Ever since I was a little girl--like every other 90s kid--I grew up idolizing Disney Princesses and every single other possibility and universe created by Walt Disney; the magic that Walt Disney instilled in children all over the world through these vibrantly brilliant characters helped an entire generation grow up. His tales taught us lessons and morals. His magic showed us that women can be warriors too. His constant laughter and world of make-believe gave us hope and comfort.
Over the past few years, filmmakers have delved back into this original world of imagination in order to bring these beloved animations back to life. So in celebration of the re-creation of millions of childhoods, here is a list of the top 8 best Disney Live Action movies that have already graced our screens, in addition to the live-action remakes that we hungrily wait for in anticipation...
Let's break open the Disney Vault!
1. Beauty and the Beast (Animation: 1991, Live Action: 2017)
A tale as old as time is finally making its way back into our hearts with Emma Watson (Belle) and Dan Stevens (Beast) leading the way! As soon as the trailer was released with its rebooted soundtrack and the comparison of the 1991 animation right by its side, audiences everywhere began the tantalizing wait to be their guests in theaters everywhere on March 17, 2017!
2. Mulan (Animation: 1998, Live Action: 2018)
Who doesn't love a strong independent woman who saves her country by the end of the film?! There's been speculation that the live-action version of Mulan will only resemble its highly beloved animation counterpart to a degree; producers want to take a more historical route to tell Mulan's story. However, the weirdest part about this remake is that there have been rumors that Zac Efron is being recruited to play Li Shang--as much as I love Zac, that is the most bizarre casting call ever! Whatever the outcome, I'm sure Disney will do our warrior Mulan justice!
3. The Jungle Book (Animation: 1967, Live Action: 2016)
So. Fricken. Cool. When I first watched the live-action remake of The Jungle Book, I was utterly impressed by all that CGI was able to accomplish. The relationship between Baloo and Mowgli was executed perfectly; bringing this jungle story to a whole new level that animation was unable to reach.
4. Cinderella (Animation: 1950, Live Action: 2015)
Who doesn't love a good rags to riches story? The story of Cinderella has re-told its tale on the screen time and time again, each time transpired and sculpted by a different artistic lens. Whether it's Hillary Duff and Chad Michael Murray in their modern 21st century spin on the 1950's classic, or whether it's the 2015 Disney Live-Action remake, a dream will ALWAYS be a wish that your heart makes...and leads to true love every time!
5. Snow White (Animation: 1938, Live Action: 2012)
Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs is practically the OG of Disney Animated movies. Through its constant remakes and differing of perceptions, Snow White has gone from helpless damsel in distress to bad ass warrior fighting the Evil Queen alongside the Huntsman. Snow White is such a popular tale, that in 2012 directors Rupert Sanders and Tarsem Singh both conveyed two polar opposite Snow White storylines in Snow White and the Huntsmen (Sanders) and Mirror Mirror (Singh). Who was the better Snow White of 2012, Kristen Stewart or Lily Collins? You decide!
6. Maleficent (Animation: 1959, Live Action: 2014)
If growing up your favorite Disney Princess was Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, you need to watch Maleficent immediately! This live-action film of a Disney classic takes on a different approach from its siblings of the Disney Live-Action films group, and reveals its storyline from the eyes of the villain of the tale...Maleficent! I believe Angelina Jolie did a phenomenal job portraying "The Mistress of All Evil" in this 2014 rendition.
7. Alice in Wonderland (Animation: 1951, Live Action: 2010)
Tim Burton does it again--turning something so strange and twisted into a masterpiece of brilliance. With Lewis Carroll's already cracked out storyline, Tim Burton's level of crazy was the perfect match of bringing the live-action version of Alice in Wonderland to the next level!
8. The Lion King (Animation: 1994, Live Action: TBA)
Even though not much information is being leaked about Disney's plan for their live-action remake of The Lion King, fans of the 1994 animation and 6 time Tony winning Broadway hit are buzzing with speculation! Just like The Jungle Book (2016), The Lion King (TBA) will utilize CGI to create Pride Rock and all of its beloved inhabitants. I. CANNOT. WAIT.
Now obviously, these aren't the only Disney Live-Action films that audiences everywhere have fallen in love with or anticipate to watch in a theater near them--there's also Tarzan, Hercules, and Aladdin, just to name a few. The point is that the magic that Walt Disney had gifted children for countless generations continues to still be relevant; it still continues to impact viewers all over the globe. The lessons that Walt and these fictitious characters have created for us continue to light up our lives, even at times when we feel like our world is covered in darkness.
