Fairy tales, with their timeless themes of love, magic, and adventure, have long captivated audiences. It’s no surprise then that these classic stories have found new life in the world of shojo anime, a genre known for its focus on romance and relationships. While some anime are overt adaptations, many others subtly weave in fairy tale elements, creating enchanting narratives that resonate with viewers of all ages. Here are 10 shojo anime that are secretly based on fairy tales.
Hidden Gems: Shojo Anime Inspired by Classic Tales
1. Snow White with the Red Hair: A Twist on a Classic
At first glance, Snow White with the Red Hair seems like a standard fantasy romance. However, it draws heavily from the classic tale of Snow White. The protagonist, Shirayuki, is a bright and skilled herbalist with striking red hair, who is forced to flee her kingdom when a prince demands she become his concubine. This is a twist on the traditional Snow White, who flees from her stepmother. Shirayuki finds refuge in a neighboring kingdom, encountering Prince Zen, a kind and capable leader. The anime brilliantly subverts expectations by focusing on Shirayuki’s agency and her relationship with Zen as an equal rather than the damsel in distress.
2. Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch: A Modern Little Mermaid
Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch is a magical girl anime that is heavily inspired by The Little Mermaid. The series follows Lucia Nanami, a mermaid princess who leaves her underwater kingdom to find a boy she rescued years ago. Just like in the original tale, Lucia is unable to reveal her true identity as a mermaid. This anime adaptation adds a fun, musical twist and is full of bright colors, upbeat songs, and charming characters.
3. Pretear: A Blend of Snow White and Cinderella
Pretear is a classic shojo anime that takes inspiration from both Snow White and Cinderella. The main character, Himeno, is a young girl struggling to fit in with her new stepfamily. She discovers that she is the Pretear, a legendary princess who must save her world, and is aided by a group of magical boys. While there aren’t step-sisters or evil step-mothers, Himeno is definitely an outcast and, like Cinderella, her life is transformed by the magical world. Pretear creates a unique and enchanting story by mixing fairy tale elements, offering an engaging take on the classic themes.
4. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale: A Charming Fairy Tale Retelling
Sugar Apple Fairy Tale presents a unique twist on the typical fairy tale romance. The story is set in a world where fairies are enslaved by humans, and focuses on Anne Halford, a young girl who becomes a silver sugar craftsperson. She hires a fairy bodyguard, Challe Fen Challe, who is initially reluctant to serve her. The series subverts the “fairy tale prince” trope, and instead presents a more complex relationship that develops into a poignant romance. The series’ strength lies in its nuanced characters and the exploration of societal themes.
5. Pandora Hearts: A Darker Alice in Wonderland
While not a direct shojo, Pandora Hearts incorporates many of the themes found in the genre, along with a clear influence from Alice in Wonderland. The protagonist, Oz Vessalius, finds himself trapped in a strange and dangerous world called the Abyss, where he must navigate a complex web of secrets. Like Alice, Oz faces bizarre creatures, confusing situations, and uncovers many secrets in his quest to return home. The series has a more dark and gothic aesthetic compared to most shojo anime and is a mysterious, engaging twist on a familiar story.
6. Time Stranger Kyoko: A Sleeping Beauty Inspiration
Time Stranger Kyoko uses the theme of Sleeping Beauty in an interesting way. Kyoko’s sister, Ui, is frozen in time in a state similar to sleep. The storyline explores themes of maturation and identity as Kyoko learns to grow up. This particular anime takes a more subtle approach to the Sleeping Beauty theme. The focus is on character development, and makes this anime a noteworthy mention.
7. Ludwig Kakumei: A Collection of Grim Fairy Tales
Ludwig Kakumei takes inspiration from multiple fairy tales but does so with a dark and twisted approach. The protagonist, Prince Ludwig Grimm, is a lothario who is obsessed with collecting female corpses. While definitely not a typical shojo romance, the anime does feature many classic fairy tale elements that are turned on their head. This series presents a darker take on the traditional stories and may appeal to those who enjoy a more gothic approach to fairy tale retellings.
8. Sailor Moon: A Mix of Fairy Tales and Mythology
Sailor Moon is a magical girl anime that pulls from both Japanese fairy tales and Greek mythology. The story follows Usagi Tsukino, a normal school girl who transforms into the powerful warrior, Sailor Moon. The series incorporates aspects of the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter and the story of Selene and Endymion. Sailor Moon is a cornerstone of the magical girl genre, that is a classic and beloved series, with a multitude of influences.
9. The Story of Cinderella: A Detailed Retelling
The Story of Cinderella is a 26 episode series that expands on Perrault’s version of Cinderella. This anime takes the classic tale and fleshes it out with more character development. The anime also allows Cinderella and the Prince to meet prior to the ball which, unlike most renditions of the story, allows for their romance to grow more realistically. This adaption of Cinderella stays true to its source material while also adding its own unique take, for example, the ball takes place over three nights, which is closer to some earlier versions of the tale.
10. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya: A Beautifully Animated Folk Tale
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, is a film from Studio Ghibli which is adapted from the Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. The movie follows the story of a princess from the moon as she grows up on earth. While not explicitly shojo, the film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and identity from a woman’s perspective. The film’s beautiful animation and poignant storyline make it a stunning adaptation of the classic tale.
Conclusion: Fairytales Reimagined
These ten shojo anime demonstrate the enduring appeal of fairy tales. By creatively adapting and reimagining these timeless stories, they offer viewers a unique and engaging experience. Whether it’s a direct adaptation or a subtle integration of classic elements, these series captivate audiences with their enchanting narratives and relatable characters. They prove that even the most familiar stories can be made new again, allowing the magic of fairy tales to live on in the world of anime.
