Walt Disney Pictures will always be the magical animation powerhouse we all know and love, no doubt whatsoever about that. But that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of creating memorable live-action features as well. We’re all familiar with flicks like Mary Poppins, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Parent Trap, but there are still those that fly under the radar.
Disney has produced several great live-action flicks that both kids and adults can enjoy, but let’s face it, their animated flicks are just more popular. That doesn’t mean they don’t know how to make a great traditional film. Here are ten of Disney’s underrated live-action movies.
The Black Hole
Though at times, it comes off as a complete ripoff of sci-fi epics like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, and Lost In Space, if you look at it as a tribute to the giants of these genres, it comes off as the ultimate love letter to sci-fi films. With robots, a mad scientist, and even zombies, there’s a lot to admire in this film.
When a team of scientists discovers a lost space station on the edge of the titular black hole, a psychedelic sci-fi adventure ensues. The plot might be a trifle cliche, but the performances from actors like Ernest Borgnine, Maximilian Schell, Roddy McDowell, and Slim Pickens, the film never gets boring.
Dumbo (2019)
Though it is very true that the Disney live-action remakes have a less than favorable stigma about them, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t like Tim Burton’s version of Dumbo. Though it’s by no means a perfect film, there’s a touch of Beetlejuice-era Burton in the presentation that honestly shines.
Tim Burton and Disney at times can be the best combination and Dumbo is one of those films that warrant reinterpretation, being that it’s possibly the shortest Disney feature. With the circus setting and weird visuals, it’s actually a pretty good match for the prolific director. Give it a second watch and see what we mean.
Tall Tale
Thie idea of Patrick Swayze as Pecos Bill might sound just a touch ludicrous and ridiculous, but in actuality, it’s a very solid movie. The plot focuses on a boy joining forces with American legends, Pecos Bill, John Henry, and Paul Bunyan to stop a greedy land developer. Overall, it’s just a fun movie.
Seeing these figures of American folklore come to life on the big screen is truly something else. The conflict might not be the most complex, but the adventurous spirit is keenly and warmly felt throughout the film. If you’ve not seen this gem, you’re missing out.
101 Dalmatians (1996)
The original Disney live-action remake, 101 Dalmatians wasn’t just a good movie and an accurate representation of the source material but possibly the greatest role in Glen Close’s career. It’s a more modern retelling of the Disney animated classic but definitely transitions well into the live-action medium.
Little changes from the plot of the first film save for some minor period details, but it’s still the same aw-look-at-the-puppies type story we all know and love. The biggest draw, however, is Glen Close as Cruella De Vil. She’s absolutely hysterical. From the fiendish cackle to her demented desires for fur, she’s what makes the film worth watching.
Saving Mr. Banks
Though this film definitely takes some liberties with the actual account of what actually happened between Walt Disney and P.L. Travers, the film is still somewhat accurate and well performed. Think about it, this is a Disney flick that paints their founder in a more revealing light. We actually see Walt smoke, drink, and swear in this film.
Emma Thompson is definitely engaging as Mary Poppins’s author, P.L. Travers, but it’s Tom Hanks as Walt Disney that keeps us spellbound. A tad exaggerated, but one we couldn’t leave off our list. It’s definitely an interesting drama to say the least.
Herbie Rides Again
Though the original Love Bug was an icon of the time period, it’s the second film in the Herbie series that wins our hearts. Where the first film was more of a fast-paced, race-fueled, romantic comedy, this flick is all laughs and gags worthy of a Disney cartoon, and we love it.
Herbie and his new friends must battle an evil corporate developer wanting to destroy their neighborhood. Well, this little beetle isn’t going to go down without a fight, and it’s going to take more than a wrecking ball to knock him down. It’s a great family flick if you’re looking for some classic Disney.
The Tron Films
Despite getting a new rollercoaster in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, the Tron flicks really haven’t had much buzz. They’re visual masterpieces easily worthy of a watch or two, even if their plots can get a little confusing at times. Our hearts are definitely with the programs, though.
The first film was definitely a product of the ’80s, but that’s why we love it. And although Tron: Legacy was essentially a Daft Punk music video with a Disney-sized budget, it’s visuals and action sequences were awesome. We’d definitely plug in for another trip to the game grid.
Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves
Though Honey, I Shrunk the Kids was a brilliant feat of comedy and special effects that helped make Rick Moranis a household name, it’s the second Zalinksy outing that really sticks with us. When Wayne Zalinsky fires up his famous shrink machine once again, mayhem ensues when it backfires on the parents in the family.
The shrunken adults must battle giant cockroaches, soap bubbles, and a runaway Hot Wheels car to get in contact with their kids and stop an out-of-control house party. In our opinion, it’s definitely funnier than the original, though we do miss the stop-motion scorpion.
Flubber
Though Fred MacMurray originated the role of Professor Brainard, Robin Williams perfected it in this modernized version of The Absentminded Professor, Flubber. Quirky doesn’t even scratch the surface when it comes to describing this movie. With the late great Robin Williams at the helm, it definitely strikes a chord with many Disney fans.
From his physical slapstick to his funny voices, Williams definitely gives the role of the professor much more life and character than his more straight-laced predecessor. And hey, who doesn’t love the Flubber mambo? It’s definitely a sci-fi tale with a little extra rhythm.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
Definitely one of the most underrated Disney films of all time, live-action or otherwise, has to be 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. This incredible film adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic sci-fi epic was produced and overseen by Walt Disney himself, and the quality shows. The scene with the giant squid is one of the most iconic monster battles in film history.
With performances by big-name stars such as Kirk Douglas and Peter Lorre, the film doesn’t skimp on talent, effects, or presentation. More importantly, this is perhaps the most adult-oriented film the studio ever produced. If you can find a copy of this nautical masterpiece, definitely show it some love.
