Every individual has a beloved Disney animated classic that resonates with them. Spanning across various generations, cultures, and geographical locations, Disney’s animated films have sparked the imaginations of both children and adults since the debut of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, which marked the beginning of a glorious era for the animation studio. However, Disney is equally adept in the realm of live-action filmmaking, having ventured into this field with 1950’s Treasure Island. This endeavor paved the way for a rich tradition of adventure films and heartfelt family dramas, a legacy that continues today with popular franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and the extensive array of live-action remakes that have captivated audiences worldwide.
In the 1990s, the studio cautiously explored the possibilities of live-action remakes with films like Stephen Sommers’ The Jungle Book (1994) and Stephen Herek‘s 101 Dalmatians (1996). Although these early attempts achieved some degree of success, including a Golden Globe nomination for Glenn Close‘s flamboyant portrayal of Cruella De Vil, the live-action remake trend didn’t truly emerge until Tim Burton‘s 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, which astonished audiences and box offices alike, grossing over a billion dollars. Since that landmark success, Disney has embraced a franchise approach within their live-action sector, releasing at least one live-action remake annually since 2014, cementing their strategy of revitalizing classic stories for new generations.
Defining what qualifies as live-action has sparked discussions among fans, especially with the advent of all-CGI films like The Lion King. Additionally, the line between remakes and reimaginings often blurs with films such as Maleficent and Christopher Robin, which add layers to familiar tales. Furthermore, the question arises whether to include sequels to remakes and reinterpretations, even if they aren’t technically classified as remakes. For this article, we’re taking a broad approach, examining every remake, reimagining, and subsequent sequel that Disney has released following the unprecedented success of Alice in Wonderland. Instead of delving into overly specific definitions, we aim to present a comprehensive overview of the nostalgia-driven wave of predominantly blockbuster hits that Disney has produced in the 21st century.
Now, without any further delay, explore our ranking of the best Disney live-action remakes listed below, and be sure to check back as we continue to update our selections with each new theatrical release.
21. ‘Pinocchio’ (2022)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
The 1940 classic Pinocchio is widely regarded as one of Disney’s most outstanding achievements in animation, a sentiment that persists nearly 75 years later. However, the 2022 iteration of Pinocchio stands out as the least favorable live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classics, with a sensory overload that proves to be awkward and unsettling in numerous aspects. Compounding this issue is the fact that it was released in the same year as the Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which exemplified how to successfully modernize a timeless tale.
In this remake, Pinocchio reaches unprecedented levels of annoyance, while Tom Hanks delivers an exaggerated performance as Geppetto. The conclusion is particularly perplexing, presenting one of the most confusing detours ever seen in these films. With numerous adaptations of the Pinocchio story available, this particular version should not be among your choices. —Ross Bonaime
Pinocchio
- Release Date
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September 7, 2022
- Runtime
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105 minutes
20. ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)
Directed by James Bobin
In a film that revolves around a villain fixated on the mechanics of time, Alice Through the Looking Glass fails to establish a coherent rhythm. While visually stunning and featuring a returning cast that embraces high camp, along with the imaginative creations of Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass struggles to maintain momentum, leading to a lack of engagement from audiences.
Despite the vibrant chaos, delightful creatures, and splendid absurdity woven into the opulent production design, the film’s lackluster pacing and overwhelming action ultimately detract from its potential. Without Tim Burton‘s unique vision, the lavish visuals become overwhelming, cluttering the screen and overshadowing the narrative. While viewers may find enjoyment in the whimsical landscape of Wonderland, they might also find themselves glancing at their watches—a situation that should never occur in a realm abundant with, well… wonders. —Haleigh Foutch
19. ‘Snow White’ (2025)
Directed by Marc Webb
Among the most contentious and polarizing live-action adaptations is Snow White, which has faced an unrelenting backlash that has nearly stalled the production of numerous other live-action remakes. Controversies surrounding the lead actresses, the unsettling CGI dwarves, and the plethora of new plot points that deviate from the original narrative have collectively frustrated audiences in diverse ways. Even with its recent release, it is challenging to identify a live-action remake with a more unfavorable reputation than Snow White.
While the film does present some positives, such as Rachel Zegler‘s impressive vocal performances and the depth provided to Prince Jonathan’s character, the overwhelming negatives far outweigh the film’s few merits. Given the many previous adaptations of Snow White in live-action, including Snow White & The Huntsman and Mirror Mirror, it is particularly disappointing to witness this modern rendition falter where success seemed attainable. —Robert E. Lee III
Snow White
- Release Date
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March 21, 2025
- Runtime
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109 Minutes
18. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2010)
Directed by Tim Burton
The 2010 sensation that launched Disney’s live-action remake trend, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland grapples with similar issues of style over substance that affect its sequel, yet it manages to maintain a tighter narrative. The film is infused with enough of Burton’s whimsical humor and eccentric charm to prevent it from becoming tedious. However, despite its strengths—particularly the remarkable cast that brings its characters to life—Alice in Wonderland does not stand out as one of the pinnacles of either Burton’s or Disney’s body of work.
