The Beauty and the Beast Story: Ranking the Best Adaptations
The Beauty and the Beast tale is timeless, tracing its roots from stories like Cupid and Psyche and the original 1740 novel by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. Over the years, it’s been handed down through Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s famous abridged rendition to the many film, TV, and book adaptations we see today.
As huge fans of this story, we decided to rank some of the best and most popular movie and TV adaptations from worst to best. Note that none of these are terrible; we excluded the truly bad ones from our list. These selections are direct adaptations or close retellings of the fairy tale.
Ranking the Top 16 Beauty and the Beast Adaptations
16. Beastly (2011)
Starring Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens, this teen version of Beauty and the Beast is a fun YA adaptation. The story revolves around a spoiled New York teen cursed by a witch and made “ugly”—though Pettyfer’s makeup looks more cool than truly unattractive. While it doesn’t delve deeply into the tale, it remains an entertaining watch.
15. Beauty and the Beast (1987)
Part of the Cannon Movie Tales series, this 1987 musical version is a melodramatic yet sweet adaptation that families can enjoy, despite some weaker songs.
14. The Beautician and the Beast (1997)
This rom-com spoof stars a New York cosmetologist falling for an Eastern European dictator. Fans of “The Nanny” and Fran Drescher might enjoy this playful take mixed with elements of “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music.”
13. Beauty and the Beast TV Series (2012-2016)
This urban fantasy adaptation features a detective who falls for a man turned “beast” by a government experiment. The show had ups and downs but showcased great chemistry between Jay Ryan and Kristin Kreuk.
12. Once Upon a Time: Rumple and Belle (2011-2018)
Rumple and Belle’s romance from the series Once Upon a Time puts a unique spin on the classic tale. Their story, focusing on a power-obsessed beast, spans seven seasons and resonates well with fans despite some flaws.
11. Faerie Tale Theatre: Beauty and the Beast (1984)
This ’80s TV series hosted by Shelley Duvall adapted various fairy tales. The episode starring Susan Sarandon and Klaus Kinski pays homage to the 1946 Cocteau film, making it a fine, though not unique, adaptation.
10. Beauty and the Beast (1976)
This Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie features George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere, offering an emotional take with a uniquely different-looking beast. Nominated for three Emmys, it’s a strong adaptation worth watching.
9. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Emma Watson and Dan Stevens star in this Disney remake, which shines through its supporting cast and production quality, despite some flaws like excessive CGI and a lack of chemistry between the leads.
8. The Scarlet Flower (1952 & 1978)
This Russian adaptation features a young woman and a tree spirit, an enchanted prince. The 1952 animated version is renowned for its vibrant artistry, making it a classic.
7. Penelope (2006)
A unique twist on the tale where a cursed young woman must find love to break free. This movie offers heartfelt, romantic moments and uplifting messages, starring James McAvoy and Christina Ricci. Watching the original longer cut is recommended for a fuller experience.
6. Beauty and the Beast TV Series (1987-1990)
This cult favorite urban fantasy features Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton and inspired later reboots. It tells the story of a beast living underground and a New York district attorney, blending fantasy with crime drama effectively.
5. Beauty and the Beast/La Belle et La Bete (2014)
This French adaptation is visually stunning, drawing heavily from Villeneuve’s original book. Its beautiful makeup and costumes are offset by unnecessary flashbacks, which somewhat detract from the central romance.
4. Panna a Netvor/Beauty and the Beast (1978)
This Gothic horror adaptation from Czechoslovakia portrays the beast as a menacing killer. It’s visually intense and not suitable for children but is a compelling, beautifully performed version.
3. Jane Eyre Adaptations (1983, 2006, 2011)
Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre is a spiritual cousin to Beauty and the Beast, centering on a woman with a kind heart who falls in love with a “beast” of a man. These adaptations reflect the transformation theme central to both stories.
2. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Disney’s animated classic remains a magical masterpiece. It focuses on Beaumont’s rendition of the tale and is memorable for its beautiful animation and music.
1. La Belle et La Bete (1946)
Jean Cocteau’s 1946 film is artistic, haunting, and set the standard for future adaptations. Its stunning visual effects, perfect cinematography, and superb acting make it a must-watch for any fan of the story.
What’s your favorite version of the Beauty and the Beast story? Share in the comments!
