Every Major ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Adaptation, Ranked

Some fairy tales feel timeless the moment you hear them, and this one has been enchanting audiences for generations. From dreamy black and white cinema to lush animation to bold modern riffs, storytellers keep finding new ways to explore a girl, a curse, and a castle filled with wonder. Each version brings its own flavor, whether it leans into romance, gothic mystery, or a playful musical heart.

Here we count down the biggest screen takes on the tale, moving from the ones that made less of a splash to the ones that defined the story for entire eras. The order reflects overall audience love and lasting impact, while the notes celebrate what each does best and where it still charms today.

‘Beastly’ (2011)

This glossy teen update swaps the castle for Manhattan and trades magic roses for social media status. The setup is simple and easy to follow, and there are sweet moments that lean into kindness and empathy. If you are in the mood for a breezy modern spin, it has a lightweight appeal.

The romance can feel thin and the world building never quite goes beyond its makeover premise. Still, it introduced a new generation to the bones of the fairy tale and reminded viewers that real change starts with character, not a mirror.

‘La Belle et la Bête’ (2014)

This French fantasia puts spectacle front and center with sumptuous costumes and elaborate digital creatures. The film aims for sweeping romance and a storybook glow, which gives it a grand, picture book feeling.

The visuals carry the experience more than the narrative, which sometimes drifts. Even so, the film offers a lavish gateway for viewers who want to get lost in ornate halls, twinkling forests, and the comforting rhythm of a classic tale retold.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1976)

This TV movie leans on heartfelt performances to ground the magic. The setting feels intimate and the production focuses on the emotional beats between captive and captor as they slowly find trust.

It does not have the scale of later versions, but it makes up for that with sincerity and a gentle tone. If you enjoy cozy fairy tale vibes with an old school touch, this one plays like a warm fireside story.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2012–2016)

This series takes the core idea and folds it into a crime and conspiracy plot. The show builds a steady rhythm of case of the week stories while developing a slow burn romance that fans rooted for over multiple seasons.

The genre mashup can be uneven, yet the central relationship keeps the engine running. It proves the fairy tale can stretch into modern drama and still hit the familiar themes of loyalty, vulnerability, and chosen family.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1987–1990)

Set between New York streets and a hidden underground community, this series gives the tale a moody urban fairy tale feel. The chemistry between its leads forms the heart of the show and turns the city into a place of poetry and shadow.

Some effects reflect the era, but the writing leans into character and tenderness in a way that still resonates. It stands as a cult favorite that expanded the myth into a compassionate story about outsiders finding connection.

‘Panna a Netvor’ (1978)

This Czech gem leans into the eerie side of the story with striking imagery and a haunting mood. The beast feels truly otherworldly and the film lingers on fear, temptation, and transformation.

It is a darker path through familiar woods, and that choice pays off with a spell that sticks after the credits. For viewers who like fairy tales with a chill in the air, this version is a secret treasure.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (2017)

This live action musical lovingly recreates the animated hit with ornate sets, new character touches, and a few extra songs. The cast brings warmth and the production design turns every room into a postcard.

While it follows the blueprint closely, the film delivers a crowd pleasing trip back to a beloved story. It works best as a celebration of memory, inviting fans to hum along while enjoying the new layers.

‘Belle’ (2021)

This anime reinvention moves the tale into a digital world where avatars sing and secrets bloom. The film blends pop spectacle with tender emotion and explores how identity can fracture and heal in online spaces.

It keeps the spirit of compassion and understanding at the center. By reframing the beastly facade as a mask for pain, the story finds fresh power and invites audiences to look past the surface in a very modern way.

‘La Belle et la Bête’ (1946)

Jean Cocteau turns the tale into living poetry with candlelit corridors, human arms holding torches, and a castle that seems to breathe. The imagery feels dreamlike and the romance unfurls with a quiet, aching grace.

Even now, it casts a rare spell. The film shows how imagination can turn simple effects into pure cinema and how love stories can feel both fragile and eternal.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1991)

Disney’s animated classic waltzes between humor, heart, and grand musical numbers with effortless charm. Every song lands, every character shines, and the ballroom scene still takes the breath away.

Beyond its showstoppers, the film distills the tale to its core lesson about empathy and seeing another person truly. It remains the version many think of first, and the one that still opens the door to a tale as old as time.

Tell us your favorites and the versions we missed in the comments so we can keep the conversation going.