The ever-growing collection of films based on fairy tales would absolutely not exist without the contributions of the Brothers Grimm. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were German scholars who compiled Grimm's Fairy Tales, a collection of fantastical stories that would shape the landscape of folklore as we know it. It might surprise you to know that these tales weren't invented by these famed storytellers. According to a biography on the brothers, "The fairy tales, in fact, were part of a rich oral tradition − passed down from generation to generation, often by women seeking to pass the time during household chores. But as industrialization took root, local traditions changed and scholars, like Jacob and Wilhelm, began a quest to save the stories from extinction." Traveling the rich European countryside, the Grimms anthologized these tales and put them together to be published, so that they could be appreciated by all.
For generations, these stories have swept away readers of all ages, transporting them to otherworldly atmospheres where anything is possible. Wolves dress up like unassuming grandmothers, dashing princes win the hearts of beautiful princesses, and magical happenings seem to transpire out of nowhere. However, fairy tales almost always come with an element of darkness, making them all the more realistic. Some of the greatest re-imaginings of the Grimms' stories have graced the big screen in recent years. While these tales are indeed classics, viewing them through a modern lens speaks to their longevity and the impact that they continue to leave on modern-day culture. With that said, let's take a look at the best movies based on Grimms' fairy tales, ranked.
7 Mirror Mirror (2012)
Mirror Mirror retells the story of Snow White within a beautiful live-action interpretation and a modernized spin. Set against a gilded and sparkling kingdom, the film employs excellent comedic timing and a plethora of embroidered period gowns to capture the essence of the classic original tale for a fresh-eyed audience. Lily Collins plays Snow White, an orphan struggling to regain her rightful throne from the ill-intentioned Queen Clementianna (Julia Roberts). After being cast into the dark forest to die, she meets her pint-sized compatriots, the Seven Dwarfs, and together they return to the kingdom and break the spell. Unsurprisingly, Mirror Mirror earned an Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design.
6 Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Kristen Stewart stars in another moody role as the titular princess, opposite Charlize Theron as evil Queen Ravenna. Another retelling of the famous fable, Snow White and the Huntsman offers a powerful new twist on the tale. The story essentially succeeds because it sees its main character playing a more active role in her own rescue. On the run from a hunter (Chris Hemsworth) tasked with returning with her heart, so Ravenna can eat it and gain immortality, Snow White actually ends up teaming with him to take back her kingdom. Fighting against mystical beasts and finding more followers along the way, the team fights against all odds to vanquish Ravenna's evil rule.
5 Maleficent (2014)
This tantalizing tale takes viewers back to the beginning of the classic Sleeping Beauty story to where Aurora's longtime adversary got her start. Maleficent is the origin story of the titular villain, played by Angelina Jolie. Once a happy fairy maiden with the best of intentions, Maleficent is betrayed by her lover Stefan, who grounds her by taking her treasured wings away. Her positivity crumbles as she transforms into the bitter woman that audiences have come to recognize. She curses Aurora, but the story takes a turn when she begins to understand that rebuilding the relationship between the kingdom and her forest starts with this precious princess. The film was highly successful, highlighting the backstory of this complex character for a new generation.
4 Tangled (2010)
Perhaps the most well-known retelling of the Rapunzel story, Tangled is one of Disney's most successful animated films. Incorporating themes of freedom from narcissistic parental abuse and the transformative nature of true love, the story follows Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) in the aftermath of her escape from her tall tower. Alongside her dashing rescuer Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi), the pair traverse the wide world, which Rapunzel is really experiencing for the first time. With heartwarming musical melodies, hilarious talking animals, and the beloved lantern-lighting scene, Tangled continues to hold up as a truly magical tale that all ages can enjoy. Fans called for a full-length sequel, which unfortunately never got off the ground at Disney.
3 Into the Woods (2014)
Based on the famed Broadway musical of the same name, Stephen Sondheim scores this story with a sweeping soundtrack. Into the Woods takes audiences down the well-worn paths of famous fantasy characters like Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella as they follow their journeys to the happy endings they so desperately seek. With a star-studded cast that includes Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, and Emily Blunt, the film pulls out all the stops in terms of its stunning visual effects. But as a Variety review stated, "The movie doesn’t need the extra razzle-dazzle because the real magic is there in Sondheim’s music." The woods themselves are as much a character as the people are, bearing witness to how far they may go to chase their dreams.
2 Gretel & Hansel (2020)
Gretel & Hansel is marketed as a genuine "grim fairy tale." Staying true to the dark roots typical of classic Grimm fables, the atmosphere of this film cultivates a true horror gem within the confines of the fantasy genre. After her breakout role as Beverly Marsh in It, Sophia Lillis steps back into the spooky spotlight as Gretel, a protective older sister to her brother Hansel (Sam Leakey). The film sees the siblings enter a mysterious wood, desperate for their next meal and a source of income. They cross paths with a withered old woman named Holda, who they soon discover is a hungry and baneful witch. Thematic and certainly bleak, Gretel & Hansel finds success as a somewhat terrifying retelling.
1 The Princess and the Frog (2009)
The Princess and the Frog stands as one of the best and most beloved Disney princess movies of all time. This magical story based on the classic tale The Frog Prince, is told through vibrant animation and takes place in 1920s New Orleans. Tiana is a diligent waitress who believes that everything can be accomplished with a little elbow grease as she works towards her childhood dream – her very own restaurant. All of that changes when she meets the uppity Prince Naveen in the form of a frog, and after a tentative kiss, Tiana finds herself on a journey through the bayou to become human again, too. Disney has stated that they plan to revamp their theme park ride Splash Mountain to reflect this cherished story, following the characters' adventures after their happily ever after.