What's available on Disney Plus right now

Disney owns the Fantastic Four characters and the film rights, but the movies and shows are scattered across different streaming services depending on which version you want to watch. The 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four films are not on Disney Plus — they stream on other platforms. The 1990s animated series Fantastic Four: The Animated Series is available on Disney Plus, along with some Marvel animated content from that era.

Disney has announced plans for a new Fantastic Four film as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it has not yet been released. When it does arrive, it will almost certainly go to Disney Plus eventually, though there will likely be a window where it plays only in theaters first.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four movies are not on Disney Plus; they are available through other streaming services and rental platforms.
  • The 1990s Fantastic Four: The Animated Series is on Disney Plus as part of Marvel's classic animation catalog.
  • A new Fantastic Four film is in development at Marvel Studios but has no release date yet.
  • When the new film releases, it will likely premiere in theaters before arriving on Disney Plus months later.

Why the older Fantastic Four films aren't on Disney Plus

The 2005 and 2007 Fantastic Four movies were made before Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009. Those films have existing distribution agreements with other studios and streaming platforms. Even though Disney now owns the characters and the rights to make new Fantastic Four content, the older films are bound by contracts that determine where they can be shown.

The 2005 film Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer are available to rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. They also appear on cable on-demand services. Disney does not have the right to stream them on Disney Plus under the current licensing agreements.

The animated series and other Marvel content on Disney Plus

Disney Plus hosts the 1990s Fantastic Four: The Animated Series, which ran for two seasons and is considered a classic by fans of that era. This show is part of a larger collection of Marvel animated series from the 1990s that Disney has made available on the platform, including Spider-Man: The Animated Series and X-Men: The Animated Series.

These animated shows represent Marvel's television output before the MCU existed. They are valuable to collectors and longtime fans, but they are separate from the live-action films and the current Marvel Cinematic Universe storyline. If you are looking for Fantastic Four content specifically tied to the MCU, the animated series will not connect to the upcoming film.

What to expect from the upcoming Fantastic Four film

Marvel Studios has confirmed that a new Fantastic Four film is in development, with director Matt Reeves attached to the project. The film has not yet been assigned a release date, and production has not begun. Marvel typically announces release dates one to two years before a film arrives in theaters.

Once the film is released in theaters, Disney Plus will eventually receive it — but not when ready. Disney's standard practice is to keep theatrical releases exclusive to cinemas for about 45 days, then move them to Disney Plus after that window closes. Some films have had longer delays, depending on the studio's strategy. When the new Fantastic Four film does arrive on Disney Plus, it will be a major addition to the platform's Marvel catalog.

How to find Fantastic Four content right now

If you want to watch the 2005 or 2007 Fantastic Four films, you can rent them for $3.99 to $5.99 on most digital platforms, or purchase them for $9.99 to $14.99 depending on the version and platform. Some cable providers include them in on-demand libraries if you have a subscription. Checking your cable provider's on-demand menu is often the cheapest option if you already pay for cable.

If you have Disney Plus and want Fantastic Four content available right now, the 1990s animated series is your option. It is included with a standard Disney Plus subscription at no extra cost. The series is family-friendly and stands on its own, though it predates the MCU by decades.

When the new film might arrive on Disney Plus

The new Fantastic Four film will not be on Disney Plus on its release date. After the theatrical window closes — typically 45 days but sometimes longer — the film will move to Disney Plus. This means if the film releases in theaters in, for example, July, you might see it on Disney Plus in September or October, though the exact timing depends on Disney's release strategy at that time.

Disney has been flexible with its theatrical windows in recent years, sometimes shortening them and sometimes extending them based on how a film performs in theaters. The company will announce the Disney Plus arrival date once the film is released and the studio has decided on the timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2005 Fantastic Four movie on Disney Plus?

No. The 2005 film and its 2007 sequel are not on Disney Plus due to existing distribution agreements made before Disney acquired Marvel. You can rent or purchase them on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, or through your cable provider's on-demand service.

Can I watch Fantastic Four on Disney Plus right now?

Yes, the 1990s animated series Fantastic Four: The Animated Series is available on Disney Plus. It is a two-season show from the 1990s and is included with a standard subscription. It is not connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

When will the new Fantastic Four movie be on Disney Plus?

The new film has no release date yet. Once it releases in theaters, it will arrive on Disney Plus roughly 45 days later, though Disney may adjust this timing. The company will announce the Disney Plus date after the theatrical release.

Where can I watch the 2007 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer?

You can rent it for $3.99 to $5.99 or purchase it for $9.99 to $14.99 on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and other digital platforms. Check your cable provider's on-demand menu as well, since it may be included with your subscription.