Remember when fairy tales were 2D, hand-drawn, and sprinkled with just the right amount of childhood wonder – well, fasten your nostalgia seatbelt, because Hollywood has been busy raiding the animation vault, dusting off your favorite classics, and giving them a shiny new live-action makeover. Some dazzled, some divided — but all reminded us why we fell in love in the first place. Let’s dive into the magical world where sketches leap off the page and onto the big screen!
Snow White (2025)
Mirror, mirror on the wall — Disney is dusting off its very first animated feature, with Rachel Zegler stepping into the iconic shoes and very possibly singing with birds. With dazzling sets, modern updates, and Gal Gadot wickedly taking on the Evil Queen role, this remake promises have twist on the fairest story of them all.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
Ariel traded in her ink-and-paint fins for stunning CGI waves and a fresh voice in Halle Bailey. Sure, not all humans were ready to be “part of her world,” but the visuals and heart hit all the right notes — plus, who could resist singing “Under the Sea” again, this time with realistic, high-def floundering.
Pinocchio (2022)
Tom Hanks as Geppetto was the real boy we didn’t know we needed. While the film danced between charming and slightly uncanny valley, the heart of Pinocchio’s story — being brave, truthful, and unselfish — still made it across the CGI bridge.
Mulan (2020)
No songs, no Mushu, and definitely no cross-dressing jokes — Disney’s Mulan marched in a new direction. This version leaned into epic war drama vibes and sweeping cinematography, proving that there’s more than one way to bring honor to your ancestors.
Aladdin (2019)
Will Smith as the Genie is bold and he is bluer than the ocean at high noon. Guy Ritchie’s vibrant, colorful Aladdin danced its way into theaters, reminding everyone that a whole new world sometimes needs a whole new lens — and a faster, funkier carpet.
The Lion King (2019)
Technically “live action,” but 100% CGI. Jon Favreau’s “Lion King” was a stunning, hyper-realistic spectacle that somehow made talking lions look totally normal. Nostalgia was the king of the box office, even if we all knew what was coming for Mufasa.
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Emma Watson swapped Hogwarts for an enchanted castle, and the Beast got a high-end digital makeover. With songs that sparked memories and a teacup that could still steal scenes, this retelling proved that even in live-action, love is truly a tale as old as time.
Maybe it’s the magic of seeing childhood dreams reimagine. Maybe it’s the studios betting that nostalgia equals box office gold. Or maybe it’s just the sheer joy of seeing iconic moments — from ballroom dances to magic carpet rides — come to life in ways we never thought possible!
(Contributed by Wajeeha Syed)