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The upcoming live-action movie, Snow White, is scheduled to hit theaters in March of 2025. Directed by Marc Webb, the musical stars Rachel Zegler who cinephiles may remember from West Side Story (2021), Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Expectations are high as Snow White is based on a well-known classic tale beloved by generations.
Even though there has been some debate online about casting choices, and story changes, viewers are still excited to see their favorite characters come to life on screen. As much as people love the classic tale, the screenplay by Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson will likely put a refreshing new spin on it.
While fans wait for Snow White to release on March 21, 2025, they can indulge in the fantasy-themed movies on this list that promise memorable adventures.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Cinderella, Mulan and four other live-action movies like Snow White that will add a little magic to your day
1) The Wizard of Oz (1939)
People around the world have grown up with fairy tales such as Snow White which takes them back to their childhood. And, the same is the case with The Wizard of Oz, which is a famous children's novel by L. Frank Baum. The 1939 adaptation of the same is commonly regarded as one of the best films of all time.
Directed by Victor Fleming, The Wizard of Oz stars Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, and others. Garland plays a young girl named Dorothy Gale who gets swept away by a tornado along with her dog. After she lands in the magical Land of Oz, she decides to travel to the home of the powerful Wizard who can help her return to Kansas.
Even though the effects in The Wizard of Oz may look outdated in today's age, the movie still holds up in terms of compelling performances, plotline, and memorable dialogues. There is no doubt that the success of live-action adaptations like The Wizard of Oz helped lay the foundation for new retellings that are released every year, including Snow White.
Where to watch: The Wizard of Oz is available for streaming on Hulu, Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
2) Into The Woods (2014)
From talking mirrors to magical creatures, the tale of Snow White has different fantasy-themed elements which elevates the storytelling. Likewise in the 2014 film Into The Woods, the narrative weaves together elements of different beloved classic tales that will make viewers nostalgic.
Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, James Corden, and more, feature in this Rob Marshall musical. It centers around a couple who have been cursed with childlessness. They are delighted when the witch offers to lift the curse in exchange for four objects. However, obtaining them isn't as easy as they imagined.
Like Snow White, Into The Woods is a musical and it is a treat to see the talented cast belt out impressive melodies so effortlessly. The mood is comparatively darker than the majority of fairy-tale adaptations but is still witty and magical and that is what gives the movie its distinctive charm.
Where to watch: Into The Woods can be streamed on Apple TV+, Disney+ and Prime Video.
3) Cinderella (2015)
Like Snow White's character, Cinderella also has to suffer at the hands of an evil stepmother. In this adaptation by Kenneth Branagh, Lily James plays the titular character, Ella. When her father leaves on a business trip, her stepmother, Lady Tremaine portrayed by Cate Blanchett, finds different ways to make life difficult for Ella.
In terms of personality, Cinderella has a lot in common with Snow White. Kind and strong-willed, both protagonists find a way to persevere even in the midst of grave hardships. While the 2015 film sticks to the original story, it also adds light-hearted humor and much-needed chemistry between its romantic leads to enhance the storytelling.
Cinderella also benefits from the striking costumes and set design that adds to the fantasy-fueled cinematic experience.
Where to watch: Cinderella is available on Disney+, Prime Video and Apple TV+.
4) Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Beauty and the Beast, like Snow White, is also based on a popular fairy tale helmed by a charming protagonist who pushes everyone to be their best selves. Emma Watson, who Harry Potter fans know as Hermoine, plays Belle in this live-action remake.
When her father is imprisoned in the Beast's castle, she volunteers to take his place. At first, she doesn't get along with the Beast but she starts to warm up to him after spending quality time together.
This musical by Bill Condon brings back the classic songs from the animated Beauty and the Beast (1991) and also introduces new songs that perfectly fit into the narrative. It is humorous and lighthearted but still has plenty of emotional moments that will stay with the audience for a long time.
Where to watch: Beauty and the Beast can be viewed on Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV+.
5) The Green Knight (2021)
Snow White runs away to save herself from her evil stepmother. But this appears to be a blessing in disguise as her time in the woods turns into the adventure of a lifetime. The same happens in the 2021 film, The Green Knight. Sir Gawain, portrayed by Dev Patel, accepts a challenge to defeat the Green Knight. On his adventurous journey, he meets eccentric characters and mythical beings.
Given A24's track record, fantasy fans were well aware that the movie would stray from the conventional narratives. Even though it isn't a musical like Snow White, the movie still explores magical themes and concepts but the treatment is much darker and grittier.
It is a slow burn but its narrative shares pertinent messages about bravery, honor, and the meaning of life, which cinephiles will appreciate.
Where to watch: The Green Knight is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
6) Mulan (2020)
From the trailer of Snow White, it is obvious that Zegler's character will not be portrayed as a damsel in distress. In fact, she is ready to go up against the evil queen in order to protect the people. Mulan, by Niki Caro, also boasts of a strong-willed protagonist who is ready to put her own life at risk to save those she cares about.
In the lead is Yifei Liu, who plays Hua Mulan. When her crippled father is asked to adhere to a conscription decree, Mulan disguises herself as a man and takes his place. In a lot of ways, this adaptation is different from the animation version but it still upholds the key messages of perseverance, wisdom and bravery.
This live-action thrives on cinematically shot action scenes that have just the right amount of style and intensity.
Where to watch: Mulan can be streamed on Disney+, Prime Video and Apple TV+.
While fans of the genre wait for the release of Snow White, they can add these magical titles with memorable protagonists to their weekend watchlist. these magical titles with memorable protagonists to their weekend watchlist.
