Every Disney Live-Action Remake Movie, Ranked

Disney’s live-action remakes revisit animated classics with new casts, visual effects, and story tweaks that introduce these tales to new generations. This list includes feature-length titles that adapt earlier Disney animated films, whether released theatrically or on Disney+. Entries note directors, key cast, distribution details, and the most notable changes from the original versions.

‘Snow White’ (2025)

Directed by Marc Webb, this live action adaptation revisits the 1937 animated classic with Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The production blends on set performances with extensive visual effects to realize the fairy tale world and its fantastical characters. Filming centered on large soundstage builds and location work that emphasizes ornate castle interiors and forest settings. New songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul join classic musical moments with updated arrangements.

‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2023)

Directed by David Lowery, this adaptation streamlines the 1953 story while expanding Wendy’s perspective. It stars Alexander Molony as Peter, Ever Anderson as Wendy, and Jude Law as Captain Hook. The film premiered on Disney+ and emphasizes practical sets mixed with digital environments. Major changes include a deeper Hook backstory and more agency for Wendy and Tiger Lily.

‘Pinocchio’ (2022)

Robert Zemeckis directs this retelling headlined by Tom Hanks as Geppetto. It blends live action performances with CG characters for Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, and others. The release went straight to Disney+ as part of the studio’s streaming slate. Notable updates include added songs and a revised ending that softens the transformation question.

‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)

Rob Marshall directs with Halle Bailey as Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King as Eric. The film combines practical water tank work with visual effects for underwater sequences. It adds new songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken and expands Eric’s backstory. The release strategy included premium-format showings and a later Disney+ debut with sing-along features.

‘Mulan’ (2020)

This version, directed by Niki Caro, features Yifei Liu as Mulan and forgoes musical numbers from the animated film. It introduces new characters like Xianniang, a shapeshifting antagonist allied with Böri Khan. The movie premiered via Premier Access on Disney+ in many regions alongside limited theatrical runs. Large-scale battle sequences and wire work highlight a more grounded war narrative.

‘101 Dalmatians’ (1996)

Stephen Herek’s remake stars Glenn Close as Cruella de Vil with live puppies and minimal CG. Jeff Daniels, Joely Richardson, and Hugh Laurie round out the cast. The film largely follows the 1961 plot while expanding physical comedy set pieces. Its success led to a direct sequel, though the sequel is not itself a remake of an animated film.

‘Dumbo’ (2019)

Tim Burton directs this reimagining that centers on a circus family played by Colin Farrell, Eva Green, Michael Keaton, and Danny DeVito. The baby elephant is fully CG with performance-driven animation. The story extends past the original’s midway point by exploring a corporate theme park storyline. It was released theatrically worldwide with a traditional marketing rollout.

‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019)

This film launched day one on Disney+ with Tessa Thompson and Justin Theroux voicing the leads. It uses real dogs augmented by visual effects for mouth movements and expressions. The setting stays in early twentieth-century America with updated supporting characters. The iconic spaghetti scene is recreated with careful attention to staging and lighting.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2010)

Directed by Tim Burton, this project reunites with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Mia Wasikowska as Alice. It functions as a return-to-Wonderland story rather than a scene-by-scene redo of the 1951 animation. The production relies heavily on green screen and digital sets to create Underland. Its global box office performance pushed Disney to pursue more live-action updates.

‘Pete’s Dragon’ (2016)

David Lowery’s film is a loose remake of the 1977 title, replacing musical elements with a Pacific Northwest adventure tone. Oakes Fegley plays Pete, with Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford in supporting roles. The dragon Elliot is realized through extensive CG with a furry design aesthetic. The narrative focuses on found family themes and a logging-town backdrop.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2025)

Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, this live action remake stars Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch, Sydney Agudong as Nani, Zach Galifianakis as Dr. Jumba Jookiba, and Billy Magnussen as Pleakley. Stitch and other extraterrestrial elements are realized with extensive visual effects led by Industrial Light & Magic.

‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

This follow-up continues the live-action reinterpretation of characters from the 1951 film. Directed by James Bobin, it brings back Mia Wasikowska and Johnny Depp and adds time-travel elements through the character Time played by Sacha Baron Cohen. The production features elaborate costume and set design carried over from the first installment. Its storyline is original while still drawing from motifs of the animated classic.

‘The Lion King’ (2019)

Jon Favreau’s version uses photoreal CG and virtual production techniques to render animals and environments. Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and James Earl Jones lead the voice cast. Although often described as live action, the movie is entirely computer-animated from captured camera work and animation. The release included an accompanying album and a large-format theatrical run.

‘Aladdin’ (2019)

Guy Ritchie helms this adaptation starring Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and Will Smith as Genie. The production builds large-scale sets for Agrabah and uses a mix of practical stunts and CG for musical sequences. New story beats give Jasmine a political arc and introduce an additional song for the character. The film had a global theatrical release followed by a home and streaming rollout.

‘Cinderella’ (2015)

Kenneth Branagh’s remake stars Lily James, Richard Madden, and Cate Blanchett. It keeps the classic structure while emphasizing production design through elaborate costumes by Sandy Powell. The film was shot on 35mm and focuses on practical sets and ballroom choreography. A concise running time and straightforward adaptation highlighted Disney’s live-action strategy going forward.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017)

Directed by Bill Condon, this version features Emma Watson and Dan Stevens with extensive performance capture for the Beast. It reintroduces Alan Menken’s music alongside new numbers and expanded character histories. The castle and enchanted objects blend practical builds with CG animation. The movie achieved a wide theatrical release including IMAX and 3D presentations.

‘The Jungle Book’ (2016)

Jon Favreau’s remake casts Neel Sethi as Mowgli with voice roles by Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, and Idris Elba. Filmed largely on soundstages in Los Angeles, its environments and animals are digitally created using advanced motion and facial capture. The production integrates legacy songs with a more adventure-driven tone. It released theatrically worldwide and became a technical benchmark for Disney’s subsequent remakes.

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