14 Live-Action Remakes That Flopped
These live-action remakes failed to win over fans despite their big budgets and familiar names.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Hollywood keeps trying to breathe new life into animated classics, but not every remake works. These flops remind us that shiny visuals and star-studded casts are not enough to win audiences over. Here are some of the most infamous live-action remakes that just did not deliver.
1. The Lion King (2019)
Disney on Wikimedia Commons
Disney’s live-action The Lion King looked stunning but left many viewers cold. Critics said the hyper-realistic animals lacked emotion, making beloved scenes feel hollow. Despite making money, it fell short of the magic of the 1994 animated version.
2. Mulan (2020)
Walt Disney Animation Studios on Wikimedia Commons
Hopes were high for Disney’s Mulan, but fans were left disappointed. The movie dropped Mushu, the music, and much of the humor that made the original special. Cultural missteps and a lack of heart made this remake feel flat.
3. Pinocchio (2022)
Igor Francescato on Wikimedia Commons
Disney’s live-action Pinocchio starring Tom Hanks did not charm audiences. Critics called it lifeless and uninspired, with little reason to exist alongside the original. Even nostalgia could not save this wooden performance.
4. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
The sequel to Alice in Wonderland was expensive and messy. Despite a star-studded cast, its confusing plot and lack of charm made it a massive box office flop. Audiences just did not care for another trip to Wonderland.
5. Aladdin (2019)
Walt Disney Land World Studios 24 Motion Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
Will Smith as the Genie brought curiosity but also criticism. Many felt the film relied too heavily on CGI and lacked the energy of Robin Williams’ original performance. The film made money, but it never truly won over die-hard fans.
6. Dumbo (2019)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
Tim Burton’s Dumbo was visually striking but tonally strange. The film dragged with unnecessary subplots, losing the emotional core of the classic. Audiences were left puzzled rather than uplifted.
7. Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
Gudmund Thai on Wiki media Commons
Another attempt at retelling Peter Pan failed to impress. Critics called it bland and forgettable, with little new to offer audiences. It joined the long list of forgettable Neverland adaptations.
8. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Gkaidan on Wikimedia Commons
Emma Watson’s casting as Belle had fans curious, but the film felt overly polished and mechanical. While it made money, critics found it soulless compared to the 1991 classic. The remake’s glossy finish could not hide its lack of heart.
9. Lady and the Tramp (2019)
Disney+ on Wikimedia Commons
Disney’s live-action Lady and the Tramp went straight to streaming. The CGI dogs looked awkward, and the charm of the spaghetti scene was lost. It lacked the warmth and playfulness of the animated version.
10. Cinderella (2015)
Walt Disney Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
While visually elegant, this remake failed to capture the magic of the original fairy tale. The story felt stretched and lacked the emotional pull of Disney’s 1950 classic. Audiences appreciated the effort but moved on quickly.
11. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Eva Rinaldi on Wikimedia Commons
Despite a gritty look and big names, this darker take on Snow White missed the mark. The story dragged, and the characters felt hollow. It proved that style without substance cannot carry a remake.
12. Jungle Book (1994)
Walt Disney Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
Long before the 2016 version, Disney tried a live-action Jungle Book in the ’90s. The film was clunky, lacked magic, and quickly faded from memory. It showed how tricky it is to reimagine a beloved cartoon.
13. 101 Dalmatians (1996)
Disney on Wikimedia Commons
Glenn Close gave it her all as Cruella, but the film around her felt flat. While kids enjoyed the puppies, adults found it unnecessary. It failed to capture the charm and humor of the animated original.
14. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
Disney Studios on Wikimedia Commons
As a sequel and spin on Sleeping Beauty, this film was overstuffed and confusing. Angelina Jolie shined, but the story lacked focus. Audiences were left wondering why this movie was made at all.