In an era where everything is either a remake or a sequel, there are a few live-action remakes of classic animated movies that actually worked. Although Disney has infamously adapted some beloved films into live-action to poor critical reception, some of them managed to capture the spirit that made the originals stand the test of time.
There are also a few other studios that managed to transform nostalgic cartoons into films intended for a wider demographic than their original Saturday morning iterations. The list of failed adaptations might be long, but there are at least nine live-action versions of animated properties that audiences generally enjoyed.
‘Christopher Robin’
When Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Ewan McGregor stepped into the role of Christopher Robin, audiences knew this would be a more mature take on Winnie-the-Pooh. The film takes a reflective angle on Christopher Robin’s childhood adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood, as he deals with adult struggles while longing for a lost imagination. In the process of rediscovering his old friends, including Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, and the rest of the gang, the film tapped into emotions that few live-action Disney movies have in recent years.
‘Beauty and the Beast’
Unlike many of the Disney classics that were adapted into live-action, Beauty and the Beast was generally well-received by fans. Since the adaptation took a more faithful approach to the beloved story, fewer creative risks were taken compared to a movie like Lilo and Stitch. However, everyone knows that faithfulness to the source material isn’t always a recipe for success, as was the case with live-action remakes like Aladdin or Pinocchio. The casting of Emma Watson as Belle and Luke Evans as Gaston, along with Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen, and many more, ensured the film’s high quality. Audiences felt the film maintained the original’s charm, without feeling like a hollow copy of the original.
‘The Jungle Book’
Director Jon Favreau earned Disney’s trust when he brought The Jungle Book to life, leading him to do the same with The Lion King in 2019. Although both VFX-centric takes on the Disney classics impressed audiences, The Jungle Book particularly stands out as it combined live-action elements with fully computer-generated characters. Its technical achievements earned awards and praise for the cutting-edge approach, which also utilized motion capture. Similar to Beauty and the Beast, the film reminded audiences of what made the original so special. However, it also offered a slightly fresher take on the material, introducing a new depth to the story.
‘How to Train Your Dragon’
On the opposite side of the spectrum for live-action remakes of animated films, How to Train Your Dragon took a much safer approach. The modern classic didn’t require many changes for its transition into live-action, so it didn’t have many. Since the original movie was released fairly recently compared to many others on this list, the live-action version directly adapted most of the source material, with themes that are just as relevant as they were in 2010. Toothless’s design barely even changed. The story’s emotional core was only enhanced with the inclusion of actors like Mason Thames and Nico Parker, among others. The remake was so well-received that a sequel based on How to Train Your Dragon 2 is on its way.
‘Scooby-Doo’
Scooby-Doo might not have been fully appreciated when the franchise began in the early 2000s, but it has since gained a cult following. The movie set a new precedent for what was possible on a technical level, as it predates many other films that attempted to blend a live-action cast with a fully computer-generated character like Scooby. While leaning into the campy tone of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon, the movie also included some jokes targeted at its older audience. Just like all good adaptations, the film captures the spirit of the original, which is largely due to its casting. Although it might sound funny, actor Matthew Lillard as Shaggy might be just as accurate for casting as Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man.
‘Cruella’
When I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie stepped into the world of Disney classic adaptations, many were immediately intrigued by how he might bring Cruella to life. Although one might think it’s hard to sympathize with a villain whose main agenda is to skin puppies, actress Emma Stone delivered a charismatic diva-like performance as the titular antihero. The film’s stylish approach makes it stand out as a live-action remake with a fresh vision behind it. With actress Emma Thompson and actors such as Mark Strong and Paul Walter Hauser, the ensemble managed to create a uniquely fun reinterpretation of the iconic 101 Dalmatians villain.
‘Pete’s Dragon’
Pete’s Dragon might be one of the most under-appreciated cases of a live-action remake. Director David Lowery might be known for films like The Old Man and the Gun, The Green Knight, and A Ghost Story, but it didn’t stop him from adapting a beloved Disney film for families. Unlike other remakes, Pete’s Dragon took a bold approach as the film prioritized its emotional dynamic between Pete and the dragon he names “Elliot.” Although the original movie had a playful angle to the story, Lowery’s reinvention explored themes of loss and loneliness in childhood. Pete’s Dragon remains a unique entry to Disney’s library of live-action remakes, subverting expectations among audiences and delivering something almost entirely brand new.
‘101 Dalmatians’
Long before Disney had the idea to bring every single animated classic into the world of live-action, there was one adaptation that proved the concept could work: 101 Dalmatians. In 1996, iconic actress Glenn Close stepped into the villainous role of Cruella de Vil, practically turning her into a member of Batman’s rogues gallery. Actors Jeff Daniels and Hugh Laurie, among others, also elevated the movie, adding fun to a premise that might even make adults nervous. Instead of simply replicating the original animated film, 101 Dalmatians took a more grounded approach without talking Dalmatians. However, it still managed to capture the charm of the original as a fun, family-friendly movie.
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a rare case of a live-action adaptation that makes audiences completely forget there was ever an animated movie, or even a classic Dr. Seuss book. Famously, actor Jim Carrey underwent an intense makeup transformation as the titular character, making him unrecognizable. The whimsical and campy take on Dr. Seuss’ creation managed to give the Grinch a tragic backstory with sympathetic motivations, which weren’t present in previous iterations. Since the cast wore makeup and prosthetics to bring the Whos to life, many people still don’t realize the film featured actor Jeffrey Tambor and actress Molly Shannon, among others. Narrated by Anthony Hopkins, director Ron Howard’s take on the Grinch has become a Christmas classic that’s rewatched every year.
Film adaptations are always a challenge for directors, but adapting beloved animated source material adds another layer of difficulty. However, when the right mix of elements comes together, there can be potential for a new modern classic. Jim Carrey’s Grinch and Matthew Lillard’s Shaggy have become unforgettable pieces of pop culture from the 2000s. Although live-action takes on animated movies and shows will always be met with doubts from audiences, these few exceptions prove that filmmakers can still create films that resonate years later.