As most diehard fans of Disney have recognized by now, the company has been moving more and more towards live-action remakes of their most beloved cinematic properties in recent years.
In some cases, these films have been just as universally well-received as their animated source material. In others, the subsequent live-action movies have earned a more divisive response, as seen through the mixed reception of films like Aladdin, Dumbo, and 2022’s disastrous Pinocchio.
In spite of the occasional flops to spring out from Disney, the studio has released far more satisfying live-action remakes than they have near-unwatchable ones. From movies based on well-loved Disney Renaissance films to remakes of Golden Age Disney movies, here are seven live-action Disney remakes we utterly adore watching.
There was a lot riding on The Lion King ahead of its 2019 release, with most people rightfully categorizing it as one of the most ambitious Disney remakes of the modern era. Of course, any film based upon a contemporary classic like The Lion King was bound to face its share of obstacles, something that’s certainly true with 2019’s The Lion King. Propelled forward by its immersive CGI, The Lion King does little to differentiate itself from the original film, telling the same old story with updated visuals, a bigger budget, and a more recognizable ensemble cast.
Though perhaps not as memorable to look at as The Lion King or The Jungle Book, Peter Pan & Wendy has enough of an emotional register to rope viewers in and keep them watching throughout. Led by its talented young actors and a spell-binding performance from Jude Law, Peter Pan & Wendy analyzes the key themes prevalent in J.M. Barrie’s original story, including the inevitably of adulthood and the pros and cons of staying young forever. An impactful retelling of the traditional Peter Pan narrative, Peter Pan & Wendy adds a whole new layer of depth and understanding to Disney’s 1950s’ fantasy classic.
Among the more unique live-action remakes to come from Disney Studios, Christopher Robin focuses on the idea of recapturing the sense of childhood imagination we leave behind as we grow up. Utilizing a largely original story, Christopher Robin nevertheless comes packed to the brim with references, homages, and loving winks to A.A. Milne’s fan-favorite Pooh stories. As a result, the finished film expands upon the foremost qualities that made Milne’s books so special in the first place, complete with returning appearances from some of the Hundred Acre Wood’s most famous animal residents.
Say what you will about Cruella, but at the end of the day, the movie took some bold risks. Providing a sympathetic origin story for One Hundred and One Dalmatians’ puppy-hating antagonist, Cruella succeeds when it comes to the constant on-screen battles between Emma Stone’s title character and Emma Thompson’s rival fashion designer. One part The Devil Wears Prada, another part V for Vendetta, Cruella comes equipped with a stunningly creative portrait of its lead character, perfectly complimenting the underlying narrative of One Hundred and One Dalmatians.
Director Kenneth Branagh has always proven himself capable of taking vintage source material and updating it just enough to appease modern audiences. Case in point with Branagh’s joyous Cinderella remake, a captivating live-action film that loses neither the heart nor the humor of its iconic 1950 predecessor. Sweeping viewers away with its delicate storyline and agreeable visual motifs, Branagh adds yet another impressive literary adaptation to his filmography with Cinderella, appealing to audience members young and old through his work here.
The 2016 version of Pete’s Dragon may take plenty of creative liberties with its source material, but at the end of the day, these various changes paved the way towards a singularly stronger work. Avoiding the kitschier atmosphere of 1977’s Peter Dragon, the 2016 take on the film draws on far more relatable themes, including a heartwarming study of family, friendship, and the wonders of limitless imagination. With every character learning something important along their narrative journey, Pete’s Dragon is that endearing family film where every audience member walks away having discovered something heartfelt and meaningful about themselves.
One of the first live-action remakes to exit from Walt Disney Studios, The Jungle Book has yet to be surpassed by any subsequent Disney remake that’s come after it. An astoundingly modern take on Rudyard Kipling’s immortal children’s story, Jon Favreau’s modern remake of The Jungle Book illustrates the immense possibilities that lay behind CGI-laden Disney remakes. Dovetailing state-of-the-art visuals with a renowned cast, The Jungle Book not only lives up to its 1967 predecessor – it actually surpasses it, ensuring a movie as timelessly enjoyable as some of Disney’s very best films (animated or otherwise).
