Where to start
Heidi
3 versions · originally a book, 1880
Themes: Orphanhood, Nature vs. City, Redemption, Innocence, The Power of Kindness.
The enduring story of an orphan girl whose infectious kindness transforms the lives of those around her in the Alps.
✦ Most fans start here
Heidi (1880)
The original novel
✦ Start hereHeidi
Johanna Spyri · Book · 1880
Heidi (1880) is the foundational text that established the beloved Swiss classic. This original novel offers the most intimate look into the Alpine setting and the character's internal development.
1974 series
Heidi: Girl of the Alps
Series · 1974
Heidi: Girl of the Alps (1974) is a definitive television adaptation. It excels at portraying the gradual softening of the grandfather's bitter heart through the protagonist's persistent, warm-hearted nature.
2015 film
Heidi
Alain Gsponer · Film · 2015
Heidi (2015) provides a cinematic retelling that emphasizes the stark contrast between the freedom of the mountain landscape and the rigid, wealthy constraints of the Sesemann household in Frankfurt.
Common questions
Is the 2015 Heidi movie based on the original book?
Yes, the 2015 movie is an adaptation of the 1880 book Heidi. It follows the classic narrative of the young girl living in the Swiss Alps, staying faithful to the core story written by Johanna Spyri over a century earlier.
What order should I consume the Heidi book and adaptations?
There is no required viewing or reading order for the Heidi franchise. You can begin with the original 1880 book, or start with the 1974 television series Heidi: Girl of the Alps or the 2015 movie. Each version provides a unique interpretation of the source material.
How long is the original Heidi book?
The original Heidi book, published in 1880, typically spans around 300 pages depending on the specific edition and formatting. It serves as the primary source material for both the 1974 television series Heidi: Girl of the Alps and the 2015 movie adaptation.
Does Heidi: Girl of the Alps follow the 1880 book?
The 1974 television series Heidi: Girl of the Alps is an animated adaptation of the 1880 book Heidi. While it uses the book as its primary source material, the series expands the narrative across multiple episodes to detail the life of the title character in the mountains.