20 non-Disney animated films that deserve a live-action adaptation

With stunning visuals and a heartwarming message that resonates after all these years, The Polar Express would make a fantastic live-action film. Imagine seeing that hot chocolate scene and the North Pole imagination come to life. We’re not necessarily advocating for Tom Hanks to play nearly every role again, but we’re not not advocating for it. 

Based on the conspiracy that one of the Romanov children escaped the assassination of the royal Russian family in 1918, Anastasia is such a beloved film it’s often confused for being a Disney production, and the titular character is often talked about as if she’s a Disney princess. The story has been adapted to the stage, but it’s time we get the live-action treatment of this film that every other princess is getting, too. 

Who wouldn't want to see a horde of happy little penguins tapping their toes on snow and ice? Some live-action adaptations of animals are scary because the cartoons have made scary animals into cute characters, and the reverse doesn’t work as well, but penguins aren’t the least bit scary. They’re darling and become infinitely more darling when they’re dancing. 

Any time the scale of something is manipulated to take an item comically larger than it is in real life, it’s great. Such would be the case if Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs were to be adapted to live-action. Some might think it would be terrifying to see meatballs raining from the sky, but it would be worth the terror to see mountains of ice cream. 

Another joyous animated Christmas film that could make for a great live-action movie, Arthur Christmas has the potential to be a holiday classic. We already know the set would work thanks to films like Fred Claus and The Santa Clause trilogy, and the addition of some great action scenes could put Arthur Christmas on par with Home Alone. 

Somebody get Adam Sandler out of his basketball shorts and into a cape ASAP. Hotel Transylvania has been a hit among children for over a decade now, as have its subsequent films, and a live-action version would undoubtedly be just as beloved. Let’s have Kevin James, Andy Samberg, and Selena Gomez join while we’re at it. 

Coraline would be quite scary as a live-action film, but that’s the point. It’s a scary animated film. Someone needs to give it a chance to be the creepy, unsettling live-action film we know it can be. It would probably be more suited for adults, but kids have the animated version. 

When it comes to live-action adaptations, there’s no reason we can’t turn animated characters into humans. We don’t necessarily want to see a real gorilla and a real elephant singing, but if Tori Kelly and Taron Egerton wanted to act as humans in a live-action adaptation of Sing, we wouldn’t be opposed. 

Not all good musicals are from Disney. Others, like The Swan Princess, deserve their time in the live-action sun. The Swan Princess had beautiful animation, but it could also be made into a stunning live film. The settings and the costumes would be outstanding. We just know it.  

We’ve seen people be made tiny in live-action form before. And we’ll admit, it’s been poorly done. But it gets better and better each time, and if someone were to nail it with Thumbelina, this would be a darling live-action remake. 

The Prince of Egypt is a classic animated film thanks to its eye-catching visuals, beautiful score, and an outstanding cast. It’s been adapted to the stage already, but a live-action film remake could bring the magic of this story to a whole new audience. Some new cast members would need to be involved, but that could certainly be arranged. 

Halloween and Christmas movies have had a bit of a lull in truly great content in the past couple of years. Sure, there is a nostalgic component to many holiday films, but it’s been decades since we’ve gotten an instant classic in either area. Live-action remakes are still having a moment, so let’s have some holiday favorites hop on the bandwagon, like The Nightmare Before Christmas. 

Upon its release, The Road to El Dorado was not well-loved. But as time has gone on, it’s become a favorite of many, and some have even taken another look at it to see it for all its glory. A live-action set would allow this film to take on new life. And it’s already got a major online campaign for a live-action remake, so it’d likely perform better at the box office now than it did in 2000. 

Akin to Coraline, Monster House would be a terrifying live-action movie because it’s a terrifying animated movie. No, it might not be for children anymore, but it’s a scary enough concept to work as a film for an older audience. 

Who doesn’t love Peanuts? The group, led by Charlie Brown, has been in the zeitgeist since the comic strip’s inception, and it’s a little shocking there hasn’t been a live-action movie adaptation yet. The story doesn’t have to be the same as 2015’s The Peanuts Movie, but another modern take on these characters would be welcome. 

The Iron Giant is like Transformers for kids. If this movie were given a live-action remake, it’d have kids and adults lined around the block waiting to get into theaters. The original film had a stellar cast, and if a live-action version were to sign on actors even a fraction as talented, it’d be a hit. 

Adapted from the book of the same name, The Tale of Despereaux is an award-winning story for a reason. Captivating and inspiring, it’s impossible not to fall in love with that little mouse. Many rodents would be disturbing to see in live-action, but a mouse would be just as darling in live-action as in animation. 

Another book adaptation, The Little Prince didn’t get nearly enough recognition when its film was released. A live-action version could remind audiences how great of a story The Little Prince is while providing everyone with a stunning visual experience. It would be a film just as much for adults as for children. 

Everything that Tim Burton makes is fantastic. The man has vision, and while his film Corpse Bride was good as an animated film, it would also be good in live-action. It’d be dark and eerie and make the audience a tad bit uncomfortable, but anyone watching it would be totally open to that. 

A unicorn on a mission to save its species? Say no more. At the very least, this film deserves a computer animation remake, but live-action would be preferable. We’d be stoked to see a unicorn come to life, and we’re inclined to believe there’d be millions of others in that same camp.