(NOTE: This does not include adaptations of movies and material that Disney didn't create. This includes Oz: The Great and Powerful, Into the Woods and The BFG).
#9: Alice in Wonderland
Out of all nine flicks, Alice in Wonderland is the least original. But its' not for a lack of trying. Linda Woolverton does put in creative touches here and there in her script. But it doesn't escape the fact that its a "savior coming to save the day" plot that is as generic as they come. There's also hardly any character development here also (outside of Alice, who is given a relatable arc of sorts). However, Alice is oftentimes exciting, with a unique feel in its visual execution that is pretty memorable. Johnny Depp's performance as the Hatter is equally just as memorable. Altogether, one that is kinda watchable, but not rewatchable necessarily for many people.
#8: Maleficent
As a reinvention of Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent does work pretty well sometimes. Angelina Jolie was a wonderful casting choice for this character, and she knocks the character out of the park. The film's overall feel does also evoke the 1959 film reasonably well (save for a few hiccups, cough fairies cough cough). That being said, the film does have obvious problems. The beginning isn't as interesting as it could have been, and the true villain of the film is perhaps the least appealing of all of Disney's recent live-action work. Some of the execution at the end is fairly clumsy as well. But, Maleficent does deliver some strong, redemptive messages that are pretty inspiring. Linda Woolverton does an overall rock solid job on writing this particular character study.
#7: Beauty and the Beast
I would not call Disney's most ambitious remake their grandest. The film does deviate from the original 1991 film in spots I really wish it didn't. There are a couple of unnecessary scenes that seem like they are only there to pad the running time. A few characters and motivations are changed a little too much, and Emma Watson may not have been the best choice to play Belle. However, the film has lots to admire. The soundtrack is terrific, with three new songs that I think would have fit in the original film very nicely. The production design and visual effects are phenomenal. And, a few recreated scenes from the original are excellently brought to life here also. Altogether, I'd say Disney succeeded more than it faltered here.
#6: Alice through the Looking Glass
An improvement over its predecessor, Alice through the Looking Glass is a morality tale at just about its finest. There's more character development and more understandable motivations behind the characters' actions. The visual effects work is even more bizarre and intriguing than the first film. And there's also more of a unique twist on the "Savior" story here than the last go round. The film isn't exactly amazing, however. The film does seem to run a little long. Alice's story is more out of focus this time also, with more focus given to the side characters. But, as far as Disney's fairy tales go, Through the Looking Glass can at least take credit for taking its' movie series in the right direction.
#5: The Jungle Book
The most visually-stunning of Disney's remakes so far, The Jungle Book is a pretty darn good treat. Perhaps even more impressive, however, is how much the story feels like a 1960's classic Disney movie. There's no real sense of modernity here, which is refreshing. But, the visuals are incredible (the film won the Oscar for visual effects that year), the voice casting is perfect (I don't care if Kaa is a girl here), and director Jon Favreau also wisely avoids the trap (mostly) of letting things get too dark or scary here. On the downside, the inclusion of two of the original songs (from the 1967 animated flick) did seem out of left field and lazy in their execution. But, in all other areas, Jungle Book is definitely one worth watching and holding onto.
#4: Cinderella
Like Jungle Book, Cinderella is a movie that I have enjoyed more and more as time has gone on. Another refreshingly old-fashioned take, Cinderella keeps to the original classic story. Where it adds to the story, it actually makes sense without throwing anything off-balance. In the meantime, the characters (including Cate Blanchett's riveting version of the evil Stepmother) are given more development and understanding behind their characters. Cinderella's family life is given more time as well, and culture-bashing messages on kindness and forgiveness make the ride even more enjoyable. It does run a little long in spots, and the film does become a little too sad at points (there are three deaths in this movie). But, terrific casting (Lily James is an awesome Cinderella), a beautiful visual panache (that amazing ballroom, oh my gosh), and the yesteryear feel make this perhaps the most faithful remake they've done.
#3: Christopher Robin
While its a little more mature than other movies starring these characters, Christopher Robin is definitely faithful to its roots in many other ways. The story feels as whimsical and gentle (with some thoughtful moments) as any movie and cartoon that Pooh, Piglet and the others have graced. Ewan McGregor gives a fantastic lead performance. And despite a couple of odd moments and interpretations, the film remains heartwarming and engaging the whole way through. I knew director Marc Forster was the perfect choice for this film, as he brings a similar childlike feel to his work in Finding Neverland.
#2: Pete's Dragon
Pete's Dragon is perhaps the most impressive remake Disney has done. Despite Elliott being a visual marvel, it feels like the kind of Disney movie that was made in the old days, without the glitz and visual panache. Save for a slight overuse of folk tunes, there's a stunning focus on characters here also that wins your heart and jerks your tears the old-fashioned way (along with its appealingly 1970's midwest backdrop). Its' also remarkably simple enough for anyone in the family to get into. Maybe its' not deep or complex, but Disney movies shouldn't be that way. With an emotionally-compelling story that recalls E.T. and The Iron Giant, this remake stands also as one of the most memorable the Mouse House has put together yet.
#1: Enchanted
The one that started all of this back in 2007 will probably be very hard to top. Disney's first foray into bringing their fairy tales into the real world is a gem and a classic. It does seem like a satire at times, but the overall story and characters are hard to forget. Amy Adams is revolutionary as Giselle, bringing an innocence and genuine tone to her singing and acting that is irresistible. Terrific visual effects, lots of fun moments (including some hidden easter eggs), and a terrific score and soundtrack (including three very memorable songs), Enchanted isn't just the best live-action Disney fairy tale (well, mostly, save for 15 minutes of hand-drawn animation), its also one of my favorite Disney movies, period.
And that's about it. I will update this list again at the end of 2019 (or at least I'll try), as Disney already has three more on the table ready to come. Tim Burton, the director of Alice in Wonderland, will tackle Dumbo next March. Meanwhile, Aladdin will come to the big screen at the end of May, hoping to replicate the success of Beauty and the Beast. Finally, The Jungle Book director Jon Favreau is hoping to have another hit with his adaptation of The Lion King next July. Also coming up is a remake and re-imagining of Mulan, currently set for 2020 with McFarland USA's Niki Caro directing.
How many more remakes are we set to get after that? Probably a lot more, if the financial success is an indicator. But Disney hopefully will make more entertaining and memorable films that will become classics for this generation and more. Of course, my main hope is that they make a healthy amount of original films to go with these too. We'll just have to wait and see.
