Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Kernel Score: 74% · 5,424 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Fantasy, Animation, Romance, Family
Released: 1959-02-17
Runtime: 75 minutes
Is Sleeping Beauty worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A gorgeous, old-fashioned Disney fairy tale with a truly memorable villain. The artwork is a highlight, but the princess has little to do and the plot is thin. Best for young children and classic Disney fans.
Watch it if you
- love classic fairy tales
- admire hand-drawn animation
- want a first Disney film for small children
Skip it if you
- want an active heroine
- dislike thin plots
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Sleeping Beauty
- 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
Cursed to die by the evil fairy Maleficent when she was a baby, Princess Aurora is sent into hiding under protection from three good fairies. As she grows up far away, Maleficent becomes increasingly determined to seal the princess's fate.
Sleeping Beauty parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that Sleeping Beauty is a classic G-rated Disney fairy tale with a menacing villain.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Features a menacing curse and a dragon battle typical of classic fairy-tale peril.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Sleeping Beauty
If you liked Sleeping Beauty, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Beauty and the Beast (1991) — 90%: Fairy tale with a stronger heroine.
- The Little Mermaid (1989) — 89%: Fairy tale with a lively heroine.
- Cinderella (1950) — 79%: Classic Disney fairy tale.
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938) — 78%: The original Disney fairy tale.
- Tangled (2010) — 87%: Modern fairy tale with energy and charm.
- Maleficent (2014) — 80%: Retelling that follows the villain.
Director
Cast
- Mary Costa as Princess Aurora (voice)
- Bill Shirley as Prince Phillip (voice)
- Eleanor Audley as Maleficent (voice)
- Verna Felton as Flora / Queen Leah (voice)
- Barbara Luddy as Merryweather (voice)
- Barbara Jo Allen as Fauna (voice)
- Taylor Holmes as King Stefan (voice)
- Bill Thompson as King Hubert (voice)
- Marvin Miller as Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
- Candy Candido as Maleficent’s Goon (voice) (uncredited)
Sleeping Beauty FAQ
Is Sleeping Beauty worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A gorgeous, old-fashioned Disney fairy tale with a truly memorable villain. The artwork is a highlight, but the princess has little to do and the plot is thin. Best for young children and classic Disney fans.
Where can I watch Sleeping Beauty?
In the US you can stream Sleeping Beauty on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Sleeping Beauty OK for kids?
Sleeping Beauty is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that Sleeping Beauty is a classic G-rated Disney fairy tale with a menacing villain.
What movies are like Sleeping Beauty?
If you liked Sleeping Beauty, try Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.