Mulan

Right now you can watch Mulan in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus — and the writing holds up regardless of the format's reputation. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. With 10,521 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. The visual style is immediately recognisable, but the writing is what keeps you watching. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Mulan arrived without much fanfare and built its audience the hard way — through word of mouth. Mulan treats animation as a medium, not a limitation. When Imperial China calls one man from every family to defend the empire from invading Huns, a young woman disguises herself as a soldier to take her ailing father’s place. Facing ruthless invaders, brutal training, and the risk of execution if discovered, she must decide who she truly is— and what she’s willing to fight for. Ming-Na Wen and Eddie Murphy bring more to it than the format typically demands. It was released in 1998. The visual gags in Mulan reward close attention without ever depending on it. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

If you have been sleeping on Mulan because of the format, the format is not the issue here. It has built its own audience without needing a direct comparison. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. The writing operates at a level the format's reputation does not fully prepare you for. Adult animation that actually works for adults.