"The Jungle Book" (2016) is a live-action adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic novel and a reimagining of Disney's animated film of the same name. It follows the journey of Mowgli, a young human boy who was raised by a pack of wolves in the jungles of India. Under the care and guidance of the wise panther Bagheera and the loving wolf mother Raksha, Mowgli grows up with the jungle animals as his family, learning the ways of the wild and developing a unique bond with the creatures around him.

However, Mowgli's idyllic life is threatened when the fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who has a deep-seated hatred for humans, returns to the jungle. Fearing for Mowgli's safety, Bagheera decides to take him back to the human village where he can be safe from Shere Khan's wrath. Reluctant to leave his home and the animal family he loves, Mowgli embarks on a journey through the dense jungle, encountering various dangers and making new friends along the way.

The film's pacing and narrative were well-balanced, blending action, humor, and heartfelt moments seamlessly. Its lush cinematography and breathtaking landscapes added to the immersive experience, transporting viewers into a world of wonder and enchantment. Audience are also impressed with the seamless integration of CGI and live-action elements, making "The Jungle Book" stand out as a technical marvel and one of the best Disney live-action remakes.

Release: 2016

Stars: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

"Pete's Dragon" (2016) follows the heartwarming and magical tale of a young boy named Pete who finds an unlikely friend and protector in a dragon named Elliot. After a tragic car accident claims the lives of Pete's parents, the young boy becomes lost in the forest and is rescued by Elliot, an enormous green dragon with the ability to turn invisible. Over the course of six years, Pete and Elliot form a deep and unbreakable bond, living together in the hidden depths of the forest.

One day, a forest ranger named Grace discovers Pete and takes him back to the nearby town of Millhaven. There, Pete tries to adjust to human civilization but struggles to find his place in the world without his dragon companion. Despite the kindness of Grace and her family, Pete is determined to return to the forest to reunite with Elliot.

"Pete's Dragon" is a delightful reimagining of the classic Disney film from 1977. This modern version seamlessly blends live-action with stunning CGI to bring Elliot the dragon to life in a way that feels both realistic and whimsical. With stunning visual effects, it manages to evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia, while also delivering a fresh and contemporary take on the timeless story.

Release: 2016

Stars: Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Oakes Fegley

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

"Cinderella" (2015) is a live-action adaptation of the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault. The film follows the story of Ella, a kind and gentle young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn after the sudden death of her beloved mother. Left in the care of her doting father, Ella cherishes the happy memories of her childhood, where her parents taught her to "have courage and be kind."

However, Ella's life changes drastically when her father remarries Lady Tremaine, a cold and cruel woman who brings her two equally unpleasant daughters, Anastasia and Drisella, into the household. After her father's untimely passing during a business trip, Ella finds herself at the mercy of her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, forced to become their servant and given the demeaning nickname "Cinderella" due to her ashy appearance from sitting by the fireplace.

As one of the best Disney live-action remakes, "Cinderella" embraces the timeless tale of love, courage, and transformation, weaving a beautifully reimagined narrative that showcases the strength of kindness and the power of belief in one's dreams. Director Kenneth Branagh breathes new life into this classic fairy tale, with Lily James delivering a heartfelt performance as Ella, and Richard Madden bringing charm and charisma to the role of Prince Kit. The film's stunning visuals, enchanting score, and captivating storytelling preserve the magic and wonder of the beloved fairy tale for generations to come.

Release: 2015

Stars: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%

"Cruella" serves as a prequel to the classic Disney animated film "101 Dalmatians." Set in 1970s London, the movie delves into the origin story of one of Disney's most iconic and notorious villains, Cruella de Vil.

The story centers on Estella Miller, a young and ambitious aspiring fashion designer with a distinctive two-toned hairdo. Growing up as an orphan, Estella dreams of making it big in the world of fashion and escaping her humble beginnings. Alongside her loyal and mischievous friends, Jasper and Horace, she navigates the streets of London, where her talent for fashion catches the eye of the wealthy and renowned fashion designer, Baroness von Hellman.

Under the tutelage of the Baroness, Estella gets a taste of the glamorous and cutthroat fashion world. However, she soon discovers dark secrets about her past and the true nature of the Baroness, leading her on a path of revenge and transformation into the infamous Cruella de Vil.

Directed by Craig Gillespie, the movie boasts a vibrant and stylish visual palette, complemented by a brilliant soundtrack featuring classic rock hits from the '60s and '70s. "Cruella" breathes new life into the timeless character, standing as a thrilling and entertaining addition to the Disney live-action film repertoire.

Release: 2021

Stars: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%

Set in a small French village, the story of "Beauty and The Beast" revolves around Belle, a bright and independent young woman with a love for books and a longing for adventure. She lives with her eccentric inventor father, Maurice.

One day, Maurice goes missing on his way to a fair, and Belle sets out to find him. She discovers that he has been captured by a Beast who resides in a cursed castle deep in the woods. Belle offers herself as a prisoner in her father's place, and as she enters the castle, she encounters living household objects that can talk, cook, and clean due to a powerful enchantment placed on the castle.

The Beast is revealed to be a cursed prince, who was transformed by an enchantress because of his selfish and arrogant nature. The curse can only be broken if he learns to love and is loved in return before the last petal of a magical rose falls. However, time is running out, and the Beast's chances of breaking the curse seem bleak.

One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to strike a perfect balance between nostalgia and originality. "Beauty and The Beast" pays homage to the animated classic through its iconic musical numbers and memorable scenes, while also introducing new songs and expanded backstories for some characters, adding dimension to the already rich narrative.

Release: 2017

Stars: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%