The live-action Disney Princess remakes have been a mixed bag, with some performances hitting the mark and others falling flat. Here's a ranking of the live-action Disney Princesses, from the most impressive to the least memorable.
Emma Watson as Belle in Beauty and the Beast (2017): Watson's Belle is a watchable performance, but it's constrained by the material. She embodies the character well, but the live-action remake's desire to create a new character competes with the need to stay true to the original. Watson's performance is unremarkable, but it's a billion-dollar hit, so it's not her fault.
Liu Yifei as Mulan in Mulan (2020): Yifei's Mulan is a half-measure, not as cool as a proper martial arts epic but less adorable than the cartoon. The live-action remake lacks the charm and personality of the original, and its release during the pandemic didn't help its reception.
Catherine Laga'aia as Moana in Moana (2026): Laga'aia has a likable presence and a lovely singing voice, but the live-action remake lacks physicality and feels like a school play. The material is too mild, and the movie doesn't give her a chance to shine.
Elle Fanning as Aurora in Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019): Fanning's Aurora is a sad-girl ennui, a potentially interesting choice for the Disney Princess image. However, the Maleficent movies don't give her anything rich or interesting, and she doesn't look or act like the cartoon version.
Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid (2023): Bailey's Ariel is yearning incarnate, providing the only real hint of human emotion in a synthetic version of the story. The movie itself is inert and ugly, but Bailey's performance is the only reason to consider watching it.
Naomi Scott as Jasmine in Aladdin (2019): Scott's Jasmine is charismatic and makes the character her own. The live-action redo deviates from the source, giving Jasmine a new solo song and a more feminist-minded perspective. Scott's performance is bravura and stands out in a movie where Will Smith has to compete with Robin Williams.
Rachel Zegler as Snow White in Snow White (2025): Zegler's Snow White is a charming movie-star performance, and the live-action remake is watchable due to its departure from the original. The decision to make the dwarf characters entirely computer-generated is strange, but Zegler's performance is worth watching.
Amy Adams as Giselle in Enchanted (2007) and Disenchanted (2022): Adams' Giselle is Oscar-worthy, treating the role with musical-theater energy and throwing herself into it with optimism, sweetness, and darker human emotions. However, Enchanted itself is not a strong entry, and the sequel Disenchanted is a disappointment.
Lily James as Cinderella in Cinderella (2015): James' Cinderella is a sincere and distinct person, exploring stereotypical princessy qualities with kindness and courage. The live-action remake provides a strong showcase for James, allowing her to make the character her own.
Catherine Laga'aia as Moana in Moana (2026) (repeat)
In my opinion, the live-action Disney Princess remakes have been a mixed bag, with some performances hitting the mark and others falling flat. The key is to find a balance between staying true to the original and creating a new character that feels fresh and exciting.
