By Michaiah Johnson ‘23
Everyone loves a good fairy tale. They are an influential part of most of our childhoods and are indicative of our culture. Ranging from dark and sort of morbid (looking at you, Brothers Grimm) to light and happy (thank you, Disney), fairy tales can come in so many different forms and are told in so many different ways.
Regardless of how timeless fairy tales are, the same old story can get a little, well, old. Which is why some authors have taken the liberty to change or update classic fairy tales, whether it be through mixing and matching, warping, retelling, or loosely basing new stories off of fairy tales. Below are a few wonderful examples of books, movies, and television shows inspired by beloved fairy tales.
- Once Upon a Time (TV Series)
It would be a crime to not start this list off with Once Upon a Time, a fully released show created by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz. Once Upon a Time follows Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), a bail bonds collector with a chip on her shoulder, as she is found by her eleven year old son (Jared S. Gilmore) whom she gave up for adoption and is brought to the small town of Storybrooke, Maine. Emma’s son, Henry, is convinced that Emma is the daughter of Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Prince Charming (Josh Dallas) and that she has to break a curse cast by the Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla), Henry’s adoptive mother. Once Upon a Time does a beautiful job of connecting and tying together several classic fairy tales through its seven seasons. The show can be streamed on Disney+.
- The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer (Book Series)
The Land of Stories is a children’s book series by Chris Colfer, the well-known Glee star. The series tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner Bailey. When their grandmother gives them a book of fairy tales, the last thing the twins expect is to be transported into a world where the fairy tales they know and love are real. The first book follows Conner and Alex as they try to find their way home and meet fairy tale characters, like Red Riding Hood, a spoiled queen, and Goldilocks, a wanted fugitive. In total, there are six Land of Stories books, and that’s not including the spinoffs and extras.
- Into the Woods (Movie Musical)
What works better than fairy tales and singing? Almost nothing! Into the Woods, directed by Rob Marshall, does exactly that as it follows the story of a childless baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt) as they search through the kingdom to find ingredients for a spell to give them a child. Into the Woods puts the stories of Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy), Jack the Giant Slayer (Daniel Huttlestone), Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), and Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) all into one lovely little musical.
Other Works Inspired by Fairy Tales
- Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (Book and Movie)
- Half-Upon a Time by James Riley (Book Trilogy)
- The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (Book Series; read Unpopular but Crazy Good Book Series article on The Valley Voice)
- Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Page (Book Series)
- The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley (Book Series)
Interesting topic! Works that retell fairy tales and myths have always been a favorite genre (sub-genre?) of mine. If you really want to dig in to this, have a look at Bruno Bettelheim’s “The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales.”
I love the show “Once Upon a Time” It’s a really interesting show and the way they put everything together from one tale to another is so unique and draws you in!
I totally forgot “Into the Woods” was a movie I watched. It’s a great one, and if you can, I recommend watching it.