Films Have Come to an End
When Disney+ launched in November 2019, Disney decided to supplement its content library with new series and movies made exclusively for the streaming service.
To that end, the streaming service quickly released original shows such as Big Shot, The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, and Diary of a Future President.
Additionally, the streamer debuted with original films, including Lady and the Tramp and Noelle. Over its first year, the streamer received an influx of additional films, including Stargirl, Magic Camp, Phineas and Ferb the Movie, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, Clouds, and Black Beauty.
Under the leadership of Bob Chapek, Disney later decided to release some of its bigger films direct-to-streaming. These titles included Cheaper by the Dozen, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Pinocchio, Hocus Pocus 2, and Disenchanted.


Photo: Disney
While Disney did not forgo major theatrical releases this time, they were clearly invested in using the allure of their feature films to drive people to streaming.
Bob Iger’s Return Changed Everything
With Bob Iger’s return as CEO of The Walt Disney Company in November 2022, Disney’s streaming strategy began to change radically.
Looking at Disney’s recent release strategy, Iger and his team determined that the company was losing out by releasing films to streaming. Disney needed its movies to be at the forefront of the popular consciousness, grabbing headlines and creating brands.


Photo: Deadline
Additionally, the data showed that audiences would still flock to Disney+ to watch a tentpole film, even if it had previously been released in theaters. Simply put, there was little benefit to releasing films exclusively on Disney+.
A New Era
After learning their lesson, Disney only released two films directly to Disney+ this year, Descendants: The Rise of Red (which quickly also aired on Disney Channel) and Out of My Mind.


Photo: People
At the box office, Disney had a historic 2024 with the release of Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2. Notably, the first two films were also the most streamed movies on Disney+.
The Plan Moving Forward
In a recent interview with Vulture, Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman discussed the company’s current release strategy.


Photo: Disney
“We do have other movies that we’re looking at that will go directly to [streaming]. But there’s not going to be that many of them,” he explained.
“We’re more focused on theatrical. Because we believe that when it goes theatrical … there will be a lot more awareness, given our ability to market it across the entire world. And it’s going to hit the service anyway.”


Image: Pixar
As Disney continues to forge ahead through a new era of streaming, its focus will remain on theatrical releases. Will the company then stop making smaller films? For now, the answer appears to be no.


Walt Disney Company
How long Disney continues to invest in low-budget films, however, remains to be seen.