38 Best Movies like Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Cinderella places a young woman at the heart of an enchanting transformation and romance, just as Beauty and the Beast does. Its enduring fairy tale narrative continues to charm audiences with magical moments and a sense of hopeful wonder.

Cinderella has faith her dreams of a better life will come true. With help from her loyal mice friends and a wave of her Fairy Godmother's wand, Cinderella's rags are magically turned into a glorious gown and off she goes to the Royal Ball. But when the clock strikes midnight, the spell is broken, leaving a single glass slipper... the only key to the ultimate fairy-tale ending! Cinderella is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 14m runtime, released in 1950 with an average rating of 7.1 by 7,226 people. The movie made an estimated total of $263,600,000 in the box office.

Romantic longing and personal transformation drive The Little Mermaid, resulting in an experience filled with endearing characters and memorable songs, all enveloped in a vividly animated undersea world.

This colorful adventure tells the story of an impetuous mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with the very human Prince Eric and puts everything on the line for the chance to be with him. Memorable songs and characters -- including the villainous sea witch Ursula. The Little Mermaid is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 23m runtime, released in 1989 with an average rating of 7.4 by 8,492 people. The movie made an estimated total of $211,343,479 in the box office.

The Secret of NIMH introduces extraordinary events unfolding in a fantastical setting. It captivates with inventive storytelling, richly animated scenes, and unexpected moments of bravery.

A widowed field mouse must move her family -- including an ailing son -- to escape a farmer's plow. Aided by a crow and a pack of superintelligent, escaped lab rats, the brave mother struggles to transplant her home to firmer ground. The Secret of NIMH is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 23m runtime, released in 1982 with an average rating of 7.4 by 962 people. The movie made an estimated total of $14,665,733 in the box office.

Blending live-action with fairytale traditions, Enchanted playfully revisits themes of magical romance and self-discovery, offering a refreshing sense of humor and infectious musical numbers.

The beautiful princess Giselle is banished by an evil queen from her magical, musical animated land and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer who has come to her aid - even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince back home - she has to wonder: Can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world? Enchanted is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 47m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 6.8 by 5,770 people. The movie made an estimated total of $340,487,652 in the box office.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame resonates with the idea that beauty comes from within, a message central to Beauty and the Beast. It stands out through its powerful music, dramatic setting, and emotional storytelling.

Isolated bell-ringer Quasimodo wishes to leave Notre Dame tower against the wishes of Judge Claude Frollo, his stern guardian and Paris' strait-laced Minister of Justice. His first venture to the outside world finds him Esmeralda, a kind-hearted and fearless Romani woman who openly stands up to Frollo's tyranny. The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 31m runtime, released in 1996 with an average rating of 7.1 by 5,427 people. The movie made an estimated total of $325,300,000 in the box office.

Magical transformation sparks the story in The Princess and the Frog, weaving together lively characters, humor, and energetic musical sequences set in an atmospheric New Orleans backdrop.

A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him. The Princess and the Frog is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 38m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.2 by 6,215 people. The movie made an estimated total of $270,997,378 in the box office.

Spirited Away immerses viewers in a fantasy realm brimming with wonder, where the protagonist's courage and compassion shape her journey. It remains memorable for its imaginative world-building and meticulously crafted animation.

A young girl, Chihiro, becomes trapped in a strange new world of spirits. When her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, she must call upon the courage she never knew she had to free her family. Spirited Away is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 2h 5m runtime, released in 2001 with an average rating of 8.5 by 18,641 people. The movie made an estimated total of $274,925,095 in the box office.

Romantic connection between a woman and an extraordinary being lies at the heart of The Shape of Water. Its poetic approach and visually distinct style leave a lasting impression.

An other-worldly story, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962, where a mute janitor working at a lab falls in love with an amphibious man being held captive there and devises a plan to help him escape. The Shape of Water is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 3m runtime, released in 2017 with an average rating of 7.2 by 12,972 people. The movie made an estimated total of $195,300,000 in the box office.

