We can't believe these Disney films are turning 30 this year
We've got a friend in them all ❤️
Last updated 21st Jan 2026
When Disney casually reminded everyone on Instagram that a bunch of 90s favourites are turning 30 in 2026, it sent millennial Disney kids straight into a nostalgia spiral.
Toy Story changed computer animation forever — positioning Pixar as a major force in filmmaking and setting a new standard for what computer-generated imagery (CGI) could achieve on the big screen. Muppet Treasure Island delivered pure, felt-lined fun, proving that the only thing better than a pirate movie is one headlined by a green frog.
Noted for its darker tone, The Hunchback of Notre Dame rang out with cathedral-filling songs and themes far heavier than its rating suggested, showing the studio wasn’t afraid to go emotionally bolder under the bell tower. The live-action 101 Dalmatians followed, unleashing puppy-powered chaos and confirming that Glenn Close’s Cruella was, and remains, fashionably unhinged.
Three decades later, these films are still pulling at our heartstrings (and we're still tugging at Woody's pull string).
Toy Story, March 1996
When Toy Story premiered in the UK in March 1996 (following its November US release months prior), it instantly altered the animation landscape, telling a simple but indelible story about what our toys get up to in our absence. The film bestows a heartbeat to young Andy's bedroom buddies, and follows a group of lovable toys led by cowboy doll Woody (Tom Hanks), who is de-throned when shiny new space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) suddenly becomes the favourite.
The simple setup powered a huge leap forward as the first fully computer-animated feature, showcasing Pixar’s CGI breakthroughs, and set a new industry standard for storytelling that has only continued to evolve.
Guided by director John Lasseter’s vision of toys with rich inner lives, and powered by Pixar co-founder Steve Jobs’ crucial financial backing and belief in the project, the film’s path to the screen was anything but smooth — facing technical setbacks, studio skepticism, and even a near-cancellation from Disney before revisions finally secured its theatrical release.
Sequels and spin-offs
Over three decades, Toy Story has become so beloved that it’s grown into Pixar’s flagship franchise, spawning four sequels, a Buzz Lightyear prequel spin-off titled Lightyear, multiple shorts and TV specials, and mountains of merch and park tie-ins.
The gang’s not done yet either: a fifth film, Toy Story 5, is set to bring Woody, Buzz and friends back to cinemas on 19th June 2026, with Pixar promoting it as a “tech v toys” story that reportedly shifts more of the emotional spotlight onto Jessie.
Muppet Treasure Island, May 1996
The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, The Muppets Take Manhattan and The Muppet Christmas Carol had already proven that Kermit and co. could jump between road movies, heist capers, and Dickens adaptations on the big screen by the time Muppet Treasure Island came to shores.
What made this swashbuckling spin on Robert Louis Stevenson’s tale stand out was how boldly it leaned into pirate-movie spectacle, pairing Tim Curry’s charismatically villainous Long John Silver with Kermit’s straight‑laced Captain Smollett, and a sea of chaotic Muppet pirates. This time, the plot sends young Jim Hawkins, along with Gonzo and Rizzo, on a voyage aboard the Hispaniola after they inherit a mysterious treasure map, only to discover that not everyone on deck can be trusted.
Even after Jim Henson’s death, his spirit of handmade creativity and anarchic, character-driven humour is echoed in its puppetry. From gratuitous visual gags and lovingly crafted sets, it makes Muppet Treasure Island feel like both a tribute to classic adventure cinema and a reminder of how inventive the Muppets were at their puppet peak.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame, July 1996
The Hunchback of Notre Dame follows Quasimodo, the sheltered bell-ringer of Notre Dame, as he ventures into Paris for the first time and discovers a world that fears him as much as it fascinates him.
Inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name, the film stood out for its uniquely mature themes — tackling isolation, prejudice, faith and obsession — all wrapped in some of Disney’s most ambitious animation and music.
With sweeping cathedral imagery, a powerhouse score from Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a willingness to push far beyond typical family-film comfort zones, Hunchback remains one of Disney’s boldest and most emotionally weighty animated outings.
Speaking of the score, the film's soundtrack boasts one of Disney’s most ambitious and operatic soundtracks, blending Latin choral writing, orchestration and emotionally-charged character songs to match the story’s darker tone. Alan's score and Stephen's lyrics push into more adult territory, with tracks like 'Out There,' 'God Help the Outcasts' (performed by Demi Moore's Esmerelda), and 'Heaven’s Light/Hellfire' showing how far Disney music could stretch.
That evolution builds on the late Howard Ashman’s legacy of the “I want” song, established with Ariel’s 'Part of Your World,' and a device Alan helped perpetuate with new partners. Teaming with Stephen from 1995's Pocahontas onward, Alan continued to honour that template through introspective leads like 'Just Around the Riverbend' and the yearning solos at the heart of Hunchback’s score.
Live-action 101 Dalmatians, 1996
"I live for fur, I worship fur!"
