The Jungle Book (2016)

The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan and, guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don't have his best interests at heart.

Highly entertaining updated version of Kipling's classic, mixing excellent CGI animation with a real  (good) actor playing Mowgli, resulting in more realistic and in parts dark and upsetting sequences for a child audience.

On renewed viewing: menawhile a guilty pleasure of mine.

Mowgli (2018)

A human child raised by wolves must face off against a menacing tiger named Shere Khan, as well as his own origins.

Quite similar to Disney's 2016 version in making and style, combining excellent CGI animation with performing actors, this adaptation is much darker and tougher in tone with a more complex, if not confusing plot.

The Jungle Book (2016)

The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan and, guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don't have his best interests at heart.

Highly entertaining updated version of Kipling's classic, mixing excellent CGI animation with a real  (good) actor playing Mowgli, resulting in more realistic and in parts dark and upsetting sequences for a child audience.

On renewed viewing: I still enjoy this version very much.

The Jungle Book (1967)

Bagheera the Panther and Baloo the Bear have a difficult time trying to convince a boy to leave the jungle for human civilization.

Beloved animated Disney feature may have its flaws, but the jolly flow of the story, the lovingly  portraited animals and the songs make it extremely enjoyable.

On renewed viewing: always a joy - even in the German dubbed version.

Halliwell*: "Cartoon version relying less on action than on songs and voices; patchily successful but no classic."

Maltin***: "Genial Disney animated feature...Hand-picked cast of actors help create some vivid characterizations in this easy-going film."

Jungle Book (1942)

A boy raised by wolves tries to adapt to human village life.

A wonderfully colorful jungle adventure  with a great Sabu as Mowgli and some fantastic animal scenes; however, the movie hardly has anything to do with Rudyard Kipling's beloved stories.

Halliwell*: "High-budgeted but rather boring live action version with stiff-jointed model animals."

Maltin***: "Colorful Kipling fantasy...Exciting family fare, fine Miklos Rozsa score."

New acquisition: Jungle Book (1942)

After seeing the new version I wanted to rewatch this classic.

The Jungle Book (2016)

The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan and, guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don't have his best interests at heart.

Highly entertaining updated version of Kipling's classic, mixing excellent CGI animation with a real  (good) actor playing Mowgli, resulting in more realistic and in parts dark and upsetting sequences for a child audience.

The Jungle Book (1967)

Bagheera the Panther and Baloo the Bear have a difficult time trying to convince a boy to leave the jungle for human civilization.

Beloved animated Disney feature may have its flaws, but the jolly flow of the story, the lovingly  portraited animals and the songs make it extremely enjoyable.

Halliwell*: "Cartoon version relying less on action than on songs and voices; patchily successful but no classic."

Maltin***: "Genial Disney animated feature...Hand-picked cast of actors help create some vivid characterizations in this easy-going film."