Maleficent (2014): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2014, Maleficent is an action, fantasy, adventure and family film directed by Robert Stromberg, running about 97 minutes. “Don't believe the fairy tale.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. 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.

Who’s in it. Maleficent stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora, Sharlto Copley as Stefan and Lesley Manville as Flittle, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, Maleficent has been warmly received by audiences. It went on to earn $758.5M at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Disney Plus and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Maleficent page.

If you liked it. Fans of Maleficent tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.