The Best TV Shows About Fairy Tales
Fairy tales are timeless stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. They teach children about the world around them and how to be a good person. The best fairy tale TV shows take these classic stories and turn them into something new for a modern audience. These shows can be live action, animated, or even a mix of both. Some of the best fairy tale TV series are based on classic tales like Snow White or Cinderella while others create their own unique worlds with characters who act out familiar storylines.
What are the best TV shows based on fairy tales? Vote up your favorite series below and see where your favorites rank!
- 1Lana Parrilla, Robert Carlyle, Colin O'Donoghue
A perfect fusion of fairy-tale magic and modern-day realities, Once Upon a Time offers viewers an unparalleled television experience that expertly weaves together beloved storybook characters with contemporary settings, conflicts, and relationships. The series has successfully reimagined classic tales such as Snow White, Cinderella, and Peter Pan by intricately threading them into the lives of ordinary people living in a small Maine town called Storybrooke. With rich character development, intricate plotlines, and breathtaking visuals, this masterful show truly transports its audience to far-off realms where anything is possible.
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- 2Adria Arjona, Vincent D'Onofrio, Joely Richardson
Intricately crafted and visually stunning, Emerald City presents a bold retelling of the timeless Wizard of Oz saga through the lens of modern storytelling techniques. A dark and twisted take on L. Frank Baum's original stories, this series explores complex themes while still maintaining the enchantment inherent to the source material. Viewers are introduced to riveting characters who bring fascinating depth to well-known tropes while facing real-life challenges in a fantastical world rife with danger and beauty.
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- 3Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel
Steeped in intrigue and bewitching allure, Salem brings a fresh perspective on the infamous 17th-century witch trials by adding layers of sinister magic and palpable tension to historical events. Delving into the dangerous political games played behind closed doors between witches known as Seers and their powerful Puritan enemies, this series offers viewers an enthralling glimpse into the shadowy world of sorcery and the chilling consequences of fear. With its captivating storyline and complex characters, Salem is a must-watch for fans of dark fairy tales.
- 4David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Reggie Lee
An extraordinary blend of crime procedural drama with a supernatural twist, Grimm artfully combines elements from iconic Brothers Grimm fairy tales into an innovative show that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Following homicide detective Nick Burkhardt as he grapples with his newfound ability to see mythological creatures disguised among normal humans, this groundbreaking series seamlessly melds together folklore, mystery, romance, and action in an utterly mesmerizing way.
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- 5Kimberly Williams-Paisley, John Larroquette, Scott Cohen
A whimsical fusion of magic and reality, The 10th Kingdom takes viewers on an epic journey through enchanted realms filled with iconic fairy-tale characters like Snow White, Cinderella, and Rapunzel. This enchanting miniseries follows the adventures of Virginia Lewis and her father as they navigate treacherous lands inhabited by villainous trolls, plotting witches, magical portals - all while trying to find their way home. Masterfully blending humor with heart-stopping suspense in equal measure, this mesmerizing show is bound to leave an indelible mark on anyone who watches it.
- 6Linda Hamilton, Ron Perlman, Roy Dotrice
A modern reimagining of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast marries elements of romance, action, and science fiction to create a truly unique television experience. The show captures the essence of its source material while offering a fresh new take on familiar tropes through innovative storytelling techniques that are as engaging as they are surprising. Exceptional acting, compelling character development, and breathtaking backdrops work in harmony to bring forth a fantastical love story that will captivate audiences from beginning to end.
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- 7Colin Morgan, Bradley James, Richard Wilson
Fantastical elements meet historical intrigue in Merlin, a retelling of Arthurian legend with captivating twists at every turn. Set in the mythic city of Camelot during King Uther Pendragon's rule, this expertly crafted series follows young warlock Merlin as he grapples with his destiny to protect Prince Arthur while keeping his own magical identity concealed. With riveting performances from a talented cast alongside intricately woven storylines steeped in mythos yet grounded in humanity, Merlin is an adventure that's not to be missed.
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- 8Zooey Deschanel, Kathleen Robertson, Alan Cumming
A visually stunning and emotionally evocative reinterpretation of L. Frank Baum's classic Oz tales, Tin Man brings an entirely new dimension to the beloved story of Dorothy and her friends. Set in a dystopian world known as The Outer Zone (O.Z.), this ambitious series introduces viewers to a richly textured landscape populated by intriguing characters and perilous challenges. As enchanting as it is thought-provoking, this inventive show successfully reimagines its source material while staying true to the heart of the original tale.
