Alternative Adaptations

Cert

Age group5–12

Duration73 mins

Alice in Wonderland(1951)

A series of bizarre and unforgettable adventures in this much-loved adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic story.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderful and its literary sequel Through the Looking Glass are dark and complex works which have made the transition into children’s films on numerous occasions. Disney’s 1951 animation is a true classic, and captures the enduring tale of one girl’s curiosity mixed with the oddities of language and logic.

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration100 mins

Coraline(2009)

When Coraline discovers a secret path to a parallel universe, she finds a seemingly perfect world but not everything may be as it seems.

This children’s novella – just as dark and curious as Alice’s adventures – is from British author Neil Gaiman. It’s since been adapted into a graphic novel, video game and even a musical. For the film, stop-motion studio LAIKA took it on as their first feature. Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach) was the natural choice to direct.

Cert

Age group5–16

Duration119 mins

Howl's Moving Castle(2004)

Vibrant Japanese animation about a young hat-maker who is transformed into an old lady by a witch jealous of her relationship with the wizard Howl.

Coraline is full of odd creatures, as are many of Studio Ghibli’s much-loved films. Ghibli have enjoyed mining British literature for cinematic gold, doing so on three occasions. Principally set in a magical dimension (with the odd visit to Wales), this eccentric tale is centered on a wizard, his apprentice, a fire demon and a girl-turned-old-lady called Sophie.

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration103 mins

When Marnie Was There(2014)

A shy girl sent to the country to recover from asthma discovers an abandoned mansion and begins to explore its mysteries with her new friend Marnie.

Another largely undiscovered gem of children’s literature turned Studio Ghibli film is this heartfelt tale of one girl’s emotional wellbeing. Originally set in Norfolk, the anime transports the story to Sapporo, one of Japan’s largest cities. Marnie is the mysterious new friend of Anna, who struggles to make sense of her surroundings. A beautiful tale of growing up.

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration97 mins

Frozen(2013)

Snow-filled and funny Disney adventure inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's icy fairytale, The Snow Queen.

A reworked version of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, this immensely popular Disney flick also has two young girls at the forefront of the story. Full of spellbinding magic, delightful characters and a series of brilliant songs, Frozen is a fairy tale sensation, drawing upon Danish culture and mythology.

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Cert

Age group8–15

Duration137 mins

The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe(2005)

Classic family adventure tale of four World War Two refugees finding a gateway to a fantasy world in the back of their old wardrobe.

From one magical land to another, Narnia is a name synonymous with fantasy realms. The first and best-known book in The Chronicles of Narnia series from C.S. Lewis is a must-read. The film rights were never sold during the author’s life, but in 2005 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe transferred to the silver screen, with Liam Neeson voicing the legendary lion, Aslan.