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Top 10 Classic Disney Live Action Movies You Must See!

Disney is a big name in animated movies. Did you know that Disney has many wonderful old live-action movies that are so good? The movies are funny, thoughtful, and a pure joy to watch. Here are my top 10 classic Disney Live-Action movies I think you should watch.

Classic Disney Live Action

The Best Classic Disney Live-Action Movies

I consider the ’60s and 70’s to be Disney’s Live-Action Movie Golden era. So many movies were produced, some are still popular, and some are hidden treasures you should watch.

The Reluctant Dragon (1941)

This live-action/animated movie is about a man who wants to sell his book idea to Disney. The movie gives you a tour of the old movie process. During the behind the scenes tour, you meet the voice of Donald Duck and even Walt Disney himself! If you are into Disney animation history you will love this movie. The movie contains a few animated shorts including the story of the Reluctant Dragon. 

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

Swiss Family Robinson is one of the Classic Disney Live-Action Movies that have current ties to the Walt Disney World park as you can explore their island at the Magic Kingdom. The movie is about a family that gets shipwrecked on a deserted island and their tales of survival. 

Swiss Family Robinson poster

The Parent Trap (1961)

This Classic Disney Live Action Movie stars Hayley Mills. In my opinion, this is the best version of this film.  This movie is about tween twin sisters who find each at camp after being separated as babies by their parents. The girls concoct a scheme to get their parents back together while they switch places to meet the parent they never knew. 

Parent Trap (1961)

Summer Magic (1963)

A down-on-their-luck family moves into a rented home where the vacationing owner can’t know they are there. The caretaker of the home arranged the deal with the daughter, Nancy. Though the family spends a carefree summer fixing up the house, they fear the owner will return and spoil their fun. 

Summer Magic (1963)

That Darn Cat (1965)

This movie also stars Hayley Mills and is hilarious! It is about a woman that gets kidnapped and sends out a message using a wandering cat. The cat’s owner calls the FBI. The FBI tries following the cat. Lots os adventures ensue when people also get in on the chase. I like this version much better than the newer one that was made. Disney had amazing, ahead-of-their-time slapstick comedy. 

That Darn Cat (1965)

The Happiest Millionaire (1967)

This classic Disney movie is a musical that runs a little long but is worth the watch. The Happiest Millionaire is about a happy and lucky young Irish immigrant, John Lawless, who lands a job as the butler of an unconventional, quirky millionaire, Biddle. His daughter, Cordelia Biddle, tires of the unusual antics of her father because they drive away her suitors. Wouldn’t you fear a father-in-law that keeps alligators for pets and teaches boxing at his daily Bible classes? Cordelia decides to run off to boarding school to look for love. Lots of great songs. This is reportedly one of the last live-action films Walt Disney personally oversaw.

The Happiest Millionaire (1967)

The Love Bug (1968)

Honestly, Herbie Fully Loaded is the one I watched first. Then I went back and watched ALL the adventures of Herbie and my love for him is strong. The tricks that the filmmakers did to make Herbie seem real are amazing even for today’s audiences. The movie is about a race car driver that becomes a champion with a Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own. Lots of laughs and great for the entire family. 

The Love Bug (1968)

The Computer That Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes is one movie in a series of movies involving the Medford College. In this movie, some students manage to convince the town’s big businessman, A. J. Arno, to donate a computer to their college. When one student, tries to fix the computer, he gets an electric shock and his brain turns to a computer; and then gets to the ability to remember everything he reads. Including information which was in the computer’s memory, like the illegal business Arno is involved in. All of the Medford College based movies are great, funny movies to watch! 

The Computer That Wore Tennis Shoes (1969)

The North Avenue Irregulars (1979)

In this movie, women are the stars and heroes. A group of church ladies work to break up a gambling ring that is crumbling their community. The ladies do anything and everything to get the crooks out and it is very funny! 

The North Avenue Irregulars (1979)

Freaky Friday (1976)

I have compared the two Freaky Fridays movies before and believe the older version is way better than the newer version just because the comedy is cleaner and has the classic Disney slapstick comedy that I adore. Freaky Friday is the classic story of a mother and daughter switching bodies after complaining that one does not understand the other.

Freaky Friday (1976)

Classic Disney Live-Action Movies: Honorable Mentions

With their memorable performances, magical storytelling, and unforgettable music, these classic Disney live-action movies have become an integral part of our cinematic heritage. As we reflect on the enduring legacy of these films, let us cherish the joy, inspiration, and nostalgia they have provided, reminding us that the magic of Disney truly knows no bounds. Which classic live-action Disney movie is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Thank You for Spreading the Pixie Dust!