Top 5 live-action Disney Princess movies, ranked

Disney's live-action remakes of its iconic princesses have been one of the main attractions for the studio ever since live-action films came into action. From Lily James' Cinderella to Emma Watson's Belle, it has certainly been a delight for fans to watch their animated princesses come to life.

Although criticism has also followed some of the projects, as many pointed out inaccuracies, newer elements, and more woke takes on the plots, for the most part, Disney has preserved the original tales' magic, full of life and sparkles, and enchanting elements. So far, Disney has produced live-action films for seven princesses. Here are the five best ones, ranked accordingly

Disclaimer - This article contains the author's opinions. Reader's discretion is advised.

5. Snow White

No Disney live-action film has come close to the controversies that Snow White accumulated in its weeks before and after release. Starring Rachel Zegler in the lead role, the film took a more modern take on the classic fairytale, omitting the prince from the story, changing the origins to Snow White's name, giving the film a more protagonist-centric ending and casting a Latina as the titular princess who was originally named so for her fair skin.

Keeping the controversies aside, Zegler's portrayal is a pretty fresh take on the story, and as a Broadway singer, her voice is stunning and fits in well with all the magical musical elements of the film. The introduction of a new character, Jonathon, who replaces the prince's role, has seen neutral reactions, as have the more feminist themes the film tried to portray in contrast to the damsel-in-distress trope the original film followed.

4. The Little Mermaid

Halle Bailey's portrayal as the Little Mermaid's Ariel created history as she became the first Black actress to portray a live-action Disney princess. Although the film started off with initial backlash because of her casting, it was also a conversation starter on representation and diversity, considering that Ariel's race was not a significant part of her story, unlike Snow White.

Bailey was radiant as Ariel, with a striking voice that was approved by the original Ariel, Jodi Benson. However, the only drawbacks of the film were its costume choices, which were not accurate to the original cartoon. Halle's Ariel wore much darker costumes, and even her hair did not match the 1989 version's bright red.

Apart from that, the film was a fresh take on the ocean princess and her iconic love story with Prince Eric.

3. Aladdin

Aladdin might be the central protagonist of the story, but Naomi Scott's Jasmine absolutely stole the spotlight in this one. One of the better projects Disney has released in the live-action genre, one of the best parts about Aladdin's lively counterpart was how it centered on all the characters and gave them all more space on screen rather than just positioning the whole story on Aladdin. We get to see more of Jafar and the Sultan and the Genie (who also gets a happily ever after) and, of course, Jasmine.

Jasmine was a key character in the 2019 film, even if she's not the direct protagonist. She's shown as the brave, just, and strong ruler that Agrabah could have, if only they abolished the nonsensical patriarchal laws that denied a princess the right to rule.

Genie and Aladdin's relationship is also shown to be more intimate in this one, when in the original cartoon, they indulged in more of a give-and-take relationship with less affection and emotions. The musical score was ravishing, as were the truthful scenery and visuals. Definitely a top three when it comes to live-action favorites.

2. Beauty and the Beast

Emma Watson shone bright as Belle in this live-action, as we see her as one of the most empowered Disney princesses, full of wit, charm, sass, and an insatiable desire for knowledge. The film was pretty accurate to its cartoon counterpart, with Watson sliding into the shoes of the French protagonist nothing less than perfectly. The depiction of the characters was pretty spot-on, as the film magically and quite amazingly showed the inanimate living objects in all their glory. Lumiere and Chip Potts are easily two fan favorites, while Cogsworth, Plumette, and Cadenza are also worth mentioning.

One of the better aspects of the live-action film was its exploration of the Beast's origins and how he transitioned into a bitter, lonely creature from a prince. Apart from that, Belle is depicted to be even stronger and braver in this one, proof by Disney that you don't need to omit a prince to empower the princess.

Apart from that, the magical castle was brilliantly brought to life, as was Belle's iconic huge library, many of us bookworms dreamed about as kids. Beauty and the Beast is definitely one of Disney's better attempts at a live-action film, and one that does justice to the original story and its premise.

1 . Cinderella

Inarguably, Disney's best live-action project, and surprisingly their first, Cinderella had every single perfect ingredient Disney needed for a wonderful attempt at a live-action remake.

The only differences the live-action version had were subtle and added all the more charm to the film. Cinderella's original name is Ella in the film, but as she continues to get abused by her step-family, her face gets marks of cinders, hence getting the name Cinderella from her step-sister. She also meets the prince before meeting him at the ball, making the reunion at the royal ball all the more special.

Lily James was breathtaking in her iconic blue gown and glass slippers, which have gone on to become one of Disney's finest, most stunning costumes to date. Accurate portrayals, a headstrong princess and a charming prince, a detestable yet admiringly cunning villain, and the magical godmother, this live-action had it all.

All the Disney Princess movies are available to stream on Disney+