5 Worst Disney Live-Action Remakes Ranked

Walt Disney Pictures made history with their feature-length animated films, showcasing superior quality akin to live-action movies. Over time, Walt transformed simple cartoons into an esteemed art form. Many of these films have become classics. When Disney decided to remake beloved animated movies into live-action, fans and critics expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of these reimaginings. Yet, these films tend to succeed due to their built-in audience of viewers who cherished the originals. Each ranked live-action Disney remake reveals a wide range of success rates. Here are the worst of them.

1. Pinocchio (2022)

Pinocchio ranks as the worst live-action Disney remake according to fans and critics. Even Tom Hanks and Cynthia Erivo, both beloved performers, could not enhance the film’s critical reception when it launched straight to Disney Plus.

This adaptation faced misfortune due to its release coinciding with Guillermo del Toro's own highly praised version of the Pinocchio story. While the integration of live-action and CGI in transforming Pinocchio the puppet into a real boy is visually impressive, it ultimately lacks the charm of the original. Audiences question whether Disney's future live-action remakes are worth pursuing.

2. Dumbo (2019)

After Alice in Wonderland found success, visionary director Tim Burton was called to reimagine the classic character Dumbo. The story possesses the qualities of a typical Tim Burton film, focusing on the elephant as a lonely outcast performing in the circus. However, this adaptation suffered a lack of audience interest.

Dumbo features intriguing elements, including the futurist NYC theme park Dreamland and a reunion between Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton. A beautiful score by Burton’s collaborator Danny Elfman enhances the experience. However, condensing a one-hour animated film into a nearly two-hour feature created pacing issues. As a result, many viewers did not connect with the additional plot elements, making it one of the least favorable live-action films.

3. Alice Through The Looking Glass (2016)

The sequel to Disney's Alice in Wonderland brought back the stellar cast of Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, and Helena Bonham Carter. Visually, the film excels, showcasing impressive visual effects in the vibrant world of Underland.

However, the film falters by transforming Alice’s enchanting realm into a time-traveling sci-fi narrative focused on the Mad Hatter’s past. This departure from the whimsical storytelling of Lewis Carroll’s original work feels unnecessary, as the fantasy world he created already holds rich storytelling potential.

4. Lady and the Tramp (2019)

Lady and the Tramp premiered as the first live-action Disney remake directly on Disney+, which influences its overall tone. The storyline closely mirrors the original, and this kept some fans satisfied. However, the use of live-action alongside CGI fell short.

Using real dogs brings a charming touch, yet their dialogue through visual effects appears awkward. The CGI succeeds in popular scenes like the shared spaghetti moment but could use enhancement in other areas. Although not a failed effort, it may not have compelled many fans to view it in theaters, serving better as a light watch during an afternoon.

5. 102 Dalmatians (2000)

102 Dalmatians holds one redeeming quality: Glenn Close shines as Cruella de Vil. Her portrayal rounds out the villain into a genuinely menacing figure in this sequel.

Yet, the film closely retraces the same narrative structure as its predecessor, with Cruella again scheming to create a Dalmatian coat. The only notable change is her attempt at rehabilitation before descending back into villainy. With little freshness in storylines or characters, 102 Dalmatians fails to evoke nostalgia associated with the animated classic.

Earlier, SSP told about all Harry Potter movies: ranked from worst to best.