Monsters University

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Monsters University is available in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus right now. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for Billy Crystal — stay for everyone else around them. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Monsters University is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The jokes in Monsters University land because the characters underneath them are worth caring about. A look at the relationship between Mike and Sulley during their days at Monsters University — when they weren't necessarily the best of friends. Billy Crystal and John Goodman lead a cast with the timing to make it work. It hit screens in 2013. What keeps Monsters University from feeling disposable is a cast that clearly understands the material better than the format usually demands. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Monsters University is the kind of thing you put on in the background and end up fully watching. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Billy Crystal is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.