10 Movies and Shows Similar to The Frog Prince (1986)

Description: Like 'The Frog Prince', 'The Dark Crystal' is a fantasy film that uses puppetry and practical effects to create its magical world. Both films explore themes of prophecy, transformation, and the balance between opposing forces. The intricate creature designs in both films contribute to their unique visual appeal.

Fact: The film features no human actors - all characters are puppets. It took five years to make the film. The Skeksis' voices were created by slowing down recordings of the puppeteers' voices.

Description: This animated film shares with 'The Frog Prince' themes of transformation and magic in the animal world. Both stories feature anthropomorphic characters facing great challenges, with elements of danger and enchantment. The films blend darker moments with hopeful messages.

Fact: Don Bluth's first film after leaving Disney. The film was based on the children's novel 'Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH'. The animation was done using traditional hand-drawn techniques.

Description: This film, like 'The Frog Prince', is a coming-of-age fantasy where a young protagonist embarks on a magical journey. Both stories involve enchanted worlds where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The films share a sense of wonder and the importance of imagination and courage.

Fact: The film was shot in Germany and is based on a German novel. The actor who played Atreyu couldn't swim, so his scenes in the water were filmed in very shallow pools. The theme song became a major hit in several countries.

Description: As with 'The Frog Prince', 'The Black Cauldron' is a dark fantasy adventure based on folklore (in this case, Welsh mythology). Both films feature magical objects, transformations, and young protagonists facing evil forces. The animation style of both films creates a rich, fairy-tale atmosphere.

Fact: The most expensive animated film made at the time. It was the first Disney animated film to receive a PG rating. Some scenes were considered too dark and were cut from the final version.

Description: Ridley Scott's 'Legend' shares with 'The Frog Prince' a lush, fairy-tale aesthetic and themes of light versus darkness. Both films feature magical transformations and a romantic storyline set in an enchanted forest. The visual style of both films creates a dreamlike quality that enhances their fairy-tale nature.

Fact: Tim Curry spent five hours in makeup to become Darkness. The film was drastically cut for its US release, removing much of Jerry Goldsmith's score. Mia Sara was only 16 during filming.

Description: 'Labyrinth' shares with 'The Frog Prince' a fantastical journey filled with magical creatures and a protagonist who must navigate a strange, enchanted world. Both films feature transformations and a mix of puppetry and live-action, creating a unique visual style. The themes of self-discovery and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy are central to both stories.

Fact: David Bowie's tight pants in the film were so tight they had to be sewn onto him each day. The film was a box office disappointment upon release but later became a cult classic. Jim Henson considered Michael Jackson and Sting for the role of Jareth before casting Bowie.

Description: Like 'The Frog Prince (1986)', 'The Princess Bride' is a fairy tale adventure that blends romance, fantasy, and humor. Both films feature enchanted transformations, swashbuckling action, and a whimsical storytelling style that appeals to both children and adults. The films share a lighthearted tone while still delivering heartfelt moments.

Fact: The film was based on William Goldman's 1973 novel of the same name. Andre the Giant, who played Fezzik, could not perform most of his stunts due to his size and back problems. The famous line 'As you wish' was ad-libbed by Cary Elwes.

Description: 'Willow' and 'The Frog Prince' both feature unlikely heroes on magical quests in fantasy worlds filled with enchantment and danger. Both films combine elements of traditional fairy tales with epic adventure, and both use practical effects and puppetry to create their magical creatures.

Fact: Warwick Davis was only 17 when cast as Willow. George Lucas originally conceived the story as a way to use little people actors after working with them in 'Star Wars'. Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley met on set and later married.

Description: This animated musical shares with 'The Frog Prince' the theme of transformation through love, as both stories are based on classic fairy tales. The films feature romantic storylines, magical elements, and musical numbers that enhance their fairy-tale quality.

Fact: Based on the ballet 'Swan Lake'. The film was originally conceived as a Disney project. It spawned several direct-to-video sequels.

Description: 'Stardust' shares with 'The Frog Prince' a fairy-tale narrative structure, complete with magical transformations, romantic quests, and a mix of humor and adventure. Both films balance whimsical fantasy elements with more mature themes, making them enjoyable for various age groups.

Fact: Based on Neil Gaiman's novel. Robert De Niro's flamboyant pirate captain was largely improvised. Claire Danes learned to swordfight for her role.