Disney’s animated princess films have enchanted generations with their timeless stories, lovable characters, and magical worlds. Over the years, these iconic tales have been brought to life through live-action adaptations, blending nostalgia with a modern update. From Cinderella’s glass slipper to Mulan’s battle with the Hun, these films have reimagined beloved classics and given the princesses a new chance to shine.
As Disney continues to produce live-action versions of its most beloved stories, fans often debate whether the newer adaptations are able to capture the magic of the originals. So check out our ranking of the live-action Disney princess movies below, and find out where you can stream them all in the United Kingdom.
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Adapting the beloved 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast was always going to be a daunting task, but director Bill Condon’s version more than rose to the occasion. Starring Emma Watson as the smart and independent Belle, Dan Stevens as the turbulent Beast, and Luke Evans as the flexor-in-chief Gaston, Beauty and the Beast succeeded in bringing some fresh elements to the tale while maintaining the unique flair of the original story.
Cinderella (2015)
Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella may have omitted the original’s soundtrack, but the film more than succeeds in giving (Cinder)Ella an empowering update while preserving the old-fashioned magic of the original. Cinderella also features an all-star cast, including Lily James as Ella, Cate Blanchett as the evil step-mother Lady Tremaine, Richard Madden as Prince Kit, and Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother. Overall, the special effects, beautiful costumes, and well-rounded characters make the live-action Cinderella one of the best Disney adaptations to date.
Aladdin (2019)
Guy Ritchie’s live-action Aladdin succeeded in dazzling with its brilliant costumes and powerhouse performances. Although nothing tops Robin Williams’ Genie, Will Smith succeeds in bringing his own distinct flair to the role, and Naomi Scott takes Jasmine to a whole new world of nuance with respect to the original. Overall, the adaptation was able to bring something new to the table, although some of the magic and exuberance of the original got lost along the way.
Maleficent (2014) & Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil (2019)
While the original Sleeping Beauty remains one of Disney’s most beloved animated classics, the live-action adaptation and its sequel took the unique route of focusing on the villain. Maleficent and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil star Angelina Jolie as the Evil Queen and succeeds in giving the story plenty of nuance. If there’s one thing to criticise about the original, it’s how little screen-time Aurora—the actual Disney princess—gets throughout the film. Luckily, Maleficent remedies this, and Elle Fanning’s depiction of Aurora gives the character an endearing softness that makes the adaptation worthwhile on its own.
Snow White (2025)
The original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is widely known as the best Disney Princess film of them all, so any live-action remake would always face intense pressure to measure up. While 2025’s Snow White left many fans and critics underwhelmed with the visual effects, and Gal Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen left many wanting, there’s no question that Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White brought some much-needed spirit to the character—not to mention some truly incredible vocals.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
While Halle Bailey was widely praised for her vocal range and depiction of Ariel’s insatiable curiosity, the live-action Little Mermaid left a lot to be desired overall. While many of the performances individually shone, the film’s visuals were dark, and the effects failed to live up to the vibrancy of the original. In addition, while Bailey’s versions of the classic songs were spine-tinglingly good, some of the newer songs written for the adaptation felt out of place to many.
Mulan (2020)
Niki Caro’s live-action Mulan adaptation took the animated story of the young Hua Mulan, who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in battle, and made it into a war epic. While the visual effects were impressive, and the empowering story still hit hard, many were disappointed that the live-action version didn’t keep the more joyful elements of the original, including doing away with Mushu and all of the songs.
Where To Watch Every Live-Action Disney Princess Movie Online
To discover more about TV shows and movies currently streaming in the UK, check out the JustWatch streaming guide! You can filter your search by streaming service, genre, price, age rating, and score. Be sure to build your watchlist and receive helpful notifications on what to watch next based on your preferences!
