Long ago, two rival kingdoms coexisted: the human realm governed by a power-hungry king and the Moors, a serene land filled with gentle supernatural beings. Among the residents of the Moors is Maleficent, a young fairy girl with magnificent wings, devoted to protecting her magical friends.
When Maleficent learns from three small fairies—Knotgrass, Flittle, and Thistlewit—that a thief is caught at the borders of the Moors, she discovers the thief is a human boy named Stefan. He returns the stolen jewel and shares with her that he is an orphan searching for belonging. Their friendship blossoms over the years until Stefan gives her a kiss on her sixteenth birthday—a moment of "true love" that seals their bond. However, he soon chooses power over love by abandoning her to pursue a position in the King's court.
Fast forward, Maleficent, now an adult, stands as the fierce protector of the Moors. When King Henry leads an attack to conquer the Moors, she fiercely defends her homeland, resulting in the King's injury. Upon his death, he vows to grant his daughter's hand to anyone who brings evidence of Maleficent’s downfall. Torn between his feelings and ambition, Stefan reluctantly takes on this treacherous mission.
Under the cover of night, Stefan returns to the Moors and reconnects with Maleficent, who, unaware of his intentions, welcomes him back with joy. Tragically, he betrays her trust, removing her wings while she is asleep. Awakening in devastation and pain, Maleficent vows revenge, unleashing her fury upon the human kingdom. In this dark journey, Diaval, a raven she saves, transforms into a man, becoming her ally and serving as her “wings.”
As Maleficent spies on the kingdom, she learns of the birth of Princess Aurora. Enraged, she crashes the christening to deliver a curse that will plunge the princess into a death-like sleep on her sixteenth birthday, awakened only by "true love's kiss." As she leaves chaos behind, she conjures thorny barriers to protect the Moors from humans.
King Stefan orders the destruction of all spinning wheels in a desperate attempt to safeguard his daughter as she grows up under the watch of the three fairies, but they prove to be inadequate guardians. Meanwhile, Maleficent, though distant, secretly observes Aurora and eventually realizes that her feelings of hatred do not extend to the innocent girl. Despite her turmoil, she gently puts Aurora into a temporary sleep and guides her into the enchanted world of the Moors.
As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Aurora is introduced to Prince Phillip, sparking a connection that complicates her fate. However, upon learning the truth of her lineage and the curse, Aurora retreats in fear, seeking safety in her father’s palace. With mounting anxiety, King Stefan spirals into paranoia.
In a desperate rush to reverse her curse, Maleficent attempts to break the spell, but her efforts only reveal the curse's overwhelming power. On the fateful day, Aurora unwittingly fulfills the prophecy, pricking her finger on a spinning wheel and falling into a deep slumber, prompting Maleficent to race against time.
The princess lies unconscious as Stefan goes into a frenzy, blaming the fairies for failing to protect Aurora. With Diaval, Maleficent sneaks into the castle, and they awaken Prince Phillip to attempt the kiss that could save her. However, their bond is undeveloped, and the kiss fails.
Heartbroken, Maleficent refuses to accept defeat and approaches Aurora with tears of regret for her actions. When she kisses Aurora on the forehead, love—both maternal and deep—breaks the curse, leading Aurora to recognize Maleficent as a protector, not a foe.
As chaos erupts in the palace, the guards attack Maleficent, forcing Aurora to escape as battles rage. Ultimately, Maleficent confronts Stefan in a fierce struggle. Their battle reveals the consequences of vengeance and power as Stefan meets his tragic end.
With Maleficent’s victory, the Moors bloom once more, bridging the gap between realms. Aurora is crowned queen, ushering in an era of peace, while the bond between her, Prince Phillip, and Maleficent flourishes, free from the shadows of the past. The story concludes with Maleficent flying joyfully through the skies with Diaval, liberated from her vengeful thoughts, as the Moors thrive once again.
