All 24 Disney Live-Action Remake Movies Ranked
Disney’s live-action remakes have brought fresh magic to their animated classics, blending nostalgia with new storytelling. From fairy tales to animal adventures, these films aim to honor their roots while carving their own paths. Some shine brightly, others falter, but each adds something to Disney’s legacy.
This list ranks 24 films, covering direct remakes of animated features. Movies like ‘Maleficent’ and ‘Cruella’ are reimaginings or origin stories tied to classic characters, while ‘Christopher Robin’ is a sequel to the ‘Winnie the Pooh’ series, and ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ is a prequel. Here’s how they stack up, from least to greatest, based on their heart, visuals, and impact.
24. Pinocchio (2022)
Robert Zemeckis directs this remake of the 1940 classic, with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth voicing Pinocchio, a wooden puppet dreaming of being real. Tom Hanks plays Geppetto, joined by CGI versions of Jiminy Cricket and the Blue Fairy.
The film feels hollow, missing the original’s warmth. Its overly slick visuals and slow pace dampen the charm, and even Hanks’ earnest effort can’t save a script lacking emotional spark.
23. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
Mia Wasikowska returns as Alice in this sequel to the 2010 remake, diving into a time-traveling Wonderland. Johnny Depp’s Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter’s Red Queen add flair, but it strays far from the 1951 original.
The chaotic plot and heavy CGI drown out the classic’s whimsy. It’s visually bold but lacks heart, making it one of the weaker entries in Disney’s remake lineup.
22. Dumbo (2019)
Tim Burton’s take on the 1941 classic stars Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito, following a flying elephant in a struggling circus. The film adds darker tones and human drama to Dumbo’s simple story.
The extra subplots dilute the original’s charm. Burton’s style feels mismatched, and the focus on humans overshadows Dumbo’s magic, keeping it low on the list.
21. 102 Dalmatians (2000)
Glenn Close reprises her role as a “reformed” Cruella De Vil in this sequel to the 1996 remake. A new batch of Dalmatian puppies faces her fur-obsessed schemes in a campy, chaotic adventure.
It’s a repetitive retread of the first film, leaning heavily on Close’s performance. The lack of fresh ideas lands it near the bottom of the rankings.
20. Lady and the Tramp (2019)
This Disney+ remake of the 1955 classic stars Tessa Thompson and Justin Theroux as the voices of a refined spaniel and a scrappy mutt. Real dogs and CGI bring their romance and rat-chasing antics to life.
The film plays it safe, missing the original’s emotional pull. While charming, it feels forgettable, lacking the spark to stand out among stronger remakes.
19. Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book (1994)
Jason Scott Lee stars as Mowgli in this grounded remake of the 1967 classic. Set in colonial India, it focuses on adventure and romance, sidelining the animal characters and musical fun.
Its shift away from the original’s playful spirit holds it back. The human-centric story feels detached from Disney’s classic, despite its bold approach.
18. Mulan (2020)
Niki Caro directs this epic remake of the 1998 film, with Liu Yifei as Mulan, a woman disguising herself as a man to fight for China. It drops the songs and Mushu for a serious, action-packed tone.
Liu’s performance and the visuals impress, but the lack of humor and heart hurts it. The film’s shift to grit over charm keeps it mid-tier.
17. 101 Dalmatians (1996)
Glenn Close steals the show as Cruella De Vil in this remake of the 1961 classic. Pongo and Perdy’s puppies face her fur-crazed plot, leading to a lively, slapstick rescue mission.
Close’s campy villainy carries a straightforward retelling. It’s fun but doesn’t innovate much, relying on her energy to keep it engaging.
16. Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
Ever Anderson and Alexander Molony star as Wendy and Peter Pan in this remake of the 1953 classic. Jude Law’s Captain Hook brings menace to their Neverland adventures, filled with wonder.
It’s a decent effort but adds little new. The performances are solid, yet the film feels safe, missing the bold vision to rise higher.
15. Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Tim Burton’s remake of the 1951 classic stars Mia Wasikowska as a grown Alice, with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. It’s a visually wild quest against the Red Queen in a dark Wonderland.
The striking visuals outshine the story, which loses the original’s charm. It’s bold but disjointed, prioritizing style over the classic’s simple joy.
14. Mufasa: The Lion King (2024)
This prequel to the 2019 remake explores Mufasa’s rise to king, voiced by Aaron Pierre. Directed by Barry Jenkins, it dives into his early life and rivalry with Scar, using stunning CGI.
The visuals and Jenkins’ direction are strong, but as a prequel, it feels less like a remake. Its emotional depth is solid, yet it doesn’t outshine direct retellings.
