Best Fairy Tale Movies

Last updated: November 2, 2026

There's a reason fairy tales have such lasting appeal: They satisfy the part of us that will always enjoy stories that begin with "once upon a time" and end with "happily ever after." Kids will fall in love with these sweet, magical stories about fairies, princesses, dragons, and more. We've hand-picked our favorites, from animated classics to movies with a more modern twist. And if you want more magic, be sure to check out our lists Fairy Tale Books for Kids and Best Fantasy Movies.

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Sesame Street: Abby in Wonderland Poster Image
MOVIE

Sesame Street: Abby in Wonderland

age 3+

Abby chases a red rabbit into a fun fairy tale for all ages.

2008 NR (45 minutes)
Cinderella Movie Poster: Cinderella holds a glass slipper; smaller images of the Fairy Godmother and other characters are below her
MOVIE

Cinderella

age 4+

Sweet fairy-tale classic has bullying, tense chase scenes.

1950 G (74 minutes)
Cinderella II: Dreams Come True Poster Image
MOVIE

Cinderella II: Dreams Come True

age 4+

Sweet sequel has plenty of laughs for kids and parents.

2002 G (73 minutes)
Pixie Hollow Games Poster Image
MOVIE

Pixie Hollow Games

age 4+

Beautifully animated "fairy" tale teaches about teamwork.

2013 NR (22 minutes)
Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings Poster Image
MOVIE

Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings

age 4+

Centers on sisterhood and family, with a wee bit of peril.

2012 G (92 minutes)
VeggieTales: The Penniless Princess Poster Image
MOVIE

VeggieTales: The Penniless Princess

age 4+

Engaging, faith-based retelling of a classic princess tale.

2012 NR (48 minutes)
Cinderella (1997) Movie Poster Image
MOVIE

Cinderella (1997)

age 5+

Musical take on classic fairy tale is an inclusion landmark.

1997 G (99 minutes)
Frozen Poster Image
MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

2013 PG (102 minutes)
Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical movie poster: Samantha Barks as Elsa in the ice palace.
MOVIE

Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical

age 5+

Characters face peril, violence in stage adaptation of film.

2025 NR (111 minutes)
Knight Rusty Poster Image
MOVIE

Knight Rusty

age 5+

German animated knight quest is fun for kids of all ages.

2014 NR (84 minutes)
Sleeping Beauty Poster Image
MOVIE

Sleeping Beauty

age 5+

Disney classic is delightful but sometimes scary.

1959 G (75 minutes)
Tangled Poster Image
MOVIE

Tangled

age 5+

Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.

2010 PG (92 minutes)
The Emperor's Newest Clothes Poster Image
MOVIE

The Emperor's Newest Clothes

age 5+

Musical retelling has standout themes of honesty, humility.

2020 NR (27 minutes)
The Swan Princess Poster Image
MOVIE

The Swan Princess

age 5+

Classic story is less scary than most animated fairy tales.

1994 G (89 minutes)
The Swan Princess: A Royal Wedding Poster Image
MOVIE

The Swan Princess: A Royal Wedding

age 5+

Chinese-inspired tale has positive messages, mild scares.

2020 G (82 minutes)
The Thief and the Cobbler Poster Image
MOVIE

The Thief and the Cobbler

age 5+

A must for family viewing.

1995 G (72 minutes)
Thumbelina Poster Image
MOVIE

Thumbelina

age 5+

Magical, musical story is a classic fairy tale.

1994 G (86 minutes)
Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast Poster Image
MOVIE

Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast

age 5+

Exciting fairy adventure has loss, some scariness.

2015 G (76 minutes)
Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection Poster Image
MOVIE

Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection

age 5+

Terrific, heartwarming shorts have something for everyone.

2015 NR (77 minutes)
A Tooth Fairy Tale movie poster: A male fairy hovers in front of a full moon
MOVIE

A Tooth Fairy Tale

age 6+

Some peril, potential scares in charming fantasy adventure.

2025 NR (90 minutes)
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