Let’s get real—Hollywood’s got a remake fever. Nostalgia bait, the glamour of shiny CGI, or hoping to reach a new generation, studios keep going back to the classics. But sometimes, every so often, a live-action remake doesn’t just go back to the magic—it reinvents it. Some of them even have the nerve to be. Better? Let’s dive into seven remakes that have stepped out from the shadows of their predecessors and made a name for themselves—love them or not.
7. The Lion King (2019)
You’d think touching a cultural touchstone like The Lion King would be risky business, and it was. But Disney’s 2019 version turned into a box office beast, grossing over a billion dollars.
While some fans were upset about the lack of warmth from traditional animation, others loved the hyper-realistic graphics and richer storyline. Even one fan said that it plugged some gaps in the original’s storyline. Maybe it could never be the same emotionally as the original, but it certainly left its regal impression.
6. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Yes, Emma Watson’s singing voice was not to everyone’s taste, but that did not prevent Beauty and the Beast from being a global phenomenon. Fans loved the production design, new musical numbers, and enriched character backstory information. A fan referred to it as a “comfort film,” even going so far as to prefer it over the original. Critics were ambivalent, but crowds loved it, making it Disney’s biggest-grossing remake.
5. The Karate Kid (2010)
This update provided us with a new spin in terms of new characters and a change from karate to kung fu, along with Jackie Chan as the sage mentor. Although it strayed from the original premise, the essence of self-enlargement and mentorship was still intact. Audiences adored the more in-depth look at the teacher-student relationship, and for many, this new Karate Kid had its black belt as a deserving heir.
4. Cinderella (2015)
This Cinderella was not simply about glass shoes—it was about adding depth to the characters. We learned more about Ella’s life before her stepmother appeared, and even the Prince was fleshed out. One critic noted that it was so nice to see the relationship evolve past “pretty girl + royal ball = love.” The ballroom scene? Complete cinematic magic.
3. Dune (2021)
Denis Villeneuve’s Dune wasn’t a remake but a redemption. The 1984 one has cult appeal, but the 2021 version lived up to scale, narrative, and emotional weight. Fans appreciated its imagery, better acting, and more solid character development. Where the original was a psychedelic sci-fi experiment, this was the epic saga that it was supposed to be.
2. Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Converting a hit 2000s animated movie into live-action isn’t an easy task, but Lilo & Stitch (2025) managed it. It grossed almost $1 billion at its worldwide box office and became one of the year’s biggest success stories.
Audiences were won over by its genuine spin on family and friendship, which demonstrated that the emotional heart of the story remains the same regardless of the medium. The success of the movie could be the best indication yet that the remake machine is moving into the new age.
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2025)
If anyone was questioning remaking more recent animated classics, How to Train Your Dragon (2025) eliminated any such doubt. DreamWorks’ foray into live-action provided a jaw-droppingly beautiful and emotionally impactful reimagining of the original. With better-than-expected box office results and sequels already in production, Hiccup and Toothless have new wings—and a new set of fans.
Live-action remakes aren’t going anywhere. They’re evolving. With studios now eyeing 2000s-era hits for their next updates, it’s clear that the age of remakes is entering a new chapter. Whether you’re all about the originals or open to fresh takes, one thing’s for sure: the conversation around what makes a remake “better” is far from over.