13. Snow White (2025)
Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White, with Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen in this remake of the 1937 classic. New songs and modern themes reshape the tale of a princess escaping danger.
Zegler’s performance shines, but the mix of updates and tradition feels uneven. It’s a promising effort that doesn’t fully match the original’s timeless magic.
12. Christopher Robin (2018)
Ewan McGregor plays an adult Christopher Robin, reuniting with Winnie the Pooh and friends in this sequel to the animated series. CGI and live-action blend for a heartfelt tale of rediscovery.
Its emotional core is strong, but as a sequel, it fits awkwardly among remakes. The warmth keeps it mid-tier, though it lacks the direct remake focus.
11. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Angelina Jolie returns as Maleficent, clashing with Michelle Pfeiffer’s Queen Ingrith in this sequel to the 2014 film. It deepens Aurora’s story and Maleficent’s origins with bold visuals.
Jolie’s performance and the visuals dazzle, but it strays further from ‘Sleeping Beauty.’ Its ambition is strong, yet it lacks the first film’s fresh take.
10. Cruella (2021)
Emma Stone stars as a young Cruella De Vil, rising as a fashion rebel in 1970s London. Emma Thompson’s Baroness von Hellman fuels their rivalry in this origin story tied to ‘101 Dalmatians.’
Stone’s magnetic performance and the film’s stylish energy make it shine. Though not a direct remake, its bold creativity earns a high spot.
9. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
Directed by Jon Turteltaub, this remake of the 1940 ‘Fantasia’ segment stars Jay Baruchel as Dave, a young man chosen by sorcerer Balthazar, played by Nicolas Cage, to battle dark forces. The film expands the iconic broom sequence into a modern magical adventure.
Its high-energy action and Cage’s quirky charm make it a fun ride. Though loosely tied to the original, its bold take and visual flair earn it a solid spot in the rankings.
8. The Little Mermaid (2023)
Halle Bailey shines as Ariel in this remake of the 1989 classic, chasing love with Prince Eric in a vibrant underwater world. New songs and stunning visuals aim to recapture the magic.
Bailey’s voice and the lush visuals elevate it, though some additions feel uneven. It honors the original while adding fresh touches, landing it high.
7. The Jungle Book (2016)
Jon Favreau’s remake of the 1967 classic uses photorealistic CGI to follow Mowgli, played by Neel Sethi. Voices like Bill Murray’s Baloo and Idris Elba’s Shere Khan bring the jungle alive.
The visuals and faithful yet fresh story make it a standout. Minor pacing issues hold it back, but its heart and technology blend beautifully.
6. Cinderella (2015)
Kenneth Branagh directs Lily James as Cinderella, with Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother. This remake of the 1950 classic embraces romance and kindness with elegant visuals.
Its simple charm and Blanchett’s stellar performance lift it high. The film captures the fairy-tale essence without overcomplicating, making it a gem.
5. Maleficent (2014)
Angelina Jolie stars as Maleficent, reimagining the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ villain as a wronged protector. Elle Fanning’s Aurora adds heart to this dark, emotional spin on the classic.
Jolie’s commanding presence and the bold reimagining make it stand out. The fresh perspective and stunning visuals earn it a top-five spot.
4. Lilo & Stitch (2025)
This remake of the 2002 classic follows Lilo, a Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, a chaotic alien, forming a family. CGI and live-action blend to keep the heart and humor of the original.
Its vibrant energy and cultural authenticity shine brightly. The emotional core and charming leads make it a strong contender among the best.
3. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Emma Watson stars as Belle, with Dan Stevens as the Beast in this remake of the 1991 classic. Directed by Bill Condon, it adds new songs and deeper character arcs to the iconic romance.
The lush visuals and faithful storytelling make it a fan favorite. Watson’s performance and the balance of nostalgia and innovation keep it near the top.
2. Aladdin (2019)
Guy Ritchie directs Mena Massoud as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Jasmine, and Will Smith as the Genie in this remake of the 1992 classic. Vibrant colors and updated songs bring the story to life.
Smith’s charismatic Genie and Scott’s empowered Jasmine dazzle. The high-energy performances and stunning visuals make it a near-perfect remake.
1. The Lion King (2019)
Jon Favreau’s photorealistic remake of the 1994 classic follows Simba, voiced by Donald Glover, reclaiming his throne. Beyoncé’s Nala and James Earl Jones’ Mufasa add power to the epic tale.
The groundbreaking CGI and stellar voice cast capture the original’s majesty. It feels fresh yet timeless, standing as the gold standard for Disney’s remakes.