All 16 of Disney’s live-action remakes so far—the good, the bad and the forgettable

Snow White walked so Moana could sail across the sea—and in Disney’s upcoming remake of its 1937 animated classic, the original princess gets a thoroughly modern reimagining. Rachel Zegler stars as a bolder, more determined Snow White, one who isn’t dreaming of a Prince Charming, but rather of reclaiming her kingdom and ruling with fairness and strength. Opposite her is Gal Gadot as the dazzlingly wicked Evil Queen, adding star power and elegance to the iconic villain.

And while romance still plays a part, this time it’s on Snow White’s terms. Instead of a traditional prince, she finds herself drawn to Jonathan, a charming bandit played by Andrew Burnap. He’s not just a placeholder love interest, but a well-rounded character with depth and agency. The film promises to balance nostalgia with empowerment, offering a new generation a Snow White who leads her own story—and a fairytale that evolves with the times.

In 2023, one of Disney’s most beloved fairytale classics made its highly anticipated leap into the live-action realm with the arrival of The Little Mermaid. Halle Bailey delivered a performance full of charm, heart, and quiet magic, offering a fresh yet respectful interpretation of Ariel. For fans of the original, her soaring vocals were nothing short of breathtaking—captivating and powerful, they anchor the film in both nostalgia and emotional depth.

It was little wonder, then, that Ursula, portrayed with gleeful menace by Melissa McCarthy, was desperate to steal Ariel’s voice. Bailey’s performance—particularly her mesmerising singing—grounded this modern retelling, which honoured the spirit of the original while making thoughtful updates for a new generation.

The chemistry between Bailey’s Ariel and Jonah Hauer-King’s Prince Eric also brought new dimension to the love story. Their shared passion for exploration and adventure created a bond that feels more authentic and emotionally resonant than its animated predecessor—adding a spark that’s more electric than Ursula’s eels and Triton’s trident combined.

See also: 'The Little Mermaid' Teaser Trailer—Let's Talk About It

The 2022 live-action remake of Pinocchio, Disney’s classic tale of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, lovingly revisited familiar territory with a touch of modern magic. Tom Hanks brought warmth and tenderness to the role of Geppetto, the lonely toymaker who carved Pinocchio from wood, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt voiced the ever-wise Jiminy Cricket, serving as Pinocchio’s loyal guide and conscience. As the story unfolded in this retelling, Pinocchio’s journey is filled with misadventures and moral lessons, echoing the heart of the 1940 original.

A highlight of the film is a luminous appearance by Cynthia Erivo as the Blue Fairy, delivering a moving rendition of the timeless Disney ballad “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Even before she took the stage as Elphaba in Wicked, Erivo’s ethereal presence and stunning vocals offer a moment of magic that lingers long after the credits roll.

See also: 15 musical adaptations to tide you over before the release of ‘Wicked: For Good’

More origin story than remake, 2021’s Cruella reimagined the infamous villain’s beginnings with Emma Stone in the titular role. Long before dreaming of coats made from Dalmatian fur, Cruella was Estella, a gifted and rebellious young designer with a passion for fashion and a flair for the dramatic. When the icy and imperious fashion mogul The Baroness, played by Emma Thompson, took her under her wing, Estella saw a glimmer of hope for her future.

But as The Baroness began claiming credit for Estella’s designs and revealed her true colours, admiration turned to resentment. From that betrayal, Estella’s darker instincts emerged—giving rise to her iconic alter ego, the gloriously named Cruella de Vil. With its bold costumes, biting wit and standout performances, Cruella brought one of Disney’s most stylish villains to life in spectacular fashion.

The animated classic based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan received the full martial-arts action treatment in its 2020 live-action remake. Liu Yifei led the cast of Mulan as the courageous female warrior, supported by martial arts icons Donnie Yen and Jet Li. With its sweeping cinematography, intricate choreography, and spectacular fight sequences, Mulan reimagined the legendary tale with a more grounded and epic tone.

