Fairy tales have always been a source of wonder and enchantment, but what happens when these stories take a dark turn? This curated list delves into the realm of horror, where fairy tales are twisted into terrifying tales that will make you rethink the stories you thought you knew. From reimagined classics to original tales with a sinister edge, these films offer a thrilling mix of nostalgia and fear, perfect for those who love a good scare with a side of childhood memories.

The Company of Wolves (1984)
Description: A surreal and atmospheric adaptation of Angela Carter's short story, this film explores the darker side of Little Red Riding Hood, blending folklore with psychological horror.
Fact: The film was directed by Neil Jordan, who later directed "Interview with the Vampire." It features dream-like sequences that blur the line between reality and fantasy, making it a unique entry in horror cinema.


Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997)
Description: This film reimagines Snow White as a gothic horror, focusing on the darker elements of the original tale, including the evil queen's jealousy and the terror of the enchanted forest.
Fact: Sigourney Weaver, known for her role in "Alien," plays the evil queen, bringing a chilling performance to the film. It was originally intended as a pilot for a TV series but was released as a standalone movie.


The Juniper Tree (1990)
Description: Based on a Grimm's fairy tale, this film tells the story of a mother and daughter who are persecuted by the daughter's stepmother, with elements of witchcraft and dark magic.
Fact: Björk, the famous Icelandic singer, stars in her first film role. The movie was shot in black and white, enhancing its eerie and timeless feel.


The Brothers Grimm (2005)
Description: While not strictly a horror film, this movie features the Grimm brothers encountering real supernatural events, offering a dark twist on the tales they are famous for collecting.
Fact: The film was directed by Terry Gilliam, known for his surreal and visually stunning films. It was shot in the Czech Republic, with many scenes filmed in the same locations used for "Amadeus."


Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)
Description: This film takes the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel and turns it into a high-octane action-horror where the siblings are now adults hunting witches. It's a perfect blend of dark humor, gore, and a twisted fairy tale narrative.
Fact: The film was originally conceived as a direct-to-video release but was upgraded to a theatrical release due to positive test screenings. The witch's lair was inspired by the art of H.R. Giger, known for his work on Alien.


Red Riding Hood (2011)
Description: A modern take on the classic tale, this film introduces a werewolf into the mix, creating a suspenseful horror atmosphere with a romantic subplot.
Fact: The film was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, who also directed "Twilight," bringing a similar young adult vibe to this darker fairy tale. The werewolf transformation scenes were inspired by the 1981 film "An American Werewolf in London."


The Tale of Tales (2015)
Description: An anthology film based on the fairy tales by Giambattista Basile, this movie intertwines three dark and fantastical stories, each with elements of horror and the macabre.
Fact: Directed by Matteo Garrone, the film features an international cast including Salma Hayek and Vincent Cassel. It was Italy's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.


The Woods (2006)
Description: While not directly based on a fairy tale, this film has strong elements of folklore and witchcraft, reminiscent of stories like "Hansel and Gretel."
Fact: The film was directed by Lucky McKee, known for his work in horror. It was originally intended to be released in 2004 but was delayed due to distribution issues.


The Little Mermaid (2018)
Description: This modern adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's tale adds a horror twist, exploring themes of sacrifice, transformation, and the darker side of love.
Fact: The film was directed by Blake Harris, who also directed "The Abandoned." It was released directly to video, offering a fresh, dark perspective on the beloved story.


The Princess (2013)
Description: A horror anthology film where each segment is based on a different fairy tale, offering a variety of dark twists on familiar stories.
Fact: The film features segments directed by different filmmakers, each bringing their unique vision to the horror genre. It includes tales like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Pied Piper."
