“Damsel,” released March 8, quickly became one of the most popular films of 2024 on Netflix, winning the title in 127 countries. With the success of this film directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, a question arises for movie buffs and fairy tale lovers: are there other films similar to “Maiden” available on streaming platforms?
Although an unusual fairy tale, “Maiden” is full of references to other classic films that deal with themes such as princesses, evil, struggle, courage and heroes shaping their own destinies.
The plot of “Maiden” follows the journey of Elodie (played by Millie Bobby Brown), a young woman who agrees to marry for convenience to help her kingdom, which is facing harsh conditions due to the intense cold. However, what initially seems like a fairy tale turns into a nightmare when Princess Elodie is offered as a sacrifice to a dragon that threatens the royal family, and she is thrown into a cave.
In this moment, escaping conventional fairy tales and defying the clichés of fantasy novels, Fresnadillo presents us with a heroine who forges her own destiny, breaking with the traditional image of the damsel in distress waiting for a Prince Charming to save her from danger.
Without much dialogue and with a look that speaks, Elodie will face the great challenge of finding a way to survive and maintain her determination to return to her family.
The cast of “Damsel” includes, in addition to Millie Bobby Brown, well-known names such as Robin Wright, known for her roles in “House of Cards” and “Forrest Gump”, Angela Bassett, acclaimed for her performance in “Black Panther” . and “Tina,” and Nick Robinson, who stood out in films like “Love, Simon” and “Everything and Everything.”
Check out the five films similar to Damsel available to watch on streaming platforms
Inspired by the popular musical of the same name, “Into the Woods” features a strong cast, including Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Chris Pine, who weave the classic stories of Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Cinderella into a singular universe.
The plot follows the journey of a baker (James Corden) and his wife (Emily Blunt), who are visited by their witch neighbor (Meryl Streep), who casts a spell on them, preventing them from conceiving children. In their quest to undo the spell, they embark on a journey that intertwines each story, influencing their outcomes.
Both “Into the Woods” and “Maiden” present the characters as more complex figures, subverting the fairy tale format and providing character development. Both films address the realistic idea that realizing a dream isn’t always easy.”
Available to Disney+
2 – The Princess (2022)
In “The Princess,” starring Joey King, Dominic Cooper and Olga Kurylenko, the protagonist shares similarities with “Maiden.” After being trained in combat from a young age, she is forced to marry a brutal prince. After leaving him at the altar, she invades the castle, kidnaps her family and locks them in a tower. With her abilities, the princess fights to free her family and defeat the prince once and for all.
Both films feature a protagonist skilled with a sword, but “The Princess” ramps up the action sequences and draws direct comparisons to fairy tales, as in the tower scene.
Finally, in “The Princess”, the protagonist receives the support of her family and friends, while in “Maiden”, we witness Princess Elodie facing a dangerous dragon alone.
Available to Star+
– She’s Enchanted (2004)
In “A Enchanted Girl,” Anne Hathaway plays Ella, a young woman with a peculiar gift: the obligation to obey any command. Between hilarious and romantic situations, Ella embarks on a journey to undo the curse placed on her and save her Prince Charming.
Ella and Elodie share a similar desire to survive, saving themselves from the danger imposed by others. However, Ella embraces a more comedic tone, which highlights the serious moments.
The musical nature of the film adds a fairytale feel, allowing the story to satirize the genre and succinctly reveal the characters’ personalities. The film’s Happily Ever After feels earned, as the audience enjoys laughs along the way.
Available to NetflixTO Amazon Prime Video and so on Apple TV
– Forever (1998)
“Ever After,” one of the “Maiden”-like films, reinvents the Cinderella story, without magic or fairy godmothers. With a period style, it maintains the original essence. The characters are more complex, with emphasis on the prince, his relationship with his father, and his future as king. The film also explores the character of the stepmother, particularly her relationship with Danielle (played by Drew Barrymore).
Danielle, like Elodie, is skilled with a sword and fights ferociously, as seen in the film’s climax. She also uses her cunning to defeat her opponents. Her plan to help a friend by posing as a noblewoman is complicated when she falls in love with the prince, but her intelligence is rewarded in the end.
Danielle’s story touches on dark fairytale themes of sadness, belonging, and courage. She overcomes her challenges with determination and with the support of her loved ones, making the film emotional and realistic.
Available to Amazon Prime Video
5 – The Princess Bride (1987)
A grandfather tells a fairy tale to his grandson, with a beautiful princess, fencing duels and giants. The story follows the life of Buttercup (played by Robin Wright), a princess who falls in love with a farmer Westley (played by Cary Elwes).
After believing him dead, she marries a prince, but soon discovers his wickedness. On her wedding day, Buttercup is kidnapped, where she recognizes her beloved farmer among the kidnappers. Together, they face many challenges to stay together.
“The Princess Bride” adopts a lighter tone than “Damsel,” but still has moments of suspense, especially with Westley and the final confrontation with Prince Humperdinck (played by Chris Sarandon). As an added bonus, both films star Wright, who plays Queen Isabelle in “Maiden.”
Available to Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV AND Youtube
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Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
