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Once Upon a Screen: Magical Fairy Tale Movies

Once upon a time in the magical world of films, there lived a timeless stories of fairies, princesses, and worldly beings. Buckle up and get ready to be transported in the magical world where dreams come true and where happily ever after is just a movie ticket away!

Experience an enchanting journey by watching these best fairy tale movies of all time.

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Movies About Fairy Tales

Fairy tales are those awesome stories that whisk you away to magical worlds filled with talking animals, witches, princesses, and, of course, a touch of enchantment. They're like bedtime stories on steroids, often with life lessons cleverly hidden beneath the fantasy.

Think of classics like Cinderella, Snow White, or Little Red Riding Hood – they've been entertaining and teaching us stuff for generations.

Check out these best fairy tale movies of all time:

Cinderella
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton (Actors)

Cinderella

Through the ages, Walt Disney's legendary animated masterpiece, Cinderella, has captured the hearts of countless generations.

Embrace the enchanting journey of the compassionate girl, her devoted mouse companions, and her very own Fairy Godmother, and honor the enduring magic of this beloved and timeless classic.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Theatrical)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille LaVerne (Actors)

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Theatrical)

Walt Disney's timeless tale, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is adored globally for its enduring narrative, iconic figures, and unforgettable music.

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Enjoy this movie with your loved ones and relive Snow White's happily ever after, time and time again!

The Little Mermaid
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • René Auberjonois, Christopher Barnes, Jodi Benson (Actors)

The Little Mermaid

Ariel, the spirited and playful mermaid, holds a fascination for everything human. Ignoring her father's directive to avoid the world above the water's surface, she makes a pact with a cunning sea sorceress to exchange her melodious voice for legs.

Yet, can she also capture the affections of a prince?

Sleeping Beauty
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Mary Costa, Eleanor Audley, Barbara Luddy (Actors)

Sleeping Beauty

Get entranced by the magic of Sleeping Beauty, a timeless fairy tale now included in the renowned Walt Disney Signature Collection. In this story, the envious fairy Maleficent places a curse on the cherished Princess Aurora, causing her to fall into a profound slumber.

Can the courageous Prince Phillip awaken her with a kiss of true love?

Beauty and the Beast
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White (Actors)

Beauty and the Beast

Embark on a grand journey alongside Belle, Beast, and your beloved characters, accompanied by unforgettable music.

Disney's The Princess and The Frog
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Anika Rose, Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Wooley (Actors)

Disney's The Princess and The Frog

This offers a contemporary spin on a timeless story, starring Tiana, a lovely young lady, a frog prince yearning to regain his humanity, and a fateful kiss that sets them on a comical journey through the enchanting bayous of Louisiana.

The Swan Princess
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Jack Palance, John Cleese, Steven Wright (Actors)

The Swan Princess

Crafted by the same director who brought you The Fox and the Hound, The Swan Princess is a enchanting animated journey (inspired by the beloved tale Swan Lake) that has charmed viewers worldwide!

Tangled
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Zachary Levi, M.C. Gainey, Mandy Moore (Actors)

Tangled

When Rapunzel, a teenager with an astonishing 70-foot mane of golden hair, seizes the kingdom's most sought-after outlaw, they form an unexpected pair and embark on an exhilarating adventure to escape the tower where Rapunzel has been imprisoned for years.

a picture of a young girl running through the woods with caption "fairy tale"

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The Wizard of Oz

When a tornado sweeps away Dorothy, a young farm girl from Kansas, she finds herself in a fantastical realm and must journey to the Emerald City to seek assistance in returning home.

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Fairytale: A True Story

Two young girls assert that they've witnessed and captured photos of fairies residing in a garden. This triggers a series of events that neither the girls nor prominent figures of their era, like Sherlock Holmes and magician Harry Houdini, can manage.

Maleficent (Theatrical)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Angelina Jolie, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning (Actors)

Maleficent (Theatrical)

Angelina Jolie takes the lead in a tale revealing Disney's renowned villain from the classic Sleeping Beauty. Fueled by vengeance, Maleficent casts a spell on the king's newborn, Aurora, only to realize she might hold the solution for peace in the kingdom.

The Princess Bride
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon (Actors)

The Princess Bride

Haven't come across the story yet? Unbelievable! Follow Westley (played by Carey Elwes) on his grand quest to free Princess Buttercup (portrayed by Robin Wright) from the grasp of the wicked Prince Humperdinck (played by Chris Sarandon) in the charming classic directed by Rob Reiner!

