Where to start withThe Adventures of Pinocchio
6 versions · originally a book, 1929
Themes: redemption, coming-of-age, good vs evil, temptation, parental love.
Start with Pinocchio (Hamilton Luske, 1940) — the film. The Adventures of Pinocchio exists in 6 versions across media, beginning as a book in 1929; each is ranked below by what it does best.
The enduring tale of a lonely carpenter’s wooden creation navigating the painful, transformative journey toward becoming a real human boy.
✦ Most fans start here
Pinocchio (1940)
The original novel
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi · Book · 1929
The Adventures of Pinocchio (1929) serves as the definitive source material, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the puppet’s original moral fables and the dark whimsy of Collodi’s classic prose.
1940 film
✦ Start herePinocchio
Hamilton Luske · Film · 1940
Pinocchio (1940) stands as the gold standard of animation, masterfully capturing the emotional stakes of Geppetto’s longing and the puppet’s arduous quest for virtue through legendary, timeless musical storytelling.
1972 film
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Luigi Comencini · Film · 1972
The Adventures of Pinocchio (1972) provides a grounded, cinematic interpretation that emphasizes the profound isolation of Mastro Geppetto, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a more melancholic, human-focused drama.
1972 series
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi · Series · 1972
The Adventures of Pinocchio (1972) television adaptation expands upon the intimate, character-driven narrative of the puppet’s origin, ideal for viewers who appreciate a slower, more deliberate exploration of the source material.
2022 film
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
Film · 2022
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) recontextualizes the classic story within the dark reality of fascist Italy, offering a sophisticated, visually stunning exploration of fatherhood and the struggle to meet impossible expectations.
2026 film
Pinocchio: Unstrung
Rhys Frake-Waterfield · Film · 2026
Pinocchio: Unstrung (2026) subverts the traditional morality play by introducing a violent, horror-centric perspective, perfect for audiences who prefer dark, transgressive reinterpretations of familiar, long-standing childhood fairy tales.
Common questions
Is The Adventures of Pinocchio (1929) the source material for the 1940 movie?
Yes, the 1940 movie Pinocchio is based on The Adventures of Pinocchio (1929) book. While the film simplifies several plot points and tones down the darker elements found in the original text, it maintains the core narrative arc of the puppet who wishes to become a real boy.
How does Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) differ from The Adventures of Pinocchio (1929)?
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) is a distinct adaptation that reinterprets the themes of The Adventures of Pinocchio (1929). While both share the same titular character, the 2022 film moves the setting to fascist Italy and explores different emotional stakes compared to the original 1929 book.
What is the release date for the upcoming Pinocchio: Unstrung movie?
Pinocchio: Unstrung is scheduled for release in 2026. This upcoming film serves as another adaptation building upon the legacy of The Adventures of Pinocchio (1929), though it is expected to offer a unique take on the classic story compared to previous versions like the 1972 television series.
Are there multiple versions of The Adventures of Pinocchio released in 1972?
Yes, there were two separate adaptations released in 1972. One version of The Adventures of Pinocchio was produced as a movie, while another version was released as a television series. Both projects draw their inspiration from the original 1929 book by Carlo Collodi.