Combining comedic adventure with themes of acceptance, Shrek takes fairy tale conventions in bold new directions. Its playful tone and distinctive characters provide both laughs and heart.

It ain't easy bein' green -- especially if you're a likable (albeit smelly) ogre named Shrek. On a mission to retrieve a gorgeous princess from the clutches of a fire-breathing dragon, Shrek teams up with an unlikely compatriot -- a wisecracking donkey. Shrek is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2001 with an average rating of 7.8 by 19,072 people. The movie made an estimated total of $489,676,241 in the box office.

Tale of Tales explores the darker sides of fairy tales within an intricate fantasy world. Its imaginative storytelling and striking visuals offer an evocative cinematic journey.

The Queen of Selvascura risks everything to be a mother; the King of Roccaforte falls in love with the voice of a mysterious girl; the King of Altomonte becomes obsessed with a flea and neglects his daughter. Tale of Tales is a movie from Italy in Italian, with a total 2h 14m runtime, released in 2015 with an average rating of 6.4 by 1,747 people. The movie made an estimated total of $5,500,277 in the box office.

Surreal fantasy settings heighten the stakes and emotions in Pan's Labyrinth. The film's haunting atmosphere and intricately woven narrative make it especially compelling.

In post–civil war Spain, 10-year-old Ofelia moves with her pregnant mother to live under the control of her cruel stepfather. Drawn into a mysterious labyrinth, she meets a faun who reveals that she may be a lost princess from an underground kingdom. To return to her true father, she must complete a series of surreal and perilous tasks that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Pan's Labyrinth is a movie from Mexico in Spanish, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2006 with an average rating of 7.8 by 11,608 people. The movie made an estimated total of $83,258,226 in the box office.

Howl's Moving Castle is renowned for its enchanting atmosphere, rich fantasy elements, and a strong heroine facing extraordinary challenges; all of which make for a visually and emotionally rewarding film.

Sophie, a young milliner, is turned into an elderly woman by a witch who enters her shop and curses her. She encounters a wizard named Howl and gets caught up in his resistance to fighting for the king. Howl's Moving Castle is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 59m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 8.4 by 11,264 people. The movie made an estimated total of $236,049,757 in the box office.

Ponyo enchants with a magical friendship and transformative journey. Its hand-drawn animation and lighthearted pacing infuse the story with warmth and joy.

When Sosuke, a young boy who lives on a clifftop overlooking the sea, rescues a stranded goldfish named Ponyo, he discovers more than he bargained for. Ponyo is a curious, energetic young creature who yearns to be human, but even as she causes chaos around the house, her father, a powerful sorcerer, schemes to return Ponyo to the sea. Ponyo is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2008 with an average rating of 7.8 by 4,894 people. The movie made an estimated total of $202,404,009 in the box office.

Coraline stands out for its imaginative storytelling and eerie stop-motion animation, drawing viewers into a parallel world where courage and quick thinking are key.

Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice. Coraline is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2009 with an average rating of 7.9 by 9,223 people. The movie made an estimated total of $185,860,104 in the box office.

Ella Enchanted infuses fairy tale conventions with humor and wit, highlighting a determined protagonist as she navigates a fantastical, obstacle-filled world.

Ella lives in a magical world in which each child, at the moment of their birth, is given a virtuous "gift" from a fairy godmother. Ella's so-called gift, however, is obedience. This birthright proves itself to be quite the curse once Ella finds herself in the hands of several unscrupulous characters whom she quite literally cannot disobey. Determined to gain control of her life and decisions, Ella sets off on a journey to find her fairy godmother who she hopes will lift the curse. The path, however, isn't easy -- Ella must outwit a slew of unpleasant obstacles including ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, elves and Prince Charmont's evil uncle, who wants to take over the crown and rule the kingdom. Ella Enchanted is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 36m runtime, released in 2004 with an average rating of 6.5 by 1,994 people. The movie made an estimated total of $27,400,000 in the box office.

