It used to be that if you were watching movies with friends in different locations you had to do a countdown, hit play all at the same time, and hope they lined up. Disney Plus GroupWatch gives you a better option, by letting you synchronize your stream with up to six other TVs. Even better, this option can be shared across geographical regions, which means you can hang out with friends for movie nights even when you're thousands of miles apart.
You'll be able to watch all your binge-worthy Disney Originals like She-Hulk or Percy Jackson and the Olympians, classics like The Simpsons, and the latest Marvel blockbusters including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever together just like old times. No matter what's on your next streaming marathon, we outline everything you need to know about Disney Plus GroupWatch - from setting it up to what you can watch - below.
What is Disney Plus GroupWatch and how does it work?
GroupWatch is a neat feature that lets you synchronise the playback of ANY movie or TV series on Disney Plus, so that up to seven people can view old favorites and recent releases together online.
The host picks a title to watch and then sends a Groupwatch link to friends and family. Once everyone has accepted the invitation and the streaming has begun, anyone can control the playback experience. So, if your pals are running low on popcorn, or yawning through some dreary exposition, any of them can pause or resume the stream, or skip ahead to the action-packed bits.
There’s no chat function like Netflix’s Teleparty, but there are six emoji that allow viewers to express how they’re feeling, from “like”, “funny”, “sad”, “angry”, “scared” and “surprised”. Once selected, they’ll temporarily appear on the left-hand side of the screen along with the participant’s profile name.
However, only Disney Plus subscribers can take part. So, if you get an invite to attend your friend’s marathon to watch Marvel movies in order from start to finish, you’ll have to register to the platform first. It’s incredibly straightforward to do, and we’ve detailed here the Disney Plus prices, plans and best deals available.
It’s worth noting that not all countries have the Disney Plus GroupWatch feature right now – it’s currently only been rolled out in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland and parts of Europe. And, while it’s possible to create an international GroupWatch, you might not be able to access the same content across all territories.
GroupWatch is available on most Disney Plus compatible devices, through the Disney Plus app on iOS and Android, certain smart TVs and media streaming devices. Alternatively, you can stream it through the Disney Plus website. It isn’t supported by the PS4, Nintendo devices, or some Roku models, however.
How to use Disney Plus GroupWatch
- Open the Disney Plus app or visit the website directly
- Choose what you want to watch
- Click the GroupWatch icon
- Click the “+” icon to find the link for the title.
- Select “Copy Link” if you’re using a web browser
- Or “Invite” on a mobile device
- Participants must then accept
- Each invitee’s profile picture will appear as they join
- When ready, dim the lights and click “Start Stream”.
- To end the GroupWatch, select “Leave GroupWatch”.
If you want to stream additional movies with your friends, a new GroupWatch will have to be created each time. But if you’re binge-watching a TV Show, you can just opt to “Play Next Episode”.
How to use Disney Plus GroupWatch on a smart TV
If you want to stream on a bigger screen, the following will let you view GroupWatch through your smart TV:
- Accept the invite via web browser or a mobile device.
- On your TV, navigate to the chosen title
- Click on the GroupWatch icon and select “Join Stream”.
- Note that you can use the emoji messaging feature via web or mobile app only
If you love co-watching, but aren’t keen on the Disney Plus catalogue, you might be interested in our how to use Teleparty (or Netflix Party) guide or want to try Amazon Prime Video Party instead.
What can I watch with Disney Plus GroupWatch?
Everything! Disney Plus has nearly 900 movies and almost 300 TV shows, so you and your friends can get together over every title with GroupWatch.
From Iron Man to Avengers: Endgame, it’s got every MCU movie, and aficionados could happily host their own virtual premiere for upcoming Marvel spin-offs like Loki.
All of Pixar’s charming and emotionally complex films are here, too, including the Toy Story franchise, Luca, and the Academy Award-winning Soul, plus the animated riches from the Walt Disney vaults (prepare to be swamped by the *crying face emoji* during The Lion King).
What provides more of a communal experience than the Star Wars saga – which is included in its entirety on Disney Plus – and particularly on that holy day of May the 4th.
If you're in the mood for a new original to watch, check out the adaptation of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. It just started in December of 2023, and is the first of several seasons.
But there’s more here than intergalactic gods, superheroes and ETs. Thanks to Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, you can stream 31 seasons of The Simpsons and films from the studio’s archive, from the iconic The Sound of Music and Journey to the Center of the Earth, to Never Been Kissed and Home Alone.
There’s also gripping animal kingdom drama courtesy of National Geographic, and dozens of thrilling Disney Originals too, with exclusive new content released every few weeks. (Read here for the lowdown on some highly-anticipated TV series).
You can also watch Disney Plus Premier Access blockbusters together, and partake in the breathless excitement of new films when they arrive. Be aware, though, that everyone will need to have purchased the Premier Access title at circa $30 each to join the Disney Plus GroupWatch.
