10 Best Movies About Fairy Tales That You Should Watching Update 04/2024

Movies About Fairy Tales

Disney is a creative powerhouse that creates a slew of heartwarming fairytales that appeal to both adults and children. The following are examples of fantasy films produced by studios other than Disney.

It’s hard to find a studio that does fairy tales and fantasy more effectively than Disney. It’s only natural that the house of the mice would have the largest iron in the fire, given that they employ Snow White, Aladdin, and even King Arthur. It’s understandable to want more if you’ve seen them all.

Fairy tales have adapted well to the modern world, and the film industry isn’t hesitant to experiment with fiction and imagination. These ten Disney classics are must-sees for anyone who’s been on a Disney+ binge and still wants more.

1. Beastly

Beastly

This film adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, despite the fact that the book that served as inspiration for it is far superior, nevertheless has merit.

This is one of those “so horrible it’s good” movies, but at least we get some Neil Patrick Harris.

It’s refreshing to see a modern take on Beauty and the Beast with real magic, but it’s often lumped in with the rest of the conventional romantic girl flicks. Check out the video to whet your appetite, but don’t forget to continue on for more great submissions.

2. Jack the Giant Slayer

Even though Jack the Giant Slayer was a financial failure when it was released, we don’t believe the reviews were as harsh as they claimed. Certainly not the most profound or thought-provoking film on our list, but that doesn’t negate the fact that it is a lot of fun. This is a fun diversion from the usual princess fare if you need one.

It’s safe to say that this version of Jack and the Beanstalk isn’t your typical retelling, what with the added comedy and action. The giants of Gantua provide crass humor and gross-out imagery, but the cast includes actors like Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, and Ewan McGreggor who are all quite good.

3. Tale of Tales

Tale of Tales

When it comes to fairy tales, Disney’s interpretations are not always the most authentic.

That’s not what Tale of Tales is about. European fairytales come together in this picture, which has a dark, weird, and downright nasty tone to it as a result.

In addition to beautiful royals, romance, and adventure, the story also includes dragons, witches, and even an ogre. It may be darker than most of its kind, but it’s still amazing. This is hardly Sleeping Beauty, but it is a fairytale film that no fan of the genre should miss.

4. The Tempest

There are strong fairytale inspirations in The Tempest, as shown in productions such as The Lion King on Broadway and Across the Universe. The Tempest is a Disney fantasy come to life, complete with a prince and princess romance, a sorceress’s spell, and a cunning imp.

As one of the best Shakespeare film adaptations ever, Tempest by Julie Taymor is one of those pictures that goes mostly unappreciated but is adored by its intended audience. Take a peek at this fantasy film if you’re like sorcery, Shakespeare, or just want some unusual magic in your life.

5. Pan’s Labyrinth

Pan’s Labyrinth

The crown gem of Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy filmography has to be Pan’s Labyrinth. In addition to being a modern fairytale picture, the film’s plot and graphics are heavily influenced by the genre. For fans of dark fantasy, there’s enough to like in this film.

Alice in Wonderland and Narnia are also represented, as are certain elements from Grimm’s fairy tales. When it comes to fairytale movies geared for an older demographic, look no farther thanPan’s Labyrinth.

6. Snow White and the Huntsman

Epic fantasy and fairy tales go together beautifully in this new film. The plot of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is familiar, but with the magnitude and grandeur ofLord of the Rings orExcalibur, we heartily recommendSnow White and the Huntsman.

You’ve come to the correct place if you thought the story of the Fairest One of All needed more swords, sorcery, and Charlize Theron. A more action-packed rendition of the traditional story can be found in this film. If you get the picture, less poison fruit and more hack-and-slash. A film we’d watch again and again.

7. Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl’s Moving Castle

Hiyo Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle is the latest in a long line of tales based on Beauty and the Beast.

Based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name, this fantasy adventure follows Sophie, a cursed hatmaker, as she joins forces with an enigmatic wizard and his wandering castle.

While Howl’s Moving Castle is a charming fairy tale, the fantasy world it presents is one of the most visually enchanting on our list. Come for the Billy Crystal-voiced fire demon, stay for all the wonder and magic that Hayao Miyazaki has to offer.

8. Spirited Away

When discussing Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, we can’t forget to include his Oscar-winning film, Spirited Away.

Alice traveled down the rabbit hole into Wonderland, but Chihiro is sucked into the spirit realm, which is undoubtedly stranger and more hostile. We’re no longer in Kansas, thanks to the presence of witches, dragons, and a slew of other creatures.

The characters are endearing and terrifying at the same time, the visuals range from stunning to horrifying, and the plot is heavier than you’d expect from a typical animated film. Do not miss out on this fantastical journey into another world if you haven’t already.

9. Penelope

Penelope

Penelopeis a charming fairy tale retold in a modern setting that is one of our most unappreciated selections. Despite the usage of old magic, the setting of this story is distinctly modern. A girl with a pig’s snout must find love to end her family’s curse in this reimagining of Beauty and the Beast.

It’s a wonderful feature of the show, despite the fact that the plot is a little disjointed. We’d love to spend some time with Penelope in this film, which is a refreshing change from the usual romantic comedies.

10. The Shape of Water

We can’t talk about Guillermo Del Toro’s fairytale flicks without mentioning The Shape of Water, his Oscar-winning feature.

The film is a mix of Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid, but it’s also visually stunning and fantastic. While del Toro continues to impress us with his mastery of creature features, this time we get an enchanting love story as well.

To be fair, this isn’t your typical romantic comedy, but we love del Toro’s knack for reinventing well-worn fairytale elements. This is the film for you if you thought “Beauty and the Beast” lacked enough beast.