We've all seen movies where the prince saves the princess from [insert danger here]. But what if the princess saves herself instead? She could have a prince if she wanted to. But her fate would be determined by her choices and actions, not by age-old traditions and predicaments to save her kingdom. Feminist-leaning fairy tales are harder to find than the dozen or so classic damsel tales, but they do exist and have become more common in the past decade than ever before.

Netflix just released the film "Damsel," starring Millie Bobby Brown, in which her character Elodie battles betrayal at the hands of royalty and a dragon (equally deceived from this particular kingdom). The film is more brutal and bloody than one might imagine, as Elodie fights for her life and avenges her predecessors.

If you're done watching "The Maiden" and still itching to see a feminist fairy tale, here are five of the best films like "The Maiden" that you can stream right now. Most of these films are just a little less violent.

Snow White, played by Kristin Stewart, has a backstory that everyone knows: Her father is dead and her jealous stepmother wants to kill her. But there is little romance in this fairy tale. Sure, the Huntsman, played by Liam Hemsworth, reluctantly helps her, but it becomes clear early on that she doesn't really need him. Snow is determined to do the hard, grueling work to save the kingdom, even without the fancy dresses and glittering shoes.

Charlize Theron stars as the ever-beautiful stepmother Ravenna, along with Stewart and Hemsworth. It's not that serious. Sam Claflin (William), Sam Spruell (Finn), Ian McShane (Beith), and Bob Hoskins (Muir, in his last role) also appeared in the 2014 film." "Damsel" actor Ray Winstone also plays Gort in the film.

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In the words of Britney Spears, "Cinderella has to go." In this 2021 retelling of the classic tale, Cinderella's glass slipper is turned upside down. Ella (Camila Cabello) has little interest in royalty, castles, or ball gowns. She enjoys working as a fashion designer in a kingdom where women refuse to work.

Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine) certainly tries to woo her with the promise of saving her from her stepmother's cruel treatment, but Ella is intent on saving herself. Ella is not willing to give up her dreams and aspirations for him. The film stars such Hollywood heavyweights as Billy Porter (The Fabulous Godmother), Idina Menzel (Vivian), Pierce Brosnan (King Rowan), Minnie Driver (Queen Beatrice), and Talulah Grieve (Princess Gwen).

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"The Maiden" is not Bobby Brown's first feminist take on a classic tale; in 2020, she starred in the Netflix film "Enola Holmes," focusing on Sherlock's sister. Despite the gendered expectations of the era, Enola leaves no stone unturned in following in her brother's detective footsteps. Enola has other things to do than think about boys, even if they have their eyes on her.

The film examines real issues that still occur today, such as the wage gap between men and women, the disdain for women in the workplace, and women having to prove themselves ten times over to earn a modicum of respect; the 2022 sequel will also depict the plight of the matchstick girls. These are real women who were essentially poisoned by phosphorus in London due to the terrible working conditions during the Industrial Revolution.

The film features actors Henry Cavill (Sherlock Holmes), Sam Claflin (Mycroft Holmes), and Helena Bonham Carter (Eudoria Holmes). Harry Bradbeer directed two films adapted from the "Enola Holmes" novel by Jack Thorne and Nancy Springer.

Watch on Netflix

Forget the Diamonds In 2014, Angelina Jolie put a twist on the Snow White fairy tale with Maleficent. According to the film and its sequel, there is more to Maleficent's rise to villainy than the original story would have us believe. According to the movie and its sequel, there is more to Maleficent's rise to villainy than the original story would have us believe. After all, the evil queen is not the cold-hearted ruler we have come to know from other adaptations, but rather she has a soft spot for Aurora.

"Maleficent" captures the dark, dragon energy of "The Maiden" in this film directed by Robert Stromberg and written by Linda Woolverton. Both the original and the sequel star Elle Fanning as Aurora and Brenton Thwaites as Prince Philip.

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The 2012 animated film Brave certainly has a different feel than the grim and dark nature of other feminist fairy tales. But after this particular movie marathon, a light palate cleanser may be in order. Brave transports the audience to the medieval Scottish Highlands, where we meet Merida, a young princess who would rather practice archery than attend royal functions. Merida has no interest in an arranged marriage and chooses to save herself when she escapes the castle and ventures out alone into the dark woods.

The film features a trio of writer/directors: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell. Kelly Macdonald voices Merida, with Billy Connolly (Fergus), Emma Thompson (Elinor), Julie Walters (The Witch), Robbie Coltrane (Lord Dingwall), Kevin McKidd (Lord MacGuffin), Craig Ferguson (McIntosh) Sir), and other actors.

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