3 Disney Animated Movies That Actually Need a Live-Action Remake (Including a Box Office Disaster)

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Disney has embarked on a prolonged endeavor to convert its timeless animated films into live-action adaptations. Titles such as Lilo & Stitch, Aladdin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and others have undergone this transformation, with more in the pipeline. However, one critique of these reimagined stories is that many lack a compelling reason for their existence. For instance, the original animated versions of Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, regarded as classics, have no obvious room for improvement, and any attempt at remaking might only dilute their essence.

If Disney persists with this current plan, we’ve brainstormed some alternative, worthy projects that might profit from a fresh take. These films, while not inherently poor, could certainly benefit from some form of refinement or modernization.

3) The Black Cauldron

In 1985, a movie adaptation of the Welsh history-inspired “Chronicles of Prydain,” was released as the most expensive animated film to date. Unfortunately, its performance at the U.S. box office fell far short of expectations, and its underwhelming reception nearly bankrupted Disney’s animation division.

To put it another way, The Black Cauldron isn’t as terrible as some people might think. In fact, we believe that today’s young audience would find themselves charmed by the spirited Princess Eilonwy and terrified by Disney’s most fearsome villain, the bony Horned King. Not only is there a lovable little pig companion in the story, but this pig also has the unique ability to predict the future. So, all things considered, there’s really nothing not to enjoy about The Black Cauldron!

A new adaptation could provide Disney with a chance to refine the narrative, generate significant sales for porcine merchandise, and potentially create an even more intimidating portrayal of the Horned King (though, if they wish to avoid causing distress to young audiences, they might opt for a less menacing version).

2) Treasure Planet

The animated film, “Treasure Planet,” received positive critiques, yet it failed to shine at the box office. We believe a remake could prosper given the intriguing concept: a sci-fi adaptation of Treasure Island, featuring John Silver as a menacing cybernetic character. Advancements in special effects over the past two decades would significantly enhance the film’s visually appealing universe, making it even more captivating.

In my opinion, even with its captivating sci-fi environment, I believe “Treasure Planet” could use an upgrade in today’s era. The blend of hand-drawn animation and CGI, while innovative at the time, felt slightly disjointed back in 2002. A contemporary remake could deliver a more harmonious visual experience. Furthermore, I have no doubt that fans would be thrilled with a live-action portrayal of Captain Amelia.

1) Meet the Robinsons

In simpler terms, the movie titled “Meet the Robinsons” was Disney’s second feature-length film to be entirely computer-animated, following “Chicken Little“. Unfortunately, the human characters appear quite simple with smooth, untextured skin, and the surroundings resemble screensavers. Overall, everything seems rather basic.

The tale is quite enjoyable, but it could use a visual overhaul to modernize its appearance. A blend of live-action characters with computer-generated backgrounds might be an effective approach, similar to the movie “Dinosaur” but reversed, making the setting more realistic while keeping the characters relatable and appealing to contemporary audiences who might question why everyone appears to be made of soft, eraser-like materials.

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2025-09-10 19:15