5 Disney Films That ACTUALLY Need a Live-Action Remake (& Why)

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

For what it is, The Princess and the Frog continues to hold the uniquest of places in Disney history. Not only was it the studios last traditionally animated film, but it also featured its first Black princess in Tiana. Add to that its lovable side characters, terrific music by the great Randy Newman, and an all-time great villain in Dr. Facilier, and this musical fantasy is still remembered fondly. Its positive reputation has slowly started to pay off in the form of a planned follow-up on Disney+ (which got canceled), as well as the opening of Tianas Bayou Adventure at the Disney Parks. All of this to say that The Princess and the Frog is starting to earn its due, and rightfully so. And yet, there are things left to explore with this world, and further exploration could be exactly what it needs to thrive even more.

Set in 1920s New Orleans, The Princess and the Frog makes excellent use of its locations with its vibrant color palette, both in the city and the surrounding bayou. Not to mention, its jazz-heavy soundtrack does right by the city that helped popularize such game-changing music. This is a universe wed want to visit on any given day. That being said, live-action would undoubtedly present an opportunity to address why that comfortability may be a drawback. Specifically, many of the real-life sociocultural issues of the movies period setting frequently go ignored in the animated product. Specifically, a reframing of Tianas story that properly addresses her class and racial status in the Jim Crow south would make for a more authentic viewing experience.

Even though she spends most of the movie as a frog, Tiana remains an empowering figure for younger audiences due to her inherent self-worth and determination to make a better life for herself. And once shes able to achieve her goals by finding the courage to act on them, its nothing short of celebratory. While she wouldnt have to lose anything that makes her a great character, The Princess and the Frog would surely benefit from a deeper understanding of the greater forces standing in Tianas way. We understand that certain lines have to be drawn with family friendly entertainment, but if any Disney movie could benefit from portraying the world as it is rather than how wed like it to be, its this one.

The Sword in the Stone (1963)

For being arguably the most recognizable figures in all of fiction, King Arthur has been a particularly challenging character to adapt for the big screen. Not even Disney has been exempt from this spotty track record. The Sword in the Stone is by no means a bad movie, and even deserves credit for attempting to explore a rarely discussed aspect of the legend. But this glimpse into Arthurs childhood and his education under the wizard Merlin is nevertheless a flawed one. Its biggest issue is that its too loosely plotted for its own good, with Merlins meandering lessons comprising so much of the story that Arthur becomes a bystander in his own legend. The movie tries to compensate for its lack of structure with humor, which may have been good enough for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but less so here. While the characters are memorable, especially the wicked Mad Madam Mim, it still lacks much of what makes the Arthurian myth so endearing.

In order to go off without a hitch, a live-action Sword in the Stone has to properly invest in Arthur as a character while also giving him reason to believe that he is worthy of power. Merlins lessons about the natural laws of the world wouldnt have to change much, nor would any of Archimedes color commentary. But a worthy king should be able to demonstrate as much through his actions. So, on top of his education, a proper examination of Arthurs worthiness would be helped by a more developed relationship between him and his brutish foster brother, Kay. Its a potentially interesting dynamic that could play dividends through Arthurs victory over Kay by the films ending. Rather than simply prove to Kay that he can pull Excalibur from the stone, ritual combat could make for a more convincing demonstration. Not to mention, if there was any chance for Arthur to utilize Merlins lessons about thinking realistically and trusting his instincts, itd be here. And, for what its worth, the thematic parallels between Merlins stand-off against Madam Mim and Arthurs duel with Kay would be certifiably enriching. His triumph would thus be both a physical and moral one, and undoubtedly the ending the movie deserves.

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Something about science fiction and Disney has never truly meshed the way wed like it to. Its quite a shame, because the studios few ventures into the world of tomorrow have all had the potential to reach the classic status of their fantasy and musical works. Chief among these sci-fi hopefuls is Meet the Robinsons, which actually bears quite a resemblance to the Disney films of yesteryear despite its time travel setup and futuristic setting. After all, Todayland remains perfectly in line with zany locales like Wonderland and Neverland. Each is visited by eager outsiders looking for a place to belong and inhabited by eccentrics who are happy to show them the way. Disneys attempts at bringing these other strange worlds to life may have left something to be desired, but wed be thrilled to see them give Meet the Robinsons version of the future a chance. And why shouldnt they? Protagonist Lewis is one of Disneys most relatable, the titular family is one of their most underrated supporting casts, and its themes of self-worth and found family make it certifiably heartwarming.

