Disneyanimated films are classics for a reason. Their compelling stories tell tales of bravery and love that never get old. Disney films that adapt popular fairytales have become pop culture icons, and whilemultiple live-action remakeshave been made of the animated films, they are unable to compete with the beloved originals.
Thebest Disney animated filmsbased on fairytales can keep their audiences engaged even though the general storylines and character arcs are well known. Disney’s adaptations of these centuries-old folk tales and fairytales often alter the surprisingly dark original fairytale to make them family and child-friendly, while still telling an important story and teaching audiences a lesson. With their iconic villains and their lovable lead characters, the best fairytale-based Disney movies are guaranteed to entertain.
10Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Based On Sleeping Beauty By The Brothers Grimm
Sleeping Beautyis based on the fairy tale of the same name and revolves around Princess Aurora (Mary Costa), who was cursed as an infant by the evil fairy Maleficent (Eleanor Audley) to die before her sixteenth birthday.The good fairy Merryweather (Barbara Luddy) is unable to remove the curse, however, she is able to alter it so that Aurora falls asleep until she is awoken by true love’s kiss.
Sleeping Beauty
Cast
In Disney’s take on the classic fairy tale, Princess Aurora has been cursed by the evil Maleficent to prick her finger and fall into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday. Despite the efforts of the three fairies who raised her, the curse is soon upon Aurora, but hope lies with the handsome Prince Phillip.
With high stakes and athrillingly devious Disney villain,Sleeping Beautyis a fantastical love story filled with adventure.Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora’s love story is a beautiful tale, and Maleficent’s meddling to ensure that Aurora cannot break her curse makes for a powerful movie. The movie’s artful and gorgeous animation is timeless and still holds up over 60 years later.
9Frozen (2013)
Based On “The Snow Queen” By Hans Christian Andersen
Frozenis one of Disney’s most popular animated films of the 21st century and instantly became a cultural phenomenon.Inspired by the fairytale “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen, the movie revolves around Princess Anna (Kristen Bell) and her estranged older sister, Princess Elsa (Idina Menzel). The movie follows Elsa’s struggles with her magical ice and snow powers after she accidentally traps their kingdom of Arendelle in an eternal winter.
Frozen
Frozen, released in 2013, follows young princess Anna of Arendelle on a perilous quest to halt an eternal winter cast by her sister, Elsa. Joined by Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and snowman Olaf, Anna navigates themes of friendship, courage, family, and love in her journey.
Frozen’ssoundtrack was a hit, with the song “Let It Go” winning an Oscar and Grammy Award.Elsa and Anna’s sisterly bond was the highlight of the Disney film, and the movie’s decision to utilize the trope of an act of true love between the sisters rather than the romantic trope of true love’s kiss cemented the film as a groundbreaking Disney film.
8Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Based On “Snow White” By The Brothers Grimm
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfsmarks Disney’s first feature-length animated movie, and its popularity helped turn Disney into a staple in animated fairytale movies.The movie is based on the German fairytale by the Brothers Grimm and revolves around the titular character, the kindhearted and innocent Snow White (Adriana Caselotti).
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a classic 1938 animated film based on the Brothers Grimm tale. The story follows Snow White, who hides in a forest with seven dwarfs to escape her jealous stepmother, the wicked Queen. The Queen is determined to be the fairest in the land, threatened by Snow White’s beauty.
After Snow White’s stepmother, the Queen (Lucille La Verne), attempts to orchestrate the young princess’s murder, Snow White flees into the forest and finds refuge with the seven dwarfs.The stunning animation, the strong villain in the form of the Queen, the lovable seven dwarfs,and the catchy soundtrack helped turnSnow White and the Seven Dwarfsinto an everlasting film.
All 14 Disney Animated Movies In The National Film Registry
Disney has long been a cultural touchstone with incredible animated films that appeal across multiple generations, as has been recorded in the NFR.
