Love it or hate it, Rotten Tomatoes is now more important than ever when it comes to whether moviegoers decide to check out the latest releases in theaters (well, when they were still being released in them), and it's not uncommon for studios to tout scores as proudly as star ratings.
Recently, Cruella arrived in theaters and on Disney+'s Premier Access service, and it's once again got everyone talking about Disney's approach to its live-action remakes, prequels and sequels. There have been a lot of them in this modern era, though they're also something that have been around since 101 Dalmations in 1996 (that has a lowly 41%, but it's just the recent ones we're focusing on here).
We think you'll be surprised how they all stack up according to critics on the review aggregator, and as for what comes out on top...well, you might just be surprised what's considered the best movie.
To take a look through this feature, all you guys need to do is click the "Next" button below!
14. Alice Through The Looking Glass
Score: 29%
Rotten or Fresh? Rotten
Critics Consensus: Alice Through the Looking Glass is just as visually impressive as its predecessor, but that isn't enough to cover for an underwhelming story that fails to live up to its classic characters.
Director James Bobin attempted to pick up where Tim Burton left off with this entirely unnecessary Alice in Wonderland sequel, and we were left with a movie that...well, had no reason to exist. It was all a bit weird and dumb, and no one was surprised when it ultimately bombed at the global box office (well, Disney may have been after the first grossed over $1 billion...).
13. Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil
Score: 39%
Rotten or Fresh? Rotten
Critics Consensus: While it's far from cursed, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil too rarely supports its impressive cast and visuals with enough magical storytelling to justify its existence.
Talking of sequels that didn't need to happen, this Maleficent follow-up was an unbelievable chore to watch. Putting aside how weirdly dark things got in the murderous final act, at least Angelina Jolie was on top form. However, this bizarre Sleeping Beauty spinoff has now run its course and doesn't need to be revisited regardless of how good the cast is.
12. Dumbo
Score: 46%
Rotten or Fresh? Rotten
Critics Consensus: Dumbo is held partly aloft by Tim Burton's visual flair, but a crowded canvas and overstretched story leave this live-action remake more workmanlike than wondrous.
Debuting exclusively on Disney+, Dumbo featured an all-star cast and some terrific CGI. However, its attempts to stretch out what was a relatively simple story fell flat, and it's no wonder we forgot this one even existed before compiling this list. It's not that bad, though, and worth making your own mind up over because there are some undeniably charming moments to be found here.
11. Alice In Wonderland
Score: 51%
Rotten or Fresh? Rotten
Critics Consensus: Tim Burton's Alice sacrifices the book's minimal narrative coherence -- and much of its heart -- but it's an undeniable visual treat.
That score seems wholly appropriate as this is a movie you will either love or hate. Honestly, it's one of Tim Burton's worst efforts in our opinion, and it was beyond tedious to see Johnny Depp deliver yet another of his typical "weird" performances. Visually, it was delightful, but that's probably about the nicest thing we can say about an adaptation that's utterly bonkers.
10. The Lion King
Score: 52%
Rotten or Fresh? Rotten
Critics Consensus: While it can take pride in its visual achievements, The Lion King is a by-the-numbers retelling that lacks the energy and heart that made the original so beloved--though for some fans that may just be enough.
Some of you are going to disagree with us, but there's no way The Lion King deserves that score. Yes, it didn't really bring anything new to the table as a shot for shot remake of the animated classic, but the visual effects were jaw-dropping, the voice cast was terrific, and the songs definitely still hit the mark. Jon Favreau changed the game here, and the movie makes for very enjoyable viewing.
9. Maleficent
Score: 54%
Rotten or Fresh? Rotten
Critics Consensus: Angelina Jolie's magnetic performance outshines Maleficent's dazzling special effects; unfortunately, the movie around them fails to justify all that impressive effort.
As we mentioned while talking about the sequel, this live-action take on Sleeping Beauty has always been a little strange. That aside, and this first attempt was fun in at least some respects...primarily down to Jolie and the talented Elle Fanning. It's easy to see why fans still aren't sold on these live-action movies after this early effort because it left us all wondering, "What's the point?"
8. Aladdin
Score: 57%
Rotten or Fresh? Rotten
Critics Consensus: Aladdin retells its classic source material's story with sufficient spectacle and skill, even if it never approaches the dazzling splendor of the animated original.
Once again, we feel this score is way off base because Guy Ritchie's take on Aladdin was a joyous surprise with a superb soundtrack and great cast. The only real disappointments were Marwan Kenzari as Jafar (he really didn't do the iconic baddie justice), while the final act was also a little too muted for our liking. As for Will Smith as Genie, we can't fault his performance because he was on top form here.
