The quantity of content material accessible on Disney+ could really feel overwhelming. Certainly, there are a plethora of fine films on Disney+, from forgotten live-action movies from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s alongside a ton of Disney Channel Unique films — and that is to not point out the catalog titles from Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm and the rising library of latest authentic movies you may solely discover on Disney+.

That will help you discover the cream of the crop, we have compiled a listing of the most effective films on Disney Plus throughout all genres. Have a look! For extra suggestions, try our record of the most effective reveals on Disney+, greatest comedies on Disney+, and greatest romantic films on Disney+.

Editor’s be aware: This text was up to date December 2024 to incorporate Elton John: By no means Too Late.

‘Elton John: By no means Too Late’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDb: 7.1/10

Elton John actually is without doubt one of the world’s best musicians, together with his music beloved by a number of generations over a 50-year-long profession and counting. Now, you may take pleasure in a documentary showcasing a few of the Rocketman’s greatest musical moments via never-before-seen live performance footage. Intercut with footage from the current day and a have a look at his hand-written journals, Elton John: By no means Too Late is an interesting perception into the lifetime of one of many true greats. Each emotionally and toe-tappingly shifting, it is a documentary assured to place a smile in your face. – Jake Hodges

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‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 78% | IMDb: 7.7/10

One of many 12 months’s largest field workplace phenomena, Deadpool & Wolverine follows Wade Wilson’s (Ryan Reynolds) journey to salvage hope from the adamantium jaws of Wolverine’s (Hugh Jackman) despair by way of a visit via the multiverse. The dream duo of Jackman and Reynolds actually dwell as much as the hype, with their satirical chemistry and endearing bromance merely pitch good. That includes a killer soundtrack, punchy one-liners, and Reynolds at his fourth-wall-breaking, meta greatest, Deadpool & Wolverine is a surprise-filled hoot. – Jake Hodges

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‘The Guide of Life’ (2014)

Rotten Tomatoes: 83% | IMDb: 7.2/10

This dazzling animated household film follows Manolo (Diego Luna), a younger man anticipated to comply with in his household’s footsteps regardless of his coronary heart pulling him in a unique course. So as to discover out the appropriate path to take, Manolo ventures into three magical worlds the place he’ll discover each his wildest desires and deadliest fears. A touching ode to the pursuit of happiness, The Guide of Life is a stellar movie that appears marketed for youngsters however is much more impactful to an grownup viewers. A completely underrated animated function that would simply be thought to be top-of-the-line of the previous decade, it is a household movie everybody ought to watch. – Jake Hodges

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‘Music by John Williams’ (2024)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Produced and directed by Laurent Bouzereau, Music by John Williams is a documentary movie about composer and conductor John Williams. Basically a tribute to Williams’ legacy as a composer, the documentary explores Williams’ life and profession. The movie options interviews with a number of trade veterans who’ve labored with Williams previously, together with Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, Gustavo Dudamel, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin, Ron Howard, Chris Columbus, George Lucas, Lawrence Kasdan, Yo-Yo Ma, and plenty of extra.

Music by John Williams premiered on the 2024 AFI Fest and has acquired largely constructive evaluations from critics. Exploring the work of one among cinema’s most legendary composers, the movie doesn’t get too deep into Williams’ private life, selecting to deal with his music and profession as a substitute. The documentary movie has already been nominated for 2 Critics’ Selection Documentary Awards in each the Finest Documentary Characteristic and Finest Music Documentary classes.

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‘Mulan’ (1998)

Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.7/10

When the Huns invade China, one man from each family is conscripted to serve within the Imperial Military. That is very distressing for Fa Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) since she has no brother, and her father, Fa Zhou (Quickly Tek Oh), is previous and suffers from a earlier battle wound. Fearing that he’ll die, Mulan disguises herself as a person and takes her father’s place. She is aided by a dragon named Mushu (Eddie Murphy), who claims to be her household’s guardian however is definitely disgraced and hoping to make use of Mulan as an opportunity to regain his title.

Mulan is an animated basic, telling a strong story about self-discovery, braveness, and difficult the thought of what a Disney heroine is. Mulan is a superb protagonist who acts as a a lot stronger heroine than many feminine characters from trendy movies. Her flaws are relatable to a large viewers, and she or he usually succeeds because of her observational powers and her thoughts somewhat than brute power. Its animation can also be attractive, with large panorama pictures and vibrant linework that captures the essence of the unique Chinese language tradition.

