For decades,Disneyhas found great success (and some controversy) remaking and creating live-action adaptations of their fan-favorite classics. While the popularity of these reimaginings hit new heights in recent years, the first official film to receive the live-action treatment wasRudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, which premiered 30 years ago in 1994.
The Stephen Sommers adaptation was a critical and commercial success and helped launch a new trend where the legendary studio would bring more animated hits to life. Over the course of three decades, 22 Disney films have been remade into live-action flicks, with many of the projects dominating the box office.
Robert Zemeckis’Pinocchio, Peter Pan & Wendy, Lady and the Tramp,andThe Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Storyare also included in their extensive repertoire of remakes, yet since they were released via streaming platforms and VHS, their profits are unknown; they are therefore not on this list. Here is every Disney live-action remake ranked by box office results.
18Mulan (2020) - $69.9M
The live-action adaptation of the beloved ’90s hitMulanfaced a massive uphill battle from the very beginning, as the film was not only being released during the height of the pandemic but it also chose to eliminate the musical aspect featured in the original. Liu Yifei took on the eponymous role of the legendary warrior, and avid fans were upset when characters like the wise-cracking Mushu and love interest Li Shang were excluded from the remake; the 2020 version was instead intended to be more faithful to the Chinese folklore tale.
Difficulties Overcoming Hefty Budget
With a bloated budget of $200 million,Mulanwas the most expensive film ever directed by a woman (Niki Caro), and the decision to cancel its domestic theatrical release and instead debut on Disney+ to rent ultimately hindered its performance. The adaptation grossed just $69.9 million and garnered a mixed bag response, with praise going to its action sequences and stunning costumes but earning disdain by Asian critics for its historical and cultural inaccuracies and overall representation of Chinese people.Stream onDisney+.
17Rudyard Kipling’sThe Jungle Book (1994) - $70M
Some may forget that long before Jon Favreau introduced audiences to his live-action adaptation of the Disney classic, director Stephen Sommers tackled his own version with 1994’sRudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Touting a dazzling ensemble cast led by Jason Scott Lee, Cary Elwes, John Cleese, and Lena Headey, the film chronicles the life of wild man Mowgli as he is raised in a remote jungle in India by animals and ends up falling in love with the feisty Katherine “Kitty” Brydon.
Sommers' Spellbinding Remake
Sommers had been a huge fan of the original ’60s animated flick and he set out to create a sweeping romantic adventure featuring Mowgli and Kitty, heavily diverting from the storyline in the Kipling classic. Lee was Sommers' only choice to portray Mowgli, as he wanted to focus on a more adult love story and the actor was well-known afterportraying Bruce Leein a biopic.The Jungle Booktook in $70 million during its theatrical run on a $30 million budget, and found further success through home release.Rent/Buy onPrime Video.
16102 Dalmatians (2000) - $183.6M
The sequel to the 1996 blockbuster,102 Dalmatiansonce again features the sensational Glenn Close as the scheming and villainous Cruella de Vil, as she unsurprisingly returns to her wicked ways once again and sets out to create the greatest fur coat of all time by stealing innocent puppies. Only Close and Tim McInnerny (Curella’s anxious butler) returned after starring in the original remake, and they were joined by stars like Ioan Gruffudd, Gérard Depardieu, and Alice Evans.
Box Office Showdown
Neither as commercially nor critically successful as its predecessor,102 Dalmatiansfaced stiff competition at the box office, opening alongsideDr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole ChristmasandM. Night Shyamalan’sUnbreakable,where it ultimately placed third on its debut weekend. Critical reaction wasn’t great, with many feeling the sequel failed to bring anything new to the viewing experience and series, and it ended its run with earnings of $183.6 million.Stream onDisney+.
15Christopher Robin (2018) - $197.7M
Christopher Robin
Golden Globe winner Ewan McGregor brilliantly starred as the adult-version of the titular character in the engrossing fantasyChristopher Robin, telling the poignant story of the now-grown up Robin as the disenchanted man struggles with his loss of wonder and imagination, only to be finally reunited with his lovable childhood pals from the Hundred Acre Wood. Together, Christopher and Pooh embark on a quest to find their other friends as the world-weary character rediscovers what matters most in life.
A Nostalgic Ride
Lauded for its heartfelt message, stunning visual effects, and fantastic performances,Christopher Robintook moviegoers on a moving journey that was both nostalgic and endearing, with audiences awarding the fantasy flick an admirable A CinemaScore.Christopher Robinreceived numerous accolades including an Oscar and Annie Award nomination, and became the highest-grossing movie in Disney’sWinnie the Poohfranchise, bowing out at the box office at $197.7 million.Stream onDisney+.
14The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010) - $215.3M
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
An often overlooked entry in Disney’s stellar live-action adaptations, 2010’sThe Sorcerer’s Apprenticestarsacting extraordinaire Nicolas Cageas Balthazar Blake, a millenia-old spellcaster who secretly helps protect the modern world from evil forces, namely his arch enemy and fellow sorcerer Maxim Horvath (Alfred Molina). Balthazar searches for someone worthy of inheriting Merlin’s wondrous powers, making college student Dave Stutler (Jay Baruchel) his hesitant protégé.