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- 9Zachary Quinto, Ashleigh Cummings, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson
Dark, thrilling, and undisputedly chilling, NOS4A2 offers a unique spin on traditional fairy-tale themes by incorporating elements of horror and psychological suspense into its captivating narrative. Based on Joe Hill's bestselling novel, this supernatural drama follows an artist who discovers she has the power to track down a malevolent being that feeds off the souls of children - all while struggling with her own demons. A compelling exploration of good versus evil set against a backdrop of nightmarish landscapes, this unsettling series will surely leave viewers with goosebumps.
- 10Sophie Lowe, Michael Socha, Peter Gadiot
An imaginative spinoff from the popular Once Upon a Time, this enchanting series transports audiences into the magical realm of Wonderland where familiar characters from Lewis Carroll's classic stories are brought vividly to life. Seamlessly weaving together elements of romance, action, and mystery into its spellbinding plotlines, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland showcases the enduring appeal of its iconic source material while providing fresh perspectives on beloved tropes through innovative storytelling.
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- 11Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson, James Earl Jones
Immerse yourself in the magical and mystical world of Merlin, a 1998 television miniseries that masterfully brings to life the legendary tale of a young wizard's journey through love, betrayal, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of Arthurian legends, this enthralling series showcases the exceptional storytelling prowess of screenwriter Edward Khmara while delivering stellar performances by an ensemble cast including Sam Neill, Helena Bonham Carter, and John Gielgud. Providing an intricate yet accessible adaptation of age-old folklore, Merlin skillfully weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and sorcery to create a breathtaking tapestry bursting with intrigue and enchantment. The compelling character development coupled with state-of-the-art special effects for its time makes this timeless classic an indispensable addition to any collection celebrating fantastical tales from yesteryear.
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- 12Paul Wesley, Carrie-Anne Moss, Odette Annable
Intricately crafted and expertly woven together with layers upon layers of dark twists and turns, Tell Me A Story takes beloved fairy tales and imbues them with a sinister edge to create an utterly mesmerizing drama. Fusing classic stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and Sleeping Beauty with contemporary settings filled with intrigue, deceit, and danger, this compelling series is a must-watch for those who crave thrilling narratives that keep them guessing until the very end.
- 13Kristin Kreuk, Jay Ryan, Nina Lisandrello
A timeless tale of love that transcends appearances, Beauty and the Beast expertly weaves together elements of romance, action, and adventure to create a truly captivating television experience. Set in a world where fantastical creatures lurk beneath the surface of everyday life, this enchanting series introduces viewers to a rich tapestry of characters who defy expectations while remaining true to their fairy-tale roots. With its intricate storylines, exceptional acting, and breathtaking visuals, this iteration of Beauty and the Beast is an undeniable treat for fans of classic tales with a modern twist.
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- 14
Fairy Tales
Lucy Punch, Holliday GraingerThis delightful anthology series skillfully reinterprets timeless fairy tales for modern audiences while retaining the enchanting magic inherent to its source material. Each stand-alone episode brings a fresh perspective to familiar stories like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Rumpelstiltskin by incorporating innovative storytelling techniques that are as engaging as they are unexpected. With captivating performances from an array of talented actors alongside rich character development and breathtaking visuals, Fairy Tales is sure to charm viewers young and old alike.
- 15Christopher Rich, Judy Parfitt, Cork Hubbert
A lighthearted sitcom infused with just the right amount of whimsy, The Charmings brings beloved fairy-tale characters Snow White, Prince Charming, their two children, and even the Evil Queen into the modern world for hilarious misadventures. As they navigate life in 20th-century suburbia while still staying true to their storybook roots, this charming series offers viewers equal doses of humor and heart - making it perfect for fans of both classic fairy tales and contemporary family comedies.
- 16LaKeith Stanfield, Clark Backo, Adina Porter
An eerie exploration of mythological creatures known as changelings - beings who steal human infants only to replace them with their own kind - The Changeling delves into dark folklore territory while maintaining its gripping narrative tension throughout each riveting episode. As a young woman grapples with her newfound abilities stemming from her mysterious past involving changeling lore, she soon discovers that there's more at stake than she ever imagined - leaving audiences on tenterhooks until the very end.
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