Every Live-Action Disney Princess Movie Ranked and Where To Watch Them
Disney has been on a live-action remake streak, bringing its most iconic animated princesses to life on the big screen. While some of these adaptations have breathed new life into old classics, others have sparked controversy or failed to capture the original magic. Here's a ranking of every live-action Disney princess movie from worst to best and where you can watch them online.
Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland was a dark, visually spectacular retelling of Lewis Carroll’s classic. With Johnny Depp’s quirky Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter’s Red Queen, and Mia Wasikowska’s strong Alice, the film became a massive box-office hit. While it took creative liberties, its Gothic aesthetic and dreamlike storytelling set it apart from other Disney remakes.
Despite early skepticism, Aladdin turned out to be a fun, vibrant remake of the 1992 animated classic. Will Smith had big shoes to fill as the Genie, but his charismatic, fresh take on the role won over many fans. Naomi Scott’s Jasmine was given more agency, and the film’s Bollywood-inspired dance sequences added an extra layer of energy. While it wasn’t perfect, Aladdin delivered enough nostalgia and excitement to stand as one of Disney’s stronger live-action adaptations.
Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella is one of Disney’s best live-action remakes, thanks to its stunning visuals, heartfelt performances, and classic fairy tale feel. Lily James brought warmth and charm to Cinderella, while Cate Blanchett’s wicked stepmother stole the show. Unlike other remakes that tried to over-modernize their stories, Cinderella embraced old-school Disney magic with a whimsical yet grounded adaptation.
Unlike other remakes, Maleficent took a bold new approach, retelling Sleeping Beauty from the villain’s perspective. Angelina Jolie’s commanding presence as Maleficent and the film’s darker, more complex storytelling made it stand out. While it wasn’t a direct remake, it explored themes of betrayal, love, and redemption, adding depth to Maleficent’s character. This fresh take on Disney’s most famous villain helped launch a new era of live-action reimaginings.
Disney’s newest live-action remake, Snow White (2025), stars Rachel Zegler as the titular princess and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. While the film had its fair share of online controversies, Zegler’s musical performance and the lavish Disney production values still makes it a must-watch for fans of the animated classic. The film also updates the original’s somewhat dated premise by making the prince less of a stalker and giving more agency to Snow White as a leader who learns to live on her rather than just being a damsel in distress.
Disney’s Mulan attempted to reimagine the 1998 animated classic with a more grounded, action-packed approach. While it removed musical numbers and Mushu, it introduced a more serious war epic tone inspired by Chinese wuxia films. Liu Yifei’s Mulan was a fierce warrior, and the lavish cinematography and epic battle sequences made the film visually stunning. However, the film was met with controversy over historical inaccuracies and filming locations, as well as criticism for removing key elements that made the original beloved.
Starring Emma Watson as Belle, Beauty and the Beast was a faithful yet somewhat safe remake of the 1991 classic. While it expanded Belle’s backstory and independence, some criticized the overuse of CGI and the lack of emotional depth in certain performances. However, Dan Stevens as Beast and the film’s stunning costumes and set design helped keep it a visually appealing retelling of the beloved tale.
Halle Bailey’s stellar performance as Ariel and the film’s gorgeous underwater visuals were praised, but The Little Mermaid (2023) was met with mixed reactions. Some critics felt the CGI-heavy sequences and the changes to classic songs (like Under the Sea) didn’t quite capture the magic of the original. However, Bailey’s charismatic lead performance and Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula helped make this remake one of Disney’s better modern adaptations.
While Alice in Wonderland (2010) was a massive success, its sequel, Alice Through the Looking Glass, failed to recapture the same charm. With a convoluted time-travel plot and underwhelming visuals, the film felt more style than substance. Despite an all-star cast, including Johnny Depp and Mia Wasikowska, the film lacked the heart of the original Lewis Carroll story. It was a box office disappointment, proving that not every live-action fairy tale needs a sequel.
The sequel to Maleficent tried to expand the world of Disney’s most famous villain, but ended up feeling unnecessary. While Angelina Jolie remained captivating as Maleficent, the film’s complicated political storyline and excessive CGI battles detracted from its emotional core. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil was visually stunning but lacked the fairy tale magic that made the first film compelling.
