If you loved
Sleeping Beauty
Clyde Geronimi · Film · 1959
If you loved Sleeping Beauty, you will enjoy these stories that explore how young protagonists navigate curses, destiny, and the struggle for personal autonomy.
Start with the source
Inspired by
Maleficent
Robert Stromberg · Film · 2014
Books on the same thread
The Land of Stories
Colfer Chris Dorman Brandon · Book · 2014
Just as Sleeping Beauty features a princess defined by a dark curse, these twins must confront a legendary enchantress to save their world from a similarly ancient, looming threat.
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine · Book · 2012
Much like the struggle against fate in Sleeping Beauty, this story focuses on a heroine burdened by a magical command who must fight to reclaim her own free will.
The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder
Marissa Meyer · Book · 2012
This reimagining echoes the royal stakes of Sleeping Beauty, placing a young woman at the center of a galactic conflict where she must uncover her true identity to protect humanity.
New Moon (The Twilight Saga)
Stephenie Meyer · Book · 2009
The dangerous, forbidden romance at the heart of Sleeping Beauty finds a modern parallel here, as the protagonist faces immense peril while falling for a supernatural partner.
Series on the same thread
Star vs. the Forces of Evil
Daron Nefcy · Series · 2015
The magical coming-of-age journey seen in Sleeping Beauty continues here, as a powerful young woman learns to harness her abilities while navigating a world that constantly challenges her.
The Apothecary Diaries
Series · 2023
If the courtly atmosphere of Sleeping Beauty intrigued you, you will appreciate this tale of a clever woman navigating the treacherous politics and hidden dangers of an imperial palace.
Candy Candy
Kyoko Mizuki · Series · 1976
The resilient spirit of the princess in Sleeping Beauty is mirrored in this story, which follows an optimistic orphan finding her place in a world filled with personal challenges.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Series · 1998
Like the heroine of Sleeping Beauty, Sakura discovers a hidden magical destiny that forces her to step into a new role and protect the world from unfolding chaos.
Podcasts on the same thread
Sleep With Me
Silver Sleeper Productions LLC · Podcast · 2026
While Sleeping Beauty involves a deep slumber, this podcast offers a modern, practical way to embrace the quiet rest that the princess famously enjoyed during her long, enchanted sleep.
Myths and Legends
Jason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod · Podcast · 2026
To understand the roots of Sleeping Beauty, explore this series, which dives into the ancient folklore and archetypal storytelling traditions that birthed the classic fairy tales you already love.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Sleeping Beauty from 1959 the same story as the 2014 Maleficent movie?
While both films feature the same core characters and conflict, Maleficent is a reimagining of the 1959 Sleeping Beauty story. The 2014 film provides a different perspective on the events surrounding the curse placed on Princess Aurora by the evil fairy.
What happens to Princess Aurora in the 1959 Sleeping Beauty movie?
In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora is cursed by the evil fairy Maleficent as a baby. To protect her, she is sent into hiding with three good fairies. She grows up away from the kingdom, but Maleficent remains determined to ensure the princess meets her fated end.
Should I watch the 1959 Sleeping Beauty before seeing the 2014 Maleficent film?
Watching the 1959 Sleeping Beauty first is recommended because it establishes the original narrative foundation. The 2014 Maleficent movie builds upon the events and character dynamics introduced in the classic film, offering a new viewpoint on the conflict between the princess and the fairy.
Who is the antagonist in the original 1959 Sleeping Beauty?
The antagonist in the 1959 Sleeping Beauty is Maleficent, an evil fairy. She places a curse on Princess Aurora when the child is just a baby and spends the duration of the movie attempting to track down the princess to seal her fate.