Rooted in folklore, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya captivates with its graceful animation and moving exploration of destiny, making it a memorable entry in the fantasy genre.

Found inside a shining stalk of bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife, a tiny girl grows rapidly into an exquisite young lady. The mysterious young princess enthrals all who encounter her. But, ultimately, she must confront her fate. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 2h 17m runtime, released in 2013 with an average rating of 8.1 by 2,020 people. The movie made an estimated total of $24,366,656 in the box office.

Sleeping Beauty conjures a dreamlike world of magic and love, presenting a classic tale with enchanting animation and an air of timeless wonder.

Cursed to die by the evil fairy Maleficent when she was a baby, Princess Aurora is sent into hiding under protection from three good fairies. As she grows up far away, Maleficent becomes increasingly determined to seal the princess's fate. Sleeping Beauty is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 15m runtime, released in 1959 with an average rating of 6.9 by 5,531 people. The movie made an estimated total of $51,600,000 in the box office.

Wolfwalkers stands out with its distinctive storybook artistry and empowering tale of friendship, inviting viewers into a mystical world inspired by folklore.

In a time of superstition and magic, when wolves are seen as demonic and nature an evil to be tamed, a young apprentice hunter comes to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last pack. But when she saves a wild native girl, their friendship leads her to discover the world of the Wolfwalkers and transform her into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy. Wolfwalkers is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 42m runtime, released in 2020 with an average rating of 8.2 by 1,424 people. The movie made an estimated total of $1,310,720 in the box office.

Song of the Sea enchants with its blend of family, myth, and lyrical storytelling, transporting viewers to a world where personal growth and adventure unfold against a backdrop of Irish legend.

The story of the last Seal Child’s journey home. After their mother’s disappearance, Ben and Saoirse are sent to live with Granny in the city. When they resolve to return to their home by the sea, their journey becomes a race against time as they are drawn into a world Ben knows only from his mother’s folktales. But this is no bedtime story; these fairy folk have been in our world far too long. It soon becomes clear to Ben that Saoirse is the key to their survival. Song of the Sea is a movie from Ireland in English, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 8.0 by 1,604 people. The movie made an estimated total of $857,522 in the box office.

In The Red Turtle, silent storytelling and breathtaking animation create an introspective fantasy that relies on moving visual storytelling rather than dialogue.

The dialogue-less film follows the major life stages of a castaway on a deserted tropical island populated by turtles, crabs and birds. The Red Turtle is a movie from Belgium in French, with a total 1h 21m runtime, released in 2016 with an average rating of 7.4 by 1,388 people. The movie made an estimated total of $921,974 in the box office.

Tangled brims with excitement and heart as it explores a young woman’s adventurous escape and personal discovery, all rendered in vibrant animation with memorable songs.

Feisty teenager Rapunzel, who has long and magical hair, wants to go and see sky lanterns on her eighteenth birthday, but she's bound to a tower by her overprotective mother. She strikes a deal with Flynn Rider, a charming wanted thief, and the duo set off on an action-packed escapade. Tangled is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 40m runtime, released in 2010 with an average rating of 7.6 by 12,555 people. The movie made an estimated total of $592,461,732 in the box office.

Pinocchio's magical journey involves wish-fulfillment, transformation, and the discovery of self-worth, unfolding through timeless animation and heartfelt storytelling.

When the gentle woodcarver Geppetto builds a marionette to be his substitute son, a benevolent fairy brings the toy to life. The puppet, named Pinocchio, is not yet a human boy. He must earn the right to be real by proving that he is brave, truthful, and unselfish. Pinocchio is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 28m runtime, released in 1940 with an average rating of 7.1 by 6,312 people. The movie made an estimated total of $164,000,000 in the box office.

Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart crafts an offbeat fantasy romance where fantastical circumstances shape the character’s experience, all set to a visually inventive world.

