Beauty and the Beast
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: March 17, 2017 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
65
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 47 Critic Reviews
Positive:
30
Mixed:
16
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleMar 15, 2017
Beauty and the Beast creates an air of enchantment from its first moments, one that lingers and builds and takes on qualities of warmth and generosity as it goes along. Read full review
90
TimeStephanie ZacharekMar 5, 2017
There’s no need to worry that this version might crush the gentle charms of the 1991 picture: Even though Condon more or less faithfully follows that movie’s plot, this Beauty is its own resplendent creature. Read full review
88
St. Louis Post-DispatchCalvin WilsonMar 16, 2017
It’s hard to imagine a better Belle than Watson, who radiates much the same intelligence and spunk that she brought to Hermione in the “Harry Potter” films. And Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”) is excellent as the soulful Beast. Read full review
88
The Seattle TimesMoira MacdonaldMar 14, 2017
This Beauty and the Beast had me leaving the theater feeling utterly happy; like I’d spent time with old friends who’d grown and changed, and yet remained the same at heart. Read full review
80
Arizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzMar 16, 2017
It’s quite good, thanks to the sturdiness of the story, the jaw-dropping visuals and, most importantly, the one thing the first film didn’t offer: Emma Watson. Read full review
80
Time Out LondonCath ClarkeMar 13, 2017
This is a lavish pull-out-all-the-stops musical. Read full review
80
ScreenCrushBritt HayesMar 9, 2017
Bill Condon’s live-action update of Beauty and the Beast is more reimagining than remake, a lavish and lovely take on a familiar tale (as old as time, no doubt) that enriches its source material without betraying it. Read full review
80
New York Daily NewsStephen Whitty Mar 3, 2017
In a nice bit of sorcery, Disney’s taken their 1991 animated classic — and their 1993 Broadway hit — and combined them into a groundbreaking delight, anchored by a breakthrough performance by Emma Watson. Read full review
80
The New York TimesA.O. ScottMar 3, 2017
Its classicism feels unforced and fresh. Its romance neither winks nor panders. It looks good, moves gracefully and leaves a clean and invigorating aftertaste. I almost didn’t recognize the flavor: I think the name for it is joy. Read full review
80
Screen DailyFionnuala HalliganMar 3, 2017
More than a quarter of a century later, Beauty and the Beast enchants again as a swirling blend of live-action story, stage, screen and sheer, rococo-spun fantasy. Read full review
80
Total FilmMatt MaytumMar 3, 2017
A delightful live-action recreation of a familiar fable. You’ve seen it before, but its spirit and pizzaz are pretty much irresistible. Read full review
80
EmpireNick de SemlyenMar 3, 2017
Those who predicted this wouldn’t hold a talking candle to the animated original will be pleasantly surprised. The tale may be as old as time, but it’s retold with freshness, brio and flair. Read full review
80
The TelegraphTim RobeyMar 3, 2017
It’s the music that makes it particularly special, and appreciating that is entirely the point of the live-action remake. Read full review
80
CineVueJoe WalshMar 3, 2017
Adoring fans of the original will surely not be disappointed. Disney have cast their magic spell once again, creating a modern romantic fable with lavish visuals and wickedly entertaining performances. Read full review
78
Austin ChronicleSteve DavisMar 15, 2017
The movie brims with unexpected zest, an enthralling joie de vivre that seduces despite any reservations you may have. Read full review
75
Rolling StonePeter TraversMar 17, 2017
It looks the same, moves the same and sounds the same (those Alan Menken songs!) as the original. But some of the magic has gone M.I.A. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Kate TaylorMar 16, 2017
Disney’s live-action revival of the Beauty and the Beast franchise is nothing if not lively, albeit occasionally overwrought: The dinnerware’s number, Be Our Guest, turns into a hallucinogenic sequence worthy of Busby Berkeley. Read full review
75
Washington PostAnn HornadayMar 16, 2017
This Beauty and the Beast isn’t predicated on starry-eyed romance or animal attraction, but the solace of mutual loss and understanding, which makes it all the sweeter. Read full review
75
ReelViewsJames BerardinelliMar 16, 2017
A lively, workmanlike musical that only occasionally rises to the heights of its 1991 predecessor and frequently coasts on a lower plane. Read full review
75
New York PostSara StewartMar 15, 2017
Dan Stevens (“Downton Abbey”), as the Beast, has the heaviest lift. He’s emoting through a CGI veil that never quite feels real. But his cranky character is more engaging this time around. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comSusan WloszczynaMar 14, 2017
This “Beauty” presents a far more inclusive view of the world. One that is awash with a sense of hope and connection that we desperately need right now. If you desire an entertaining escape from reality right about now, be my guest. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperMar 14, 2017
Bill Condon’s take on Beauty and the Beast is almost overwhelmingly lavish, beautifully staged and performed with exquisite timing and grace by the outstanding cast. Read full review
75
USA TodayBrian TruittMar 3, 2017
Here’s some Disney magic for you: The new Beauty and the Beast actually improves upon the animated classic. Read full review
70
The New YorkerAnthony LaneMar 20, 2017
Beauty and the Beast is delectably done; when it’s over, though, and when the spell is snapped, it melts away, like cotton candy on the tongue. Read full review
70
SlateAisha HarrisMar 3, 2017
While much of the original script remains the same, screenwriters Steven Chbosky and Evan Spiliotopoulos, as well as long-time Disney composer Alan Menken (who also wrote for the original, along with the late Howard Ashman), sprinkle in just enough new material and character development to help it feel fresh. Read full review
70
VarietyOwen GleibermanMar 3, 2017
It’s a lovingly crafted movie, and in many ways a good one, but before that it’s an enraptured piece of old-is-new nostalgia. Read full review
67
Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerMar 17, 2017
Seeing it will probably send you back to the original animated movie for refreshment. Read full review
67
Entertainment WeeklyChris NashawatyMar 3, 2017
It’s fine and funny and sweet and lush and some of the songs are infectious, but I still don’t completely understand why it exists — and why they couldn’t do more with it. Read full review
63
Movie NationRoger MooreMar 15, 2017
I can’t say I loved it, as it drags and drags and only occasionally springs to life. But this “tale as old as time” resonates as well as it ever has, and its songs still stick with you long after the closing credits. Read full review
63
Slant MagazineRichard Scott LarsonMar 4, 2017
Bill Condon's Beauty and the Beast actually delivers a remarkably optimistic balm to a festering, existential wound. Read full review
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