Fairy Tales

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration83 mins

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs(1937)

Disney's funny, beautifully drawn animated version of the classic fairytale about a lovely princess on the run from her wicked stepmother.

Based on the original German fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became Disney’s first feature film. It introduced us to their earliest princess, contained an evil queen, a dark narrative and featured songs, all of which would become trademarks of the animation studio in the decades to come.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration101 mins

Cinderella(2015)

Lavish live-action version of the classic fairy tale, about young Ella’s quest to escape the clutches of her wicked stepmother.

A modern version of a Disney classic, kicking off their new wave of live-action remakes. Directed with panache by Kenneth Branagh, the dazzling costumes and rich imagery bring the film to life, fashioning Cinderella into a story fit for a 21st century audience.

Cert

Age group7–11

Duration105 mins

Enchanted(2007)

A very modern fairy tale about a cartoon princess who enters the real world and doesn’t quite fit in.

Enchanted sees the fairy tale film brought to life in a very different way, with a storybook character thrust into the real world in this fresh take on the genre. This fish-out-of-water story is a funny, musical treat for the whole family, featuring loveably naïve protagonist Giselle.

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration120 mins

Into The Woods(2014)

The Grimm Fairytales are brought to life in this musical about a couple who venture into the woods to break a spell that has been cast on them.

From a film that’s light and carefree to a Sondheim production which is anything but, as Into the Woods emphasizes the darker elements of the fairy tale. It takes classic characters and stories such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood, and gives them a harsh reality check in this lyrical makeover, with typically impressive songs from the musical maestro.

Cert

Age group7+

Duration99 mins

La Belle Et La Bete(1946)

Inventive and magical French version of the Beauty and The Beast fairy tale, with effects that must be seen to be believed.

Another film with links to Disney here in the form of La Belle et la Bete, the first film feature adaptation of the seminal story. Presented in French, this black-and-white, live-action version is a classic of film history, suitable for both primary and secondary audiences.

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration72 mins

The Singing Ringing Tree(1957)

German children's film based on a Brothers Grimm style fairy tale, which has attracted a cult following.

From France to Germany, The Singing Ringing Tree is another timeless tale, with its visuals rooted in the style of the Brothers Grimm stories. A vindictive princess lashes out at those around her, cursing those she loves – as well as those who love her – with fearsome spells. A visually-impressive, nightmarish film.

Ray Harryhausen - The Early Years Collection (Disc 1)

Cert

Age groupAll ages

Duration106 mins

Ray Harryhausen - The Early Years Collection (Disc 1)(2005)

A collection of the early fairytale adaptations, demonstrations and interviews with the celebrated stop-motion animator Ray Harryhausen.

Special effects guru Ray Harryhausen is the mastermind behind the visuals on beloved films such as Jason and the Argonauts and Clash of the Titans. Here we see his early fairy tales, accompanied with interviews and additional footage, showcasing a superb insight into the work of an animation virtuoso.

Lotte Reiniger: The Fairy Tale Films - Disc 1

Cert

Age groupAll ages

Duration192 mins

Lotte Reiniger: The Fairy Tale Films - Disc 1(1961)

Collection of Lotte Reiniger's stunning depictions of popular fairy tales using her unique silhouette animation style.

Another enduring compilation, this time in the form of brilliant German animator Lotte Reiniger. Her two-disc set – which you can order separately – is made up of stories including Hansel and Gretel, Aladdin and Puss in Boots. The shorts, created between 1922 and 1961, are silhouetted versions of classic tales, complete with charming narration and enchanting scores.

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration81 mins

Tales of the Night(2011)

Complete with werewolves, magical instruments, sorcerers and mythical beasts, this French animation captures the enchantment of storytelling.

Further excellent use of shadows and silhouettes comes from Tales of the Night, six short fictions which explore different cultures and folklores in this spellbinding exploration of storytelling. A brother and sister compete in regaling each other with alternating myths and legends in this dazzling creation from director Michel Ocelot.

Kirikou et la sorcière (Kirikou And The Sorceress)

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration70 mins

Kirikou et la sorcière (Kirikou And The Sorceress)(1998)

Animation based on a traditional African tale about a headstrong baby whose cleverness is a match for the wicked sorceress that threatens his village.

Another Michel Ocelot creation here, a film which was succeeded by a sequel – Kirikou and the Men and the Women – 14 years later. This is an African tale following a courageous young boy called Kirikou who is charged with the unenviable task of preventing evil sorceress Karaba from harming his community.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration95 mins

The Princess and the Frog(2009)

Tiana is a feisty young woman with big dreams in Disney's New Orleans-set re-telling of the classic fairy tale.

The Princess and the Frog was a landmark for Disney – and Western animation as a whole – for its diverse characters, most prominently through its protagonist Tiana. The well-known story is reimagined in jazz age New Orleans providing a fresh perspective, and was the film to kickstart a turn of fortune for the studio.

Cert

Age group7–11

Duration89 mins

Shrek 2(2004)

After their honeymoon, Shrek and Fiona are summoned to meet her royal parents, but Fiona’s father is less than pleased with his new son-in-law.

Five years prior to The Princess and the Frog came Shrek 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the hit from DreamWorks, filled with catchy pop songs. Though the characters themselves were ogres, animals and other well-known fairytale characters, there was diversity in its casting as Eddie Murphy voiced Donkey, who would become arguably the franchise’s most adored character.

Cert

Age group7–14

Duration97 mins

Frozen(2013)

Snow-filled and funny Disney adventure inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's icy fairytale, The Snow Queen.

Another much-loved film which injected superb music into a traditional fairy tale is Frozen. Taking the source material of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, it updates the adventure for modern audiences, with a Frozen sequel already in the works. We also have a special sing-along edition available to order too!

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration90 mins

The Ugly Duckling and Me(2006)

A 2006 animated version of Hans Christian Andersen's story that comes from the author's home country of Denmark.

Hans Christian Andersen is also the original author of The Ugly Duckling, given a gentle makeover for young audiences in this version. This animated title has proven popular with our primary clubs in its re-telling of the well-known fable.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration108 mins

Hans Christian Andersen(1952)

Danny Kaye stars in this enchanting fairy tale musical which interweaves the stories of Hans Christian Andersen with episodes from his life.

And this live-action film is a musical biopic in which the Danish originator of so many beloved fairy tales is the protagonist. A mixture of real-life incidents and the legends he created, this is a celebration of storytelling in all its forms.

Cert

Age group7–11

Duration92 mins

Song of the Sea(2014)

A beautiful and touching animation based on an Irish folktale about a little girl who turns into a selkie.

From a Nordic tale to a Celtic one, Song of the Sea is the follow-up to the acclaimed Secret of Kells. This hand-drawn animation is an enchanting folktale which combines elements including nature, family, fantasy and the power of stories to beautiful effect.

Cert

Age group5–11

Duration100 mins

Ponyo(2008)

Magical Japanese animation about a fish who transforms into a girl after she is discovered trapped in a jar at the seashore by a young boy.

And from an Irish animation studio to a Japanese one, with Studio Ghibli excelling as the modern-day custodians of imaginative fairy tales. Ponyo, particularly, showcases their ability to fuse reality and fantasy to tell stories which continue to transport, excite and surprise audiences.