Jack is born with his heart frozen solid on the coldest day in history. A wise midwife saves him by replacing it with a cuckoo clock. Now Jack must abide by three rules to keep his mechanical heart safe: never touch the clock's hands, master his anger, and never fall in love. He tries his best, but when he meets a girl named Acacia he falls in love, threatening the delicate balance of his artificial heart. Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 34m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.2 by 768 people. The movie made an estimated total of $3,484,370 in the box office.

The Princess Bride blends romance, wit, and adventure within a fantastical framework, making for a playful and endlessly quotable tale of true love.

In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid six-fingered swordsmen, murderous princes, Sicilians and rodents of unusual size. But even death can't stop these true lovebirds from triumphing. The Princess Bride is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 39m runtime, released in 1987 with an average rating of 7.7 by 5,201 people. The movie made an estimated total of $30,900,000 in the box office.

Labyrinth delivers a fantastical coming-of-age quest filled with imaginative creatures and unique challenges, celebrated for its innovative design and whimsical spirit.

Frustrated with babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah, a teenager with an active imagination, summons the Goblins to take her baby stepbrother away. When little Toby actually disappears, Sarah must follow him into a fantastical world to rescue him from the Goblin King. Guarding his castle is the labyrinth itself, a twisted maze of deception, populated with outrageous characters and unknown dangers. Labyrinth is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 41m runtime, released in 1986 with an average rating of 7.3 by 2,802 people. The movie made an estimated total of $12,729,917 in the box office.

Mirror Mirror places a creative twist on fairy tale storytelling, combining comedic moments with visual flair and imaginative reimaginings of classic characters.

After she spends all her money, an evil enchantress queen schemes to marry a handsome, wealthy prince. There's just one problem - he's in love with a beautiful princess, Snow White. Now, joined by seven rebellious dwarves, Snow White launches an epic battle of good vs. evil... Mirror Mirror is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 46m runtime, released in 2012 with an average rating of 5.9 by 3,305 people. The movie made an estimated total of $183,018,522 in the box office.

Maleficent reexamines a familiar fairy tale from a new perspective, weaving in powerful themes of redemption and presenting visually striking fantasy sequences.

A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. She rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal – an act that begins to turn her heart into stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading King's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and to Maleficent's true happiness as well. Maleficent is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 37m runtime, released in 2014 with an average rating of 7.1 by 13,843 people. The movie made an estimated total of $758,539,785 in the box office.

Ladyhawke draws on magical curses and epic romance, placing its characters in a medieval setting filled with dramatic landscapes and emotional stakes.

Captain Etienne Navarre is a man on whose shoulders lies a cruel curse. Punished for loving each other, Navarre must become a wolf by night whilst his lover, Lady Isabeau, takes the form of a hawk by day. Together, with the thief Philippe Gaston, they must try to overthrow the corrupt Bishop and in doing so break the spell. Ladyhawke is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 2h 1m runtime, released in 1985 with an average rating of 7.0 by 1,272 people. The movie made an estimated total of $18,432,000 in the box office.

Beastly directly adapts the Beauty and the Beast story into a modern context, offering a contemporary spin while exploring themes of appearance and empathy.

A modern-day take on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love. Beastly is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 26m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.3 by 2,885 people. The movie made an estimated total of $43,200,000 in the box office.

A Monster in Paris finds emotional resonance through the unlikely connection between a human and a misunderstood creature, set against a musical and whimsical Parisian backdrop.

Paris, 1910. Emile, a shy movie projectionist, and Raoul, a colourful inventor, find themselves embarked on the hunt for a monster terrorizing citizens. They join forces with Lucille, the big-hearted star of the Bird of Paradise cabaret, an eccentric scientist and his irascible monkey to save the monster, who turns out to be an oversized but harmless flea, from the city's ruthlessly ambitious police chief. A Monster in Paris is a movie from France in French, with a total 1h 30m runtime, released in 2011 with an average rating of 6.9 by 1,370 people. The movie made an estimated total of $26,611,650 in the box office.