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‘Lilo & Sew’ (2002)

Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.3/10

After I was in school, I tried to re-capture the scene from Alien the place the alien is protruding from somebody’s chest utilizing my Sew stuffed animal from the hit Disney animated movie Lilo & Sew. There was one main drawback: Sew is the cutest alien to ever exist, and due to this fact, the shot was solely unbelievable. Lilo & Stich premiered on the massive display screen in 2002 and have become the animated alien we by no means knew we would have liked in our lives. Written and directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders (each of How one can Prepare Your Dragon fame), the story follows a younger woman named Lilo (Daveigh Chase) and her older sister Nani (Tia Carrere) as they go about their lives in Hawaii, till at some point, an alien named Sew (Chris Sanders) comes crashing into their lives. Initially believing Sew to be a canine, the ladies undertake him, solely to find that he’s a scientific experiment hiding on Earth from its creators.

The movie was successful on the field workplace, incomes $273 million towards its $80 million funds, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Finest Animated Characteristic. With the movie’s rating finished by the legendary Alan Silvestri (Forrest Gump) and unbelievable voice appearing by David Ogden Stiers (M*A*S*H*), Kevin McDonald (The Children within the Corridor), Ving Rhames (Pulp Fiction), Amy Hill (50 First Dates) and extra, the movie is a deal with for youths and fogeys alike.

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‘Freaky Friday’ (2003)

Rotten Tomatoes: 88% | IMDb: 6.3/10

Tailored from Mary Rodgers‘s 1972 novel of the identical identify, 2003’s Freaky Friday is the third model of the enduring story. The film revolves round Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis), an overworked single mom, and her rebellious teenage daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan), who’re polar opposites. After receiving mysterious fortunes at a Chinese language restaurant, they get up the subsequent day to seek out that they’ve switched our bodies. Unable to modify again, they need to navigate one another’s lives, resulting in newfound respect and understanding.

Freaky Friday avoids being simply one other uninteresting remake, because of the standout performances of the main girls. Their chemistry and performances have turned it right into a basic that continues to entertain audiences even twenty years later, making it the definitive model that involves thoughts when the title is talked about. Furthermore, Curtis shows her comedic aptitude with gusto, flawlessly embodying the mannerisms of a 15-year-old trapped in her 44-year-old physique, whereas Lohan showcases her pure abilities, reminding audiences why she was such a sensation. Freaky Friday additionally supplies all-around leisure for youngsters and adults alike to take pleasure in in its brisk 90-minute runtime, permitting viewers to see themselves in both of the characters.

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‘Magnificence and the Beast’ (1991)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Inside a poor provincial French city lives Belle (Paige O’Hara), the daughter of the native inventor, Maurice (Rex Everhart). Belle inherited her father’s artistic thoughts, and somewhat than interact in gossip, she prefers to learn and dream of journey. This makes her a little bit of a city pariah, apart from the native hero, Gaston (Richard White), who desires to marry her for her magnificence. Belle finally ends up getting her want for journey when her father stumbles upon an enchanted citadel, resulting in her taking his place because the prisoner of a Beast (Robby Benson).

Magnificence and the Beast represents the height of Disney’s inventive creativity, each when it comes to story-writing and character animation, and was the primary film to be nominated for the Academy Award for Finest Unique Image. It makes professional use of its pacing to convey a plausible and interesting romance between Belle and Beast whereas nonetheless making time to point out off a few of Disney’s most beloved and acknowledged facet characters. The music by the legendary duo of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman is nothing in need of good, capturing each emotion and entertaining with their Broadway-style flare. It additionally helps that many of the actors are Broadway singers.

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‘Raya and the Final Dragon’ (2021)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 7.3/10

Raya and the Final Dragon takes place within the distant previous within the fantastical realm of Kumandra. There, people and dragons coexisted peacefully till the arrival of the Druun — menacing monsters that compelled the dragons to sacrifice themselves for humanity. Now, 500 years later, the Druun have resurfaced. Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran), a solitary warrior, should embark on a quest to seek out the final dragon and put an finish to the Druun as soon as and for all. Alongside her journey, she discovers that saving the world requires extra than simply dragon magic; it calls for belief as nicely.

