The Best Disney Live-Action Remakes: Readers’ Ranking

Although Disney live-action remakes have often enjoyed great popularity (for example, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King each grossed over a billion dollars), not all of them have been critically acclaimed or embraced by fans (the recent Snow White, for instance, fell victim to review bombing). We conducted a reader poll to determine the best live-action versions, and below is a ranking of the top five that received the most votes.

5. Cinderella (2015)

Cinderella is a well-oiled machine (and not just a money-making one). Branagh never lets his film drown in unbearable sentimentality or over-sweetened emotion. Paradoxically, he had all the ingredients to bake an overly sugary, inedible cake. The mastery of his directorial touch lies in knowing exactly when to stop sprinkling sugar.

4. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

In one scene, Belle says: “It’s easier to remember, harder to move on.” That line is a fitting summary of the entire Beauty and the Beast. This time, Disney chose to play it safe, act cautiously, and pay tribute to the beloved original. This guarantees the film’s financial success.

3. The Jungle Book (2016)

The Jungle Book thoughtfully and consistently refreshes a time-honored cultural text — borrowing Kipling’s universal themes, effective elements from the animated version, and blending them with the visual splendor of 21st-century cinema and a cast of excellent voice actors.

2. Aladdin (2019)

Although this adaptation doesn’t break any new ground or add much to the classic tale, elements like the director’s light touch and the sincere approach to the original save the new Aladdin from unintended ridiculousness. It feels like a ride through the city with a fast-talking friend you really like — an absolute joy. So it’s quite a surprise when you realize you’ve been listening to familiar songs all along, and yet they sounded brand new.

1. 101 Dalmatians (1996)

Upon release, the live-action 101 Dalmatians wasn’t met with favorable reviews from critics, but — as the results of this poll show — it’s now cherished by viewers. The most memorable element here is Glenn Close’s diabolical turn as Cruella, a perfect casting choice that brought the classic Disney villain to life. Interestingly, the remake’s screenplay was written by John Hughes.