These Are My Opinions On The Live-Action Remakes Disney Has Made So Far

    Original Animated Mulan > Live-Action Mulan (Not Even A Competition)

    Alyson Lee
    by Alyson Lee

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    Live-action remakes are now the future of Disney entertainment. While there have been mixed feelings about these films, they still draw in a crowd.

    Walt Disney Pictures logo with a fairytale castle and a shooting star arching overhead
    Walt Disney Studios

    Since several have been released so far, let’s see how the live-action remakes compare to the original animated movies and whether or not they are worth watching compared to their predecessors.

    **WARNING** Spoilers ahead!

    1. 101 Dalmatians (1996)

    Two Dalmatians face each other at a wedding scene, one with a bow tie, the other with a veil
    Walt Disney Studios

    I think a lot of people forgot that this was the original live-action remake! I will say the live-action film is on the cheesier side, but then again, what movie in the late '90s wasn’t? It’s a fun and unique adaptation because the dogs don’t talk in this version. However, the audience is still able to follow the story well even with the lack of dialogue. Glenn Close was also perfectly iconic as Cruella. The film used actual Dalmatians, making it even more realistic.

    Overall Verdict: The live-action film is just as good as the original animated film! I do not have a particular preference for one over the other and would recommend watching both!

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    2. Cinderella (2015)

    Cinderella, wearing her iconic blue gown with sheer sleeves and sparkles
    Walt Disney Studios

    I adored the original animated film, so I was excited when Disney released the live-action adaptation. The live-action film itself is great and adds a lot more depth to most of the characters, especially the Prince, who had more of a cameo appearance in the animated version. He even has a name in the live-action movie that’s not Charming! The film is also visually stunning. Cinderella’s magical makeover sequence still gives me "butterflies" (you'll see what I mean)!

    Overall Verdict: The live-action film is better and more whimsical, but of course, I am still very much a fan of the original. It is a classic, and I will continue to rewatch it for nostalgia. I would recommend watching both.

    Side Note: Another live-action version of Cinderella, starring Brandy, is AMAZING and the best version IMO. But it is technically not branded as a direct live-action remake from Disney.

    3. The Jungle Book (2016)

    Young boy next to a large CGI bear in a cave setting, from the movie "The Jungle Book"
    Walt Disney Studios

    When I watched the original, I didn’t find it particularly riveting or memorable. What drew me more to the live-action version was how much darker and edgier it was, which is needed when you look at the premise of this story. While it does derive a lot of the plot details from the original animated film, the live-action does a better job of providing more context to the story that ups the stakes. I was pleasantly surprised by this remake.

    Overall Verdict: As an adult, I would choose to watch the live-action adaptation, but if you have a family with little ones, I would watch the animated version.

    4. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

    The Beast and Belle dance in a grand ballroom from "Beauty and the Beast." Belle wears a flowing yellow gown
    Walt Disney Studios

    The animated film is another Disney Princess classic. I was initially stoked to learn that Emma Watson would play Belle, but once I watched the live-action film, I was left disappointed. With the auto-tuned singing voice, and the lack of chemistry she had with Dan Stevens, I could not get into it. To be fair, I guess trying to be in love with a CGI Beast is difficult. I will say that Luke Evans’ Gaston and Josh Gad's Le Fou were the best part of the entire film. Who’d have thought the villains of the story would be my favorite part?

    Overall Verdict: I say skip the live-action version, unless you want to hear Emma Watson’s very auto-tuned singing.

    5. Dumbo (2019)

    A small elephant with large ears sits in a circus ring under spotlights; audience in the background
    Walt Disney Studios

    The premise may be the same, but the live-action remake is a completely different story from the original animation. Even though some details from the original did not age well, the animated film is still a little more heartwarming. In the live-action remake, they introduce new human characters who aren't needed and Dumbo, despite being the titular character, doesn't get the same attention as the original.

    Overall verdict: Don't bother watching this version. But I would not recommend watching the original either.

    6. Aladdin (2019)

    Jasmine and Aladdin from Disney's movie look at each other, smiling, in a night scene. Jasmine wears a headband, Aladdin a vest
    Walt Disney Studios

    I enjoyed this live-action remake! I thought it was a great example of retelling a story but with a few added twists. Will Smith did a decent job as the Genie, but he had big shoes to fill after Robin Williams' great portrayal in the animated film. I also felt Jasmine was a bit miscast and a missed opportunity to cast an Arabic actress. Still, I can't complain too much about this one.

    Overall Verdict: I do prefer the animated film more, but the live-action remake does a decent job. Now it's not a "whole new world" or anything, but I'd say it’s worth watching.

    7. The Lion King (2019)

    Animated characters Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa from The Lion King in a still from the film
    Walt Disney Studios

    The story is exactly the same and ultimately lacks the emotion of the original due to the CGI designs of the characters in the live-action remake. The animals were a little too alive, if you get what I mean. It felt like I was watching a nature documentary on the African savanna. I do think the voice actors were perfectly cast, although Beyoncé’s performance wasn’t the best in my opinion. Y’all can come for me, but I stand by that. Nothing unique and a bit of a letdown.

    Overall Verdict: I would skip the live-action version and stick to the original.

