Best Fairy Tale Movies

Last updated: July 3, 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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2008)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)

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VeggieTales: The Penniless Princess Poster Image

MOVIE

VeggieTales: The Penniless Princess

age 4+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)

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Pixie Hollow Games Poster Image

MOVIE

Pixie Hollow Games

age 4+

Beautifully animated "fairy" tale teaches about teamwork.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1950)

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Cinderella (1997) Movie Poster Image

MOVIE

Cinderella (1997)

age 5+

Musical take on classic fairy tale is an inclusion landmark.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1997)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)

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The Thief and the Cobbler Poster Image

MOVIE

The Thief and the Cobbler

age 5+

A must for family viewing.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1995)

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Tangled Poster Image

MOVIE

Tangled

age 5+

Fantastic princess adventure is fun, with great messages.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)

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The Swan Princess Poster Image

MOVIE

The Swan Princess

age 5+

Classic story is less scary than most animated fairy tales.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1994)

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Thumbelina Poster Image

MOVIE

Thumbelina

age 5+

Magical, musical story is a classic fairy tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1994)

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Sleeping Beauty Poster Image

MOVIE

Sleeping Beauty

age 5+

Disney classic is delightful but sometimes scary.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1959)

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Knight Rusty Poster Image

MOVIE

Knight Rusty

age 5+

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

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2025)

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Frozen Poster Image

MOVIE

Frozen

age 5+

Wintry Disney musical is fabulous celebration of sisterhood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)

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The Emperor's Newest Clothes Poster Image

MOVIE

The Emperor's Newest Clothes

age 5+

Musical retelling has standout themes of honesty, humility.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)

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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.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2020)

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The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina movie poster: Tom Thumb and Thumbelina sit in a flower

MOVIE

The Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina

age 6+

Disney remake has stronger heroine than original fairy tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)

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