Maleficent (2014)
Kernel Score: 80% · 13,608 ratings · Rated PG
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Action, Family, Romance
Released: 2014-05-28
Runtime: 97 minutes
Is Maleficent worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A retelling of Sleeping Beauty from the villain's viewpoint, with Angelina Jolie clearly enjoying herself. It looks good and has a sweet core, but the story is slighter than the pitch.
Watch it if you
- like fairy tales with a twist
- enjoy Angelina Jolie's performance
- want a family fantasy
Skip it if you
- want a complex story
- dislike heavy CGI
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Maleficent
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. She rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal – an act that begins to turn her heart into stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading King's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom – and to Maleficent's true happiness as well.
Maleficent parents' guide: ages 6+
Parents need to know that this PG fantasy reimagining has battle sequences and a dark betrayal but builds toward kindness, forgiveness, and redemption.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — An epic battle, invading armies, and a 'ruthless betrayal' provide fantasy action and some frightening, emotionally intense moments.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Maleficent
If you liked Maleficent, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) — 81%: The sequel
- Sleeping Beauty (1959) — 74%: The classic cartoon this retells
- Beauty and the Beast (2017) — 78%: Live-action fairy-tale remake
- Stardust (2007) — 84%: Fairy-tale adventure with wit
- EverAfter (1998) — 82%: Cinderella retold with charm
- Shrek (2001) — 87%: Fairy tale turned upside down
Director
Robert Stromberg
Cast
- Angelina Jolie as Maleficent
- Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora
- Imelda Staunton as Knotgrass
- Sharlto Copley as Stefan
- Lesley Manville as Flittle
- Juno Temple as Thistletwit
- Sam Riley as Diaval
- Brenton Thwaites as Prince Phillip
- Kenneth Cranham as King Henry
- Sarah Flind as Princess Leila's Handmaiden
Maleficent FAQ
Is Maleficent worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A retelling of Sleeping Beauty from the villain's viewpoint, with Angelina Jolie clearly enjoying herself. It looks good and has a sweet core, but the story is slighter than the pitch.
Where can I watch Maleficent?
In the US you can stream Maleficent on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Maleficent OK for kids?
Maleficent is rated PG. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 6+. Parents need to know that this PG fantasy reimagining has battle sequences and a dark betrayal but builds toward kindness, forgiveness, and redemption.
What movies are like Maleficent?
If you liked Maleficent, try Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast and Stardust.