For decades Disney has been making family films that entertain the masses, none of which seem to miss the mark. During that time they have also taken many of their films and remade them to engage new and younger audiences. Though their recent trend has been to reimagine their animated movies into live-action, Disney has remade plenty of other live-action films too. Available on Disney+ for anyone to watch, these are just some of the very best live-action remakes Disney has released over the years.
Related:The Weirdest Movies on Disney Plus
Freaky Friday (2003)
1 hr 37 min | Mark Waters
Cast:Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon, Harold Gould
When a mother and daughter feud and can’t find a way to resolve their problems, they suddenly swap bodies and have to learn a hard lesson about what it’s like to live life as the other. If they want to get their own bodies back and life back to normal, they’ll have to learn to make sacrifices for each other and respect the needs they have. In this bizarre comedy,Jamie Lee Curtisstands out for her performance as a seventeen-year-old suddenly given a car, job, and all the other responsibilities that come with being an adult. Likewise,Lindsay Lohandisplays that she’s more than some punk-rock type-cast, but a capable actress who can be just as mature as any other actor.Freaky Fridaywill make you smile, laugh, and maybe cry as you grow an appreciation for the characters and the love put into the film itself.
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The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
1 hr 49 min | Jon Turteltaub
Cast:Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer
Inspired by the short of the same name featured inFantasia,The Sorcerer’s Apprenticefollows the wizard Balthazar recruiting the aid of a new apprentice to help him defeat the evil wizard Horvath. On top of callbacks toFantasia, the film also adds new characters, a new plot, and higher stakes. With big-name actors playing larger-than-life characters with huge egos, and a lot of action spliced between comedy and romance,The Sorcerer’s Apprenticemakes for good casual viewing for everyone. If nothing else, it proves you always get your money’s worth when you seeNicolas Cage.
The Parent Trap (1998)
2 hr 8 min | Nancy Meyers
Cast:Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Elaine Hendrix
When two identical twins who were separated between their parents at birth reunite by coincidence at a summer camp, they devise a plan to switch places to get to know the other parent and reignite their old marriage. However, some things just aren’t meant to be, and the twins find out just how tenuous navigating old love and memories can be. Perhaps most notable for having Lindsay Lohan act as both the identical twins, Hallie and Annie,The Parent Trapalso boasts a strong supporting cast and a lot of witty writing that makes it hard to look away from. Though such family films can be predictable, somehowThe Parent Trapwill still leave audiences wondering what the girls will get up to next as you root for them more and more.
Pete’s Dragon (2016)
1 hr 42 min | David Lowery
Cast:Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Oakes Fegley, Oona Laurence
When a family discovers an orphaned boy has been living in the forests, the question arises of just how he managed it. The answer is with the help of his friend Elliot, who is a big friendly dragon. Though there are a few differences in plot and backstory,Pete’s Dragonstill catches the essence and fun which made the 1977 film a classic. The largely youthful cast brings a lot of energy to the story, while Hollywood veteran,Robert Redford, brings in the big guns for his supporting role. From the cast to how the story has been retold, there is plenty to like aboutPete’s Dragon.
Herbie: Fully Loaded (2005)
1 hr 41 min | Angela Robinson
Cast:Lindsay Lohan, Michael Keaton, Cheryl Hines, Breckin Meyer
Lindsay Lohan continues her trend of starring in Disney remakes withHerbie: Fully Loaded. In the film, she becomes the owner of the sentient car, Herbie 53. She then enters a NASCAR race as an underdog and must, against all odds, find a way to win. Like many of Lohan’s previous entries on this list,Herbie: Fully Loadedis lighthearted family fun with a lot of love for where it came from, looking to earn its place alongside the originals.
Christopher Robin (2018)
1 hr 44 min | Marc Forster
Cast:Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael, Jim Cummings
What makesChristopher Robinremarkable is that it isn’t a remake seeking a new audience of young children to get into Winnie the Pooh, but one that solely targets those who grew up with the original. The fascinating modern take on Pooh reunites an older Christopher Robin with his childhood friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. ThinkDrop Dead FredmeetsAlice in Wonderland. It’s a magical tale about growing up, friendship, and childhood. A worthy watch for just about anyone.
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993)
1 hr 24 min | Duwayne Dunham
Cast:Michael J. Fox, Sally Field, Don Alder, Ed Bernard
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journeyfollows two dogs and a cat traveling across America to get back home after their owners drop them off with a stranger to go on vacation. Though simplistic in premise,Homeward Boundis a wonderful film about naivety and discovery with some surprisingly emotional moments throughout the runtime. The use of real animals paired with voice actors works much better than it should at giving the audience the right feels at the right times.
The Jungle Book (2016)
1 hr 46 min | Jon Favreau
Cast:Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba
There have been many remakes ofThe Jungle Bookover the years, but what makesJon Favreau’s version stand out is how the CGI brings the animals to life. In many ways, the CGI inThe Jungle Bookfeels like a practice round for Favreau’sThe Lion Kingremake, but the film still stands on its own. It follows a small boy on a journey of discovery in the jungle, after being forced to flee by the evil tiger, Shere Khan. There have been manyJungle Bookremakes over the years, but this is definitely the stand-out.
Related:The Best Hidden Gems on Disney+
Mighty Joe Young (1998)
1 hr 54 min | Ron Underwood
Cast:Bill Paxton, Charlize Theron, Rade Serbedzija, Peter Firth
Though the original 1949 film was a product of RKO, Disney acquiredMighty Joe Youngafter RKO went bankrupt. The film follows Joe, a fifteen-foot Gorilla, and his carers attempting to keep him safe on an animal reserve while hunters come after him. The film impressively uses digital and practical effects to bring Joe to life, including an animatronic gorilla suit. It also takes a lot of inspiration from classic movies likeKing Kongand seems to have had its own inspiration from modern films likeRampage. Of the many giant gorilla films out there,Mighty Joe Youngis one of the most notable.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
1 hr 48 min | Tim Burton
Cast:Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway
When nineteen-year-old Alice ventures down a rabbit hole to escape reality, she arrives in the magical world of Underland, reigned over by the evil Red Queen. Directed byTim Burton,Alice in Wonderlandalso spawned a sequel and features some of the most eccentric and unique fantasy elements at work in the lineup of Disney remakes. Featuring an all-star cast to bring that world to life, it’s impossible not to be immersed in the alien and magical world Burton has crafted. Just as with all of Burton’s work, the individuality of this film is at the forefront and makes it a priority remake worth watching.