Even with Burton’s renowned visual flair, he struggles to fully encapsulate the enchantment of Wonderland. While Mia Wasikowska is undeniably a talented actress, her portrayal of Alice is marked by a subdued performance, lacking the vivacity and inquisitiveness that the character embodies. Alice in Wonderland has secured its place in cinematic history as the breakout hit that initiated a decade of live-action remakes, but since its release, Disney has refined its approach, sometimes excessively, causing the film’s weaker aspects to pale in comparison to subsequent entries. —Haleigh Foutch
17. ‘The Lion King’ (2019)
Directed by Jon Favreau
Before diving into the details, it’s important to address a common concern—this title may not fit the conventional definition of a “live-action” film. Nevertheless, in the context of compiling a comprehensive list of this modern wave of Disney remakes, we include it. Jon Favreau’s The Lion King serves as a captivating and innovative experiment, an animated movie that harnesses groundbreaking technology to achieve near photo-realism, yet it inadvertently transforms into what feels like the most expensive sing-along in cinematic history.
Building on the technological advancements he utilized in The Jungle Book, Favreau attempts to recapture the enchanting essence of the beloved 1994 animated classic within the realistic setting of the Pride Lands. However, there is a certain enchantment that comes with the animated format, and attributing human-like qualities to photo-realistic animals fails to evoke the same charm that audiences cherish. —Haleigh Foutch
16. ‘Mulan’ (2020)
Directed by Niki Caro
Mulan presents a mixed bag of results, ultimately failing to resonate as strongly as its animated predecessor—which can often be a positive aspect. However, in departing from the original, it sacrifices much of the joy and charm that made the animated version so beloved. While it is true that musical sequences and a character voiced by Eddie Murphy do not lend themselves to Niki Caro‘s interpretation, this Wuxia-inspired retelling of Mulan lacks the engaging qualities that captivate audiences. Although there are commendable elements, such as the use of stunning costumes and discussions on the preparedness of men for strong women, Mulan demonstrates that deviating from the original formula does not always yield a favorable update. —Ross Bonaime
Mulan
- Release Date
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September 4, 2020
- Runtime
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1h 55m
15. ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019)
Directed by Charlie Bean
Who can resist adorable dogs? The live-action adaptation of Lady and the Tramp certainly plays into this sentiment, presenting a similar storyline to the 1955 classic, but with real dogs brought to life through the voices of Justin Theroux and Tessa Thompson. The film is undeniably charming, and even the CGI-enhanced mouths of the dogs become endearing over time. However, akin to The Lion King, it raises the question of who would prefer this rendition over the animated classic. Lady and the Tramp undoubtedly possesses its own allure, and at the very least, it does not attempt to pass off CGI dogs as realistic, which gives it a slight edge over The Lion King. —Ross Bonaime
14. ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017)
Directed by Bill Condon
It is undeniable that for many audiences, Disney’s 2017 remake of their 1991 Best Picture nominee, Beauty and the Beast, was a resounding success. With impressive box office earnings amounting to $1.2 billion—an achievement typically reserved for animated features and blockbuster franchises—it firmly established itself as the highest-grossing live-action remake to date. However, from my perspective, Bill Condon‘s adaptation of Beauty and the Beast fails to justify its transition to live-action, with underwhelming visual elements and set pieces that pale in comparison to the magical animation, mediocre renditions of Alan Menken‘s beloved songs, and an unnecessarily lengthy runtime that causes the fairy tale to feel sluggish and drawn out. —Haleigh Foutch
13. ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019)
Directed by Joachim Rønning
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is notable as only the second sequel produced for a live-action Disney remake, and its reception sheds light on why. This sequel mainly rehashes elements from the original, yet it lacks the emotional depth that made the first film resonate with audiences. Joachim Rønning‘s film attempts to convince viewers that perhaps Maleficent (played by the remarkable Angelina Jolie) could still harbor evil intentions, despite the previous installment revealing her true nature. Moreover, Mistress of Evil reiterates the primary themes of the original, albeit without the impactful narrative that defined Maleficent’s backstory. Disney had a successful formula with the first Maleficent, and it raises the question of whether extending the story was necessary. —Ross Bonaime
12. ‘Dumbo’ (2019)
Directed by Tim Burton
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