The Disney movie revolutionized how movies would adapt classic fairytales, helped popularize the trope of true love’s kiss, and won the hearts of audiences.While theSnow Whitelive-actionfailed to live up to expectations, the original remains a beloved classic.
7Cinderella (1950)
Based On Cinderella By Charles Perrault
Cinderella(1950) is based on the 1697 fairytale by Charles Perrault and follows the titular character (Ilene Woods) as her evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine (Eleanor Audley), and her stepsisters Drizella (Rhoda Williams) and Anastasia (Lucille Bliss) force her into a life of servitude.After Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters sabotage her dress and her chances of going to the royal ball,the fairy godmother steps in and uses her magic to help Cinderella.
Cinderella
Cinderella is a young orphan who lives with her wicked stepmother. One day, when the woman forbids her to go to the royal ball, she receives unexpected help from two adorable mice and her fairy godmother.
Walt Disney’s favorite character, Cinderella, is known for her kindness and perseverance, despite the harsh reality of her home life, making her a compelling and lovable Disney princess you can’t help but root for. The adorable friendship and endearing bond between Cinderella and the two mice, Jaq and Gus (James MacDonald), adds moments of levity and humor to the movie.The thrilling and emotional storyline and incredible characters have cemented its status as one of the best fairytale movies of all time.
6Beauty And The Beast (1991)
Based On “Beauty And The Beast” By Jeanne-Marie Leprince De Beaumont & Gabrielle-Suzanne De Villeneuve
Beauty and the Beasttells the heartwarming yet unconventional love story between a cursed beast and an intelligent and brave young woman.The animated movie is based on the French fairytale of the same name by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. The romance fantasy film is set in 18th-century France and follows Belle (Paige O’Hara) as she bargains her freedom to save her father, Maurice (Rex Everhart), and stays with the Beast (Robby Benson) in his castle.
Beauty and the Beast
A selfish prince is doomed to become a monster for the rest of his life, unless he manages to fall in love with a beautiful young woman.
The main antagonist,Gaston (Richard White), is a terrifyingly grounded Disney villainin his relentless pursuit of an uninterested Belle.While the romance between Belle and the Beast gets a rough and controversial start with the Beast holding her father captive before keeping Belle captive,Beauty and the Beastis still an entertaining romance fantasy movie.
5Aladdin (1992)
Based On “Aladdin” By Antoine Galland
Aladdinis a musical fantasy Disney film based on the folktale of the same name fromOne Thousand and One Nights,a collection of Arabic folktales.The movie follows Aladdin (Scott Weinger), the charming street urchin who falls for Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin) and finds a magical lamp that has a wish-granting Genie (Robin Williams). Aladdin’s kindhearted demeanor, mischievous antics, and humble background set him apart from otherDisney princesand make him an interesting lead.
Aladdin
Aladdin is an animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television, airing from 1994 to 1995. Set after The Return of Jafar, the series follows Aladdin and Princess Jasmine on various adventures, accompanied by companions such as Abu, the Magic Carpet, Genie, and Iago, encountering sorcerers, monsters, and thieves.
Aladdin’sanimation style and the gorgeous scenery and backgrounds of Agrabah make for a visually stunning film.The vibrant movie is a delightful blend of romance, comedy, adventure, and fantasy with an iconic soundtrack.Aladdinhas cemented its status as a Disney animated classic that never gets old.
4The Little Mermaid (1989)
Based On “The Little Mermaid” By Hans Christian Andersen
The Little Mermaidis loosely based on the Danish fairytale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen. The Disney movie revolves around the young mermaid princess Ariel (Jodi Benson), who yearns to become a human and falls in love with a human prince, Eric (Christopher Daniel Barnes). Ariel makes a deal with the devious sea witch andiconic Disney villain Ursula(Pat Carroll) to be turned into a human in exchange for her voice.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is an animated fantasy film that follows the tale of Ariel, a mermaid princess who dreams of life on land. She falls in love with Prince Eric and makes a daring pact with the sea witch Ursula to become human, risking everything for love.
