Disney’s live-action remakes have become a major part of modern cinema, taking beloved animated classics and reimagining them for a new generation. Some of these films have soared at the box office, while others struggled to find their footing, but each brings something unique to the Disney legacy. From magical kingdoms to daring villains, these adaptations show the risks and rewards of turning animation into reality. Below is a countdown of Disney’s 14 highest-grossing live-action remakes, ranked from the lowest earners to the absolute box-office champions.
14. Mulan (2020)
Disney’s live-action Mulan was a highly anticipated retelling of the animated classic, but it faced significant challenges from the start. Released during the global pandemic, the film bypassed traditional theaters in many regions and premiered on Disney+ for a premium fee, limiting its box-office potential.
With a record-setting $200 million budget, Mulan was the most expensive film ever directed by a woman at the time. The film made bold choices, removing musical numbers and key characters like Mushu and Li Shang in favor of a grounded, folklore-inspired story. While the action sequences and costumes impressed, critics noted historical inaccuracies, and the movie earned $69.9 million, the lowest among Disney’s live-action remakes.
13. Snow White (2025)
Disney’s Snow White remake sparked controversy even before its release. Casting Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen led to heated online debates, and creative decisions, such as reimagining the seven dwarfs as CGI “magical creatures,” added to the polarized reception.
The film opened to a modest $43 million domestically and $87 million overseas, struggling to recoup its $270 million budget alongside $100 million in marketing costs. Critics were harsh, with a 44% Rotten Tomatoes rating, though audience reactions were somewhat more positive. Snow White’s performance served as a reminder that even timeless tales can face challenges in modern adaptation.
12. Cruella (2021)
Cruella offered a stylish, punk-rock origin story for one of Disney’s most infamous villains. Emma Stone’s performance as the ambitious young Estella, soon to become Cruella de Vil, was praised, while the 1970s London setting added a bold, fashion-forward backdrop.
Despite the positive reviews and a strong aesthetic, Cruella earned just over $234 million at the box office, underperforming against its budget. The simultaneous Disney+ release during the pandemic likely affected theatrical earnings. Still, the film developed a devoted fanbase, and a sequel is already in development, promising more mischief from the House of De Vil.
11. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
The sequel to Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Alice Through the Looking Glass, reunited Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter for a visually spectacular but story-wise uneven journey. This time, Wonderland explored time travel, but critics found the plot underwhelming.
Despite its visual flair, the film earned only $300 million globally, causing Disney to take a financial hit. Alice Through the Looking Glass illustrates that even fantastical worlds need strong narratives to capture audiences’ hearts.
10. Dumbo (2019)
Tim Burton’s take on Dumbo brought his gothic sensibilities to the story of the flying elephant, with Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, and Michael Keaton rounding out the cast. The remake aimed to modernize the classic while keeping its whimsy intact.
Dumbo earned $353 million worldwide, a respectable sum but below Disney’s expectations. Critics lauded the visuals and performances but noted the story lacked emotional depth. The film serves as an example of how even iconic properties can be tricky to translate into live action.
9. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Angelina Jolie returned as Maleficent in the sequel, exploring the character’s role as protector of the Dark Fae against a tyrannical queen. While the movie expanded the world and mythology, it didn’t match the original’s financial success.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil grossed $492 million worldwide. Fans appreciated the focus on family and the moral complexities of good versus evil, even if the sequel didn’t reach the blockbuster heights of the first installment.
8. Cinderella (2015)
Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella was one of Disney’s early live-action hits, earning $542 million globally. Lily James brought warmth to the iconic role, while the story explored Cinderella’s relationship with her mother and Prince Charming in greater depth.
The film struck a balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, offering modern sensibilities without losing the magic of the 1950 animated classic. Its success helped set the stage for Disney’s live-action remake boom.
7. The Little Mermaid (2023)
The Little Mermaid brought Ariel to life with Halle Bailey in the lead, sparking both excitement and controversy. With Melissa McCarthy as Ursula and Javier Bardem as King Triton, the film delivered a vibrant, colorful underwater kingdom.
Earning $570 million worldwide, the film had a mixed reception but made a notable cultural impact. Its casting and storytelling sparked conversations about representation while keeping audiences enchanted by a beloved tale.
6. Mufasa: The Lion King (2025)
The prequel Mufasa: The Lion King explored the origins of Simba’s father and expanded the Pride Lands’ lore. Though its domestic debut was modest at $35 million, the film ultimately earned $720 million globally.
The prequel’s success demonstrated the enduring strength of the Lion King franchise. It also showed that audiences remain invested in the backstory of beloved characters when handled with care.
5. Maleficent (2014)
Maleficent reimagined Sleeping Beauty from the villain’s perspective. Angelina Jolie’s performance added nuance to a classic character, creating a film that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Earning $760 million, the film proved that live-action remakes could offer fresh perspectives while staying true to the original story. Its success encouraged Disney to explore more character-focused adaptations.
4. The Jungle Book (2016)
Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book blended cutting-edge CGI with heartfelt storytelling, bringing Mowgli and the jungle to life in a way that thrilled audiences and critics alike.
Grossing $976 million worldwide, it showcased Disney’s ability to combine nostalgia with technical innovation. Favreau’s work cemented him as the studio’s go-to director for live-action remakes, leading directly to his next massive hit: The Lion King.
3. Aladdin (2019)
Guy Ritchie’s Aladdin transported audiences to Agrabah with vibrant visuals, catchy musical numbers, and a charismatic Will Smith as Genie. Despite early skepticism, the film became a global sensation.
Aladdin earned $1.09 billion worldwide, proving the lasting appeal of Disney’s musical classics. The film’s success paved the way for spin-offs and sequels, keeping Agrabah alive for future generations.
2. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens led Beauty and the Beast, a lavish remake that added depth to the characters and new musical elements while remaining faithful to the 1991 classic.
With $1.26 billion in global earnings, it became the highest-grossing live-action remake at the time. The film’s combination of nostalgia, romance, and spectacle made it a defining example of Disney’s live-action formula.
1. The Lion King (2019)
Jon Favreau’s The Lion King used groundbreaking CGI to bring the Pride Lands and its characters to life with stunning realism. Featuring an all-star cast including Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and James Earl Jones, the film captivated audiences worldwide.
Earning a staggering $1.66 billion globally, The Lion King topped the box office charts and set a new standard for Disney’s live-action remakes. Its success proved that blending technical innovation with beloved stories could create cinema magic.
From ambitious flops to billion-dollar triumphs, Disney’s live-action remakes show the challenges and rewards of adapting classics for modern audiences. Whether grounded in nostalgia or reinvented with bold choices, these films remind us that magic can come in many forms, sometimes through familiar stories, sometimes through daring reinventions.