Matilda's journey is marked by magical happenings and a resilient protagonist who overcomes adversity, making the film both uplifting and imaginative.

Matilda Wormwood is an brilliant and intelligent little girl. Unfortunately, her parents, Harry and Zinnia, fail to see that fact. As time passes, she finally starts school and has a kind teacher, loyal friends, and a terrifying, sadistic headmistress. As she becomes fed up with the constant cruelty, she discovers she has a special gift that she just might be able to use to outwit the unruly adults around her. Matilda is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 38m runtime, released in 1996 with an average rating of 7.2 by 4,875 people. The movie made an estimated total of $33,500,000 in the box office.

Edward Scissorhands weaves together themes of isolation and acceptance around an unconventional protagonist, leaving a profound emotional impact through its visually distinctive style.

A small suburban town receives a visit from a castaway unfinished science experiment named Edward. Edward Scissorhands is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 45m runtime, released in 1990 with an average rating of 7.7 by 13,919 people. The movie made an estimated total of $86,024,005 in the box office.

Secret Magic Control Agency injects adventure and enchantment into a fairytale-inspired world, where inventive scenarios and playful action keep the story engaging.

The Secret Magic Control Agency sends its two best agents, Hansel and Gretel, to fight against the witch of the Gingerbread House. Secret Magic Control Agency is a movie from in Russian, with a total 1h 44m runtime, released in 2021 with an average rating of 7.0 by 399 people.

Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio uses stop-motion fantasy to examine themes of transformation and identity, brought to life through its expressive animation and inventive storytelling.

During the rise of fascism in Mussolini's Italy, a wooden boy brought magically to life struggles to live up to his father's expectations. Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 57m runtime, released in 2022 with an average rating of 8.0 by 3,412 people.

Kiki's Delivery Service depicts a young heroine finding independence within a warm, enchanting setting, celebrated for its gentle humor and richly detailed animation.

A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service. Kiki's Delivery Service is a movie from Japan in Japanese, with a total 1h 43m runtime, released in 1989 with an average rating of 7.8 by 4,654 people. The movie made an estimated total of $4,493,017 in the box office.

The Brothers Grimm offers an imaginative reworking of classic folklore, building a fantastical world full of adventure, eccentricity, and mythical challenges.

Folklore collectors and con artists, Jake and Will Grimm, travel from village to village pretending to protect townsfolk from enchanted creatures and performing exorcisms. However, they are put to the test when they encounter a real magical curse in a haunted forest with real magical beings, requiring genuine courage. The Brothers Grimm is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 58m runtime, released in 2005 with an average rating of 5.9 by 3,005 people. The movie made an estimated total of $105,300,000 in the box office.

Stardust crafts a sweeping romantic adventure set in a magical kingdom, balanced by whimsical humor and grand fantasy spectacle.

In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. His journey takes him into a world beyond his wildest dreams and reveals his true identity. Stardust is a movie from United Kingdom in English, with a total 2h 7m runtime, released in 2007 with an average rating of 7.3 by 4,521 people. The movie made an estimated total of $137,500,000 in the box office.

The Black Cauldron brings viewers on a perilous quest filled with creatures and ancient magic, leaving a mark with its atmospheric animation and darker undertones.

Taran is an assistant pigkeeper with boyish dreams of becoming a great warrior. However, he has to put the daydreaming aside when his charge, an oracular pig named Hen Wen, is kidnapped by an evil lord known as the Horned King. The villain hopes Hen will show him the way to The Black Cauldron, which has the power to create a giant army of unstoppable soldiers. The Black Cauldron is a movie from United States of America in English, with a total 1h 20m runtime, released in 1985 with an average rating of 6.4 by 1,459 people. The movie made an estimated total of $21,300,000 in the box office.