Live-action films have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially as reimaginations of classic animated films.

The term "live action" refers to movies featuring real human actors, as opposed to animated features where characters are drawn or created digitally.

While live-action films have been around for a long time, this category now frequently applies to films that bring animated characters or stories to life through the performances of real actors, often paired with special effects or computer-generated imagery. Here's a guide to some of the most notable live-action films to watch, many of which are available on Disney+.

Mulan (2020)

One of the most anticipated live-action adaptations, Mulan (2020), was directed by Niki Caro and brings the legendary tale of the Chinese warrior to the big screen.

The story follows Hua Mulan, who disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father's place in the Imperial Army. The film explores her journey as she rises to become one of China’s greatest warriors. The adaptation remains faithful to the original narrative while offering an epic visual experience. The movie has a runtime of 115 minutes.

Lady and the T. (2019)

Originally a 1955 animated classic, Lady and the T. (2019) was reimagined as a live-action film and debuted on Disney+ instead of theaters. The story follows the adventures of Lady, a cocker spaniel, and T., a streetwise mutt. The film blends live-action with CGI to bring the beloved characters to life in a visually stunning way. This heartwarming film has a runtime of 104 minutes.

The Jungle Book (1994 and 2016)

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s novel, The Jungle Book has seen two live-action adaptations. The first, Mowgli: The Jungle Book (1994), combines live-action with visual effects to tell the story of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves.

The second, The Jungle Book (2016), directed by Jon Favreau, uses cutting-edge CGI to create an immersive jungle environment with a primarily animal cast. Both films explore Mowgli’s struggles and triumphs in the wild. The 1994 version has a runtime of 111 minutes, while the 2016 adaptation is 106 minutes.

101 Dalmatians (1996) and 102 Dalmatians (2000)

These live-action adaptations of the animated classics focus on the story of the lovable dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, and their battle to protect their puppies from the villainous Cruella de Vil.

101 Dalmatians (1996) introduces the love story between Roger and Anita, while the sequel, 102 Dalmatians (2000), sees Cruella attempting another scheme. These films offer a charming and entertaining experience, with the first having a runtime of 103 minutes and the sequel lasting 100 minutes.

Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)

Maleficent (2014) offers a fresh take on the Sleeping Beauty story from the perspective of the iconic villain, Maleficent, portrayed by Angelina Jolie. This live-action adaptation explores Maleficent’s backstory and her complex relationship with Princess Aurora.

The sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), continues the tale as Maleficent faces new challenges involving Aurora's engagement. Both films are visually captivating, with Maleficent running for 97 minutes and its sequel lasting 118 minutes.

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

The 2017 live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast brings the classic animated fairy tale to life with a star-studded cast, including Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast.

The story follows Belle, who ends up living with the Beast in his enchanted castle, where love and kindness eventually break his curse. This magical film has a runtime of 129 minutes and remains true to the original story while adding new elements.

Dumbo (2019)

Directed by Tim Burton, Dumbo (2019) tells the story of an elephant born with oversized ears, who is ridiculed at first but later discovers he can fly. The film explores themes of family and the power of self-acceptance, with stunning visuals and Burton’s signature style. This heartwarming film has a runtime of 112 minutes and is a must-watch for those who enjoy whimsical yet emotionally engaging stories.

The Lion King (2019)

Although technically a "photo-realistic" remake rather than a traditional live-action film, The Lion King (2019) offers a breathtaking retelling of the beloved Disney animated classic.

The story follows Simba, a lion cub who must reclaim his rightful place as king after the death of his father, Mufasa, at the hands of his uncle, Scar. With groundbreaking visual effects, this film immerses viewers in a world where animals appear lifelike. The movie has a runtime of 118 minutes.

These live-action adaptations offer a diverse range of stories, from heartwarming adventures to epic tales of bravery and love. Each film brings something unique to the table, whether through groundbreaking special effects, star-studded casts, or fresh takes on beloved classics. For those seeking a cinematic journey that blends the charm of animation with the depth of live-action performances, these films are certainly worth watching.