Enchanted
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden (Actors)

Enchanted

An iconic Disney fairy tale meets contemporary New York City. In this narrative, a cartoon princess is transported to the actual world by a malevolent queen, and there she encounters a dashing attorney.

Can a storybook vision of love endure in the real world?

Alice in Wonderland (2010)
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway (Actors)

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Alice tumbles into a fantastical realm filled with peculiar characters.

The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen
  • Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
  • John Neville, Eric Idle, Sarah Polley (Actors)

The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen

John Neville and Eric Idle take the lead in this imaginative masterpiece, unraveling the distant dreams of an adventurer from the 18th century.

If you enjoyed this list of movies, I have a monthly membership for parents and educators that want to teach or supplement lessons with shows and movies.

“Movie nights with my little ones are like stepping into a magical realm when we dive into fairy tale movies. These enchanting stories aren't just about dragons and castles; they're timeless lessons in courage, kindness, and the triumph of good over evil. It's my way of instilling a bit of wonder in their hearts and teaching life lessons with a sprinkle of fairy dust – plus, who doesn't love a good happily ever after?” –a Homeschooling parent

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With Homeschooling with Shows and Movies membership, you will get resources every month, including:

  • List of This Month’s Suggested Themes
  • List of Monthly Observances
  • List Of Movies for Unit Study
  • Unit Study Resource
  • Seasonal Activities (minimum of three)
  • (BONUSES) Resources for you, the teacher

These resources are worth it if you'd like to easily incorporate shows and movies into your homeschooling.

Grab your membership here. 

What to expect in these fairy tale movies?

Well, when you dive into fairy tale movies, get ready for a journey into magical realms, where anything is possible. You'll meet charming princesses, wicked witches, talking animals, and sometimes even dragons!

These films are all about enchantment, love, and usually a lesson or two hidden in the story. It's like stepping into a world where imagination knows no bounds, and happily ever afters are just around the corner.

Which subjects are included in studying fairy tales in an elementary school setting?

Studying fairy tales in an elementary school setting covers various subjects:

  1. Literature: Reading and analyzing fairy tales to improve comprehension and storytelling skills.
  2. Moral Values: Learning about moral lessons and character traits depicted in fairy tales.
  3. History: Understanding the cultural and historical context of different fairy tales and their origins.
  4. Language Arts: Enhancing vocabulary, writing skills, and creative expression through retelling or writing your own fairy tales.
  5. Art and Creativity: Creating illustrations, puppets, or other art related to the tales.
  6. Social Studies: Exploring the societal norms and values embedded in these stories.
  7. Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to think critically about the motives and messages in fairy tales.
  8. Performing Arts: Putting on plays or skits based on fairy tales for improved communication skills.

What themes are found in fairy tale movies?

Fairy tale movies are like treasure chests of timeless themes. You've got the classic good vs. evil battle, often featuring a hero or heroine who overcomes obstacles and triumphs. Then there's the theme of love, whether it's true love's kiss breaking a spell or family love conquering all.

Don't forget the idea that dreams can come true, and the importance of kindness and inner beauty over outer appearances. These films are packed with life lessons, enchantment, and happily ever afters.

Related Questions:

How does the ending of the tale reflect the concept of a “happily ever after”?

The ending of a fairy tale typically reflects the “happily ever after” concept by resolving the conflicts, rewarding the virtuous characters, and ensuring a positive outcome.

It's like tying up all the loose ends neatly, where the hero or heroine finds love, the villain faces consequences, and harmony is restored in the story's world. It's a satisfying conclusion that leaves you with that warm, fuzzy feeling that everything's right in the fairy tale universe.

How do modern adaptations of the fairy tale differ from the original version?

Modern adaptations of fairy tales often put a fresh spin on the classic stories. They might update the setting or characters to make them more relatable to contemporary audiences. Plus, they often inject more depth and complexity into the characters, giving them more layers and motivations than the simpler archetypes in traditional tales.

These adaptations can also explore themes and values that are relevant to today's world, making them feel more resonant and thought-provoking.

What is the most famous fairy tale movie of all time?

When it comes to the most famous fairy tale movie of all time, I'd have to tip my hat to Disney's “Cinderella.” It's one of those classics that has been enchanting audiences for generations.

The story of a young, kind-hearted girl and her magical transformation into a princess, with a little help from her Fairy Godmother, is practically synonymous with the term “fairy tale.”

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