15 Best Movies Like Maleficent – Fantasy Feast for Eyes

So, you enjoyed Maleficent. And now that you are hooked into the world of fantasy, you want to explore similar movies. Well, you have come to the right place then. In this article, we shall provide you with a list of 15 movies like Maleficent which will surely plunge you into the land of magic and imagination.

But before we get started, let us talk about Maleficent and why it still reminisces as one of the best fairy tales that the audience has witnessed on screen.

Maleficent 3, a sequel to “Maleficent” and “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”. A third film titled “Maleficent: Mother of all faeries” is confirmed to be in early development. The plot is still under wraps.

Released in 2014, Maleficent is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty with a feminist revisionist twist. The movie stars the celebrated actress Angelina Jolie in the lead and is directed by Robert Stromberg. Though it was adopted from Walt Disney’s 1959 animated classic ‘Sleeping Beauty’, unlike its animated counterpart, it focuses more on Maleficent and her side of the popular story that we all know rather than placing Aurora in the spotlight.

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Upon its release, the film was eulogized for the grand-scale special effects that it showcased. It was successful in creating a magical land of mystery in the minds of the viewers.

Maleficent, by all means, takes the audience into a world of borderless imagination. And now, behold the list of 15 movies like maleficent that will surely fulfill your fantasy cravings.

List of 15 Movies Like Maleficent

1. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

IMDb Rating- 6.6

Topping the chart is none other than the sequel itself, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. What could be a better movie similar to Maleficent other than the one that continues its story forward? It was released in 2019 and retains the original cast. However, it embraces a change of direction with Joachim Ronning taking charge in place of Stromberg. It also presents interesting new characters in the skin of promising actors.

The movie did not attract many viewers at the theatres and managed to collect a worldwide total of $491.7 million only at the box office. Considering the fact that its predecessor grossed over $758.5 million and the buzz it had generated, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil evidently failed to deliver at the box office.

But for those who had enjoyed the first part, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil surely delivers engaging content. It portrays the events that take place after the previous movie and yet again, amuse the eyes with its gorgeous visuals and depiction of a magical world.

2. Sleeping Beauty (1959)

IMDb Rating- 7.2

Next up on the list is the original Sleeping Beauty animated film all the way back from 1959. Sleeping Beauty is an animated depiction of the all-time classic fairy tale of the same name. Produced by Walt Disney, this film still remains a favorite not only among children but also among those who were fascinated by 2014’s Maleficent.

If you have not watched Sleeping Beauty still now, you would surely want to give it a try.

After being fascinated by Maleficent’s story, you would be intrigued to know more about Aurora. And this film serves the purpose. As mentioned before, the film focuses more on Aurora and her life as a princess making it a perfect choice to watch after Maleficent.

3. Tangled

IMDb Rating- 7.7

Moving on, we have another widely-acclaimed Disney Princess movie, Tangled. Based on the German tale of Rapunzel, a girl with long, blond, and magical hair, Tangled presents an entertaining ride into a lovely land of fantasy.

Since its release in 2010, it has become a timeless classic for Disney lovers. Even after a decade, it still remains the most expensive animated film ever made with an estimated production cost of $260 million. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the movie was a hit at the box office as it collected a net total of $592 million.

With flawless animation, memorable music, and emotions driving the plot, Tangled promises an entertaining and heart-warming watch.

4. Moana

IMDb Rating- 7.6

We have another animated film from Disney on the list, and a few more will follow. Moana is another memorable princess movie that Disney has offered to us. With catchy songs and a creative premise, this film is both whimsical and heart-warming.

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, Moana is very similar to Maleficent. It transports us to a fantasy world and involves elements of magic. Released in 2016 and grossed over $690 million and remains a fan-favorite.  

5. Frozen

IMDb Rating- 7.4

Yet another animated film, Frozen boasts numerous critical applause and a lifetime collection of a whopping $1.280 billion. Released in 2013, it is directed b Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.

Frozen presents before the audience, a snow-clad wonderland and elements of magic, making it closely resembling Maleficent. However, the plot is in no way associated with Maleficent and takes the viewers on a joy ride in a mythical world.

6. Beauty and the Beast

IMDb Rating- 7.1

A beautiful adaptation of the popular fairy tale of the same name, 2017’s Beauty and the Beast presents a memorable rendition of the already famous story. The film stars the acclaimed actress Emma Wason in the lead with a strong supporting cast. Though an animated version of the story from Disney itself exists, this live-action epic is a treat to watch. Even though the plot is known, one can’t help but simply get lost in the story.

Gorgeous visual effects combined with the brilliant direction of Bill Condon, this movie has been claimed by many to be a masterpiece. The land of fantasy depicted here will surely please your eyes.