Too Much Competition
Incorporating elements of bothFantasiaandFantasia 2000, the fantasy flick had a hard time recuperating its giant $150 million budget and faced even more of a hurdle when it was released alongside the blockbustersInceptionandDespicable Me. Critics also gaveThe Sorcerer’s Apprenticelukewarm reviews, appreciating its charismatic cast and visuals but disliking its lackluster screenplay and excitement. It ultimately was a box office failure and was listed by Parade as one of the “Worst Box Office Disasters of 2010 (So Far).“Stream onDisney+.
13Cruella (2021) - $233.5M
Read Our Review
Oscar-winner Emma Stonedelivered a delightfully devious performance as the fur-loving fashionista in the crime comedyCruella, which serves as an origin story for the iconic Disney villain and chronicles her early years during the punk rock movement in 1970s London, as she makes it her mission to become a revered fashion designer. Stone is joined in the live-adaptation by Emma Thompson and Mark Strong, as her character clashes with the narcissistic haute couture designer Baroness von Hellman.
Related:Disney Villains Who Deserve an Origin Story Movie
Stone’s Dazzling Portrayal
Cruellamarked one of the first prominent red carpet premieres since the start of the pandemic, and both Stone and Thompson’s performances attracted rave reviews from critics and audiences alike; Stone earned a Golden Globe nomination for her villainous outing. Despite such a positive response,Cruellastruggled to break even during its run, earning just over $233 million at the box office against a vast budget of $100–200 million. Nonetheless, a sequel is currently in the works with Stone set to reprise her epic role.Stream onDisney+.
12Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016) - $299.8M
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Sometimes even a star-studded cast and charismatic performances aren’t enough to save a film, as proven by the box office blunderAlice Through the Looking Glass. The sequel to the 2010 smash hit, the follow-up once again focuses on Alice Kinsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) as she finds herself back in Wonderland after being transported to the enchanted world after discovering a mysterious looking glass. Alice goes on a time-traveling adventure in an effort to save her friend the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), before it’s too late.
A Lackluster Follow-Up
Released six years after the original live-adaptation, the film was helmed by James Bobin, who took over directing dutiesfrom Tim Burton.Many felt the premise of the sequel was extremely underwhelming and that it couldn’t match the magic and heart of its predecessor;Alice Through the Looking Glassended up losing Disney roughly $70 million and received three Razzie nominations. It couldn’t overcome its $170 million and ended its theatrical run with $299.8 million.Stream onDisney+.
11101 Dalmatians (1996) - $320.7M
Glenn Close rightfully earned a Golden Globe nomination for her first outing as the diabolical Cruella de Vil in the ’90s adventure comedy101 Dalmatians, a live-action remake of the animated classic that centers on the blossoming romance between video game designer Roger Dearly (Jeff Daniels) and fashion designer Anita Campbell-Green (Joely Richardson), as their dalmatians Pongo and Perdita also fall in love. The fur-obsessed Cruella kidnaps the pooches and their dozens of babies, wanting to make a luxurious fur coat.
Close Dominates the Big Screen
The screenplay for101 Dalmatianswas written by beloved filmmaker John Hughes, and it was his idea to pursuethe talented Closefor the role of the conniving Cruella. A massive success at the box office and with moviegoers, the comedy raked in over $320 million and its positive performance led to a video game, 2000 sequel, and the 2021 reboot;101 Dalmatiansalso went on to become the sixth-highest grossing release of the year.Stream onDisney+.
10Dumbo (2019) - $353.3M
Disney once again enlisted the genius mind of Tim Burton to help bring the tale of the lovable, big-eared elephant to life inDumbo, which features a dazzling ensemble cast including Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, and Danny DeVito and follows the ambitious-yet-struggling ringmaster Maximilian “Max” Medici as he hires a World War I veteran and his children to take care of a wondrous, magical elephant massive ears. When a greedy entrepreneur wants to exploit the sweet Dumbo, his friends join forces to free the elephant and his mother.
A Gorgeous Visual Spectacle
DeVito raved about working with Burton again and commended the director’s captivating vision for the adaptation, havingsaid the filmmakeris “always spirited, always an artist, always thinking about the craft, always painting with his mind.“Dumboreceived a mixed bag response upon its release, with appreciation going towards its stunning visuals and performances but earning criticism for its screenplay and hollow emotional depth; it eventually brought in $353.3 million worldwide.Stream onDisney+.
9Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) - $492.2M
Maleficent 2
Angelina Jolie embraced her dark side yet again when she reprised her role as the powerful fairy inMaleficent: Mistress of Evil, the second entry in the film series that depicts the valiant efforts the mighty Dark Fae goes to to protect her fellow race from destruction after an evil queen goes on a crusade to rid the land of the magical creatures. The sequel also delves into the inner struggles Maleficent experiences after being painted as a villain, despite her endearing bond with Aurora (Elle Fanning).
Fan-Favorite Sequel
Though not as financially successful as its predecessor,Maleficent: Mistress of Evilwas a knockout with audiences and made over $492 million worldwide, and while that number seems impressive the picture needed to earn around $500 million to turn a profit after the additional distribution and marketing costs. A third installment in the series is in development at Disney, with Angelina Jolie confirming in December 2023 that she would be returning as the eponymous character.Stream onDisney+.
