Disney’s live-action remake era has been a whirlwind—sometimes wondrous, sometimes wobbly. Since Alice in Wonderland launched a billion-dollar trend back in 2010, Disney has made it a goal to remake almost every classic animated film as a high-profile, big-budget spectacle starring big-name talent. But which of these reboots won over critics, and which ones turned into cinematic pumpkins?
Here are the 10 greatest Disney live-action remakes, listed according to their Rotten Tomatoes scores, with a few recent additions that indicate where the magic still exists—and where it falls flat.
10. Lady and the Tramp (2019) — 66%
The stealth remake. Coming straight to Disney+, this charming reboot used real dogs instead of fully CGI characters, offering a warm, retro-look story that paid homage to the original. Though it didn’t innovate, it was cited for its sweet sentimental value—and yes, the original spaghetti scene is included too.
9. The Little Mermaid (2023) — 67%
Despite a few digital waves, Halle Bailey’s tour de force anchored this remake with grace and sensitivity. The Little Mermaid fleshed out Prince Eric and added new songs, albeit much of the criticism felt the original magic wasn’t quite there. Still, it left a resounding splash in viewers’ and critics’ eyes.
8. Beauty and the Beast (2017) — 71%
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens brought back this timeless tale in a sumptuously visualized work that remained surprisingly close to its precursor. While its loyalty to the cartoon classic generated an eclectic set of responses, its gorgeous design and musical throwback had both fans and critics singing its praises.
7. Christopher Robin (2018) — 73%
Ewan McGregor’s grown-up Christopher Robin offered a touching, heart-wrenching analysis of rediscovering joy. With beautifully acted portrayals of Winnie the Pooh and pals, this film crept into a favorite, blending cozy whimsy with grown-up pathos.
6. Mulan (2020) — 72%
A bold reimagining that removed the music and humor in favor of a darker, wuxia-inspired tone. Mulan divided hardcore fans but impressed enough critics with its action choreography and cinematography to earn a decent grade. It’s not the Mulan of memory, but it works as an epic of today’s time.
5. Cruella (2021) — 75%
Emma Stone added punk style to this notorious villainess in this fashion-forward origin story. With dazzling outfits, frenetic energy, and a sense of the dramatic, Cruella updated what a Disney remake could look like—less fairytale, more fashion caper, but never-endingly fun.
4. Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book (1994) — 80%
Long before CGI domination, this earthy, live-action interpretation played to Kipling’s adventure heritage. Starring Jason Scott Lee as Mowgli and prioritizing realism, this adaptation shocked critics with its radical break from the animated template.
3. Cinderella (2015) — 84%
Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of the Disney classic is generally considered the gold standard for remake movies. With Lily James as radiant Ella and Cate Blanchett chewing scenery as the evil stepmother, Cinderella retained the original’s heart while applying gloss and emotional complexity.
2. Pete’s Dragon (2016) — 88%
A quiet victory. This remake transformed the offbeat original into a soulful, gentle movie with beautiful imagery and a true heart. It might have passed unnoticed, but critics loved it as one of Disney’s most poignant and underrated attempts.
1. The Jungle Book (2016) — 94%
Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book raised the bar with its breathtaking mixture of live-action and innovative CGI. Hailed as a visual spectacle that enhanced the emotional stakes of the original, it is still the most highly praised Disney remake to have been made—and the one that established that remakes could do something decidedly different.
Honorable Mentions:
Lilo & Stitch (2025) — 71–74% (estimated)
Disney’s new remake gets off to a strong beginning. Though similar debate rages about the visual effects, newcomer Maia Kealoha playing Lilo is getting early accolades. Critics mention that it maintains a lot of the original’s emotional core, even if it falls short of Disney’s finest.
Snow White (2025) — 39–47% (estimated)
Not all fairytale endings in happy. Early responses to Snow White indicate it’s one of Disney’s less strong remakes, failing to reach the right balance between novelty and nostalgia. A warning sign of the dangers of redoing the classics.
Disney’s live-action period has given us joys and stinkers, but it is apparent the studio is far from finished with its fairy tale refresh trend. Whether it’s a sentimental re-imagining or a daring reboot, these movies illustrate just how diverse the output can be when childhood classics receive the Hollywood remake treatment.