Instead of Snow White, Check Out This 5 Live Action Disney Movies

Many of the original Snow White fans were probably happy to hear that Disney was making another live action movie. But in reality, what was supposed to be a great journey to the new movie turned out to be the worst marketing campaign for a film ever. And the movie's star, Rachel Zegler, or rather her attitude, was one of the reasons.

But whether you decide to give the new movie a chance or not, you might want to check out these 5 movies that Disney has already successfully adapted from classic cartoons to live action.

From heartwarming adventures to dark and complex stories, these films offer something special. And here's why they should be on your radar.

1. The Jungle Book (2016) – 94% RT Score

Everyone knows the beloved story based on Rudyard Kipling's book. It follows the journey of Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves in the jungle, as he faces the dangerous tiger Shere Khan. But Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book is Disney's highest rated live-action Disney adaptation for a reason. The movie's success also lies in its innovative visuals. Using CGI, Favreau creates a super realistic jungle where Mowgli interacts with a fully realized cast of animal characters.

The voice performances by Bill Murray as Baloo, Idris Elba as Shere Khan and Ben Kingsley as Bagheera are simply outstanding, adding depth to the characters without overshadowing the story. A must see for anyone who loves quality cinema.

2. Pete’s Dragon (2016) – 88% RT Score

While the original 1977 film was a half-animated light-hearted musical, this remake is more grounded and emotional, focusing largely on the bond between Pete, a young orphan, and his dragon friend. The movie perfectly balances all the fantasy elements with the raw human emotions, creating a multi-layered and complex setting, while being based in a small town.

Once again, the CGI for Elliot the dragon is truly impressive, making him a believable friend to Pete. So if you're looking for a heartwarming story about love, friendship and self-discovery, Pete's Dragon is your choice.

3. Cruella (2021) – 75% RT Score

We have almost never had adaptations of classic stories that go back and explore the backstories of their villains, but thanks to Craig Gillespie, we now have Cruella, a movie that breathes new life into a character that has long been a symbol of villainy in the Disney universe. Starring Emma Stone, the film delves into the backstory of Estella, the young woman who would eventually become the iconic Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians.

Cruella is definitely a standout in the genre, blending dark humor with drama and bringing emotional depth to the character we thought we knew. Cruella shows how a character driven by ambition and envy can evolve in unexpected ways. And Stone's performance helped make it a hit.

“Emma Stone, as great as she is, killed it as Cruella and thought she did a splendid performance at portraying Estella and her alter ego, Cruella, showing the vile and sinister side of the character, and Emma Thompson as The Baroness was amazing as well and loved the on screen dynamic she had with Emma Stone when they were in scenes together,” Redditor BasicallyImjustLazy said.

4. Mulan (2020) – 71% RT Score

Niki Caro's Mulan is one of Disney's most ambitious live-action adaptations. While the 1998 animated classic was a fan favorite, the 2020 version offers a more dramatic take on the legendary Chinese warrior.

The new Mulan moves away from the musical elements of the original, but its stunning cinematography and amazing fight choreography are still there, just on a different level of reality. And Liu Yifei's portrayal of Mulan captures the character's courage and determination. The mix of culture and modern themes made this film a perfect adaptation.

5. Mufasa: The Lion King ( 2024) – 56% RT Score

One of the most recent adaptations, Mufasa: The Lion King may still be shaping its fandom, but one thing is clear: this was a much-needed deep dive into the backstory of the iconic characters. As a prequel, it delves into the story of Mufasa's rise to power and his struggles before becoming the wise king audiences know him to be.

The voices of Aaron Pierre as Mufasa and Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Taka take it to the next level. Absolutely a must see.