10 Disney Movies That Would Make Great Live-Action TV Shows

In recent years, more lively Disney films have received live-action theatrical remakes, but some beloved, untouched classics might work better as live-action TV shows. Critical and public response to Disney's live-action remakes varies, but with the right cinema and creative team behind the live-action projects, fan-favorite films that get this makeover are exciting. To date, many of the remakes don't stray too far from the original plot of their animated inspirations. However, with the television format, the history of films like The Black Cauldron and The Great Mouse Detective could be expanded into a limited or multi-season series.

Live-action TV series also benefit certain films over others when it comes to films with large casts, such as Meet the Robinsons or Charm - stretching a story over multiple episodes allows for more attention to emerging supporting characters. Additionally, the vast scenery of these films can be transformed into breathtaking live-action setsmaking the audience feel truly immersed in nostalgic fictional worlds. Until plans for live-action series based on these films take shape, it's fun to imagine a continuation of Disney's celebrated stories in the form of a well-crafted TV show.

10

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

Independent cases are presented to Basil in each episode

With a protagonist who draws many similarities to Sherlock Holmes, The Great Mouse Detective has the ideal premise for a live-action TV series. Even though the animals were CGI, seeing the characters come to life in this way would be an interesting way to reunite with Basil and Dawson after the film ends.

The Great Mouse Detective sees the titular rodent, Basil, team up with another mouse to save his father from the evil Professor Ratigan. The Great Mouse Detective is based on the series of children's books by author Eve Titus Basil of Baker Street. Taking inspiration from Titus' stories, a live-action series based on the animated film features several narrative options.

One of them is that if the series leaned more towards the adventure genre, it would see several cases solved in each episode. However, leaning on the mystery elements of the original film, the show would depict Basil and Dawson facing cases that are broken down and explored over the course of a 10-episode season.

9

Enchantment (2021)

More time can be devoted to stories supporting Madrigals

Released for a limited run in late 2021, Charm achieved worldwide success when it became available to stream on Disney+. The film centers on the Madrigals, a family gifted with magical abilities. Charm mainly revolves around Mirabel, the only family member without a gift, and her mission to save her family.

A potential live-action series gives the creative team behind the film a chance to expand on what critics and audiences have appreciated. Charm. There are countless ways to set up a TV series around an animated family. Almost every option ensures that more time is devoted to family members who played supporting roles in the film.

Investing the necessary amount of money and assembling the most effective creative team would ensure that the special effects would be able to capture the same amazement when translating the Madrigals' magical gifts to the screen. Furthermore, no matter how well executed the dubbing was, Charm, a live-action series might better capture the Madrigals' emotional highs and lows which resonated deeply with audiences in the first place.

8

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

An action-packed adventure built for TV screens

Disney expected great results with Atlantis: The Lost Empirebut mixed reviews and underwhelming box office performance led to theme park attractions and an animated series based on the film, titled Atlantis Teambeing cancelled. Instead, some of the planned episodes were turned into a direct-to-video film, Atlantis: The Return of Milo.

The sci-fi adventure film has gained a cult following. So it has a fan base and an inspired premise to make for a compelling live-action series. In addition to possible character-driven stories to be told in a live-action TV show, the imaginative configurations in Atlantis: The Lost Empire would come to life with stunning visuals. In the series, Milo and the team can explore a variety of mysterious locations made up of detailed, elaborate sets and high-quality CGI.

7

The Incredibles (2004)

Superhero family benefits from popular genre

The popularity of superhero stories in films and TV shows has increased dramatically over the years, and a live-action series based on The Incredibles could benefit from this trend. The 2004 film follows the Parrs, a family of superheroes who try to live a normal life after the government bans them from using their powers in public.

The Incredibles was acclaimed by critics and the publicwinning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and has remained a beloved film ever since. The film features one of the best superhero families, and although their adventures continued in the 2018 sequel, there are still endless possibilities surrounding the Parrs and their proximity to solving crimes.

With the right costumes and special effects, inspired action scenes can be just as exciting in an episodic format. Additionally, the longer format of a TV series allows for a greater balance of action and heavier scenes that highlight the struggle the Parrs face navigating everyday life while being superheroes.

6

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

A live-action series could fulfill the duties of the canceled sequel

Often viewed by fans as one of Disney's most underrated films Meet the Robinsons and an animated science fiction film loosely based on A Day with Wilbur Robinson by William Joyce. The Disney film incorporates time travel methods to tell a moving story about two boys who are connected but live in two different times.

