'Zootopia' Is Gonna Stick Around For Awhile

I'm the first to admit that I am nothing if not easily amused, which sets the bar pretty low for any movie or reality show that might come out. That said, it's not often that my expectations are not only met, but triumphed over. This happened with Zootopia, a movie that managed to take my expectations and decimate them. It's rare that I see a film in theaters these days and immediately want to see it again, but with Zootopia, I had that feeling. And I knew I'd be eagerly anticipating the day when I could watch Zootopia on Netflix, but unfortunately, that day is not yet here.

It was recently announced that Disney signed an exclusive streaming deal with Netflix, which would include all of Disney's subsidiaries (Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar). This means that all of Disney's beloved movies will eventually be available to watch from the comfort of your own couch or wherever you choose to stream. This deal is set to kickoff in September 2016 but it's highly unlikely that Zootopia will be one of the first films to join the streaming fray, as since the film was recently in theaters, it doesn't seem likely that it would join the streaming fray so soon. A more likely wager would be Zootopia joining Netflix between November and January.

Of course, this is all conjecture, but either way, I don't know how long I can wait before getting my Zootopia fix. Luckily, Netflix has a plethora of movies that can fill the Zootopia void until this movie is ready to stream.

1. Anastasia

Anastasia still stands as the best animated film of all time. If you disagree, you can fight me. I will love Anastasia until the day I die. I know every word to every song. It makes me laugh. It makes me cry. And it's available to stream right now.

2. Lilo & Stitch

An underrated Disney movie, Lilo & Stitch is honestly one of the most heartfelt movies of all time. On top of the cute characters and sentimental message (ohana means family!) there is a baller soundtrack, which I used to listen to on repeat, to the chagrin of my younger brother. This movie made me want to surf, and it still does. It's a worthy fill-in for Zootopia.

3. Mulan

I have no words for this movie other than that it's completely brilliant. The music is iconic, the message of self-acceptance and individualism is wonderful, and the characters are all 10/10 exceptional. I quote this movie daily, and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" was once my ringtone. So sure, I'm biased, but I promise Mulan will leave you just as happy and as fulfilled as Zootopia.

4. Holes

Based on the beloved book, this is Shia LaBeouf at his best. It's got an outstanding cast, a haunting plot, and memorable scenes. Holes is heartwarming and heartbreaking all in one. It's about love and friendship and peaches. What more could you ask for?

5. The Little Rascals

A funny, cute, and endearing movie that shines like the brightest star in the sky. While not animated and not about animals, the emotions it evokes are similar in that you, too, might have a smile so wide on your face at the end of it that you think your face will be permanently stuck that way. Plus, there's Reba.

Since it's going to be a while before Zootopia will be gracing the streaming screen, check out one of these movies to tide you over. Netflix has plenty of options to fill that Zootopia void until, hopefully, it starts streaming this winter.

Images: Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture; Giphy (5)