Shojo anime, aimed at a young female audience, often weaves enchanting narratives filled with romance, fantasy, and heartfelt emotion. It’s no surprise, then, that many series draw inspiration from classic fairy tales, subtly re-imagining these stories with a unique anime twist. These adaptations range from loose interpretations to direct retellings, infusing familiar narratives with fresh perspectives and captivating visuals. Here are 10 shojo anime that are secretly based on or heavily influenced by fairy tales.
Magical Transformations and Hidden Identities
Prétear: The New Legend of Snow White
While its title may give away its roots, Prétear cleverly reimagines “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”. Himeno Awayuki is not a princess, but a contemporary girl whose life is upended by a new stepmother. Instead of seven dwarves, she’s aided by seven Leafe Knights with elemental powers. Himeno transforms into the Prétear, a magical girl with the destiny to either save the world or become the Princess of Destruction. This series blends magical girl tropes with the classic fairy tale, creating a unique story.
Princess Knight
Considered a historical first in the shojo anime genre, Princess Knight is a commentary on fairy tale archetypes and gender. It follows Princess Sapphire, who has both a blue heart of a boy and a pink heart of a girl. Raised as a boy to inherit the throne, Sapphire must navigate both royal duties and personal identity. This anime combines multiple fairy tale elements to craft a story about gender roles and destiny.
Princess Tutu
Princess Tutu is a unique magical girl anime that intertwines ballet with fairy tale elements. The story centers on a duck who transforms into a ballerina with magical abilities. It’s a pastiche of several fairy tales, including “The Ugly Duckling” and “Swan Lake,” with great attention to the choreography of classical ballets. The narrative explores themes of identity and destiny, set against a backdrop of beautiful dance sequences.
Retellings and Romantic Twists
Swan Lake
As the name implies, Swan Lake is a more direct retelling of the classic ballet. This adaptation explores themes of love, betrayal, and transformation, staying true to the core of the original ballet while adding its unique anime flair. The story follows a princess cursed to live as a swan, and her struggle to find true love and break free from the enchantment.
Snow White with the Red Hair
Snow White with the Red Hair offers a refreshing take on the “Snow White” story. Shirayuki is not a damsel in distress, but a resourceful herbalist who attracts the attention of Prince Zen. This series focuses on Shirayuki’s independence and her relationship with Zen, rather than the typical evil stepmother and poisoned apple tropes. It’s a character-driven story that prioritizes personal growth and connection.
Sacrificial Princess & the King of Beasts
This anime presents a “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired tale, where a young girl becomes the bride of the King of Beasts. The series explores their developing relationship and the challenges they face. The narrative touches upon themes of sacrifice, love, and acceptance as the protagonists learn to understand each other despite their differences.
Subtle Inspirations and Fairy Tale Tropes
Fruits Basket
While not a direct adaptation of a specific fairy tale, Fruits Basket draws upon the Chinese Zodiac and incorporates elements of “The Great Race”. Tohru Honda, the protagonist, is an extremely kind character who embodies the fairy tale heroine archetype. The story follows her interactions with the Sohma family, each member of which is possessed by a spirit of the Chinese Zodiac.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Revolutionary Girl Utena flips the script on the typical fairy tale prince. Utena, the protagonist, is a strong-willed girl who aims to become a prince. The anime deconstructs traditional gender roles and fairy tale tropes. The show is known for its symbolic storytelling and complex characters, offering a modern take on classic themes.
My Happy Marriage
My Happy Marriage presents a Cinderella-esque narrative. Miyo Saimori is a mistreated young woman with no magical abilities, born into a family that values those with supernatural gifts. She finds her life transforming when she’s betrothed to a powerful and respected military commander. The anime explores themes of overcoming adversity, finding love, and discovering one’s self-worth.
Pandora Hearts
Though it incorporates many fantasy elements, Pandora Hearts draws heavy inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. The story follows Oz Vessalius, an heir to a noble family, as he navigates a world of dark secrets and supernatural forces. While not a direct retelling, the series uses familiar characters and themes from the classic story to create a unique narrative.
The Enduring Appeal of Fairy Tales
These ten shojo anime are just a few examples of how fairy tales continue to inspire new narratives. By adapting these classic stories with a shojo lens, creators have crafted series that appeal to a modern audience, while retaining the timeless charm of the original tales. These anime offer a mix of romance, fantasy, and adventure, making them enjoyable for both long-time fans of the genre and newcomers. The enduring appeal of fairy tales, combined with the creative storytelling of shojo anime, makes for a truly magical experience.