This too was a blockbuster as it grossed over $1.264 billion worldwide. Beauty and the Beast is a must-watch for those who enjoy fantasy thoroughly.

7. Brave

IMDb Rating- 7.1

So adorable, one of the best movies like Maleficent.

Set in the Scottish Highlands, Brave follows the journey of princess Merida who attempts to turn her mother who is also the queen back into human form after an erroneous spell turns her into a bear. With the element of a curse, a brave princess, and a land of mystery, it reminds one of Maleficent to a great degree.

Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, it was released in 2012. The film received a notable response and went on to collect $540.4 million, making it the 13th highest-grossing film of the year.

8. Cinderella (2015)

IMDb Rating- 6.9

Just like Beauty and the Beast, 2015’s Cinderella too, has a lovely animated counterpart. However, just like the former, the live-action rendition of the story makes the magical world that it creates, feel real. Directed by the acclaimed director Kenneth Branagh, the film is a faithful adaptation of the classic fairy tale.

Starring Lily James as Cinderella, the movie grossed over $542 million. 

9. Aladdin

IMDb Rating – 6.9

Another adaptation from an already-existing animated film is Aladdin. The plot follows a familiar story but manages to hook the audience in with its spectacular visuals and satisfying screenplay.

With the eminent Will Smith playing the main character, the movie created quite a buzz and crossed the acknowledged mark of 1 billion dollars at the box office. Aladdin is directed by Guy Ritchie and was released in 2019.

10. Frozen 2

IMDb Rating- 6.8

Accompanying Frozen in this list of best movies like Maleficent, is its sequel. Frozen 2 drives the story of Frozen forward and provides a compelling narration of Queen Elsa’s adventures.

Carrying the legacy of its predecessor forward, Frozen 2 collected a revenue of $1.450 billion at the box office worldwide.

It was released in 2019 and is directed by the same pair who had directed Frozen. Like the previous installment, it presents before the viewers a world of magic and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. 

11. Alice in Wonderland

IMDb Rating- 6.4

Directed by Tim Burton, Alice in Wonderland came out in theaters in 2010. It is adapted from Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. The movie has a premise similar to the one in the book but creative re-imagining has been done to make it suitable for modern times.

An animated film by the same name from 1951 but the 2010 version of the story presents exciting liberties in the plot. The film was a commercial success as it grossed a total of $1.25 billion. 

12. Oz: The Great and Powerful

IMDb Rating- 6.3

Oz: The Great and Powerful is a creative retelling of L. Frank Baum’s famed novels of Oz. The movie presents a unique and exciting story about Oz and its wizard. Directed by the renowned director Sam Raimi, the film is a treat to watch with the spectacle that it showcases.

With beautiful sets and flawless special effects, Oz: The Great and Powerful is certain to take you to the land of dreams.

It was released in 2013 and collected $493.3 million at the box office. 

13. Alice through the Looking Glass

IMDb Rating- 6.2

The sequel to Alice in Wonderland was released in 2016 and is directed by James Bobin. The movie is adapted from the 1951 animated film of the same name. It follows the adventures of Alice in Wonderland after the first film.

Alice Through the Looking Glass lukewarm response upon its release and mixed reviews from the audience. But there is no doubt that this film succeeds in providing an enjoyable watch for those who watched the first installment in the series.

14. Snow White and the Huntsman

IMDb Rating- 6.1

With Snow White and the Huntsman, director Rupert Sanders set up The Huntsman series. The movie is loosely based on the fairy tale of Snow White with numerous creative twists.

It contains the star cast of Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, and Kristen Stewart.

If you enjoy creative retellings of popular stories, you will surely enjoy Snow White and the Huntsman.

It was released in 2012 and collected $396.6 million.

15. The Huntsman: Winter’s War

IMDb Rating- 6.1

Following up is the 2nd installment of The Huntsman series, The Huntsman: Winter’s War. Released in 2016, it is directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan.

It is a continuation of the story from the previous movie. Contrary to the first film, it focuses more on the huntsman rather than Snow White. The film failed at the box office and faced criticism for the plot that it depicted.

However, at the same time, the film’s visuals were highly appreciated. If you are a fantasy lover, you will enjoy the world that The Huntsman: Winter’s War depicts especially if you decide to watch the first installment first.

Recap: Best Movies Like Maleficent

1. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
2. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
3. Tangled
4. Moana
5. Frozen
6. Beauty and the Beast
7. Brave
8. Cinderella (2015)
9. Aladdin
10. Frozen 2
11. Alice in Wonderland
12. Oz: The Great and Powerful
13. Alice through the Looking Glass
14. Snow White and the Huntsman
15. The Huntsman: Winter’s War

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