A History of Beauty and the Beast in Movies and TV

Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast is a remake of the studio’s own 1991 animated classic, but did you know it’s also the latest version of a romantic fairy tale originating almost 300 years ago?

The first movie adaptation of the story was made in France way back in 1899. Since then, a number of significant movies and TV series have been created and enjoyed around the world. Below is a chronological look at the ones you might want to check out.

1946: La Belle et la Bête

From its famous candelabras held by mounted human arms to the detailed makeup of the Beast, there are unforgettable visuals in every scene of Jean Cocteau’s magical masterpiece. The creative French production is favored not just as the best version of this fairy tale but as one of the greatest fantasy films of all time.

1952: The Scarlet Flower

Communist-era Russian animation is a curious delight with its stylish rotoscope technique and richly colored backdrops, all in the service of “Soviet Realism.” And it’s a fascinating vehicle for Russia’s versions of classic fairy tales, including this beautiful, barely changed musical take on Beauty and the Beast.

1976: Beauty and the Beast (TV movie)

George C. Scott was a recent Oscar winner for Patton when he appeared as a pig-faced Beast in this made-for-TV movie, which was broadcast on NBC. His accolades would continue with the gig, as he earned one of its three Emmy nominations for his performance. His makeup and the costumes were also recognized.

1978: Panna a Netvor

The interesting thing about Beauty and the Beast adaptations is how they never divert much from the basic story yet the depiction of the Beast varies from movie to movie. In this Czech horror film version, the character is a winged birdlike creature, scarier than others, and Belle falls in love with him despite being forbidden to see his fowl form.

1984: Fairy Tale Theatre: Beauty and the Beast (TV)

The Shelley Duvall-hosted Fairy Tale Theatre was a terrific showcase for classic stories because of its star-studded casts and famous filmmakers. Susan Sarandon and Klaus Kinski star as the title characters in this episode directed by Roger Vadim and heavily inspired by Cocteau’s film version.

1987-1990: Beauty and the Beast (TV)

Straying very far from the fairy tale, this modernized take involving a romance between an NYC district attorney (The Terminator’s Linda Hamilton) and a subterranean lion-faced man (Hellboy’s Ron Perlman) was unlike any other series on TV at the time. Legendary makeup artist Rick Baker was responsible for the Beast’s look, while future Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin was responsible for some of the plots.

1991: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Disney’s animated adaptation of the fairy tale confirmed the studio was back on track following the success of The Little Mermaid. In fact, this musical feature made more money and received more Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture. It went on to spawn a popular Broadway show and now a live-action remake.

2011: Beasty

Part of the recent wave of fairy tale adaptations aimed at the YA crowd, this modern take on Beauty and the Beast, based on the novel by Alex Finn, finds its characters as teenagers living in New York City. They’re played by Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer, while Mary Kate Olsen is the witch who scars up the latter’s face.

2012-2016: Beauty and the Beast (TV)

Loosely based on the series from 25 years earlier, this very popular CW show offered another modernized version of the fairy tale set in the big city. This time Beauty comes in the form of a police detective while the Beast looks rather normal but is actually a DNA-altered super soldier.

2014: La Belle et la Bête

It’s no surprise that another visionary movie of Beauty and the Beast should beat Disney’s live action version to cinemas. But it is nice to see this French adaptation also is an impressive production with prestigious talent involved, from director Christophe Gans (The Brotherhood of the Wolf) to actors Lea Seydoux and Vincent Cassell.