1996’s live-action 101 Dalmatians is peak cosy 90s Disney, turning one devil-woman’s unhinged obsession with spots into a chaotic, puppy-stuffed romp that basically plays like a live-action cartoon. It swaps the talking dogs of the animated classic for real pups and leans into slapstick mayhem, with every set-piece going to the dogs.
Glenn Close is on legendary form as Cruella de Vil, turning every scene with Horace and Jasper into a chaotic power trip as she barks orders, belittles them and swans around in ridiculous couture. She makes Cruella feel hilariously unhinged but genuinely dangerous, mixing sharp comic timing with full camp theatrics in a way that pretty much sets the gold standard for live-action Disney villains.
Jeff Daniels brings scruffy, dog‑dad charm to Roger while Joely Richardson keeps things sweet and steady as Anita (darling!).
Other Disney (and subsidiary) films celebrating anniversaries in 2026
Films turning 25 this year
The Princess Diaries
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Pearl Harbour
The Emperor's New Groove
Films turning 20 this year
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Pixar's Cars
Déjà vu
Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause
Films turning 15 this year
Marvel's Thor
Winnie the Pooh
Marvel's Captain America: The First Avenger
The Muppets
Films turning 10 this year
Queen of Katwe
Zootropolis
Marvel's Captain America: Civil War
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Marvel's Doctor Strange
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Pixar's Finding Dory
Live-action Pete's Dragon
Films turning 5 this year
The French Dispatch
Encanto
West Side Story
Cruella
Pixar's Luca
Searchlight's Nomadland
Raya and the Last Dragon
The King's Man
Marvel's Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Marvel's The Eternals
Marvel's Black Widow
Free Guy
Check out all of the upcoming live-action Disney films!
Moana
Release date: 10th July 2026
Remake of: Moana (2016)
Dwayne Johnson confirmed in a sweet video in April 2023 that he would be reprising his role as demigod Maui in a live-action remake of Moana! His co-star from the 2016 original, Auli'I Cravalho, also confirmed that she would be returning to the franchise, but later announced that she would not be reprising her role as the titular character and instead be taking on a producer role. Catherine Laga'aia was announced to have been cast as Moana in June 2024 - and we caught a first glimpse of her as Moana in November 2025 when the first teaser trailer dropped... AND her beautiful voice!
Tangled
Status: Announced
Remake of: Tangled (2011)
It's fair to say that Disney's animated hit film Tangled has become a modern classic, so it's no surprise it's getting the live-action treatment. The original film's starring voice-actors Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore were even keen on a live-action remake, suggesting how they could even feature as a cameo.
In December 2024, it was reported that a script had allegedly been 'drafted', with The Greatest Showman and Better Man director Michael Gracey reportedly having 'entered negotiations' to take on the film, and in October 2025 it was rumoured that Scarlett Johansson could be taking on the role of Mother Gothel. However, she had reportedly pulled out of the project by December 2025 due to scheduling conflicts, with The Hollywood Reporter writing that Sarah Catherine Hook, Teagan Croft, Freya Skye and Olivia-Mai Barrett had all read for the part of Rapunzel. In January 2026, Teagan Croft was confirmed as Rapunzel with Milo Manheim announced as Flynn Rider.
Hercules
Status: Announced
Remake of: Hercules (1997)
Hercules is in line for a live-action remake, with Joe and Anthony Russo AKA The Russo Brothers - best known for being the brains behind Avengers: Endgame and Infinity War - will produce the film, but not direct it. Guy Ritchie was attached to direct initially, but it's since been rumoured that he's left the project.
Writing the script will be Dave Callaham, who wrote the Expendables film series and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as Wonder Woman 1984 and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 2. In April 2024, the Russo brothers confirmed they had not yet had a script for the project, but that it was still happening.
Although it's still too early to confirm any cast members, fans are keen for Miss 'God is a Woman' herself, Ariana Grande, to take on the role of Megara, following the singer's cover of 'I Won't Say I'm in Love' during The Disney Family Singalong in 2020.
Bambi
Status: Announced
Remake of: Bambi (1942)
Again, not much is known about this remake so far, but it reported that it will be made with CGI just like The Jungle Book and The Lion King.
Confirming the remake, Variety reported that screenwriters Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Lindsey Beer (Sierra Burgess Is a Loser) will write the screenplay, with Chris and Paul Weitz's Depth of Field producing.
Lilo & Stitch 2
Status: Announced
Remake of: Lilo & Stich 2 (2005)
Following the success of the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch in 2025, Disney were quick to confirm the second movie would be getting the same treatment, with the cast set to return.
Maleficent 3
Status: Announced
Sequel to: Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2021)
So far, we know that the first draft of a script had been confirmed in September 2021, with Angelina Jolie herself confirm at a panel in November 2021 that she would return for a third film. It was officially announced in December 2023, and screenwriter Linda Woolverton was reported to be still working on the project in March 2025.