A Disney direct-to-video sequel was planned but ultimately scrapped, so none of the Robinsons' subsequent adventures ever happened. Despite the fun titular family and its heartfelt story, Meet the Robinsons'The animation isn't Disney's best. The animation style isn't exactly egregious, but a live-action version of the characters would be considered an update.

As Charmthere are several supportive family members surrounding Lewis and Wilburensuring more time spent learning about them in the form of TV episodes. Furthermore, the futuristic buildings and highly advanced world could be represented on screen in an incredible way with a mix of constructed sets and CGI.

5

Treasure Planet (2002)

A TV series could make up for the film's financial loss

Despite being one of the most expensive traditionally animated films of all time, Treasure Planet It didn't do very well at the box office, but it received praise from audiences and critics, especially in recent years. As Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Treasure Planet has a cult following and a unique premise, which justifies the possible creation of a live-action series based on the original film. Treasure Planet is an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson Treasure Island novel and follows Jim Hawkins and a team on a mission to recover hidden treasure.

While the live-action reimagining of the film's space setting might be something worth seeing on the big screen, a TV show would still be a valid way to reintroduce the film's characters and fictional world. Treasure Planet is most notable for its vibrant colors and fusion of different animation mediums. Both elements could be wonderfully translated into a TV show with the right team involved.

4

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Magic hints can be added to a character-based story

Although a release date has not yet been announced, a spin-off series for The Princess and the Frogentitled Tianacan be expected soon. For years, Rumors of a live-action remake of the animated film are circulatingalthough there is little to substantiate such conversations. Still, many of the rumors were spread as a result of fans' desire and expectation for Tiana's story to be told in a live-action format. Therefore, a live-action series would likely be well-received.

Occurring after the events of The Princess and the FrogA live-action series would be an ideal way to further explore New Orleans, Maldonia and their respective inhabitants. In-depth details surrounding the plot of Tiana hasn't been released, but it's likely to have a similar premise, reuniting Tiana and Naveen and containing a more character-driven narrative.

3

The Black Cauldron (1985)

Horror and adventure would come together in an exciting series

The first Disney animated film to receive a PG rating, the dark fantasy film The Black Cauldron is worthy of being turned into a live-action TV show. The series would not only give the Disney classic a chance to become a hit among audiences better prepared for its darker themes, but it would also offer the opportunity for Disney to explore the horror genre. Although it makes sense why Disney doesn't lean too much into scary territoryit's the only way any remake or spin-off can work.

As The Great Mouse Detective, The Black Cauldron is loosely based on a book series, so a live-action show featuring the same characters could find more narrative inspiration in the remaining entries in the series. A TV show based on The Black Cauldron would provide more adventures for the main charactersand the show could incorporate equally eerie settings and chilling villains to tie together its horror elements.

2

Strange World (2022)

The box office bomb could find a new audience

Although it received positive feedback from critics, Strange World it still performed poorly at the box office and was largely ignored. However, at the heart of the film is an important and exciting adventure set in a mysterious land, which would be a story worth exploring in a TV show.

The story in Strange World It's not entirely original, but its simplicity provides a solid foundation for more adventurous tales. Additionally, the construction of the world in Strange World it is well drawn. The inspiration for the character's discoveries and the color scheme throughout the film were cited as being popular magazines and films such as King Kong and Fantastic Journey.

For a live-action series, these works are still crucial inspirations, and the adventures seen in each episode can be inspired by classic adventure films, providing audiences with an appreciated balance between nostalgia and originality.

1

The Emperor's New Groove (2000)

The TV medium has already been tested for the characters

An animated series starring the characters of The Emperor's New Groove was released a few years after the film's premiere. The series centers on Kuzco and features similar comedic energy and breaking of the fourth wall segments seen in the original film. These beloved elements would shine in the form of a live-action TV show.

Several TV shows have skillfully addressed the audience and got a positive response for it. Other A celebrated aspect of the original animated film is its emphasis on comedy. The Emperor's New Groove has incredible quotes, and many result from playful banter between emperor-turned-llama Kuzco (David Spade) and kind-hearted villager Pacha (John Goodman).

It wouldn't be an easy task to replace Spade and Goodman's performances, but the right casting choices would help introduce the film's characters to a new generation of children. The lavish Inca empire, acting as an eye-catching backdrop to all the new shenanigans, would tie everything together.