However, the film notably departed from some of the beloved elements of the original. Iconic songs like “Reflection” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” were not featured in any significant way—a choice that disappointed fans of the animated version’s musical charm. Also absent was Mushu the dragon, the comedic companion whose presence had added heart and humour to the 1998 classic. While the remake delivered stunning visuals and fierce performances, these omissions left some viewers longing for the magic of the original.

The Lion King has long been a favourite among audiences of all ages—even pets, as countless TikTok videos of mesmerised dogs and cats can attest. Hailed as one of the crown jewels of Disney’s golden age of animation, the original film reimagined Hamlet with heart, humour and unforgettable music, securing its place in cinematic history.

After his success with The Jungle Book, Jon Favreau took on the ambitious task of directing the 2019 remake of The Lion King. Though marketed as a live-action adaptation, the film relied almost entirely on CGI to bring its animal characters to life. While visually stunning, the remake struggled to capture the emotional depth and charm of the animated classic—or the energy and soul of the acclaimed Broadway production. Despite its technical achievements, it left many viewers nostalgic for the magic of the original.

Having built a career on whimsical worlds and eccentric characters—and having already reimagined Alice in Wonderland for Disney—Tim Burton returned to familiar territory with the live-action remake of Dumbo. This adaptation of the 1941 classic followed the touching tale of a young circus elephant whose oversized ears grant him the ability to fly, blending Burton’s signature visual flair with a story steeped in emotion and wonder.

Unlike the original, Burton’s version featured a cast of human characters in more prominent roles, including Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito and Eva Green. The ending offered a fresh narrative twist, but at its core, the film stayed true to the message of Dumbo of embracing one’s uniqueness.

Still, despite its ambition and star power, the remake struggled to take flight. Burton’s trademark magic didn’t quite soar, and the film’s Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 46 per cent reflected its lukewarm reception from critics and fans alike.

Thankfully, Disney+’s remake of Lady and the Tramp embraced a touch of authenticity by casting real-life dogs in the lead roles. While enhanced with a bit of CGI magic, the use of actual animals brought a warmth and realism that digital effects alone simply can’t replicate—as any dog parent would agree.

The love story between Lady, a pampered cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a scrappy street mutt, remained every bit as heartwarming as in the original. And yes, the iconic spaghetti scene made its return—charming, tender, and as timeless as ever. With its nostalgic storytelling and canine charisma, this live-action update managed to capture the gentle spirit of the beloved classic.

Stepping into a role made iconic by the incomparable Robin Williams was no easy feat, but Will Smith brought his own flair to the 2019 live-action remake of Aladdin, directed by Guy Ritchie. Smith’s Genie was more grounded and charismatic than manic, offering a performance that paid tribute to the original while injecting his signature charm and swagger. Still, for fans of the animated classic, it was clear that Williams had set an impossibly high bar, having infused the role with so much of his spontaneous brilliance that even three magic wishes might not even be enough to match it.

As Aladdin, Mena Massoud delivered a likeable, energetic performance, while Naomi Scott brought both grace and fire to the role of Princess Jasmine. Her vocals soared in the beloved “A Whole New World”, and she made a powerful impression with the film’s original song “Speechless”, a bold anthem of self-empowerment that added a modern voice to Jasmine’s character. While the remake couldn’t quite recapture all the magic of the original, it offered a vibrant retelling that found its own rhythm.

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Emma Watson brought both grace and intellect to her portrayal of Belle in the 2019 version of Beauty and the Beast, grounding the character with a quiet strength that resonated amid the story’s magical surroundings. Set against a fantastical backdrop of enchanted castles, singing candlesticks, and charmingly animated tableware, Watson’s Belle remained curious, courageous, and unmistakably modern, offering a refreshing take on the beloved book-loving heroine.

Though it’s a tale as old as time, the remake introduced new layers to familiar characters. Belle emerged as a symbol of female empowerment, while Dan Stevens’ Beast received a more emotional arc—including a heartfelt original song that deepened his story. Still, the heart of the film stayed true to the original: the gentle evolution from friendship to love between Belle and the Beast. Special mention goes to Luke Evans and Josh Gad as Gaston and LeFou, who brought humour, flair and a new dimension to their roles, balancing nostalgia with a clever, contemporary twist.