7. Lady And The Tramp
Score: 66%
Rotten or Fresh? Fresh
Critics Consensus: Lady and the Tramp's cute dogs and likable cast work-well enough, but the live-action update lacks some of the magic that made the original 1955 film such a delight.
Lady and the Tramp wasn't exactly crying out for a live-action adaptation, but we got one with this forgettable, but far from offensive, movie made for Disney+. Justin Theroux and Tessa Thompson were alright as the two leads, but this just didn't feel like anything special and was lacking on charm. Honestly, it felt like a TV movie, though it's likely to be enjoyed by fans of the original.
6. Beauty and The Beast
Score: 71%
Rotten or Fresh? Fresh
Critics Consensus: With an enchanting cast, beautifully crafted songs, and a painterly eye for detail, Beauty and the Beast offers a faithful yet fresh retelling that honors its beloved source material.
This tale as old as time worked wonderfully on the big screen, and featured an incredible voice cast, some lovely visuals, and plenty of great songs. Emma Watson was brilliant as this fiery, intelligent version of Belle, but it was Luke Evans who stole the show as Gaston alongside Josh Gad's hilarious LeFou. This movie managed to enchant just about everyone, and we can't recommend it highly enough.
5. Christopher Robin
Score: 72%
Rotten or Fresh?
Critics Consensus: Christopher Robin may not equal A.A. Milne's stories -- or their animated Disney adaptations -- but it should prove sweet enough for audiences seeking a little childhood magic.
The way director Marc Forster chose to shoot Christopher Robin was a little odd (putting these beloved characters in a muted post-World War II setting), but how could you not love seeing Winnie the Pooh and friends in live-action? It was a sweet, charming story, and one that warmed our hearts. It's a shame we haven't seen a sequel, but can only hope it's a concept Disney revisits down the line.
5. Mulan
Score: 72%
Rotten or Fresh? Certified Fresh
Critics Consensus: It could have told its classic story with greater depth, but the live-action Mulan is a visual marvel that serves as a stirring update to its animated predecessor.
Mulan delivered a badass take on the animated classic that featured some great visuals and plenty of memorable action scenes. The villain didn't really strike a chord with us, though, and many elements from the original were sorely missed. It was just a little too grounded in reality, lacking much of the charm and humour (and songs!) that made this character and her world so special in the first place.
4. Cruella
Score: 73%
Rotten or Fresh? Fresh
Critics Consensus: Cruella can't quite answer the question of why its title character needed an origin story, but this dazzling visual feast is awfully fun to watch whenever its leading ladies lock horns.
The latest live-action spinoff from Disney is arguably the best (in our opinion, at least), and Cruella really shines thanks to the way it delivers something unlike any other movie featured here. Part-Joker, part-The Devil Wears Prada, Emma Stone is on top form here, as is Emma Thompson. Throw in some stunning fashion and visuals, and we'd be shocked if you don't have a good time with this one.
3. Cinderella
Score: 83%
Rotten or Fresh? Certified Fresh
Critics Consensus: Refreshingly traditional in a revisionist era, Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella proves Disney hasn't lost any of its old-fashioned magic.
This one gets overlooked, but those of you wanting some classic Disney couldn't go wrong with the live-action Cinderella. Serving as both a faithful adaptation of the animated movie while updating it for today, it also featured some memorable performances from the likes of Cate Blanchett, Lily James, Richard Madden, and Helena Bonham Carter. If you have a young daughter, they will love this.
2. Pete's Dragon
Score: 88%
Rotten or Fresh? Certified Fresh
Critics Consensus: Pete's Dragon continues Disney's current live-action winning streak with an update that gives the original a visual overhaul without overwhelming its sweet, soulful charm.
Yeah, we're a little surprised to see this rank so highly too, but Pete's Dragon clearly resonated with critics back in 2016. It was certainly a charming movie, and one that struck an emotional chord, all while telling the sweet - and often funny - story of a boy and his dragon. We're not sure it deserves to be quite this critically acclaimed, but we'd recommend hunting it down if you haven't already.
1. The Jungle Book
Score: 94%
Rotten or Fresh? Certified Fresh
Critics Consensus: As lovely to behold as it is engrossing to watch, The Jungle Book is the rare remake that actually improves upon its predecessors -- all while setting a new standard for CGI.
The Jungle Book definitely deserves the top spot, and not just because it was another technical masterpiece from Jon Favreau. Like the best of Disney's live-action movies, it updated the classic material while still finding a way to remain faithful to what made that special. The voice cast here was insanely good, and we're definitely surprised not to have seen more of the talented Neel Sethi since 2016.