A Definitive Ranking of the Most Iconic Fairy Tales
Today is Tell a Fairy Tale Day.
As kids (and even as adults), we all had our favorites. Maybe, you prefer the princess stories of Beauty and the Beast and The Frog Prince. Or, you might like the spookier fables, like Little Red Riding Hood. But no matter who you are—there was one you swore by.
Curious to see what we think of your fave? Continue reading to discover our definitive ranking of the most popular fairy tales.
8. The Princess and the Pea
This fable tells the story of a prince who decides to choose his wife based on the woman who can identify a pea in their mattress. We remember enjoying it when we were young, but looking back, it makes no sense. Realistically, we would've told the prince our bed did have a pea in the off chance we were the chosen ones. Honestly, its level of outlandishness is probably why it's so unpopular.
Also read about: A Definitive Ranking of the Most Underrated Disney Animated Films
7. Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Much like The Princess and the Pea, Goldilocks and the Three Bears was one of our favorite fairy tales from our childhood. Sadly, it aged poorly as adults. We can't begin to describe how irritated we would be if a stranger walked into our homes, used our furniture and ate our food. However, we'll give it an extra point because we're sure this has happened many times.
6. Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood is surprisingly spooky for a children's story. Imagine going to visit your grandmother, only to find a wolf in her bed. We'll give the Brothers Grimm, especially, their flowers because it definitely frightened us as kids. Though, we'd much rather feel warm and fuzzy inside when it comes to fairy tales.
5. Hansel and Gretel
Hansel and Gretel is similar to Little Red Riding Hood. We'd rather not be eaten by a witch in the middle of the woods. But we wouldn't mind finding a candy house. That said, this storyline would be entertaining to watch as a scary movie—much more than Little Red.
4. Beauty and the Beast
We've watched and read our fair share of princess stories. As far as messaging goes, Beauty and the Beast is one of the best. You don't need to be conventionally beautiful to be loved—it's about who you are on the inside. And when you have unconditional feelings for someone, it doesn't matter what they look like.
The only reason it doesn't rank higher is because we do find some fairy tales a bit more charismatic.
Also read about: A Definitive Ranking of the Most Popular Disney & Pixar Sequels
3. Alice in Wonderland
There are so many fairy tales centered on romance, but it's nice to know there are other well-written options that highlight the joy of whimsy and community. Alice in Wonderland is one of those. It's pure fun—and still a great read to revisit in adulthood.
2. The Frog Prince
The Frog Prince is pretty accurate. Most people in the dating pool are slimy, gross and terrible to kiss. Once you finally find the one, they be like an angel on earth—royalty, perfected by the gods. Plus, how great is the adaptation with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen we know and love so much?
1. The Little Mermaid
It's no wonder that the top four of our picks are Disney movies. They know how to pick all the right ones. And our top choice is none other than The Little Mermaid.
Ariel's desperation is something we can all relate to, whether in love, our careers and everything in between. But it makes even more sense as a mermaid. As Hans Christian Andersen famously said, "But a mermaid has no tears, and therefore she suffers so much more." Because wanting something so badly can feel exactly like suffocation.
Want to learn more about our entertainment opinions? Click HERE to find our definitive ranking of every Star Wars movie in the Skywalker saga.