Cruella

Cruella has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. Its 8/10 TMDB score, built from 10,147 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Watch it for Emma Stone — stay for everyone else around them. Start it on Disney Plus whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Cruella earns its spot. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Cruella from the crowd. In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. The chemistry Emma Stone and Emma Thompson bring to it does a lot of the heavy lifting. It was released in 2021. What keeps Cruella from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. The consistency throughout is what elevates it — not every moment is the best, but none of them are a reason to stop watching.

Cruella is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Emma Stone sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.