We’ve ranked the top five worst Disney live-action remakes. Throughout the years, the studio’s live-action adaptations of its popular animated movies have been hit-and-miss with critics and audiences. With the upcoming debut of its newest Moana movie on July 10, we looked at each film’s current Tomatometer ratings on Rotten Tomatoes to determine which ones have gotten the worst critic scores.
5 worst Disney live-action remakes ranked by RT score
5) Dumbo (2019) – 45%
The fifth spot officially goes to Tim Burton’s 2019 remake of Dumbo, which received a 45% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Although it wasn’t a “shot for shot” copy, many critics felt that the live-action adaptation failed to capture the heart and emotion of the classic 1941 movie. The movie was also criticized for its circus drama subplot, which took away screen time from its adorable titular elephant. Despite the flawed script, some critics did acknowledge Burton’s visual aesthetics for the film.
4) 101 Dalmatians (1996) – 39%
Next up is 1996’s adventure comedy movie 101 Dalmatians, which famously featured Academy Award nominee Glenn Close’s iconic portrayal of the villain Cruella de Vil. During its theatrical run, the film received a 39% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Although it has become an instant Disney classic thanks to Close’s legendary performance, the live-action remake was initially criticized for its repetitive slapstick gags. Some also didn’t like the creative team’s decision not to give voices to its titular dogs, because it removed their characters’ personalities. Despite the mixed reception, it still became one of that year’s highest-grossing movies with a gross of over $320 million.
3) Snow White (2025) – 39%
Ranking third is the 2025 live-action Snow White movie, which starred Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot. Even before its debut, it was plagued by multiple controversies involving its cast and creative decisions. These factors greatly affected the film’s ratings and box office performance. Following its debut, it received a 39% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Without considering the film’s pre-release setbacks, the movie was ultimately criticized for its visual style, questionable CGI design of the dwarf characters, and messy narrative. Despite this, Zegler’s vibrant performance and vocal prowess were still recognized by critics.
2) Moana (2026) – 36%
Taking the second spot is the upcoming Moana movie, which debuts with a 36% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The newest addition to Disney’s live-action remake roster disappoints critics with its uninspired take on the award-winning 2016 film. Many critics felt that the movie’s visuals looked so dull compared to the original’s vibrant animation style. In addition, Dwayne Johnson’s live-action debut as Maui has also been garnering negative reactions from critics. Many believed that Johnson struggled to translate his character’s charisma from the animated movies into the live-action remake. On the other hand, his co-star and newcomer Catherine Laga’aia has been getting glowing reviews for delivering a strong feature debut.
1) Pinocchio (2022) – 27%
Claiming the title of the lowest-rated Disney live-action remake is 2022’s musical fantasy film Pinocchio. Despite its star-studded cast and acclaimed creative team, the Tom Hanks movie was widely panned by critics and audiences. It has a 27% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is disappointing, especially when the original animated movie has a perfect RT score. Many critics felt that it was a hollow and soulless interpretation of the classic Disney film. It was criticized for its controversial ending, which changed the titular character’s fate. Some felt that this alteration defeated the purpose of Pinocchio’s whole character arc.
