If you loved
Maleficent
Robert Stromberg · Film · 2014
If Maleficent drew you in with its blend of dark, fairy-tale revisionism and the complex journey of misunderstood outcasts, these stories will captivate you.
Start with the source
The source
Sleeping Beauty
Clyde Geronimi · Film · 1959
Books on the same thread
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. Maas · Book · 2020
Like Maleficent, this tale reimagines classic folklore tropes through a darker, more mature lens, focusing on the tension between a human protagonist and the formidable, magical beings of the faerie realm.
A Court of Mist and Fury
Sarah J. Maas · Book · 2020
Fans of the emotional transformation in Maleficent will appreciate this exploration of trauma and redemption, where the protagonist navigates the heavy burden of power and the scars left by past betrayals.
Twisted Love
Ana Huang · Book · 2022
This narrative mirrors the intense, cold-hearted exterior and underlying tragic history found in Maleficent, highlighting how a protective, morally complex figure can be driven by a dark and wounded past.
Frozen (Little Golden Book)
RH Disney · Book · 2014
If you enjoyed the magical forest kingdom setting of Maleficent, this story offers a similar focus on icy powers and the profound bonds of sisterhood that define the fate of a kingdom.
Series on the same thread
Star vs. the Forces of Evil
Daron Nefcy · Series · 2015
Much like the powerful, wand-wielding protagonist in Maleficent, this series follows a magical outsider learning to navigate a foreign world while grappling with the responsibilities and dangers of her own immense power.
Game of Thrones
David Benioff · Series · 2011
The power struggles and moral ambiguity that define the war-torn landscape of Maleficent are elevated here, pitting noble houses against each other while an ancient, encroaching evil threatens the entire realm.
Anne with an E
Moira Walley-Beckett · Series · 2017
Similar to the journey of the titular character in Maleficent, this story centers on an resilient outsider fighting for acceptance and empowerment in a world that consistently underestimates her true strength.
Outlander
Ronald D. Moore · Series · 2014
This story echoes the fish-out-of-water intensity of Maleficent, placing a woman in a dangerous, unfamiliar land where her survival depends on navigating complex loyalties and the threat of an unknown culture.
Podcasts on the same thread
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod · Podcast · 2026
If the revisionist approach to classic legends in Maleficent intrigued you, this podcast dives deep into the surprising origins of well-known myths, revealing the complex storytelling foundations that inspired such adaptations.
Dark Kokan (Storyteller)
Podcast
Those drawn to the dark, atmospheric supernatural elements of Maleficent will find these eerie, mysterious tales a perfect match, as they explore the chilling unknown through the lens of local folklore.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Maleficent a direct remake of the 1959 Sleeping Beauty movie?
Maleficent is not a direct remake of the 1959 Sleeping Beauty. While it draws from the same source material, the 2014 film offers a distinct perspective by focusing on the backstory and motivations of the titular character as she transforms from a protector into a figure seeking revenge.
What is the primary conflict that drives the plot in Maleficent?
The plot of Maleficent is driven by a ruthless betrayal that causes the protagonist to turn her heart into stone. This event shifts her role from the peaceable protector of her forest kingdom to a vengeful figure facing an epic battle against the invading king.
Should I watch Sleeping Beauty before I watch Maleficent?
You do not need to watch the 1959 Sleeping Beauty before viewing Maleficent. Although they share thematic origins, Maleficent functions as an independent story that explores the history of the forest kingdom and the specific events that led the lead character to confront the invading army.
Is Maleficent based on the original Sleeping Beauty story?
Maleficent is based on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale but reimagines the narrative from the antagonist's point of view. The film details the life of a pure-hearted young woman in a forest kingdom and the betrayal that eventually leads her to engage in an epic battle.