Robin Hood
Status: Rumoured
Remake of: Robin Hood (1973)
Rumours began swirling in April 2020 that Disney were planning to tackle Robin Hood for the live-action treatment. According to Empire Online, the corporation will be remaking the beloved fox and bear combo of Robin Hood and Little John - but will they keep them as animals or turn them into people? Only time will tell.
The publication reports that Carlos Lopez Estrada has signed on as director, having previously worked on the likes of Blindspotting and Billie Eilish's music video for 'When the Party's Over', and that the script will be written by Kari Granlund, who wrote the recent remake of Lady and the Tramp, and also worked on Godmothered - another Disney film starring Isla Fisher.
Gaston
Status: Announced
Remake of: Spin-off to 2017's Beauty and the Beast
Disney is developing Gaston, a brand-new live-action Beauty and the Beast spin-off putting the spotlight firmly on the village hunk (and villain). The movie is being written by David Callaham (Shang-Chi, Godzilla x Kong), with no director, cast, or release date announced just yet. Though Luke Evans portrayed Gaston in 2017's Beauty and the Beast live-action remake, the actor isn't set to return the role, and there's no word so far on whether Josh Gad might come back as LeFou. Story details are still under wraps, but we're speculating that Disney's Villains novel Kill the Beast, which explores Gaston's past and his fixation on being the 'best', could inspire the tone or direction of the film.
Beauty and the Beast prequel series
Status: Shelved
Remake of: Beauty and the Beast (1991) and sequel to Beauty and the Beast (2017)
After the success of the live-action Beauty and the Beast film in 2017, there was a lot of interest in a spin-off about the character Le Fou, played in that film by Josh Gad AKA the voice of Olaf the Snowman from the Frozen films. Fans will remember the character being a lapdog to Gaston - the baddie who is interested in marrying Belle, much to her disdain. Le Fou was played as if having an unrequited love towards Gaston, and the series was set to explore the relationship between the two and how they met in the first place.
However, the series was scrapped in 2022 due to creative differences and scheduling conflicts.
Aladdin 2
Status: Shelved
Remake of: Sequel to Aladdin (2019)
In February 2020, it was announced that Disney were pursuing a sequel to the live-action Aladdin, which was released in 2019. The only confirmation has been that writers Andrea Berloff and John Gatins would return to the project, but there's no word on whether the cast or director, Guy Ritchie, will be reuniting. It was also reported that the new film would not take any inspiration from the original animated film's sequels: Return of Jafar and Aladdin and the King of Thieves, and would be a totally new story.
In September 2021, Mena Massoud, who starred in the 2019 film, told Screen Rant: "They're working on it. They're trying to make it happen. That's really all I know. As you know, usually actors are the last piece of the puzzle, so the studio has got a lot to worry about before they start thinking about the actors. Obviously, I would hope that all of us come back and Naomi, Will and I all come back and the rest of the cast, Marwan, Navid, Nasim, everybody. But right now, as far as I know, they're just working on the script and trying to make it happen."
As of 2025, there haven't been any developments on the film. Disney were also reportedly looking into a prequel for Aladdin entitled Genies, focusing on Will Smith's character - although he wasn't linked to the project. However, that was scrapped in May 2021. There's also a rumoured spin-off, to focus on the character of Prince Anders from the 2019 film starring Billy Magnussen.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Status: Shelved
Remake of: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
In January 2019, a live-action remake of The Hunchback of Notre Dame was announced after actor Josh Gad revealed he was helming the new project. Josh, who is the voice of Olaf the Snowman in the Frozen film franchise and starred in the live-action remake of The Beauty and the Beast in 2017, revealed that he'd taken a trip to Paris in January 2019 to research the film.
Posting a photo of himself under the famous Notre Dame cathedral in the French capital city, he cryptically wrote: 'Sing the bells, bells, bells Bells, bells, bells, bells, bells...'
The remake was confirmed by People magazine, with Deadline later revealing that original composer Alan Menken was set to team up with Stephen Schwartz to write the music. The original 1996 film was very loosely based on the original 1831 novel by Victor Hugo, and was given the Disney treatment to remove some of the heavier topics from the book - although is still considered to be one of the darker Disney films.
However, in a 2023 interview, Alan Menken revealed that the Hunchback remake would not go ahead as it would be too difficult to navigate the subject matter.
The Aristocats
Status: Shelved
Remake of: The Aristocats (1970)
A live-action remake of The Aristocats was in the pipeline with The Roots member Questlove directing - unfortunately, he confirmed in August 2025 that it was no longer happening. Not much else was known about the film, other than it would have been a mix of live-action performances and CGI.
Now read:
All of the Disney films coming out in 2026 and beyond
All the details we know so far about Disney's upcoming live-action remakes
Disney is developing a live-action Beauty and the Beast spin-off for its villain Gaston