Lightyear

If you want science fiction that respects its own premise, Lightyear is available in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus and fuboTV right now. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. With 3,860 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Chris Evans's performance is the anchor the more ambitious scenes need. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Lightyear earns its spot. What makes Lightyear work is that the ideas never crowd out the people having them. Legendary Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear embarks on an intergalactic adventure alongside a group of ambitious recruits and his robot companion Sox. The human element stays intact thanks to Chris Evans and Keke Palmer, who anchor every scene. It was released in 2022. The rules of Lightyear's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Lightyear is satisfying on multiple levels — something to watch and something to think about after. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Chris Evans's performance is the anchor the more ambitious moments need. The world-building pays off in ways you will not anticipate on a first watch.