Disney's 13 live-action adaptations ranked from worst to best

6. 101 Dalmatians

It's telling that this 1996 adaptation of the Disney film can still rank so high. The reason is obvious: Glenn Close. Her performance as iconic Disney villain Cruella De Ville is absolutely delicious. From the over-the-top from the moment she enters, her character just gets wilder as the film goes on. She totally sells this mad diva wanting to turn the dogs into coats and steals the entire film. As good as Emma Stone was in Cruella, she can't match Close. Close's Cruella is still one of the best live-action versions of a Disney villain ever and why this movie still works. 

5. The Little Mermaid

The latest release on this list, Disney took some daring turns with adapting the movie that kick-started a new Golden Age of Animation. That included a few song lyric cuts, some newly added songs and a few character turns. Yet the cast makes it work, with Halle Bailey magnificent as Ariel, from her singing to her mute romance with Eric. Melissa McCarthy vamps it up for Ursula and the supporting voices make the CGI bearable. It's Bailey's star-making turn that stands out and why this version still swims high like the original. 

4. Aladdin

Given the daunting task of stepping into the shoes of the late Robin Williams, Will Smith shined as the Genie. The entire film captures the zany energy of the original, with Smith showing great comedic touches and matched by a good cast. Mena Massoud had a great spark as the title character, while Naomi Scott imbued Jasmine with even more fire and independence to sparkle. The mix of classic songs with a Bollywood touch worked and even the CGI for Abu wasn't bad. It's Smith who helps make it all work just as Williams did for the original and all fans could wish for this adaptation.