My Top 10: Disney Live-Action Remakes

With a few exceptions, the last 10 years has seen remakes of Disney classics quickly become a regular sight to see in cinemas. Some may call it a lazy cash-grab, others may call it an opportunity to make changes to some of their beloved stories for a new generation.

While I may be more in the former, you do get the odd remake that actually does what its supposed to do. Which is improve the original whilst keeping the idea from the original concept.

I do remained excited however as to what other animation features Disney are willing to remake. There are definitely Disney animations that didn't quite work as a financial success, but has a concept or idea that has great potential to succeed. I do hope to see remakes of Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Treasure Planet and maybe a new Fantasia.

Just missing out on my top 10 and deserving an honorable mention is Maleficent. Disney's attempt to show a classic story from the villains point of view. With the perfect casting of Angelina Jolie, they manage to give us a solid piece of entertainment. It may somewhat tarnish the point of a villain. But it's definitely something different.

I have seen all 20 of Disney's live-action remakes. The following is my full ranking including a short review for each of my top 10:

20) 102 Dalmatians

19) Alice Through The Looking Glass

18) Peter Pan & Wendy

17) Pinocchio (2022)

16) 101 Dalmatians (1996)

15) Dumbo (2019)

14) Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil

13) Lady And The Tramp (2019)

12) Maleficent

11) The Lion King (2019)

10) Mulan (2020) - While it does make changes that I have been wanting for this story, it does forget what made the animated original so beloved.

It has the sweeping landscapes, great production, wonderful costumes and well suited score. But it's lack of strong characters and themes that go astray makes this decent at best.

9) The Little Mermaid (2023) - Disney's latest remake and did what most of them have done.

It contains some admirable changes, but not enough to justify its existence. The romance between the main characters feels better developed and the 'on land' sequences are a highlight.

8) Beauty And The Beast (2017) - Another remake that plays to its strengths. But this time, it has some decent additions and changes to give a somewhat different view of the tale.

The cast is stellar and they all do a good job.

While it was a fun watch. It just made me want to watch the animated original again.

7) Alice In Wonderland (2010) - The first of this current era of remakes and while it may not have matched the hype, Tim Burton's style still gave us a decent portrayal.

His vintage gothic tone worked for me for this story. Some bits of the film didn't quite hit the mark. But you can't help but get drawn in by the world and its iconic characters.

6) The Jungle Book (1994) - Now I wonder how many of you know of this remake? By the definition of a live-action remake, this is the first one from Disney.

I remember seeing this as a kid. It's brave decision to be more like the Rudyard Kipling novel gave us a fun and surprisingly tense adventure story with wonderful exotic locations as its backdrop.

Also, its use of real animals gave the whole film great authenticity.

5) Cruella - This was a lot better than I felt it had any right to be.

This bold, brave and rebellious look at the origins of Cruella de Vil was a fun watch. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson were big highlights, the costumes are amazing and it has a surprisingly nasty tone to it. A nice surprise.

4) Aladdin (2019) - After being rather nervous about the choice of remaking this classic. I ended up being proved wrong in the best possible way.

It's feel-good vibe and well executed and worthy changes gave us a new approach on how we see the characters.

The music set-pieces were great to see in this format and Will Smith as the genie lit up the screen throughout.

3) Cinderella (2015) - The first Disney remake that had me feeling it could compete with its animation counterpart.

Director Kenneth Branagh gave us a wonderful magical world that had that real sense of Disney princess magic.

The cast fit the roles perfectly, the sets and costumes are amazing and the script added intriguing depth to supporting characters that the original never did. 

2) Christopher Robin - A charming and moving tale that takes on the approach of Steven Spielberg's Hook and looks at the themes of forgetting nostalgia and rediscovering your inner-child.

Ewan McGregor's chemistry with Pooh was a joy to watch and for me managed to be the best Winnie The Pooh film.

1) The Jungle Book (2016) - A thrilling and magical adventure that saw director Jon Favreau pull off an amazing CGI filled jungle that for many surpassed an animated original that hasn't aged well.

It pays perfect homage to the animated version whilst doing its own thing.

It will take a lot to top this remake.