Side by Side: Iconic Scenes from Disney Animated & Live Action Remakes

Side by Side Comparisons of Iconic Scenes from Disney Animated and Live-Action Remakes

Welcome to MsMojo and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Side-by-Side Comparisons of Iconic Scenes from Disney Animated and Live-Action Remakes

For this list, we’ll be looking at classic moments from Disney films in contrast to their remake counterparts!

Do you prefer the original scenes, or are you a sucker for live-action? Let us know in the comments!

#10: Pongo Meets Perdita
“One Hundred and One Dalmatians” (1961) & “101 Dalmatians” (1996)

There’s nothing quite like a classic Disney meet cute! In both versions of “101 Dalmatians,” owner Roger’s trusty wingman Pongo introduces him to Anita and her dalmatian, Perdita. In the animated film, the two humans get off to a rockier start. Whereas in the live-action version, we see the couple connect in a more realistic way. Which makes sense, considering we’re seeing them played by real people! But in either movie, the pair of pups are just as adorable! Watching both love stories unfold simultaneously never loses its charm.

#9: The Donkey Scene
“Pinocchio” (1940) & “Pinocchio” (2022)

Being a real boy comes with real consequences! One of the most striking scenes in “Pinocchio” is the appearance of the Blue Fairy– played in the 2022 film by Cynthia Erivo. But the more unique comparison between movies comes when he begins to stray from his conscience. After being led to Pleasure Island where he is encouraged to participate in illegal activities, Pinocchio witnesses some horrifying ramifications. Both versions of the scene follow similar beats– Lampwick slowly transforms first, unaware of what is happening to him. He then catches his reflection, and panics in fear of himself. The live-action remake of this moment is super eerie and uncanny!

#8: Final Battle
“The Jungle Book” (1967) & “The Jungle Book” (2016)

As one of the most acclaimed Disney live-action remakes, “The Jungle Book” did an excellent job of adapting its source material. But how do each of their most climactic scenes stack up against one another? In both films, Mowgli confronts the antagonist– tiger Shere Khan– and they battle it out. The animated version is more lighthearted, as Baloo the bear hangs onto Khan’s tail to slow him down. The remake is much more intense, depicting a relatively more realistic fight between the animals. By the end of the confrontation in the 2016 film, Shere Khan is killed by the wildfire. In the original, Khan is simply scared off, leaving him to return in the sequel 36 years later.

#7: Sharing Spaghetti
“Lady and the Tramp” (1955) & “Lady and the Tramp” (2019)

This classic moment was remade almost shot for shot. Easily the most memorable scene from “Lady and the Tramp” is their rendezvous at Tony's restaurant, where they are served spaghetti and meatballs. Other than the fact that the 2019 remake has the title dogs designed in CGI, not much else has changed. Tony and Joe still have their silly banter, performing the song “Bella Notte” for Lady and Tramp. And of course, the two touch noses at the end of their strand of spaghetti. Some moments are just perfect as they are!

#6: “Part of Your World”
“The Little Mermaid” (1989) & “The Little Mermaid” (2023)

As of writing, this live-action remake has yet to hit theaters, but the trailer gives us some hints as to how this film will compare to the original. Our first glimpse at Ariel in the new “The Little Mermaid” movie shows her in her famous grotto, with an identical shot of the light pouring in from outside. Actors have been cast as Flounder and Sebastian, but the trailer is all about Ariel, building to a portion of “Part of Your World.” Based on this small preview, Halle Bailey captures the magic of the original without trying to hit the exact same notes as Jodi Benson, putting a fresh spin on a classic.

#5: “A Whole New World”
“Aladdin” (1992) & “Aladdin (2019)

With so many amazing musical numbers in “Aladdin,” it’s hard to choose just one to analyze. There’s “Prince Ali,” which became a super intricate group number in the remake. Aladdin shows off impressive acrobatics in both versions of “One Jump Ahead.” And the Genie’s magic is awesome in “Friend Like Me” whether animated or live-action. But the quintessential scene is Jasmine and Aladdin’s beautiful duet on their magic carpet ride. The effects in the remake are very well done, certainly doing justice to the original. It’s hard to say which is our favorite, so we’ll give these scenes a tie.

#4: Maleficent's Entrance
“Sleeping Beauty” (1959) & “Maleficent” (2014)

The 2014 film “Maleficent” shows us the events of “Sleeping Beauty” from a whole new perspective. While the two movies put different spins on the same story, we get to see the scene of Aurora’s christening in both. It’s clear that Angelina Jolie does an incredible job portraying Maleficent, and the costume design is out of this world. And with the larger context of the remake film giving us a more sympathetic view of our antagonist, Maleficent doesn’t feel quite as villainous in the remake. Either way, it’s a wicked entrance.

#3: “Circle of Life”
“The Lion King” (1994) & “The Lion King” (2019)

Okay, we know that the 2019 remake - and a couple of others we’ve mentioned - technically isn’t live-action, but it does try to achieve a photorealistic look. The remake recreates all of the classic scenes, including Scar sending his brother to join the other kings in the sky. We see Simba and Nala reconnect, to Timon and Pumbaa’s dismay. And it wouldn’t be “The Lion King” without “Hakuna Matata.” But the opening scene– baby Simba being presented over Pride Rock– takes the cake! It’s hard to top the animated version of this moment, but the new film beautifully utilizes landscapes to recreate the scene.

#2: The Ballroom Dance
“Beauty and the Beast” (1991) & “Beauty and the Beast” (2017)

The 2017 version of “Beauty and the Beast” did an excellent job of recreating Belle and her provincial town. As for their recreation of Lumière’s “Be Our Guest,” nothing is quite as magical as the original. But the culmination of this unexpected love story is Belle and the Beast’s dance to the timeless title song. While the Beast’s CGI in the remake is a little unsettling, the performance itself is wonderfully executed in the live-action film. Is it as classic as the original? We’ll let you be the judge of that!

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Hundred Acre Wood Members, “Christopher Robin” (2018) & “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” (1977)
Pooh & His Pals Look Extra Fuzzy

Pete & Elliott Bonding, “Pete’s Dragon” (1977) & “Pete’s Dragon” (2016)
Even Without the Musical Numbers, These Two Form a Precious Relationship

Down the Rabbit Hole, “Alice in Wonderland” (1951) & “Alice in Wonderland” (2010)
Live Action or Animated, Alice Is Always Curious!

“Honor to Us All” (Makeover), “Mulan” (1998) & “Mulan” (2020)
Mulan’s Transformation Into a Bride Is Visually Stunning in Both Films

“Baby Mine,” “Dumbo” (1941) & “Dumbo” (2019)
This Heartbreaking Moment May Be Even Sadder in the Remake

#1: Dress Transformation
“Cinderella” (1950) & “Cinderella” (2015)

The fairytale of “Cinderella” has spawned lots of retellings, but Disney’s versions are easily the most recognizable. Her first dance with Prince Charming is a beautiful, romantic moment in both the original film and the remake. However, the Fairy Godmother using her magic on Cinderella’s dress is the most striking scene of them all! The 2015 movie extends the transformation– which was a good call, considering how anticipated this moment was! It’s amazing to see how each of these films adapted classic animated stories– they all do their best to capture the spirits of their predecessors.