5 Disney Animated Movies with Great Live-Action Potential

With the live-action remake of “Moana” underperforming critically and commercially, some people are wondering if Disney’s live-action remakes have run their course. Indeed, many people are tired of how Disney is churning out remake after remake, and “Moana” was heavily criticized for following the original movie too closely and playing it too safe. However, there are some Disney movies that could have potential for great live-action remakes, particularly their more underrated movies that would force them to not play it safe. Let’s take a look at five of them.

5 Disney Animated Movies that Could be Great in Live-Action

1. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”

One of Disney’s greatest and most underrated movies, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” could make for an amazing live-action adaptation. Given that the movie is darker and grittier than Disney’s usual offerings, the remake could aim for an older audience. It could also utilize elements and songs from the Disney-produced stage musical. It wouldn’t even have to be a tragedy – Disney could embrace the dark tone while still keeping the uplifting ending from the original movie. If it went for a PG-13 rating and kept the songs from the original, this remake could be fantastic. 

2. “The Black Cauldron”

This is another one of Disney’s darker offerings, and this fantasy epic could make for an awesome live-action movie in the style of movies like “Lord of the Rings.” Again, Disney could go for a PG-13 rating and aim the remake at older fans. Imagine a cute CGI version of the Stitch-like creature Gurgi, or a terrifying CGI version of the already-horrifying Horned King. Since “The Black Cauldron” is based on a book series, you could even have a whole franchise.

3. “Atlantis: The Lost Empire”

Disney had so much hope for this action-adventure movie to set off a massive franchise, but alas, it underperformed at the box office. However, in the years since, it has earned a well-deserved cult following who would probably love a live-action version. The remake could be longer, giving the movie more time to flesh out the ragtag group of adventurers and the culture of Atlantis itself. Perhaps Disney’s dreams of an Atlantis franchise could finally come true.

4. “Treasure Planet”

This is one of the greatest Disney movies of all time, but once again, it disappointed at the box office. However, like “Atlantis,” it has developed a prominent cult following in the years that followed. In live-action, it could be a “Star Wars”-style space fantasy with breathtaking action scenes. The original “Treasure Planet” also came out a year after 9/11, and as such, it was censored by removing the swords. Now, Disney could feel free to include as many swords as they wanted and include some proper pirate swordfights. 

5. “Brave”

Disney hasn’t remade any Pixar films yet, but if they ever wanted to start remaking Pixar films, “Brave” would have a lot of potential in live-action. The original film had a rather cliché story, but a remake could further flesh out the world and the characters and help them feel less cliché. It could even work as a musical. Imagine a live-action Merida belting out the gorgeous song “Touch the Sky” from the original. With some new songs and some tender love, this remake could work. 

Remakes Aren’t Necessarily Bad

Are live-action remakes necessary? No, but that doesn’t mean they’re always bad movies. Some of the remakes have been decent movies when taken as their own things. If Disney looked at some of their lesser-known films, they could give them second chances in live-action. Remaking the above films would also stimulate interest in the originals and help audiences rediscover Disney’s stranger side. These films absolutely deserve more recognition.