    8. Lady and The Tramp (2019)

    Two dogs facing each other with a plate of spaghetti and a candle between them
    Walt Disney Studios

    It wasn’t on the top of my list of movies I thought Disney would do a live-action remake of, but I was pleasantly surprised by this one! This version really gave Lady a bit more personality, and her owners are also a lot more present and reliable. The only complaint I have is that the iconic “Bella Notte” romantic spaghetti kiss didn’t hit the same in this version.

    Overall Verdict: Both are great and I think the live-action remake is worth watching just as much as the original.

    9. Mulan (2020)

    Character Mulan in traditional attire looking determined
    Walt Disney Studios

    I can’t even begin to express how disappointed I was in this live-action remake. Mulan is by far one of my favorite Disney animated films, so I was looking forward to seeing it adapted live. Alas, the story was completely off from the original and the inaccurate portrayal of Chinese culture was a huge turn-off for me. On top of all of that, this movie didn't include any of the original music from the animated film.

    Overall Verdict: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT watch the live-action film. It does not even come close to the beautiful, original animated film.

    10. Pinocchio (2022)

    Geppetto, a live-action character, kneels to talk to Pinocchio, an animated figure. They are exchanging a heartfelt gesture
    Walt Disney Studios

    I was never really a fan of the original. I personally thought Pinocchio was a bit annoying and certain scenes were pretty traumatizing to watch as a child. The whole Pleasure Island scene still haunts me. I do think the live-action remedies the darkness of the original and makes it more family-friendly. Despite the improvements, the bad CGI is hard to ignore and I couldn’t get invested in Pinocchio’s journey.

    Overall Verdict: I wouldn’t watch either. While the live-action film is slightly better than the original, it doesn’t stand out enough to be worth watching.

    11. Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)

    Peter Pan and Wendy flying next to a pirate ship in the sky
    Walt Disney Studios

    I think the abysmal Rotten Tomato audience score says a lot already, but the live-action film definitely missed the mark in so many ways. While I love the diverse casting of Peter and Tinkerbell, the story strays too far away from the original. Just like Dumbo, it forces a narrative that is not needed. The acting across the cast was not great, and I had a hard time rooting for our titular hero and squad because of that.

    Overall Verdict: No amount of pixie dust could let this live-action film fly. It’s not worth the watch. Stay true to the original.

    12. The Little Mermaid (2023)

    Smiling Ariel petting a small Flounder underwater
    Walt Disney Studios

    This remake exceeded my expectations! Given the track record of recent live-action films, I went into the theater thinking “Here’s another letdown.” I was thankfully proven wrong because this live-action movie hit all the right notes for me. The chemistry between Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer King was off the charts! We got to see more of their relationship develop and why they were perfect for each other. And, all the actors nailed their roles. Finally, a live-action film was done right.

    Overall Verdict: 100% a watch and I believe superior to the original animated version.

    ⭐️Honorable Mentions⭐️

    Below are some live-action films that come from the original animated film story, but they are not direct remakes.

    Alice in Wonderland (2010)

    Alice peeking around a doorway with a cautious expression
    Walt Disney Studios

    While they share the same name, the story of the live-action film is actually a sequel to the original. Alice is an adult in this version, and the film focuses on the impact she made after visiting Wonderland as a child. It’s darker than the original story and the film gives more personality to some of the Wonderland residents. For example, the Mad Hatter is given a prominent character background versus in the animated film. It also introduces more characters.

    Overall Verdict: I think it’s worth watching just for the visuals Tim Burton created for Wonderland.

    Maleficent (2014)

    Maleficent with horns and staff, black attire, standing amidst a crowd
    Walt Disney Studios

    This film is more or less a remake of Sleeping Beauty since it follows the original story, but instead of Aurora being the main character, the story is told from Maleficent’s point of view. I definitely prefer this live-action adaptation A LOT more than the original Sleeping Beauty story. Angelina Jolie also does an amazing job as the notoriously powerful villain.

    Overall Verdict: I recommend watching just to see Angelina Jolie slay.

    Christopher Robin (2018)

    Man in a hat sitting beside an animated bear in a red sweater, both appear engaged in conversation
    Walt Disney Studios

    Similar to Alice in Wonderland, this film acted more as a sequel to the original The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh story. Long story short, Christopher Robin is now all grown up and has a family of his own, and ends up finding his way back to the Hundred Acre Wood. It’s honestly a heartwarming story and I love that they introduce Pooh and the gang to the real world.

    Overall Verdict: I recommend watching it for the fuzzy feelings of nostalgia.

    Cruella (2021)

    Woman in a dramatic mask and white headscarf at a masquerade ball
    Walt Disney Studios

    Another villain origin story live-action adaptation. I do feel Cruella is one of the most vile Disney Villains. I mean who would kill puppies?! But this origin story does give us the reason for her cruel nature and why she came to be the evil, fur-coat-loving woman we all came to know and love.

    Overall Verdict: Watch it! Emma Stone as a young Cruella is phenomenal!

    Final Thoughts

    It’s fair to say that the original animated films come out on top as the winner of this battle. I mean, the stories became popular enough for a remake because of them. I may lean pro-animated version, but I'm not completely against all of the live-action remakes. If anything, I have complicated feelings about them.

    And despite my ambivalence, I still look forward to seeing live-action remakes from Disney.

    Now, I want to know what you all think. Let me know in the comments which version you preferred!

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