Don’t miss: 8 costume tweaks that turned Emma Watson into modern-day Belle

In the live-action version of The Jungle Book, newcomer Neel Sethi took on the role of Mowgli, holding his own alongside a star-studded voice cast. Bill Murray brought easygoing charm to Baloo, while Ben Kingsley voiced the noble Bagheera and Idris Elba lent menace to the fearsome Shere Khan. Scarlett Johansson delivered a hypnotic turn as Kaa, Lupita Nyong’o gave warmth to Raksha, and Christopher Walken added a larger-than-life presence as the towering King Louie.

This reimagining dove deeper into Rudyard Kipling’s original stories, weaving a richer and darker tapestry that gave new weight to Mowgli’s journey. Yet for all its modern polish and dramatic flair, the film preserved one of the original’s most beloved elements: a joyful rendition of “The Bare Necessities”, ensuring that a touch of nostalgia survived the leap from animation to live action.

If you're in search of a truly heartfelt Disney live-action adaptation, look no further than the 2016 version of Pete's Dragon—a tender tale about the profound bond between a young boy and his mythical friend.

Starring Robert Redford, Bryce Dallas Howard, Karl Urban, Wes Bentley and Oakes Fegley as the orphaned Pete, the film may be quieter than some of Disney’s flashier remakes, but it more than makes up for it in emotional depth and sincerity. With its gentle storytelling, lush visuals, and emphasis on connection, loss, and belonging, Pete’s Dragon stood out as a moving reimagining with genuine heart—proving that sometimes, the quietest stories leave the biggest impact.

This sumptuous remake, directed by Kenneth Branagh, was far from a simple rehash. Instead, it enriched the beloved tale with thoughtful character development and emotional depth. Audiences were introduced to Ella’s loving parents, offering insight into the kindness that shaped her, while the prince—named Kit—shared a genuinely tender bond with his father, adding poignancy to his royal responsibilities. Even Lady Tremaine, the infamous stepmother, emerged as a more nuanced and layered antagonist.

Lily James brought charm and vulnerability to Cinderella, lighting up the screen with her warmth, while Richard Madden portrayed Prince Kit with a balance of nobility and heart. Their chemistry was undeniable—enough to make even the most sceptical viewer believe in fairytale romance. Cate Blanchett mesmerised as the wicked yet elegant Lady Tremaine, and Helena Bonham Carter delighted as the wonderfully eccentric Fairy Godmother. And as for Cinderella’s iconic blue ballgown—it dazzled so spectacularly, it truly deserved its own credit in the final roll.

When Disney enlisted Tim Burton to direct a live-action adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, they embraced a full plunge down the White Rabbit hole. The result was a visually bold and surreal reimagining, marked by inspired casting, including Johnny Depp as the eccentric Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter as the imperious and petulant Queen of Hearts. With its signature Burton aesthetic, Wonderland came to life in a way that was as unexpected as it was unforgettable.

In this reimagined tale, the story picked up with a now-adult Alice, played by Mia Wasikowska, who fled the confines of Victorian society and its rigid expectations. Her return to Wonderland—or, as Burton’s version called it, Underland—set her on a journey of self-discovery, rebellion, and empowerment, giving the classic story a darker, more introspective twist.

See also: 5 Tim Burton films to watch this weekend

Maleficent served more as a spinoff than a traditional remake, retelling the story of Sleeping Beauty through the eyes of the infamous dark fairy herself. Rather than simply revisiting the classic tale, the film reimagined the narrative, offering Maleficent a sympathetic origin story and a compelling redemption arc that added depth to one of Disney’s most iconic villains.

Angelina Jolie embodied the role with commanding presence—horns, sharp cheekbones, and all—transforming Maleficent from a symbol of pure evil into a misunderstood, complex figure. Her portrayal brought nuance and emotional resonance to a character once defined solely by vengeance, challenging audiences to see this villain, and perhaps all villains, in a very different light.

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