15 Animations that turned in to live action movies

Animations are a powerful medium of creativity and can both whisk away audiences into a magical world and also help portray reality. Animations tell important stories in a compelling manner and they often play a role in igniting nostalgia. It is no wonder then that there has been a recent trade going on that wants to bring the animated world to life on screen. Here are some movies that serve as live-action remakes of classic animations.

1. The Little Mermaid (2023)

Directed by Rob Marshall and starring Halle Bailey, Awkwafina, Javier Bardem, and others, The Little Mermaid, is a live-action adaptation of the 1989 Disney animated movie of the same name. The story finds its origins in Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. The musical is about a sea mermaid, Ariel, who saves a human from a shipwreck and is enamored by humans. Her troubles begin when she makes a deal with the witch Ursula, to make her walk on land.

2. George of the Jungle (1997)

Based on the animated TV cartoons, George of the Jungle is a live-action remake directed by Sam Weisman and starring Brendan Fraser, Leslie Mann, and others. The popular movie is about a human, George, who is raised by animals in the jungle and as such, has their mannerisms. But when he encounters an heiress and falls for her, he must fight against her fiancé. The movie has loads of comedy and is a family-friendly watch.

3. Aladdin (2019)

Starring Will Smith, Mena Massoud, and others, Aladdin, is a musical live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1992 animated movie of the same name. The story is a part of the One Thousand and One Nights folktales. Fans of the timeless tale will appreciate the visuals as it follows Alladin, a humble guy, who falls in love with Princess Jasmine and must fight against the evil sorcerer Jafar with the help of a genie.

4. Scooby-Doo (2002)

Based on popular children’s cartoons, Scooby-Doo is a live-action remake directed by Raja Gosnell and starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rowan Atkinson, and others. The mystery and comedy adventure film follows a group of four and their Great Dane, that solves mysteries and must investigate this time at a horror-themed resort. The movie was a success and Lillard’s portrayal of Shaggy remains a part of pop culture history.

5. Casper (1995)

Starring Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, and others, Casper is a supernatural comedy movie based on the Harvey Comics character and the later cartoon show. Directed by Brad Silberling, the movie is about the titular docile ghost, who haunts a mansion and befriends a young girl, when she and her father, move into the house. Unknown to Casper, the father is here to rid the place of his presence. The movie received mixed reviews but was a hit amongst audiences.

6. Popeye (1980)

Another live-action remake that is based on a comic and cartoon character, Popeye, is a musical comedy that brings the iconic cartoon character to life in the form of Robin Williams. While Williams compellingly plays the spinach-loving sailor, Shelley Duvall, plays his love interest, Olive. The movie essentially covers how Popeye came to the town of Sweethaven, met Olive, and fell into adventures. The movie has since become a cult classic.

7. Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and others, Beauty and the Beast, is a musical romantic fantasy that remakes the 1991 Disney animated film of the same name. Directed by Bill Condon, the movie adapts the fairy tale version by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. The classic tale revolves around a village girl, Belle, who encounters an unkind prince who is cursed and must fall in love to break free. The hit movie was praised for its songs, visuals, and performances.

8. 101 Dalmatians (1996)

Directed by Stephen Herek and starring Glenn Close, 101 Dalmatians, is a live-action remake of the 1961 animated film of the same name, which is itself based on a novel by Dodie Smith. The movie is about an authoritative fashion designer, Cruella de Vil, who is obsessed with fur garments and hunts a couple’s Dalmatian litter after she decides to use their fur for clothes. The movie is a laughter riot and Close’s performance is a must-watch.

9. Mulan (2020)

Starring Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, and others, Mulan, is a live-action adaptation of the 1998 animated film by Disney and is directed by Niki Caro. The tale behind the movies is based on a Chinese folklore and follows Mulan, the daughter of a revered warrior, who decides to disguise herself as a man and take the place of her father in the war against the Rouran army. The movie received mixed reviews but portrays a strong female lead.

10. Charlotte’s Web (2006)

A live-action remake of the 1973 animated movie and based on the novel by E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web, is a fantasy movie directed by Gary Winick. Starring Dakota Fanning, Kevin Anderson, and others, the movie is about a young girl, Fern, and her loving relationship with a pig, Wilbur. When Wilbur is about to be killed, he befriends a barn spider, Charlotte, who weaves a plan to save him. The movie is a warm and cozy family-friendly watch.

11. The Flintstones (1994)

Starring John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, and others, The Flintstones, is a comedy movie directed by Brian Levant and is based on the 1960 animated TV cartoon of the same name. The movie brings back the iconic characters of Fred, Barney, Wilma, and Betty, who live in a prehistoric setting and undergo adventures together. Even though it got mixed reviews from critics, it was a box office success and brings back nostalgia.

12. Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Directed by Tim Burton and starring Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, and others, Alice in Wonderland, is a live-action remake of the 1951 Disney animated movie and the original creation by Lewis Carroll. The movie tweaks the classic tale a bit as Alice is shown as a 19-year-old who returns to Wonderland. During her adventures, she decides to help the White Queen get her throne back from the Red Queen. The movie has stunning visuals and was a smash hit.

13. Pete’s Dragon (2016)

Based on the 1977 animated film of the same name, Pete’s Dragon is a fantasy and adventure film that stars Bryce Dallas, Wes Bentley, Robert Redford, and others. Directed by David Lowery, the modern rendition is not a musical, unlike its 70s version. The movie is about the friendship between a misunderstood orphan boy and a dragon and the adventures they go on together. The movie received positive reviews and is an engrossing watch.

14. Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)

Directed by David Lowery, Peter Pan & Wendy, is a fantasy adventure live-action remake of Disney’s 1953 animated movie Peter Pan and is based on the play by J.M. Barrie. Starring Alexander Molony, Jude Law, and others, the film is about the adventures that Peter Pan and Wendy go through when they travel to the fantastical kingdom of Neverland and encounter Captain Hook. The movie also features the character of Tinker Bell. An entertaining watch.

15. Cindrella (2015)

Starring Lily James, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, and others, Cindrella, is a romantic fantasy film that is a live-action remake of the famous Disney animated film from 1950. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the story of a kindhearted girl who is cruelly treated by her stepmother and stepsisters, until she meets a prince at a ball, is based on a fairytale by Charles Perrault. The movie was a massive success and is a must-watch.