10 Disney Movies That Deserve a Live-Action Remake and Who Should Star in Them

Disney continues mining its animated vault for live-action gold, but which films deserve the remake treatment next? 

Let’s face it, Disney’s not stopping with the live-action remakes anytime soon. With their vault of classics getting the real-world treatment one by one, there are still plenty of animated gems just waiting for their turn in the spotlight. Some deserve a second chance, others are too good to pass up. Here’s a dream list of 10 Disney films that should get the live-action treatment next, along with some casting picks that would make these remakes absolute must-sees.

1. Atlantis: The Lost Empire

This 2001 adventure never got the love it deserved, but its steampunk aesthetics and action sequences would be perfect for the big screen today. Tom Holland could totally nail Milo Thatch’s awkward but determined vibe, while Zendaya would bring the right fierce energy as Princess Kida. Daniel Kaluuya as Dr. Sweet? Yes, please. The underwater city, the mysterious crystal energy source, those submarine battles – with today’s special effects, this forgotten gem could finally get the audience it deserves.

2. Treasure Planet

Remember this sci-fi spin on Treasure Island? Probably not, since it bombed at the box office, but those solar-sailing ships and space pirates would look mind-blowing with modern CGI. Timothée Chalamet could bring the right amount of teenage angst to Jim Hawkins, and nobody would make a better Long John Silver than Idris Elba. The weird alien creatures, the flying sequences, and that surprisingly emotional story about finding father figures in unexpected places would feel amazing in live-action.

3. The Black Cauldron

Disney’s darkest animated feature flopped hard in 1985, but its creepy fantasy world feels perfect for today’s audiences who grew up with Lord of the Rings. Finn Wolfhard would make a great Taran – all impulsive decisions and gradual growing up – while Florence Pugh could bring some depth to Princess Eilonwy. And just picture Willem Dafoe as the Horned King… those nightmare faces he can make? Perfect for Disney’s most terrifying villain.

4. The Sword in the Stone

With all the Arthurian legends getting rebooted every few years, why not Disney’s whimsical take? Owen Cooper (fresh off his breakout role in Netflix’s Adolescence) would make a perfect young Arthur/Wart, bringing that mix of clumsiness and hidden potential the role needs. Pair him with Ian McKellen as an eccentric, somewhat absent-minded Merlin, and you’ve got magic. Those transformation sequences where they turn into different animals would be stunning with today’s tech.

5. Frozen

Imagine seeing a real Ice Palace (or at least photorealistic). Anya Taylor-Joy has the haunted eyes and vocal range for Elsa, while Millie Bobby Brown could bring something fresh to Anna’s determination and awkward charm. For Kristoff, John Krasinski has that perfect “I’m annoyed but secretly charmed by you” energy. The Norwegian winter landscapes would be breathtaking in live action, and let’s be honest – we’d all show up to hear “Let It Go” with a full orchestra and real performers.

6. Moana

The ocean journey deserves the same treatment The Lion King got, but with actual humans playing the leads. Au’ili Cravalho should absolutely reprise her role as Moana – she’s older now and could bring even more depth to the character she was born to play. Keep Dwayne Johnson as Maui because, seriously, who else could do it? That sequence where the ocean parts to make a path? The lava monster? The bioluminescent realm of monsters? Take my money now.

7. Encanto

The magical casita with its shifting rooms and emotional connection to the family feels tailor-made for a mix of practical sets and visual effects. Isabela Merced could perfectly capture Mirabel’s outsider perspective and stubborn optimism. The powers of the various family members would create opportunities for some jaw-dropping sequences – Luisa’s super strength, Isabella’s flowers, Bruno’s visions – while Colombia’s stunning landscapes would provide that perfect backdrop of magical realism.

8. Tangled

Rapunzel locked in her tower with magical growing hair seems ripe for the live-action treatment. Sabrina Carpenter has both the wide-eyed innocence and hidden strength the role needs, plus she could nail those songs. Glen Powell has that smolder down pat and would make a Flynn Rider worth falling for. The lantern scene alone would be worth the price of admission – thousands of golden lights reflecting on the water under a starry sky would be visual magic.

9. The Princess and the Frog

New Orleans in the Roaring Twenties is a setting that deserves the full live-action treatment – the jazz clubs, the bayou, the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras. Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy would be a revelation as Tiana, bringing authentic musical chops and that perfect mix of pragmatic determination. LaKeith Stanfield could hit all the right notes as the charming but spoiled Prince Naveen. Dr. Facilier’s shadow magic would be genuinely creepy with the right effects team, and the “Almost There” sequence could blend 2D animation with live action for something truly special.

10. Big Hero 6

The futuristic mashup city of San Fransokyo alone would be worth seeing realized in live action, with its blend of Eastern and Western architecture. Brandon Soo Hoo could bring real emotional depth to Hiro’s grief and growth, while a carefully designed Baymax would need to maintain his huggable marshmallow vibes while seeming totally real. The superhero team elements would hit that Marvel sweet spot but with a refreshingly different angle focused on healing rather than just punching bad guys. Plus, those flying sequences over the city would look straight-up gorgeous.