Premiering in 1987, Grimm’s Fairy Tale Classics (a Nippon Animation anthology) brought the Brothers Grimm to life with painterly backgrounds, tender orchestral music, and faithful—sometimes surprisingly bold—adaptations. Each episode stands alone, retelling classics like Hansel & Gretel, Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, The Bremen Town Musicians, and more.
What sets the series apart is its balance of warmth and wonder with the original tales’ shadows: kindness and courage are rewarded, but mistakes have weight. The pacing is gentle, ideal for family viewing, yet the storytelling never talks down to kids. Expressive character animation and storybook framing make familiar moments feel new—glass slippers glitter, forests feel deep and alive, and happily-ever-afters feel earned.
Decades on, it remains a gateway to folklore: respectful of the source, rich in atmosphere, and crafted with genuine heart. A classic that makes classic stories feel magical again.
