We’ll be the first to admit that when rumors initially broke that Disney had an entire slate of live-action remakes planned, we were skeptical. On the one hand, who doesn’t need a little more Disney in their life (especially right now)? But, on the other hand, why mess with classics? But then the live-action reboots started rolling in and, not surprisingly, Disney won us over. Now, we get to share favorite stories from our own childhood with our kids in a fun, modern way. And that’s precisely why these movies make the perfect picks for family movie night!
Of course, not all live-action Disney movies are brand-new. Although a large majority have been made in the last decade, the studio tested the live-action waters a few times in the ‘90s, too. We’d also be remiss not to point out that this list is constantly evolving. From The Little Mermaid to 101 Dalmatians (we’re already counting down the day until Emma Stone’s Cruella!), Disney has even more live-action magic in the works for the near future. And with Disney+ rapidly becoming a powerhouse streaming service, it seems inevitable that the remakes will keep rolling in.
For now, though, let’s focus on what we’ve got. Just consider this your go-to guide for planning your next family movie night. You grab the popcorn; we’ll suggest the flicks!
‘Mulan’ (2020)
Mulan is now available to stream on Disney+— starring Yifei Liu in the title role. The highly anticipated reboot does have some realistic violence sequences. So, save this “vibrant, emotional” PG-13 pick for your tweens and teens.
‘The One and Only Ivan’ (2020)
An adaptation of Katherine Applegate’s award-winning book, The One and Only Ivan makes its Disney+ debut on August 21. Bryan Cranston stars as Mack, the owner of the Big Top Mall housing Ivan the 400-pound silverback gorilla (voiced by the always incredible Sam Rockwell). Angelina Jolie also lends her voice as an aging elephant named Stella, along with Danny DeVito (Bob the stray dog), Helen Mirren (Snickers the poodle) and Chaka Khan (Henrietta the chicken). So, basically, it’s destined to be one of the best movies of 2020!
‘Aladdin’ (2019)
We may be partial, but we think this is one of Disney’s best live-action remakes yet. That may be because we truly believe the original story of everyone’s favorite “street rat,” blue genie and strong-willed princess remains woefully underrated.
‘Dumbo’ (2019)
One look at sweet Dumbo’s face and we were smitten with this live-action retelling. You’ll love the performances by Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, and Alan Arkin. Your kids will love, well, everything else!
‘The Jungle Book’ (2016)
This CGI-heavy-masterpiece really kicked off Disney’s current streak of live-action contenders. Young Neel Sethi charms as Mowgli. And the list of heavy-hitters lending their voices is wildly impressive: Bill Murray (Baloo), Ben Kingsley (Bagheera), Idris Elba (Shere Khan), Lupita Nyong’o (Raksha), Scarlett Johansson (Kaa), Giancarlo Esposito (Akela), Christopher Walken (King Louie), Garry Shandling (Ikki), Jon Favreau (Fred) and Sam Raimi (an Indian giant squirrel).
‘Pete’s Dragon’ (2016)
If you adored Disney’s 1977 live-action/animated musical by the same name (and, honestly, if you didn’t we just can’t be friends), then you’re going to go nuts for this newer version. Visually, it’s one of the most stunning movies Disney has made in recent years.
‘Cinderella’ (2015)
The fashion! The story! Just thinking about this 2015 remake has us swooning. Cinderella combines the tradition of the orignial with modern movie magic for a true treat. Kids will love Lily James’ turn as the glass-slippered princess.
‘The Lion King’ (2019)
It would be impossible to pick just one favorite aspect of 2019’s The Lion King. The soundtrack and scenery alone are worth the watch. But as Disney does with their live-action remakes, this one is also stacked with some insane voice talent: Donald Glover (Simba), Beyoncé (Nala), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), Billy Eichner (Timon), James Earl Jones (Mufasa), Alfre Woodard (Sarabi), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), John Oliver (Zazu) and Keegan-Michael Key (Kamari the hyena!).
‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017)
Just when you thought you couldn’t love Disney’s animated The Beauty and the Beast any more, the studio made a live-action version starring Emma Watson. Now you’ll have a hard time deciding which one to watch on your family movie nights!
‘Christopher Robin’ (2018)
Technically, this isn’t a live-action remake. It’s sort of a live-action return to the classic stories about the beloved bear who lives in the Hundred Acre Wood… and his favorite boy, Christopher Robin, who is grown up and has lost his way. Think of it like the A.A. Milne equivalent of Peter Pan and 1991’s Hook. Fair warning? It’s going to tug on your heartstrings.
‘101 Dalmatians’ (1996)
We’d be lying if we said we weren’t predicting Emma Stone’s Cruella (out next year) to blow this live-action remake out of the water. Having said that, though, Glenn Close is such a delightfully terrible Cruella that we’ll just keep watching this until the next version drops.
‘Maleficent’ (2014)
Confession: Maleficent may not be a strictly literal translation of Sleeping Beauty, but it’s definitely in our top three favorite Disney live-action remakes. Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning are captivating as the title character and young Aurora, respectively, and the visuals are out-of-this-world.
‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019)
Hey, if you’re going to watch Maleficent, might as well make it a double feature! This live-action sequel didn’t shine like the first but, in its defense, the first was spectacular. That’s a hard act to follow. This one is still beautiful to behold!
‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019)
C’mon, it’s a bunch of cute dogs. What’s not to love? They’re talking! And eating spaghetti! And falling in love! Le sigh. Now we need to add this to our re-watch list, too.
‘Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book’ (1994)
If you’re looking for a blast from the past, try Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. This 1994 flick is chock-full of adventure, action, romance and, you guessed it, nature.
‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2010)
Falling down the rabbit hole with Mia Wasikowska as Alice really is like stepping into a fantasy world. There’s so much happening that you may start to feel a little Mad-Hatter-y, but in a good way. Although, FYI, Helen Bonham Carter’s Queen of Hearts will undoubtedly haunt your dreams.
‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)
If you run through every other title on the list and no new live-action Disney movies have come out yet, definitely watch this. But go in with reasonable expectations: it’s not as good as the first (2010’s Alice in Wonderland), but the characters are still quite lovable.
‘102 Dalmatians’ (2000)
The sequel to Disney’s live-action 101 Dalmatians, 102 Dalmatians offers much of the same. Still, there are lots of cute spotted puppies, so your kids will be thrilled about that.
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