Disney live-action remakes that flopped at the box office

These films failed to win over audiences

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

The underwhelming performance of ‘Mulan’ at the box office highlighted a string of disappointing live-action adaptations of Disney classics. Titles like ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), and ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016) fell short both critically and commercially, casting doubt on the studio’s remake strategy.

‘Snow White’ (2025)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

Though it debuted as the most-watched film in theaters during its opening weekend, this live-action version earned the lowest box office revenue for any Disney film during that period. According to Box Office Mojo, it grossed $168 million globally — well below its reported $200 million budget. Much of the blame was placed on the controversial casting of lead actress Rachel Zegler.

‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

“Boring,” “flat,” “lacking magic” — those were just some of the viewer reviews on IMDb. The fact that it was released directly on Disney+ didn’t help public perception. It currently holds the lowest audience rating for any of Disney’s live-action remakes.

‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

While not a total failure for Disney — it opened strong in the U.S. and Canada ($117.5 million) and did solid numbers in Mexico ($8.5 million) — the film underperformed globally. According to Proceso, much of the backlash stemmed from the casting of Halle Bailey, whose appearance deviated from the original animated Ariel.

‘Pinocchio’ (2022)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

Released around the same time as Guillermo del Toro’s critically acclaimed version, Disney’s 'Pinocchio' suffered in comparison. Tom Hanks’ performance was widely considered lackluster, and the film was criticized as flat and emotionally empty, despite appearances by Cynthia Erivo and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. Many labeled it the weakest live-action adaptation of this classic.

‘Mulan’ (2020)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

Audiences criticized the absence of beloved elements like Mushu and the original songs. The decision to release it on Disney+ with an extra fee rather than in theaters further hampered its impact. Political controversy over filming in China and lead actress Liu Yifei’s public comments also triggered boycott calls.

‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

Despite an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, this sequel to the 2014 hit received poor reviews. Critics pointed to a confusing plot and overly artificial visuals. However, performances by Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, and Michelle Pfeiffer were praised.

‘Dumbo’ (2019)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

Even under the direction of Tim Burton, this remake failed to enchant. It brought in just $45 million in its U.S. opening weekend, far below expectations. Though it grossed $215 million worldwide, its $170 million budget meant it barely avoided financial loss.

‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

Compared to other Disney remakes, this one lacked charm for many viewers. Its exclusive release on Disney+ limited its earnings, and story changes from the original were not well received.

‘Aladdin’ (2019)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

While not a total failure — it grossed over $1 billion — the film wasn’t celebrated as a standout in Disney’s portfolio. Despite strong characters and classic songs, it received just 57% from critics. The result: a commercial success, but not the cultural hit Disney had hoped for.

‘The Lion King’ (2019)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

This remake initially enjoyed box office success, grossing over $1.6 billion. But as weeks passed, viewers grew disenchanted. Critics said the film lacked emotional resonance, blaming the hyper-realistic animation for flattening the story’s impact.

‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

These films failed to win over audiences, ‘Snow White’ (2025), ‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ (2024), ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023), ‘Pinocchio’ (2022), ‘Mulan’ (2020), ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ (2019), ‘Dumbo’ (2019), ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019), ‘Aladdin’ (2019), ‘The Lion King’ (2019), ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

Despite following the 2010 success of ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ this sequel failed to connect with audiences. It earned $740 million less than its predecessor and was released amid public controversy involving lead actor Johnny Depp, which may have affected its performance.

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