The gorgeous and vibrant underwater setting ofThe Little Mermaid,combined with the catchy soundtrack, high-stakes plot, thrilling romance, and compelling characters make the film a memorable adventure.Ariel’s fascination with the human world is both endearing and hilarious, and her scenes with the yellow fish Flounder (Jason Marin) and the crab Sebastian (Samuel E. Wright) are guaranteed to make audiences laugh.
3Tangled (2010)
Based On “Rapunzel” By The Brothers Grimm
The fantasy adventure filmTangledis loosely based on the German fairytale “Rapunzel"by Brothers Grimm.The movie follows Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), a young princess with magical hair who is trapped in a secluded tower by Mother Gothel (Donna Murphy) and is unaware that she is the lost princess who was stolen from her home and family. She embarks on an adventure with the outlaw Flynn Rider (Zachary Levi) to explore the world she is isolated from.
Tangled
An adaptation of the fairytale of Rapunzel, Disney’s Tangled follows the long-haired princess as she journeys to discover her real identity. Kidnapped as a child by the evil Mother Gothel in order to exploit the healing properties of her magical hair, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) has lived her whole life isolated in a tower. A chance encounter with a smooth-talking fugitive called Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi) sees Rapunzel venture out into the dangerous world to find the kingdom of Corona and unlock the secrets of her past.
Similar toAladdin,Tangledfeatures a flawed yet lovable hero in the form of Flynn, making the dynamic between Rapunzel and Flynn entertaining.The reimagination of the classic fairytale won hearts with the adorable growing bond and the chemistry between Rapunzel and Flynn, jaw-dropping and beautiful visuals and animation, and captivating songs.
2The Princess And The Frog (2009)
Based On “The Frog Prince” By The Brothers Grimm
The Princess and the Frogis a fantastical romantic comedy Disney movie inspired by the folktale “The Frog Prince” by the Brothers Grimm. Set in New Orleans in the 1920s,The Princess and the Frogfollows the hardworking waitress Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) and in unexpectedly turned into a frog after she kisses Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), who was turned into a frog by Dr. Facilier (Keith David).
The Princess and the Frog
Based on the classic fairytale, The Princess and the Frog follow Tiana, a hardworking New Orleans waitress in the 1920s who has big dreams of opening her own restaurant. When she becomes involved in a curse set upon a foreign prince by a witch doctor, however, Tiana must figure out a way to help the prince break the curse before time runs out. The film features the voices of Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Jim Cummings, Jennifer Cody, and John Goodman.
The Princess and the Frogfollows the duo of Tiana and Naveen as frogs as they embark on a mission to turn back into humans and put an end to Dr. Facilier’s evil plans. The animation shines in the film’s depictions of the vibrant New Orleans in the 1920s, and Tiana’s ambition makes her a strong and beloved Disney princess. While the movie didn’t achieve the commercial success of other Disney films, it cemented its status as apowerful Disney fairytale adaptation.
1Mulan (1998)
The coming-of-age action adventure movieMulanis inspired by the Chinese folktale of Hua Mulan.The Disney movie follows Fa Mulan (Ming-Na Wen), the daughter of an elderly warrior, Fa Zhou (Soon-tek Oh,) who pretends to be a man so she can be conscripted in his place. Aided by the small red dragon Mushu (Eddie Murphy), Mulan begins training and uses her wits and bravery to become a formidable warrior.
Mulan
To save her father from death in the army, a young single woman secretly goes to replace him, wearing a disguise, and becomes one of China’s greatest heroes in the process.
The chilling scene of Captain Li Shang’s (BD Wong) men marching and happily singing “A Girl Worth Fighting For” before the music suddenly cuts off as they witness the devastation caused by the war is unforgettable. The film’s compelling plot, strong leads, and incredible romance makeMulanone of the bestDisneyanimated films. Mulan earns her title as one of the mostheroic Disney princesses.
