11 Must-See Live-Action Disney Remakes: Ranked

4 min read Post on May 23, 2025

11 Must-See Live-Action Disney Remakes: Ranked from "Okay" to "Oh My Goodness!"

Disney's live-action remakes have become a cinematic phenomenon, sparking both fervent excitement and heated debate. While some have faithfully captured the magic of the originals, others have stumbled. So, to help navigate this ever-growing landscape of remakes, we've ranked 11 of the must-see films, from decent to downright dazzling. Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane – with a few surprises along the way!

Methodology: Our ranking considers faithfulness to the source material, creative liberties taken, acting performances, visual effects, and overall impact. This isn't just about box office success; it's about the cinematic experience.

11. The Little Mermaid (2023): A Decent Start, But Room for Improvement

While visually stunning, The Little Mermaid remake divided audiences. Halle Bailey’s Ariel was captivating, but some felt the narrative lacked the emotional depth of the animated classic. The songs, while beautifully rendered, didn't always hit the same high notes. A solid effort, but not quite a masterpiece. Keywords: The Little Mermaid remake, Halle Bailey, Disney live-action, Ariel, underwater scenes

10. Maleficent (2014): A Villain's Origin Story

This prequel offered a fresh perspective on the Sleeping Beauty tale, exploring Maleficent's motivations. Angelina Jolie's powerful performance anchored the film, but the plot occasionally strayed too far from the source material for purists. Keywords: Maleficent, Angelina Jolie, Sleeping Beauty, Disney villain, prequel

9. Cruella (2021): Fashionably Wicked

A stylish and surprisingly dark take on the classic villain, Cruella showcases Emma Stone's brilliant performance as the iconic fashion icon-in-the-making. The 1970s setting and punk rock aesthetic elevate this remake beyond a simple rehash. Keywords: Cruella, Emma Stone, Disney villain, fashion, 1970s

8. Beauty and the Beast (2017): A Faithful Adaptation

A mostly faithful adaptation, this live-action remake benefited from a stellar cast, including Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. The visuals were breathtaking, particularly the ballroom scene. However, it lacked the spark of innovation that made some others stand out. Keywords: Beauty and the Beast, Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, live-action Disney, fairytale

7. Aladdin (2019): A Whole New World, Visually Stunning

Will Smith's Genie was a subject of much discussion, but the overall spectacle of Aladdin was undeniable. The breathtaking visuals transported viewers to Agrabah, and the musical numbers were expertly recreated. Keywords: Aladdin, Will Smith, Genie, Agrabah, Disney live-action musical

6. Jungle Book (2016): Technically Marvelous

Jon Favreau's Jungle Book set a new standard for visual effects, creating a breathtakingly realistic jungle world. The motion capture was superb, and the story remained largely faithful to the animated classic. Keywords: Jungle Book, Jon Favreau, Mowgli, CGI, visual effects

5. Cinderella (2015): A Classic Retold with Grace

This remake stays true to the classic fairytale while adding subtle updates. Lily James brought a modern sensibility to Cinderella, and the costumes were simply magnificent. A charming and enjoyable watch. Keywords: Cinderella, Lily James, fairytale, Disney princess, ball gown

4. Dumbo (2019): A Touching Tale of an Underdog

Tim Burton's Dumbo offered a slightly darker and more emotionally resonant take on the classic story, exploring themes of family and overcoming adversity. The visual spectacle was, as always with Burton, breathtaking. Keywords: Dumbo, Tim Burton, circus, underdog story, emotional drama

3. The Lion King (2019): Photorealistic Majesty

The photorealistic visuals of The Lion King were groundbreaking, creating an incredibly immersive experience. While some felt the lack of human characters diminished the emotional connection, the stunning visuals and powerful soundtrack made it a cinematic event. Keywords: Lion King, photorealistic, CGI, Simba, Mufasa

2. Mulan (2020): A Powerful and Empowering Reimagining

Mulan took significant liberties with the source material, creating a more action-oriented and empowering narrative. While some purists might disagree, the film's strong female lead and stunning fight choreography are undeniable highlights. Keywords: Mulan, live-action, female empowerment, action movie, Disney remake

1. Pete's Dragon (2016): Pure Magic and Heart

This often-overlooked remake is a masterpiece of storytelling and visual effects. It beautifully balances thrilling adventure with heartwarming emotion, creating a film that appeals to both children and adults. A truly magical experience. Keywords: Pete's Dragon, Elliot, Disney remake, family film, adventure

This list is, of course, subjective. What are your favorite Disney live-action remakes? Let us know in the comments!