14 Live-Action Remakes That Flopped
These 14 live-action remakes failed to succeed either critically or commercially, despite having strong source material.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Live-action remakes often aim to revive popular stories for new audiences, but not all succeed. Some suffer from weak scripts, poor casting, or lack of originality. These titles failed to connect with viewers or critics, despite the popularity of the originals.
1. The Lion King (2019)
Giles Laurent on Wikimedia Commons
Although it earned over $1.6 billion globally, critics noted the remake lacked emotional depth. The photorealistic animation was praised visually but made character expressions less effective. Many felt it was a scene-for-scene copy of the original without adding anything new. Audiences and critics were divided on whether it justified its existence.
2. Mulan (2020)
Walt Disney Animation Studios on Wikimedia Commons
Disney’s Mulan removed musical elements and key characters from the animated version. The film faced backlash for filming near politically sensitive areas in China. Critics also noted a lack of character development and emotional engagement. It underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews.
3. Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Aniol on Wikimedia Commons
This adaptation of the Japanese anime faced controversy over whitewashing after casting Scarlett Johansson. It struggled to capture the depth and themes of the original. Critics called it visually impressive but emotionally flat. It performed poorly at the box office and disappointed longtime fans.
4. Death Note (2017)
Mohammdaon on Wikimedia Commons
Netflix’s live-action version of the popular manga changed character personalities and removed core themes. Fans criticized its pacing and lack of depth. The film also condensed a long, complex story into a short runtime. It was widely considered a failed adaptation.
5. Dragonball Evolution (2009)
Akira Toriyama on Wikimedia Commons
This remake was loosely based on the popular anime but changed key characters and storylines. Fans and critics rejected the film for its weak script and poor casting. The movie was a financial failure and received overwhelmingly negative reviews. It is often cited as one of the worst anime adaptations.
6. The Last Airbender (2010)
Roberti on Wikimedia Commons
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the film was based on the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender. It was criticized for poor acting, mispronounced names, and rushed storytelling. Fans felt it ignored the tone and depth of the original series. The film performed poorly with critics and audiences.
7. Pinocchio (2022)
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Disney’s live-action Pinocchio, directed by Robert Zemeckis, received criticism for being uninspired and overly reliant on CGI. Tom Hanks played Geppetto, but even his performance couldn’t save the film. It was released on streaming instead of in theaters. Reviews were mostly negative, calling it lifeless and forgettable.
8. Aladdin (2019)
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
Though financially successful, Aladdin received mixed reviews for its lack of originality and uneven pacing. The casting and music drew divided opinions. Some praised Will Smith’s version of the Genie, while others found the film unnecessary. It failed to leave a strong lasting impression.
9. Cinderella (2021)
Walt Disney Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
This musical remake starring Camila Cabello was released on Amazon Prime Video. Critics noted weak dialogue and inconsistent tone. The film tried to modernize the story but lacked emotional depth. It received low ratings and poor audience feedback.
10. Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
The Walt Disney Company on Wikimedia Commons
Released on Disney+, this film was intended to reimagine the classic story with a more inclusive cast. While the intention was praised, critics found the film dull and lacking energy. Viewers felt the magic of the original was missing. It received mediocre reviews and limited attention.
11. Dumbo (2019)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
Directed by Tim Burton, this version expanded the original story but lost its emotional simplicity. Critics said the added human subplot distracted from the main narrative. The visuals were strong, but the film underperformed at the box office. Many felt it failed to connect with both children and adults.
12. Lady and the Tramp (2019)
Disney+ on Wikimedia Commons
This Disney+ exclusive used real dogs and CGI to tell the story. While it aimed for a grounded tone, critics found it slow and lacking charm. The voice acting and animation were seen as underwhelming. It failed to generate much interest after its release.
13. Jem and the Holograms (2015)
Universal Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
Based on the 1980s cartoon, the live-action version changed the story significantly. Fans of the original series rejected the modernized take. The film flopped at the box office and was pulled from theaters shortly after release. It was criticized for lacking identity and direction.
14. Artemis Fowl (2020)
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This film, based on the popular book series, was released on Disney+ after several delays. It drastically altered the plot and characters from the original books. Fans and critics alike found it confusing and poorly written. It received low scores and was considered a failed franchise starter.