Top 10 Worst Disney Movie Remakes
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at times Disney remakes failed to live up to the bar set by their animated originals. This doesn’t include sequels to remakes, since those could have their own list. Which Disney remake did you think scraped the bottom of the barrel? Let us know in the comments.
#10: “101 Dalmatians” (1996)
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Put away your pitchforks! We know a lot of people grew up loving this adaptation. But when you remove those nostalgia goggles, the flaws of “101 Dalmatians” become apparent. For better or worse, the film is as cheesy as it gets. With lackluster dialogue and easy slapstick gags, there isn’t much of any depth to find here. Only Glenn Close as Cruella de Vil seems to have understood the assignment. She delivers the kind of hammy portrayal this movie requires. But without conveying the dogs’ communication like in the original film, the live-action version can be just plain bland. “101 Dalmatians” was one of the first indications that some Disney films are better left in the animated realm.
#9: “Lady and the Tramp” (2019)
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The memorable aspects of the original “Lady and the Tramp” set a high standard for a live-action remake. Unfortunately, the 2019 version is essentially a watered-down take on the animated film. While the main protagonists are likable, they lack screen presence and consistent character development. Meanwhile, the main conflicts in the story seem to begin and end without much issue. Unlike the original, Lady and Tramp's realistic counterparts have little to no chemistry. It’s a fine film if you’ve never watched the original. But if you have, then this adaptation really won’t do.
#8: “Aladdin” (2019)
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Banking on nostalgia only goes so far. Much of the charm in Guy Ritchie’s “Aladdin” comes from the good memories associated with the 1992 version. When the film tries something new, the results are decidedly mixed. Most changes, like removing the lovably goofy personality of the Sultan, don’t land all that well. The chemistry between Aladdin and Jasmine could be great, but the film rarely gives them the spotlight they deserve. And when it comes down to it, some actors cannot be replaced. The absence of Robin Williams here proves it. Will Smith brings his own style, but his Genie just can’t compare to the original. “Aladdin” could have been incredible, but settles for being incredibly average.
#7: “Mulan” (2020)
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Remember how great 1998’s “Mulan” was with its quirky characters, solid soundtrack, and feel-good sentiment? Well, don’t expect any of that from the remake. The live-action adaptation is devoid of any fun or joy. Instead, it tries too hard to be taken seriously as a war movie. The premise of a great threat to an empire is definitely serious. But where the animated version balances this with multi-dimensional characters and much-needed humor, its adaptation runs the other way. The complete contrast in tone is just jarring. Far from being relatable, the characters here embody tired tropes. And by removing fan favorite characters like Li Shang, very little resemblance to the original survives in this average remake.
#6: “The Lion King” (2019)
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Raking in more than $1.6 billion worldwide at the box office, this remake was a smash hit. But take away the nostalgia, and we aren’t left with much quality. The biggest letdown of “The Lion King” in 2019 is its failure to capture the emotions of the characters. The film is like watching a nature documentary as the animals roam around with blank expressions. And while the soundtrack is timeless, the onscreen visuals don’t match up. The computer-generated realism just doesn’t have the awe-inspiring effect of the original animation. It’s remarkable how closely the remake follows the original, yet feels entirely mediocre.
#5: “Alice in Wonderland” (2010)
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Tim Burton’s live-action take on “Alice in Wonderland” might have kickstarted the trend of Disney remakes. Unfortunately, it also established some of the studio’s biggest problems with these films. Here, Alice returns to “Underland” without memories of her original adventure. But with a loose story in place, the film meanders along to the finish line. It goes for more flash than substance, prioritizing things like set design over fleshing out any characters. Although the characters are recognizable and eccentric, none of them really connect with the audience. And Alice’s dry personality makes her a pretty weak protagonist. Although a commercial success, the film’s flaws have made it largely forgettable.
#4: “Dumbo” (2019)
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1941’s “Dumbo” has its share of tear-jerking moments. But overall, its short runtime and general heart make it an easier watch. Meanwhile, the 2019 remake’s dreary visuals mainly evoke a sense of hopelessness. The film can’t decide between being a fantasy, an adventure, or a dark drama. Despite a cast of solid actors, they don’t have much to work with. The titular character is little more than an emotional punching bag in this drab retelling. If the failure of “Dumbo” teaches us anything, it’s that this was a story that was probably better left untouched.
#3: “The Sorcerer's Apprentice” (2010)
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The connection between this film and “Fantasia” is minor at best — it’s essentially just a one-scene homage to the famous broom sequence. But while there’s no Mickey Mouse here, the bare bones of the story are preserved. However, the novelty of watching Nicolas Cage with magical powers wears thin quickly. It isn’t long before the film becomes a generic CGI-fest, loaded with choreographed fight scenes. The story is difficult to keep up with — not because of its complexity, but because it just isn’t all that interesting. “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” would have done well to adapt more elements from “Fantasia.” But the film remains stuck in an identity crisis throughout its runtime, leaving audiences with a forgettable viewing experience.
#2: “Peter Pan & Wendy” (2023)
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Another remake that suffers from lifeless cinematography and terrible characterization, “Peter Pan & Wendy” is practically a shell of its animated predecessor. Far from possessing the wholesome dynamic they had in the original, the titular duo come across as rivals more than anything else. Peter’s constantly antagonizing personality could qualify him as a villain in his own story. And when she isn’t going around slapping Peter, Wendy spends the film whining about one thing or another. You know things aren’t right when Captain Hook is the most likable character. The original certainly has its issues, but the remake has no shortage of them either.
#1: “Pinocchio” (2022)
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The same year that Guillermo del Toro innovated with his take on the classic tale of “Pinocchio,” Disney released a soulless adaptation of its 1940 film. It manages to entirely miss the point of Pinocchio’s journey. Instead, the film tries to dazzle viewers with ugly visual effects. Along with a surprisingly bad performance from Tom Hanks, shoddy acting brings “Pinocchio” down even further. But exactly who the remake was designed for remains the biggest question. The joyless backdrop makes it a poor choice for kids, while the characters’ juvenile behavior won’t win any older fans. Largely disparaged by critics, the film just doesn’t hold a candle to the original.
