I believe it’s safe to say that a majority of the movies released by Walt Disney Film Studios have hit strides in the industry for being inventive and magical. While Disney’s animated movies are here to stay, the studio has opened up to live-action adaptations of their animated classics. In just a few days, audiences can view the next anticipated, live-action flick from Walt Disney Pictures, The Jungle Book. To celebrate its release, I put together a non-ranked list of five great, live-action Disney movies to watch!
5) Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl
In 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl took film-goers on a grand pirate adventure like never before. Based off of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disney theme parks, the movie follows Jack Sparrow – oh, excuse me – Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner as they search for the infamous pirate ship, The Black Pearl, while uncovering the larger-than-life secrets held within. Not only was the movie fantastic, but the studio presented one of the most memorable characters on screen, Captain Jack Sparrow. Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl has the makings of a great pirate movie that will have you singing, “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me!”
4) Mary Poppins
The 1964 musical fantasy film Mary Poppins broke ground and gained immense popularity due to its catchy songs, fantastic performances, and innovative movie magic. As it stands, Mary Poppins is considered one of the greatest films of all time, and rightfully so. There’s even a fascinating dramatization of the development of the film that was recently released titled Saving Mr. Banks. For those who have not yet watched Mary Poppins, put aside your Netflix Watch List and do so!
3) Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Force Awakens is undoubtedly a film of the generation that resurrected Star Wars franchise from total irrelevance. It introduced new stories to delve into and charming, relatable characters that are at the fore front of the new trilogy. Fan favorites Han Solo, Chewbacca and more join the new cast in an unforgettable experience that will have people talking about Star Wars for another 30 years.
2) Cinderella (2015)
Everyone knows the inspiring and magical tale of Cinderella. Disney’s Cinderella animated feature is a hallmark of the film studio, testing the popularity of even Sleeping Beauty and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The 2015 adaptation took the age-old story and gave it much-needed fresh coat of paint. While the original story line is there, it’s the great casting and stunning visuals that make Cinderella (2015) the movie that will make you believe in magic again.
1) Captain America: Winter Soldier
Let’s be honest, Captain America is stereotyped as being too corny and too old-school. However, the idea of Cap’s character personally fascinates me from a comic book lover’s standpoint, so I had some initial expectations going into the movies. Captain America: Winter Solider made me feel a connection to the hero that I haven’t felt before by giving insight and understanding to Captain America and his inner struggle, while fending off a threat that’s been festering for generations. This flick features some of the best action in a comic book movie to date, and proves that Cap can handle his own, whether he’s fighting aliens or a highly skilled soldier with a metal arm.
