I think some of my closest friends would argue I am one of Disney’s biggest fans. I find each classic Disney movie (pretty much) to be its own new definition of magical. I am very aware that these are outrageously bold claims to be making.
When Disney announced that they would be remaking their classic movies I was beyond excited. I mean, imagine, the magic of a Disney classic all over again! That being said, not all of the remakes have unfortunately hit the mark (at least with me). Below, I will examine which remakes are worth watching and which Disney classics should have remained classics only. Before I get started with that, I have to warn that I will not be rating The Jungle Book or the Dumbo remakes, purely because they have never ranked super high on my Disney classics list and so I have not watched them in a long while.
The Worst Disney Live-Action Remakes
The Lion King, 2019.
I went to the cinema to see this movie back in 2019, and I did quite enjoy it. However, I have not watched it since (that is a big tell with me – I possess the self-awarded title of ‘Queen of Rewatching Stuff’). The fact that I have not had a rewatch (not even once!), means I have to put this movie in the ‘worst’ category. I’m going to be honest, I’m not sure what exactly made me not enjoy it as much as others, but if I had to hazard a guess, I would probably say the CGI animals over the cartoon ones of the original just made it lose some of that charm the classic had.
Maleficent, 2014.
Again, I did not hate this movie, but there really were not enough happy moments. Luckily it ended with a HEA but it was a much more brutal side to Disney that I had not seen. I can not speak for anyone else, but when I watch a Disney movie I am not looking for bleak or upsetting storylines, I am there for sparkle and lightness and obviously, magic.
[spoiler: I did really love the different spin to the original Sleeping Beauty narrative where Maleficent woke Aurora up from her enchanted slumber through her maternal love for the young girl].
Cinderella, 2015.
At risk of sounding like a broken record, I did like this movie and have indeed watched it a few times since I first saw it. There is so much right about this movie; the dresses, the scenery, Lily James, Richard Madden, and more… But, they did commit a major mistake that I must hold against them… there was nowhere near enough singing. I do not think I need to say more on this matter. If Disney does ever decide to remake the remake, can they please add in more singing? Thank you, asking for a friend.
Cruella, 2021.
I don’t know if I would go so far to say this was a ‘remake’ as it was definitely more of a ‘villain origin story’. I, unfortunately, did not love this one. My major issue with it was that there was not enough emphasis on dogs. And there really weren’t 101 of them. I think it was okay but there was just too much going on for it to give me that sought after unique ‘Disney feeling’.
Mulan, 2020.
First off, I have to admit, I did not make it through the whole movie, I watched about half. This live action is right at the bottom of my list. Number one, there was not enough singing and secondly, it felt a little bit distant from the original. Beyond the lack of singing, they also cut the charming dragon character, Mushu, completely out of the story line. Apparently, it was to maintain ‘realism’ in the movie. However, in the part I watched, people were climbing up walls in a way that should not be impossible so I don’t know if I am quite on board with the ‘realism’ they were going for. Again, this opinion is based purely on the criteria I rank my Disney experience on: sparkle, magic, escapism, fascination – which I can’t confidently say I witnessed in the first half of Mulan.
Now, for what you are really here for… the BEST Disney Live-Action Remakes
Beauty and the Beast, 2017.
This is my favourite live action remake! I love how close this remake stays to the classic whilst still making some really thoughtful changes that arguably made this classic even better. The scenery is fantastic (I literally just googled it and apparently it was predominantly CGI!) and the costumes and set are brilliant. Emma Watson is an even better Belle than I could have imagined, she brought depth and nuance to a character so close to many people’s hearts. This remake was all I could have wished for and I watch it at least twice a week (yep, I’m definitely the ‘Queen of Rewatching Stuff’). That unique ‘Disney feeling’ is definitely present with this remake.
Aladdin, 2019.
This is such a wonderful remake. For such an ‘unrealistic’ classic (genies and a magic carpet), it is astonishing how well they managed to make this into live action. The addition of Jasmine’s songs were really hard hitting and beautifully sung by Naomi Scott. They gave depth to the narrative whilst still maintaining the lightness and sparkle that any Disney movie should have. I also found this remake super funny (Will Smith, anyone?) which just enhanced my viewing pleasure even more.
Pete’s Dragon, 2016.
This is such a heartwarming movie. I have to admit I never watched the classic, but I do recognise that this remake wasn’t actually ‘live action’ as the 1977 original wasn’t fully animated. Nevertheless, this movie was really great. The animation of Elliot, the dragon, was brilliant and I found myself forgetting that he was even animated at all. It was just an all-round lovely movie, 100% recommended.
Lady and the Tramp, 2019.
I watched this movie just before writing this article and I was not expecting to love it as much as I did, but alas Disney movies never fail to surprise me. I had not watched the original for many years but I was able to remember it all upon watching this remake. This remake also had me on the edge of the sofa throughout, worried for the fate of both Lady and Tramp. Whilst it was a bit more intense than my usual Disney preferences, the dogs sold it for me. Even though they were CGI dogs, both Lady and Tramp were adorable! I completely missed this movie when it came out (maybe you have done too), so I would definitely take the time to watch this one.
On top of all of this, I am really looking forward to the The Little Mermaid and Snow White remakes coming in the next few years as I am sure these will bring the sparkle, magic, and escapism that any Disney live action remake ought to do.