Bringing Fairy Tales to Life: 19 Best Live Action Disney Films Recommendations!

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Ashyla Faiq Al furqaan

Who doesn't know the enchanting and magical Disney fairy tales? Through the transformation from animation to live action, Disney has brought back these magical stories in a more lively and realistic format.

Here, we have compiled some best live action Disney films that will mesmerize you with their visual beauty, captivating stories, and impressive acting. Get ready to be immersed in a magical world filled with charm!

1. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (2017)

Beauty and the Beast / Credit Photo: Disney

True love doesn't look at appearances, and the live-action film BEAUTY AND THE BEAST beautifully showcases it. With brilliant direction, stunning costumes, and unforgettable music, Emma Watson and Dan Stevens bring Belle and the Beast to life magically.

Prepare yourself to be enchanted by this classic fairytale with a new twist.

2. CINDERELLA (2015)

Cinderella / Photo Credit: Disney

Reviving the most famous tale of the glass slipper, CINDERELLA offers a perfect blend of romance, magic, and the power of kindness. Lily James portrays Cinderella gently and mesmerizingly, while Cate Blanchett steals the show as the enchanting evil stepmother.

In the hands of director Kenneth Branagh, this film presents stunning visuals and an inspiring message.

3. ALADDIN (2019)

Aladdin / Photo Credit: Disney

Fly with Aladdin and his magical lamp in this colorful and exciting live-action film. With energetic performances from Mena Massoud as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as the brave Jasmine, and Will Smith as the charming Genie.

This film captures the enchantment of the original story while adding a modern touch. And let's not forget iconic songs like A Whole New World that will make your heart sing.

4. MALEFINCENT (2014)

Malefincent / Photo Credit: Disney

Celebrating the dark side of the SLEEPING BEAUTY fairy tale, MALEFINCENT offers a fresh and intriguing perspective. Angelina Jolie delivers an impressive performance as Maleficent, the evil fairy with a wounded heart.

With stunning visual effects and extraordinary costume design, this film perfectly combines beauty and darkness. You will be captivated by a deeper story of love, betrayal, and redemption, while enjoying a unique interpretation of iconic characters.

5. MULAN (2020)

Mulan / Photo Credit: Disney

MULAN brings the story of a brave girl who dares to fight for her family to a new level. In this live-action film, Liu Yifei portrays Mulan with captivating charisma and bravery.

With spectacular action scenes and stunning cinematography, this film presents a powerful story about the strength of women and loyalty to honorable values. Get ready to be inspired and enchanted by the beauty of Chinese culture.

6. ALICE IN WONDERLAND (2010)

Alice in Wonderland / Credit Photo: Disney

Welcome the madness and imagination in the live-action adaptation of ALICE IN WONDERLAND filled with vibrant colors and unique characters. Directed by Tim Burton, this film features Johnny Depp as the eccentric Mad Hatter and Helena Bonham Carter as the cruel Queen of Hearts.

With stunning visual effects, the Wonderland world comes to life in unexpected and captivating ways. Get ready to be thrown into a strange and amazing adventure.

7. THE LITTLE MERMAID (2023)

Disney Live Action Film (Credit: Imdb.com)

THE LITTLE MERMAID is one of Disney's live-action film recommendations that cannot be missed. In general, this film tells the story of Ariel (Halle Bailey), the youngest daughter of King Triton (Javier Bardem). One day, this cheerful girl violates her father's prohibition to explore the land and the human world.

Ariel sees a passing ship and accidentally sees Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) celebrating his birthday. Ariel immediately falls in love at first sight. In order to win the love of the man, Ariel finally makes a deal with a witch named Ursula (Melissa McCarthy). However, it turns out that her journey to obtain love is still long.

8. PETER PAN & WENDY (2023)

Live Action Disney Film (Credit: Imdb.com)

Next, there is a Disney live action film titled PETER PAN & WENDY. This film tells the story of Wendy (Ever Anderson) who refuses to go to boarding school. Then, a mysterious boy named Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) appears.

Peter Pan invites Wendy to join him in Neverland, a place where children refuse to grow up and escape from the adult world. Upon arrival, Wendy experiences new and amazing sensations.

9. CRUELLA (2021)

Live Action Disney Film (Credit: Imdb.com)

There is also a recommendation for the best Disney live action film titled CRUELLA. This film tells the story of a woman with black and white hair named Cruella. Set in 1970s London, this film is starred by the beautiful actress, Emma Stone.

It is told that Cruella used to be a girl named Estella who aspired to be a fashion designer. So, what caused her to transform into the person she is now?

10. JUNGLE CRUISE (2021)

Disney Live Action Film (Credit: Imdb.com)

There is still a Disney live action film recommendation titled JUNGLE CRUISE. In general, this film tells the story of a woman named Lily who is determined to uncover the truth about a tree that allegedly has the ability to heal everything. Frank (Dwayne Johnson) initially underestimates Lily's ambition as nonsense.

Everything changes when Frank learns that Lily is carrying an ancient key that is the key to their search for the truth behind the legend of the magical tree.