Raya and the Final Dragon‘s spectacular range serves as a unifying drive, bringing folks of all races and backgrounds collectively. Moreover, the catchy rating, coupled with a delicate showcase of Jap tradition and unbelievable characters, makes it an fulfilling watch and delivers a constructive message about belief, unity, and the significance of working collectively within the face of adversity. Furthermore, the film encompasses a predominantly Asian-American solid delivering excellent voice performances, notably Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran, who carve out their very own distinctive marks of their roles and constantly present the film with comedic aid on the most intense moments. – Jessie Nguyen

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‘The Empire Strikes Again’ (1980)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 8.7/10

Within the wake of the Empire’s assault on the Insurgent Alliance’s base on the ice world Hoth, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) travels to the Dagobah system to additional his Jedi coaching underneath the tutelage of the clever Grasp Yoda (Frank Oz), whereas Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia’s (Carrie Fisher) escape sees them journey to the floating Cloud Metropolis on Bespin. Nonetheless, Luke’s coaching is minimize brief when he learns of a entice set by Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) towards his mates.

Because the second Star Wars movie, Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Again upped the ante of the legendary area opera franchise and is considered by many to be among the many best films ever made. Its imaginative world-building, endearing characters, well-paced story, and iconic motion sequences be sure that the well-known movie stays simply as charming and awe-inspiring in the present day because it was upon launch again in 1980.

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‘The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas’ (1993)

Rotten Tomatoes: 95% | IMDb: 7.9/10

Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon) is the Pumpkin King of Halloween City, a city that creates all the spooky particulars that make Halloween such a beloved vacation. Sadly, Jack has grown bored with doing the identical factor yearly and longs for one thing new. Whereas strolling via the woods, he finds a door that results in Christmas City and turns into obsessive about the brand new vacation. He finally decides that this 12 months, Halloween City will carry Christmas to the world, regardless of the warnings of his buddy, the ragdoll Sally (Catherine O’Hara).

The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas is without doubt one of the greatest stop-motion movies ever made. Its success comes from its simplicity; the characters all match into fundamental archetypes, which makes them very simple to know and sympathize with. Jack, particularly, stands out because of his wide-eyed idealism and relatable wrestle to rekindle the enjoyment of a monotonous existence. The movie additionally possesses an iconic and catchy soundtrack courtesy of the nice Danny Elfman, who additionally supplies Jack’s singing voice. All of this has turned the movie into a vacation basic. – Tyler B. Searle

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‘The Straight Story’ (1999)

Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 8.0/10

Have you ever ever been caught behind a lawnmower that’s driving on the highway? Maybe 1999’s The Straight Story, written by John Roach (Wisconsin Reflections) and Mary Sweeney (Mulholland Drive), will change your thoughts. Directed by David Lynch (Twin Peaks), the story follows seventy-three-year-old Alvin (Richard Farnsworth), who goes to go to his brother Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton), who’s in even worse well being than Alvin. The brothers have been feuding, and given each of their less-than-healthy circumstances, Alvin desires to make amends earlier than it’s too late. The movie additionally stars Sissy Spacek (Carrie), Jane Galloway Heitz (I Know Who Killed Me), Joseph Carpenter, and Dan Flannery (Contagion).

Whereas the movie didn’t carry out nicely on the field workplace, it was nonetheless nominated for an Academy Award for Farnsworth’s efficiency as Alvin. Much more spectacular is the truth that it was based mostly on the true story of real-life Alvin Straight, whose legs have been too impaired for him to acquire a driver’s license, and so he set off on his John Deere tractor to journey 5 miles per hour for the subsequent 2 hundred and forty miles from Iowa to Wisconsin. Though it didn’t earn again its $10 million funds, it was critically acclaimed nonetheless, incomes a nomination for the Palme d’Or on the 1999 Cannes Movie Pageant and was nominated for 2 Golden Globe Awards. Possibly subsequent time you’re caught behind a tractor, you may think about the individual driving it’s on their solution to do one thing nice. – Emily Cappello

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‘Ratatouille’ (2007)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 8.1/10

The title of the movie, Ratatouille, refers to each the French dish served on the important second on the finish of the movie and the primary character, a rat. The story is ready in Paris and follows a younger rat named Remy (Patton Oswalt), who aspires to turn out to be a chef at Auguste Gusteau’s (Brad Garrett) restaurant. He embarks on an unconventional partnership with the restaurant’s rubbish boy, Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), to pursue his culinary dream.

