As Disney continues its journey through live-action territory, not every remake shines as brightly as its animated predecessor. Some updates feel thoughtful and inspired, bringing a new dimension to the original. Others, however, falter with wooden performances, uninspired scripts, or overwhelming CGI. It’s a landscape of highs and lows, from heartfelt reinventions to lifeless imitations.
Disney has built its empire on magical storytelling, and in recent years, they’ve increasingly turned to their animated classics for inspiration. By reimagining these beloved tales in live-action, the studio hopes to enchant a new generation while tapping into the nostalgia of older fans. While some of these efforts bring fresh life to timeless stories, others miss the mark entirely, leaving viewers wondering why they were made at all.
These films reflect a studio both celebrating its legacy and grappling with how to update classics for modern audiences. In trying to balance faithfulness to the source material with new interpretations, Disney’s live-action remakes have produced wildly varying results. From charming and heartfelt adaptations to bloated, baffling disappointments, the spectrum is wide — and often surprising
1. Christopher Robin (2018)
Unlike its animated origins, Christopher Robin (2018) tells a story of loss, rediscovery, and midlife melancholy. The title character, now an adult, finds his childhood friends returning to rekindle joy. Ewan McGregor gives a grounded performance that anchors the film’s emotional stakes. The CGI versions of Pooh and friends are simultaneously charming and eerie. The film moves at a slow pace, which might challenge younger viewers. However, its messages about family and imagination are gently resonant. It’s not flashy, but it speaks softly and thoughtfully.
2. Cinderella (2015)
Elegance, restraint, and a surprisingly earnest tone make Cinderella (2015) one of Disney’s better reinterpretations. Its ornate visuals enhance the fairy-tale setting, while a grounded performance by Lily James brings warmth. The story stays close to the original but finds emotional depth in small gestures. Some pacing issues keep it from being flawless, yet it never feels overblown. The stepmother, played by Cate Blanchett, adds complexity and menace. Its message of kindness remains intact without being saccharine. Overall, it respects the source material while enhancing it with modern grace.
3. The Jungle Book (2016)
Captivating visuals and a compelling mix of realism and fantasy help The Jungle Book (2016) stand apart. Director Jon Favreau’s vision brings Mowgli’s world to vivid life with believable CGI animals and dense jungle backdrops. The tone strikes a careful balance between adventure and reflection. Voice work from Idris Elba and Bill Murray adds gravitas and humor. Though some characters are less vibrant than in the original, the film retains its soul. Action scenes feel immersive rather than overwhelming. This remake manages to update a classic without losing its wild heart.
4. Cruella (2021)
Packed with flair and rebellion, Cruella (2021) is a fashion-fueled origin story bursting with personality. Emma Stone turns in a dazzling performance that walks the line between chaos and charisma. It’s less a remake and more a character study, distancing itself from 101 Dalmatians. The soundtrack, editing, and costume design are unapologetically stylish. While its narrative stumbles with uneven pacing and questionable logic, the energy rarely dips. Themes of revenge, identity, and ambition are explored in surprisingly layered ways. It’s a swing-for-the-fences movie that lands more hits than misses.
5. Pete’s Dragon (2016)
Beneath its unassuming surface, Pete’s Dragon (2016) carries unexpected emotional weight. The film trades the slapstick tone of the original for a softer, more meditative approach. The CGI dragon, Elliot, feels warm and tangible, like a childhood dream come to life. Its forest setting and gentle score complement its understated storytelling. Performances from Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford provide grounded support. Unlike louder remakes, it opts for sincerity over spectacle. The result is quietly magical and refreshingly sincere.
6. Aladdin (2019)
Taking bold liberties with beloved material, Aladdin (2019) delivers mixed results. Will Smith makes the Genie his own, blending swagger and heart, though comparisons are inevitable. The musical numbers pop with energy, especially “Prince Ali” and “Friend Like Me.” Unfortunately, the romance between Aladdin and Jasmine feels underdeveloped. While Naomi Scott elevates her role with strength and poise, her arc lacks proper exploration. The film’s vibrant visuals sometimes feel over-processed. Still, it has charm to spare, even if it never quite reaches a whole new world.
7. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Faithful to a fault, Beauty and the Beast (2017) mirrors its animated predecessor almost scene for scene. While the sets are lavish and the costumes striking, the performances struggle to bring the magic alive. Emma Watson’s Belle is intellectually sharp but vocally restrained. The Beast’s CGI design sits uncomfortably in the uncanny valley. Attempts to deepen the lore — like a subplot about Belle’s mother — feel unnecessary. Musical numbers are polished, yet lack the exuberance of the original. It’s visually rich but emotionally muted.
8. Lady and the Tramp (2019, Disney+)
There’s something endearing but oddly flat about Lady and the Tramp (2019). The use of real dogs with animated mouths is ambitious, though not always convincing. Its cozy, turn-of-the-century setting offers warmth, but the story plays it too safe. The chemistry between the leads is modest at best. Supporting characters like Trusty and Jock provide welcome familiarity. It’s a serviceable retelling that rarely strays far from the original’s leash. The film feels designed for comfort rather than excitement.
9. Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
By opting for realism, Peter Pan & Wendy (2023) trades magic for melancholy. The muted color palette and serious tone remove much of the story’s traditional whimsy. Characters like Tinker Bell and Captain Hook are reinterpreted with mixed success. While inclusivity in casting is commendable, it can’t compensate for sluggish pacing. There’s little sense of wonder in this version of Neverland. Attempts to deepen the emotional themes sometimes land, but feel over-explained. It’s a grounded take that forgets to fly.
10. The Little Mermaid (2023)
Despite strong vocals from Halle Bailey, The Little Mermaid (2023) struggles to find its flow. Underwater visuals are dim and lack vibrancy, making musical sequences feel heavy. The addition of new songs disrupts the film’s rhythm rather than enhancing it. Characters like Flounder and Sebastian are redesigned in ways that strip them of charm. The romance between Ariel and Eric receives slightly more attention, but still feels shallow. Bailey’s performance provides much-needed heart and sincerity. Unfortunately, everything around her fails to rise to the same level.
11. Maleficent (2014)
Turning a villain into a tragic antihero, Maleficent (2014) reframes the Sleeping Beauty tale through a darker lens. Jolie’s performance is commanding, giving the character sorrow, strength, and mystery. The visual style blends fantasy and menace, though the CGI often feels excessive. The reimagined relationship between Maleficent and Aurora is the emotional core. Secondary characters, however, are forgettable and poorly written. The tone shifts awkwardly between fairy tale and war drama. Even so, it dares to be different, with mixed but intriguing results.
12. Mulan (2020)
Visually grand but emotionally distant, Mulan (2020) discards beloved elements from the animated version. Gone are the songs and comic relief, replaced by stoic glances and sweeping battles. The film presents Mulan as a mythical warrior rather than a relatable underdog. While the action choreography impresses, the character work lacks subtlety. There’s a stiffness in the dialogue that distances viewers from the emotional arcs. Though Yifei Liu gives a poised performance, her journey feels rushed and impersonal. It’s a spectacle in search of soul.
13. Dumbo (2019)
What begins as a heartfelt attempt turns quickly chaotic in Dumbo (2019). The story expands far beyond the original’s scope, introducing new human characters who add little. Dumbo himself remains adorable, but is too often sidelined. Burton’s visual flair comes at the cost of emotional clarity. Themes of exploitation and greed are present, but clumsily handled. Some scenes dazzle, while others drag with tonal confusion. It flutters but never fully takes flight.
14. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
Too much narrative noise clouds Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) from start to finish. The film continues the offbeat aesthetic of its predecessor but loses focus. Time-travel elements add complexity without payoff. Returning characters lack the charisma they once had. Visuals are striking but become exhausting over time. Sacha Baron Cohen adds some levity, yet it’s not enough to steer the ship. It’s an overdesigned, underdeveloped sequel.
15. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Larger in scale and louder in execution, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) drowns its themes in digital chaos. The film rushes through character motivations to get to the next battle. Jolie feels sidelined in a story that’s supposed to revolve around her. Michelle Pfeiffer’s villain is cartoonish and one-dimensional. Emotional moments lack build-up and resolution. The lore expands, but not in ways that deepen investment. It’s a sequel that feels like it’s going through the motions.
16. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Style overtakes substance in Alice in Wonderland (2010), which marked the beginning of Disney’s remake era. The film emphasizes mood and design over storytelling clarity. Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter receives more focus than Alice herself. Dialogue is cryptic, and character arcs feel fragmented. Mia Wasikowska brings grace but is overwhelmed by visual noise. Burton’s vision is distinctive but not coherent. It’s a curious curiosity, but not an engaging film.
17. The Lion King (2019)
By replicating every scene with photo-realism, The Lion King (2019) drains the original of its life. The animals, though technically impressive, can’t express emotion. Iconic moments lose their impact without animated exaggeration. The voice cast delivers serviceable performances but lacks spark. Music remains faithful, yet uninspired. There’s no reinterpretation or risk — only repetition. It’s a beautiful but hollow exercise.
18. Pinocchio (2022, Disney+)
Awkward pacing and wooden visuals define Pinocchio (2022). Tom Hanks feels miscast and underused, wandering through a lifeless set. The CGI versions of beloved characters are stiff and unsettling. Emotional moments are rushed or feel artificial. Modern updates to the story are jarring and unnecessary. Charm is sorely lacking in every frame. It’s a puppet show with no strings attached — or personality.
19. Artemis Fowl (2020, Disney+)
Book lovers were left scratching their heads at Artemis Fowl (2020), which jettisons nearly everything recognizable. The story barrels ahead without developing its characters or stakes. Visuals range from passable to awkward, often within the same scene. The central character is more arrogant than brilliant. World-building is rushed and clumsy. Attempts at humor fall flat. It’s a baffling adaptation that feels like it skipped a few drafts.
20. The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Tonal confusion haunts The Haunted Mansion (2003) from beginning to end. Eddie Murphy’s comedic style clashes with the film’s darker visual palette. The plot barely holds itself together, relying on clichés and weak scares. Characters are underwritten and forgettable. The film seems unsure whether to spook, amuse, or both. Even its production design feels underutilized. It’s more ghost train than ghost story.
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