11. THE LION KING (2019)

Disney Live Action Film (Credit: Imdb.com)

When it comes to Disney live-action film recommendations, THE LION KING is definitely not to be missed. This film tells the story of Simba, the future king of the jungle who will succeed his father, Mufasa. Unfortunately, Simba's uncle, Scar, refuses to acknowledge his leadership and tries to seize the throne through various deceitful means.

Although initially saddened and isolated, Simba eventually rises after discovering the truth behind Scar's deception. Simba is determined to reclaim the throne from his uncle and restore justice.

12. ENCHANTED (2007)

Live Action Disney Film (Credit: Imdb.com)

ENCHANTED is also a recommended Disney live-action film that should not be missed. This film tells the story of a fairy tale kingdom in Andalusia. There is an evil queen named Narisa who tries hard to maintain her throne.

Queen Narisa tries to thwart Prince Edward's intention to marry his true love, Giselle. On her way to the wedding, Giselle gets lost and stranded in the real world due to Narisa's actions. A big change occurs when Giselle, who was originally a fairy tale character, transforms into a human and meets a man named Robert Philip. So, how will their story continue?

13. MUFASA: THE LION KING (Coming Soon)

Poster MUFASA: THE LION KING

One of the latest Disney live action films is MUFASA: THE LION KING. This film is planned to be released at the end of 2024. MUFASA: THE LION KING is a prequel to THE LION KING. Disney film fans are certainly familiar with this film title, which features the iconic character named Simba.

The good news is that MUFASA: THE LION KING will be released, telling the story of Simba's father, Mufasa. From the synopsis, MUFASA: THE LION KING will depict Mufasa's life journey. The story begins when Simba, who is now the king, wants to pass it on to his son. Before that, he tells the story of Mufasa.

14. PINOCCHIO (2022)

Poster PINOCCHIO (credit: imdb.com)

The next Disney human film is PINOCCHIO. This film is an adaptation of the popular animation first released in 1940. Presented in live action, PINOCCHIO highlights the story of the puppet Pinocchio who transforms into a real boy.

The presence of Pinocchio in the form of a real boy heals the heart of a middle-aged man named Gappetto. Previously, he made a Pinocchio puppet out of wood. When a fairy grants magic to the wooden puppet, Gappetto is overjoyed as his life is no longer lonely. However, the fairy asks Pinocchio to always be honest.

15. SNOW WHITE (Coming Soon)

Poster SNOW WHITE (credit: imdb.com)

Disney film fans with princess characters must look forward to the release of SNOW WHITE in live action form. According to information, SNOW WHITE will be released in 2025. This Disney live action film features adventure, romance, and family genres.

The synopsis of SNOW WHITE still revolves around the character Snow White with 7 dwarfs. The male character who will fall in love with Snow White also appears in this film with a new version. The storyline of SNOW WHITE is said to be fresher and stars a lineup of famous celebrities.

16. MOANA (Coming Soon)

Poster MOANA (credit: imdb.com)

The next Disney human or live action film is MOANA. This film will be presented in live action version with real characters. Fans' imagination seems to come true with the presence of a live action version of the animated film MOANA. According to information, the Disney film MOANA live action will be released in mid-2025.

To refresh memories of the film MOANA, the animated version's synopsis tells the story of the character Moana. She is the chief's daughter in a Polynesian village. Since childhood, Moana has always been forbidden to approach the ocean because of her father's worries. However, she is chosen to be the savior of her people by returning the heart of Te Fiti, which is in the form of a red stone that has been stolen.

17. DUMBO (2019)

Poster DUMBO (credit: imdb.com)

The next Disney film is DUMBO. This film is an adventure, fantasy, and family genre about the main character named Dumbo. Disney film fans are certainly familiar with the adorable little elephant character, Dumbo.

Dumbo has the magical ability to fly. He performs in the circus, and his flying ability makes him a star. However, behind all of that, there is a heart-wrenching story about the little elephant named Dumbo. This is related to Vandevere, the owner of the circus.

18. PETE'S DRAGON (2016)

Poster PETE'S DRAGON (credit: imdb.com)

One Disney live-action film that is not to be missed is PETE'S DRAGON. In the latest version released in 2016, after a similar live-action version was released in 1977, the story of PETE'S DRAGON revolves around the friendship between a young boy named Pete and a green dragon.

Their encounter begins when Pete is left by his parents due to an accident. Pete is then saved by a green dragon named Elliot. At the same time, a forest ranger named Grace wants to prove the existence of Elliot.

19. 101 DALMATIANS (1996)

Poster 101 DALMATIANS (credit: imdb.com)

101 DALMATIANS is one of the Disney live-action films that KLovers can watch. This film was released in 1996 with iconic characters Pongo and Perdita. These Dalmatian dogs have hundreds of puppies. They meet unexpectedly and make their owners fall in love too.

One day, a designer named Cruella de Vil becomes obsessed with Dalmatian fur. She wants to use Anita and Roger's dog fur for her fashion designs. In fact, she goes to great lengths, including kidnapping Pongo and Perdita's puppies, to have the Dalmatian fur for her clothing.

So, those are the must-watch Disney live-action films.

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