Ratatouille challenges the “anybody can prepare dinner” motto with its distinctive and eccentric premise that finally ends up extra profitable than anybody may predict. Regardless of its absurdity and unexplained language limitations, the movie manages to ship a pleasant and scrumptious story that avoids coming throughout as preachy or immature. Regardless of that includes a rat as its central character, the meals scenes within the movie are additionally extremely tantalizing and delectable, able to inspiring anybody to delve into the world of cooking. Moreover, Ratatouille serves as Brad Fowl’s love letter to Paris, a heartfelt tribute to the culinary arts, and a cinematic deal with for viewers of all ages. The movie additionally boasts distinctive voice performances and revolves round a personality’s journey to discovering their place and in the end being embraced there.

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‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit’ (1988)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.7/10

In an alternate model of the Forties, people dwell alongside cartoon characters, often known as Toons, who work for movie corporations to provide cartoon shorts. Eddie Valiant (Bob Hoskins), a personal investigator whose brother was killed by a Toon, is employed to take photographs of Jessica Rabbit (Kathleen Turner) having an affair with the proprietor of the Toon’s dwelling (aka Toontown), Marvin Acme (Stubby Kaye). The subsequent day, Acme is discovered lifeless, and the first suspect is Jessica’s husband, Roger Rabbit (Charles Fleischer). Roger pleads for Eddie to clear his identify and defend him from the ruthless Choose Doom (Christopher Lloyd), which results in the uncovering of a better conspiracy.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit is a technological and storytelling marvel. Whereas there have been different movies that had actual actors interacting with 2D characters, the crew of this movie went the additional mile to make every part feel and look extra actual, from utilizing wires to carry up actual weapons for the Toon characters to altering their colours throughout scenes with shifting lighting. From a storytelling facet, it blends all the basic movie noir tropes with a few of the most recognizable cartoon characters of all time, making for an unforgettable expertise.

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‘The Incredibles’ (2004)

Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 8.0/10

In a retro-futuristic Nineteen Sixties setting, The Incredibles facilities on Bob and Helen Parr, a superhero couple often known as Mr. Unimaginable and Elastigirl, voiced by Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter, respectively. They conceal their powers as required by the federal government and goal to guide a quiet suburban life with their three youngsters. Nonetheless, Bob’s longing to help folks pulls your complete household right into a conflict with a former admirer turned adversary.

As director Brad Fowl’s love letter to the superhero style, The Incredibles boasts a formidable stage of motion, violence, and chaos, setting it aside as one among Pixar’s most mature creations. But, it does not deviate from the studio’s trademark method, which facilities on household dynamics and transforms it into an exciting, Hollywood-style animated journey. Moreover, just like a lot of Pixar’s creations, the movie effortlessly caters to each younger and grownup audiences. It fearlessly addresses the darker features of society and the superhero tradition, incomes it a cult following and solidifying its standing as a recent animation basic. The Incredibles additionally revitalizes the joy of old-school comedian books and pulp adventures, not simply the nostalgia, with its live-action-style visuals, showcasing Pixar’s forward-thinking method of their productions.

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‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.0/10

A sweeping romantic fantasy, The Princess Bride follows a swashbuckling farmhand-turned-pirate on a quest to rescue his beloved Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) from being compelled to marry Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Discovering acquaintances within the vengeful Spaniard Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and a Greenlander big known as Fezzik (André the Big), Westley’s (Cary Elwes) pursuit to avoid wasting his misplaced love takes him to many harmful and magical locations within the kingdom of Florian.

With no small quantity of fairy story attract, The Princess Bride has turn out to be a beloved ‘80s basic on account of its means to spoof the swashbuckling romantic fantasies of early cinema whereas honoring them with an earnest appreciation as nicely. Clever, enjoyable, charismatic, and totally charming, the Rob Reiner basic is a very timeless masterpiece that appeals to everybody with its sense of journey. – Ryan Heffernan

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‘Inside Out’ (2015)

Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 8.1/10

Learn Our Evaluation

Inside Out traces the story of Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), a cheerful 11-year-old woman who loves hockey and her Midwestern life. Nonetheless, when she and her dad and mom relocate to San Francisco, her feelings, led by Pleasure (Amy Poehler), try to navigate this important life change. The transfer’s stress locations Disappointment (Phyllis Smith) within the highlight. In an surprising flip of occasions, Pleasure and Disappointment find yourself within the far reaches of Riley’s thoughts, leaving solely Anger (Lewis Black), Worry (Invoice Hader), and Disgust (Mindy Kaling) in management at Headquarters.

