Ranking the Top 10 Live-Action Disney Remakes From Least to Most Magical

Ranking the Top 10 Live-Action Disney Remakes From Least to Most Magical

Disney has been turning its beloved animated classics into live-action spectacles for years now, with varying results. Some remakes capture the magic of the originals while adding new dimensions, while others leave audiences wondering why they tinkered with perfection. From photorealistic lions to enchanted castles, let’s count down the ten most notable Disney remakes, ranking them from least magical to the ones that truly recaptured our hearts.

10. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)

Remember when we thought more Wonderland meant more wonder? This sequel stumbled where its predecessor managed to charm. The visual effects dazzle with kaleidoscopic colors and fantastical imagery, but the heart seems lost in translation.

Johnny Depp returns as the Mad Hatter, but even his quirky performance can’t save a storyline that feels both overstuffed and strangely empty. The film introduces time travel elements and family drama that never quite connects emotionally.

Despite its star-studded cast including Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway, this trip down the rabbit hole feels more like a corporate decision than a creative necessity.

9. Pinocchio (2022)

Tom Hanks as Geppetto should have been a slam dunk, but this wooden retelling never truly comes alive. The craftsmanship is evident in the detailed visuals and technical achievements, yet something essential is missing from this tale of a puppet wanting to be real.

Robert Zemeckis directs with his trademark technical prowess, creating impressive special effects that blend CGI with live action. The problem isn’t in how Pinocchio looks, but in how little we feel when watching his journey.

The original’s moral complexity and emotional resonance get simplified, leaving us with a pretty but hollow shell of a beloved story.

8. Lady and the Tramp (2019)

Puppy love should feel magical, not mechanical. This direct-to-Disney+ remake offers some sweet moments but suffers from an identity crisis. Real dogs mixed with CGI-enhanced expressions create an uncanny valley that’s hard to ignore.

The iconic spaghetti scene remains charming, and the dogs themselves are undeniably adorable. Voice performances by Tessa Thompson and Justin Theroux bring personality to our canine leads, but something feels off in the execution.

Choosing real rescue dogs for many roles was a heartwarming touch that deserves recognition. Still, this remake feels more like a tech demo than a tale as old as time.

7. The Lion King (2019)

Hakuna Matata? Not quite. Jon Favreau’s photorealistic take on the savanna classic is a technical marvel that somehow misses the emotional mark. The animals look astonishingly real – perhaps too real to convey the expressive emotions animation allows.

James Earl Jones returns as Mufasa, lending familiar gravitas, while Donald Glover and Beyoncé bring star power as Simba and Nala. The musical numbers remain, though they feel constrained by the commitment to realism.

When animals can’t smile or cry expressively, something essential is lost. This remake proves that technical achievement doesn’t automatically translate to emotional connection.

6. Lilo & Stitch (2025)

Ohana means family, and this adaptation understands that core message. Set in Hawaii’s lush landscapes, the remake balances alien antics with genuine emotional depth, though not always seamlessly.

The blend of practical effects and CGI creates a more believable Stitch, whose destructive tendencies and gradual heart-growth translate well to live action. Cultural elements receive respectful treatment, with Hawaiian traditions and music playing integral roles.

What saves this remake is its commitment to the original’s theme of found family and acceptance. Despite some uneven moments, the film captures enough of the original’s spirit to make audiences feel part of the ohana.

5. Mulan (2020)

Gone are the musical numbers and wise-cracking dragon. In their place stands a more grounded war epic that prioritizes action over animation’s whimsy. Director Niki Caro reimagines Mulan as a serious warrior tale, trading Eddie Murphy’s Mushu for stunning battle choreography.

Liu Yifei brings physical prowess and quiet determination to the title role, embodying a Mulan who’s less about finding herself and more about embracing her inherent power. The film’s gorgeous cinematography captures sweeping landscapes and intimate moments with equal beauty.

While purists missed the songs, this bold departure honors Chinese martial arts traditions and offers a more mature take on female empowerment.

4. Cruella (2021)

Fashion kills in this surprisingly fresh villain origin story. Emma Stone transforms the puppy-hating fashionista into a complex anti-hero with punk rock flair and genuine emotional depth.

1970s London springs to life in all its gritty, glamorous glory, serving as the perfect backdrop for fashion showdowns between Stone’s Estella/Cruella and Emma Thompson’s deliciously wicked Baroness. The costume design deserves its own standing ovation – each outfit tells a story and advances character development.

Unlike many remakes, Cruella dares to be different. Rather than rehashing 101 Dalmatians, it creates something new that stands on its own stiletto-heeled feet.

3. Cinderella (2015)

Have courage and be kind. This mantra infuses Kenneth Branagh’s elegant retelling with genuine heart and surprising depth. Lily James brings warmth and resilience to the glass-slippered heroine, making her more than just a damsel awaiting rescue.

The production design dazzles with its sumptuous ball gowns and magical transformations. Cate Blanchett’s Lady Tremaine elevates the wicked stepmother beyond cartoon villainy into something more human and wounded, if no less cruel.

By honoring the classic tale while gently modernizing its themes, this Cinderella manages the rare feat of feeling both timeless and timely. The magic here comes from character growth, not just fairy godmother sparkles.

2. The Jungle Book (2016)

Jon Favreau’s first Disney remake adventure proved that technology and heart could coexist beautifully. Creating a lush jungle entirely through digital means, this film somehow manages to feel authentically wild and wonderfully immersive.

Newcomer Neel Sethi holds his own as Mowgli, the only human character on screen, interacting convincingly with CGI animals voiced by an all-star cast. Bill Murray’s Baloo and Idris Elba’s terrifying Shere Khan stand out among perfect vocal performances.

The film strikes a masterful balance between honoring the animated classic (keeping beloved songs like “The Bare Necessities”) while embracing a more mature tone that respects the danger and majesty of the jungle.

1. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme. This enchanting remake captures lightning in a teacup twice, bringing the beloved musical to life with spectacular production design and genuine emotion. Emma Watson’s Belle retains her bookish independence while Dan Stevens brings surprising humanity to the Beast.

The castle’s enchanted objects – from Lumière to Mrs. Potts – spring to life through cutting-edge visual effects that somehow maintain their charm and personality. The musical numbers expand upon the original with new orchestrations that feel both fresh and familiar.

What elevates this remake to the top spot is how it honors what made the original special while thoughtfully expanding character backstories and emotional depth.