The past few years have seen a bunch of classic Hollywood musicals being recreated into brand-new visual treats with stunning soundscapes. Some of these remakes are well on their way to becoming modern-day classics. Here are 5 recent remakes of Hollywood musicals that you can binge-watch on Disney+ Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video.
Pinocchio (2022)
Robert Zemeckis’s live-action remake of Disney’s iconic 1940 animated musical fantasy film captures the nostalgia of the original. Starring Tom Hanks and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth in lead roles, the film chronicles the journey of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet who is brought to life by the blue fairy. His life is turned upside down when he leaves his father (played by Hanks) to follow the circus that came to town. Alan Silvestri’s musical score adds extra spice to several songs, such as When You Wish Upon a Star, from the original.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
The Lion King (2019)
Jon Favreau’s photorealistic computer-animated remake of Walt Disney’s animated 1994 classic. Donald Glover, Beyonce, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani and John Oliver have lent their voices to the characters. The movie focuses on Simba, a young lion who is forced to leave his kingdom after his father’s murder. Years later, the prodigal son returns home to reclaim what is rightfully his. The music of both films is composed by Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
This live-action adaptation of Walt Disney’s 1991 animated film is directed by Stephen Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos. The movie features an ensemble cast including Emma Watson and Dan Stevens as the eponymous Belle and the Beast, with Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci and Emma Thompson in supporting roles. The story follows a country girl who wants to save her imprisoned father from a monster. She, however, finds out that the monster is actually a prince under the spell of a curse. The music of the film is composed by Alan Menken.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
West Side Story (2021)
This Steven Spielberg-helmed 2021 musical romantic drama is the second film adaptation of the 1957 broadway musical conceived by Jerome Robbins. Roughly based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a tale of star-crossed lovers, the film follows young Tony, who sees Maria at a high school dance in New York City and hopelessly falls in love. Their budding romance contributes to the conflict between the two competing gangs fighting for control of the streets. The remake also features timeless music composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.
Watch it on: Disney+ Hotstar
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Tim Burton’s 2005 musical fantasy is a remake of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), which is based on a Roald Dahl novel of the same name. Apart from Johnny Depp, who plays the eccentric and enigmatic Willy Wonka, the film also features Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, James Fox, Deep Roy and Christopher Lee. The film follows a young boy called Charlie, who along with four other children is allowed to see the incredible chocolate factory run by the creative chocolatier Willy Wonka and his team of Oompa-Loompas. The music of this film has been composed by longtime Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory fan Danny Elfman, who creates a memorable soundtrack inspired by Bollywood.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime Video
