12 Live Action Disney Remakes Ranked From Worst To Best
Here is an engaging ranking of 12 Live Action Disney Remakes, from the least impressive to the absolute best. Disney has been revisiting its animated classics, bringing them to life with new technology, star studded casts and updated storytelling. While some remakes successfully capture the magic of the originals, others fail to recapture their charm. Let us break down which ones truly shine and which ones fall flat.
Pinocchio, 2022
Despite featuring Tom Hanks as Geppetto, Pinocchio 2022x, struggled with lifeless CGI and an uninspired retelling. The remake failed to bring anything new to the beloved classic, making it feel unnecessary rather than nostalgic. The film lacked the heart and charm of the original, leaving many fans disappointed. Even with impressive visuals, it did not capture the magic that made the animated version timeless.
Dumbo, 2019
Tim Burton’s Dumbo expanded the story beyond the original’s simple narrative, but it lacked emotional depth. While the visuals were stunning, the human characters took up too much screen time, overshadowing Dumbo’s journey. The original’s charm was lost in a story that felt overly complex for a film about a flying elephant. It was a visually ambitious but ultimately forgettable remake.
Alice Through the Looking Glass, 2016
Following Alice in Wonderland 2010, this sequel lacked the fresh energy and visual wonder of its predecessor. The film attempted to deepen Alice’s story but felt disconnected from the original’s whimsical appeal. While visually stunning, it leaned too heavily on CGI, making the world feel artificial rather than immersive. It is a film with great performances but little of the magic that made the first one a hit.
Lady and the Tramp, 2019
This Disney+ remake of Lady and the Tramp was charming but lacked the warmth and timelessness of the 1955 classic. While the CGI animated dogs were cute, they lacked the expressiveness of traditional animation. The live action remake attempted to modernize the story but did not bring much new to the table. It was a sweet but ultimately forgettable adaptation.
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The Lion King, 2019
Though visually breathtaking, The Lion King 2019, struggled with emotional depth due to its hyper realistic CGI. The film followed the original almost shot for shot, making it feel more like a technical showcase than a heartfelt remake. While the voice cast was strong, the lack of expressive animation made iconic scenes feel lifeless. It was a visual masterpiece but lacked the soul of the original.
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Beauty and the Beast, 2017
Emma Watson shined as Belle in this lavish retelling of Beauty and the Beast, which stayed mostly faithful to the original. The film expanded on certain character arcs, adding depth to the Beast’s backstory and Belle’s independence. While some CGI elements felt overly artificial, the film delivered nostalgia with updated songs and stunning production design. It successfully captured the essence of the beloved animated classic.
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Cinderella, 2015
Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella is one of the most visually stunning and heartfelt Disney remakes. Unlike some other adaptations, it did not rely too much on CGI and instead focused on strong performances and emotional storytelling. Lily James brought charm and grace to the role and the film’s message of kindness and courage resonated well. It was a beautiful, well crafted reimagining that respected the original while adding depth.
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Aladdin (2019)
Despite skepticism, Aladdin 2019, brought vibrant energy and fun performances to the beloved classic. Will Smith’s Genie had big shoes to fill but managed to bring a fresh, entertaining spin to the character. The film expanded Jasmine’s role, giving her more agency and a new song, “Speechless,” which was a standout moment. While not perfect, it was an enjoyable and visually exciting remake.
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Cruella, 2021
Rather than a direct remake, Cruella offered a fresh take on the iconic villain’s origin story. Emma Stone delivered a stylish and captivating performance, making Cruella more complex and intriguing. The film’s 1970s punk rock aesthetic and bold storytelling set it apart from other Disney remakes. It was a daring, well executed reinvention that breathed new life into a classic character.
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Maleficent, 2014
This Sleeping Beauty reimagining gave Maleficent depth, turning her from a simple villain into a tragic antihero. Angelina Jolie’s commanding performance carried the film, adding layers of emotion and complexity. The story offered a fresh perspective, exploring themes of betrayal, love and redemption. While it deviated from the original, it became one of the most memorable Disney remakes.
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The Jungle Book, 2016
Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book was a groundbreaking visual spectacle that blended live action with cutting edge CGI. The film expanded on the original story, making Mowgli’s journey more emotional and thrilling. The voice cast, including Idris Elba as Shere Khan and Bill Murray as Baloo, brought unforgettable performances. It was a visually stunning and emotionally engaging retelling that set a high bar for future remakes.
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Pete’s Dragon, 2016
Pete’s Dragon took a lesser known Disney film and transformed it into a heartfelt masterpiece. Unlike other remakes, it was not a shot for shot adaptation but rather a reimagining with a deeply emotional core. The story, performances and stunning visuals combined to create a touching, magical experience. It is one of Disney’s best live action remakes, proving that sometimes, reinvention is better than replication.
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Disney’s live action remakes have been a mix of hits and misses, proving that nostalgia alone is not enough to make a great film. While some adaptations have struggled to capture the magic of the originals, others have successfully reimagined beloved stories for new audiences. The best remakes respect their source material while adding fresh storytelling and emotional depth. As Disney continues to revisit its classics, fans can only hope for more hits than misses in the future.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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