Inside Out skillfully turns emotional turmoil into an journey, providing a surreal glimpse into the intricate workings of our emotions and the explanations behind them. It stands as a exceptional achievement in world-building and screenwriting — a stage of artistry seldom seen in any movie, not to mention an animated one primarily focusing on youthful audiences. Furthermore, mixing a timeless fish-out-of-water story with Pixar’s signature wit and eager insights, delivered by an impressive comedic solid and gorgeous visuals, the movie stands as one among Pixar’s best works. It is also the kind of movie that positive aspects depth with every viewing, resonating in another way at varied phases of life. Regardless of its comparatively younger age, Inside Out has already achieved basic standing. – Jessie Nguyen

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‘Pinocchio’ (1940)

Rotten Tomatoes: 100% | IMDb: 7.5/10

An aged woodcarver named Gepetto (Christian Rub) crafts a wood puppet that he names Pinocchio (Dick Jones). Earlier than going to sleep, he needs on a star for Pinocchio to turn out to be an actual boy, and a blue fairy (Evelyn Venable) decides to grant his request. She provides Pinocchio life however tells him that he should show himself courageous, truthful, and unselfish to turn out to be an actual boy. To assist him on this job, she assigns a cricket named Jiminy (Cliff Edwards) to be his conscience and assist him be taught proper from improper. This job proves harder than anticipated, because of the quite a few individuals who search to take advantage of Pinocchio’s distinctive standing and naivete.

Pinocchio is a treasure from Disney’s Golden Age that continues to be one of many firm’s most beloved movies. That is due largely to its sturdy morals and characters. Pinocchio himself is a really likable protagonist whose expertise of navigating the world is timeless. The movie additionally isn’t afraid to point out how darkish the world will be or that generally, evil folks succeed on the expense of the harmless. Regardless of this, its total message is optimistic: maintain to the appropriate path somewhat than the straightforward one, and you’ll carry your desires to life. – Tyler B. Searle

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‘Mary Poppins’ (1964)

Rotten Tomatoes: 96% | IMDb: 7.8/10

Groundbreaking for its time, 1964’s Mary Poppins stars the beautiful Julie Andrews alongside the extremely charming Dick Van Dyke within the story of a dysfunctional household dwelling in London, England, as they’re blessed with the presence of a fantastical nanny named Marry Poppins. Shortly changing into the highest-grossing movie of 1964, it gathered 13 Academy Award nominations, a document for Disney. The movie received 5 Oscars, together with Finest Unique Music Rating by Irwin Kostal (West Aspect Story) and the Sherman Brothers (It’s A Small World), Finest Actress for Julie Andrews, Finest Movie Modifying, Finest Visible Results, and Finest Unique Music for “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”

Audiences’ fascination with the movie has continued to intrigue viewers, new and previous, and a movie based mostly on the creation of Mary Poppins, Saving Mr. Banks, starring Tom Hanks, was launched in 2013. A sequel to the unique movie, Mary Poppins Returns, starring Emily Blunt within the titular position, premiered in 2018. As well as, the 1939 guide the unique movie was based mostly on, “Marry Poppins” by P.L. Travels, has had a renaissance of its personal, as readers proceed to choose up the guide for the primary time or repeat reads. Even in the present day, the visible results proceed to impress, and the music will perpetually be caught in your head. – Emily Cappello

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‘The Lion King’ (1994)

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% | IMDb: 8.5/10

Drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare‘s Hamlet, incorporating components from the Biblical tales of Joseph and Moses, and taking cues from Disney’s 1942 animated function movie Bambi, The Lion King is ready in a kingdom of lions situated in Africa. The movie follows the journey of Simba, a lion cub destined to be the King of the Pleasure Lands. When his uncle Scar kills Simba’s father, Mufasa, and convinces Simba he is guilty, he goes into exile. Raised by Timon and Pumbaa, Simba positive aspects knowledge from his buddy Nala and the shaman Rafiki after which returns to confront Scar, ending his reign and claiming his place because the rightful king within the Circle of Life.

With gorgeous animation, a charming rating by Elton John and Tim Rice, an emotionally resonant storyline, and Simba’s profound character arc, The Lion King affords a wealthy cinematic expertise. It evokes each tearful moments and hearty laughter, making it a permanent and cherished animation that leaves a long-lasting impression on viewers of all ages. The film stays a basic, upholding Disney’s excessive normal in animated options. It units the bar so excessive that something that comes after this model can go away you with a way that one thing important is missing. – Jessie Nguyen

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