Walt Disney Pictures has created a lot of films over the last ten years, and so to celebrate the end of the decade, we thought we’d look back over the studio’s best live-action releases of the 2010s. Rather than picking our own favorites, however, we’re turning to IMDb for answers.
The popular entertainment website has assigned every Disney film a star score based on the votes of registered users on a scale of 1 to 10. This is what we’ll be using to see how the top-ten live-action hits stack up.
It’s worth noting that we’ll be considering any picture released under the Walt Disney Picture banner, with the exception of Disneynature films as well as those released outside of the United States.
With the logistics out of the way, it’s time to prepare yourself for an enchanting trip through movie past; Here are the best live-action Disney films of the 2010s, according to the fans at IMDb.
Maleficent (7.0)
As much as we’d love to cover every Disney film that scored a 7.0-rating on IMDb (including Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, The Lion King, and Million Dollar Arm), we have to stick with the one that got the highest number of votes: the original Maleficent.
This Sleeping Beauty retelling recounts the story from the villain’s perspective. After being betrayed as a young woman, the dark fairy embarks on a trail of revenge to get the ending she thinks she deserves.
The beautiful visuals and twisted plot had viewers flocking to theaters.
Aladdin (7.1)
This Aladdin remake lands one jump ahead of Disney’s other live-action releases. Aladdin tells of a thief on the streets of Agrabah who falls for the beautiful Princess Jasmine. After stumbling upon a magic lamp, he encounters a fantastical genie who grants him three wishes. He must use these wishes carefully, however, to fight against the evil Jafar, become a prince, and win the true love he so desires.
With dazzling visuals and a whole bunch of spirit, this fantasy retelling ranked high for many moviegoers.
The Muppets (7.1)
Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper, and Rashida Jones took hold of this musical comedy about the Muppets. After learning that the original Muppets studio is about to be demolished, the gang comes together to raise the $10 million that will save the theater from becoming an oil drilling site.
The quirky humor, charm, and heart surprised critics everywhere. Additionally, the whimsical musical numbers and overall fun had it raking in even more affection.
Beauty And The Beast (7.2)
The 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast had Emma Watson stepping into the leading role of Belle, while Dan Stevens played the Beast.
This retelling has a French prince becoming cursed to live as a beast forever unless he falls in love. The story picks up after the beautiful Belle stumbles into his enchanted castle, but with the clock ticking and the cocky Gaston seeking a bit of revenge, finding a happy ending is not as easy as it seems.
The film’s charm, musical numbers, and added layers had critics applauding.
Secretariat (7.2)
This 2010 sports drama relays the story of the famous racehorse Secretariat. Though housewife Penny Chenery lacks experience, she decides to take over the family farm, and with help from a longtime trainer, rises to success in the world of horse racing.
The authenticity, emotion, and thrill of this one had it winning over the hearts of moviegoers.
Christopher Robin (7.3)
This live-action Winnie the Pooh adaption sees an adult Christopher Robin settling into an overworked lifestyle in London. This all changes, however, when his old friend Winnie the Pooh wakes up and journeys back to see him. This sends Christopher Robin on a giant adventure to return Pooh and friends back to the Hundred Acre Woods where they came from.
The feel-good film was full of nostalgia, humor, and solid computer animation. Ewan McGregor’s performance as the titular character was also applauded.
Queen Of Katwe (7.4)
Inspired by the life of Phiona Mutesi, Queen of Katwe relays the story of a Ugandan girl who is taught how to play chess by a missionary visiting the capital city of Katwe. She works hard and eventually begins competing in chess tournaments that give her a brighter future.
Though the film didn’t make back its budget at the box office, its critical response was high. Many praised the lead actors’ performances as well as the film’s passion.
McFarland, USA (7.4)
Based on a true story, this 2015 sports drama tells of a high school track coach who must learn to understand his new team in California’s Central Valley, made up of primarily Latino students. He soon learns that the boys have skills both on the track and outside of it that will help lead them to success.
The film ranked positively for its feel-good persona and overall likeability.
The Jungle Book (7.4)
The 1967 Jungle Book animation got a live-action remake in 2016.
This story tells of a jungle child named Mowgli who has been raised by wolves. After the fierce tiger, Shere Khan, reemerges, however, Mowgli is forced to journey back to the village filled with humans. A panther and a bear act as his guides, but the group are soon threatened by other creatures living among the trees.
The sleeper hit was loved for its beauty, heart, and strong voice cast.
Saving Mr. Banks (7.5)
Saving Mr. Banks tells the story behind the 1964 Mary Poppins film. Starring Emma Thompson as author P.L. Travers and Tom Hanks as Walt Disney himself, the period drama shows their struggle to bring Travers’ book about a magical British nanny to the big screen.
Though much of the film takes place during the ’60s, it features many flashbacks back to Travers’ young life and relationship with her father. The performances and sentimentality had it coming out strong — stronger than any other live-action Disney movie from the 2010s, in fact.