Should Disney be bold enough to give Meet the Robinsons the greenlight for a second time, recapturing its utopian essence may not be as hard as it sounds. If it were up to us, wed be getting the visionary Brad Bird on the phone to pick up where Tomorrowland left off. In many ways, Birds 2015 adventure and Meet the Robinsons are one and the same. However, whereas the formers epic scope is often hampered by its confusing plot and overabundance of ideas, the latter is the more simplified and character-driven of the two. As such, Disney would be as crazy as a band of singing frogs not to find the best of both worlds by joining Tomorrowlands ambition with the heart of Meet the Robinsons. Despite any flaws they may have, both are stunningly original movies in their own right, so any chance to unite them into one all-out sci-fi extravaganza is one worth taking. Heres hoping their heads arent too big and their arms arent too little to make this future a reality.

Treasure Planet (2002)

If space is the final frontier, then a live-action Treasure Planet could go where no Disney project has gone before. With the original turning Robert Louis Stevensons classic novel inside out, its diversion from the established Disney formula makes its mere existence something of a miracle. No musical numbers, no fairytales, just a fun throwback adventure with an otherworldly twist. Treasure Planet is both family friendly and mature, giving the stories of Jim Hawkins and John Silver serious stakes yet packing them with loads of heart.

Youd think theres not much a live-action update could do to improve upon such an achievement. And yet, Treasure Planet remains a tantalizing prospect because of everything it excels at. If nothing else, another journey to the stars would provide us with some closure after the original film unjustly bombed at the box office. Moreover, its blend of practicality and forward-thinking CGI would be something live-action would do well to honor.

The Walt Disney Company finds itself uniquely situated to give Treasure Planet new life. For one thing, theres the companys purchase of Lucasfilm and its expansion of the Star Wars franchise with various films, Disney+ series, and theme park attractions. For another, Pirates of the Caribbean has provided the Mouse House with one of its most successful franchises of the century so far. Although the latter has been at a creative standstill for nearly a decade, perhaps the swashbuckling subgenre could find a new lease on life with a healthy dose of space opera thrown into the mix.

Thanks to its emphasis on relationships, especially when it comes to the complex dynamic between Jim and Silver, Treasure Planet could be the perfect outlet for such a revival. Balancing its thrilling story of looting aliens with human themes, its imaginative view of galaxies far far away could only be enhanced by the very best that modern filmmaking has to offer. Wed be oh-so curious to see if directors Ron Clements and John Musker would be willing to take the reins once more. If not, then we wouldnt mind if Pixar giant Andrew Stanton was keen on giving live-action another chance. His previous foray, John Carter, may not have lived up to expectations, but much like space itself, the possibilities with this one are endless.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

With its blend of steampunk and globe-trotting adventure, Atlantis: The Lost Empires ambition and diverse influences make it well overdue for live-action excellence. In fact, the foundation for this storys retrofuturistic aesthetic was actually built decades earlier. Disneys groundbreaking adaptation of Jules Vernes 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea featured a Nautilus that was luxuriously designed yet equipped for warfare nonetheless. The quirky treasure-hunting team at the heart of Atlantis are deeply indebted to Verne, as well, with the adorkable Milo Thatch also recalling shades of Indiana Jones for good measure. Between the formers audacious visual design and the latters timeless appeal, both properties can easily continue to serve as inspiration for an Atlantis update. Not to mention, the overwhelming success of James Camerons Avatar franchise has proven that audiences still long for visually resplendent journeys to other worlds, meaning that the cult following Atlantis has gradually developed over time could blossom into true adoration if done right.

The deciding factor will likely be how balanced the story is. One of the main issues holding back the original Atlantis is its brisk pace. Like Treasure Planet, its panoramic blend of 2D and 3D animation remains a sight to behold. However, its commendable exploration of imperialism and capitalism often comes at the expense of Milos journey and the fascinating people he meets along the way. This is a problem that can be remedied by providing equal focus to both the crews underwater escapades and the Atlantean culture. Between Milo, Kida, Audrey, Sweet, and Vinny, among many more, the Atlantis cast is diverse and has loads of personality. These characters are so top notch that there are too many fan castings on our minds to list here, and the intrigue of whod ultimately earn these parts would be a journey in and of itself.

To put it another way, 90 minutes simply isnt enough time to develop this roster and their individual goals. Live-action typically makes longer runtimes a more acceptable standard, and ample time would be necessary to make Atlantis a culture wed crave to explore, and a destination well worth the journey. Heres hoping that, if a live-action Atlantis is ever to happen, time remains a critical component in building this adventure carefully and respectfully enough to make us return again and again.

Is there a particular Disney movie you think the studio should remake in live-action? Is there one you think should be left to thrive in animation? Be sure to let us know down in the comments!