Maleficent

Maleficent

Year: 2014

Runtime: 97 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Stromberg

Budget: $180M

ActionAdventureDramaMysteryThrillerFantasyRomanceFamily

In a realm steeped in ancient magic, Maleficent places a vengeful curse on Aurora. As the princess grows, she finds herself caught between her human lineage and the mystical world she belongs to. Maleficent's quest for retribution becomes unexpectedly linked to a struggle to maintain balance and prevent conflict between both realms, leading to unforeseen consequences for all involved.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Maleficent (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Maleficent (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in a fantastical past, characterized by the existence of magic and mythical creatures. This period highlights the stark divide between kingdoms, revealing themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of power struggles.

Location

Moors, Human Kingdom

The Moors is a serene and magical land inhabited by supernatural beings, distinguished by its lush landscapes and whimsical flora. In contrast, the human kingdom represents ambition and power, often marked by conflict and political intrigue. These two realms embody the clash between nature and ambition.

🏞️ Moors 👑 Kingdom

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:49

Main Characters – Maleficent (2014)

Meet the key characters of Maleficent (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Maleficent (Angelina Jolie)

Maleficent is a powerful fairy known for her fierce protection of the Moors. Initially portrayed as a vengeful character, her complex feelings and eventual maternal instincts reveal her depth. She embodies themes of betrayal, redemption, and the quest for love.

🧚‍♀️ Fairy 💔 Betrayed 🌟 Protector

Stefan (Sharlto Copley)

Stefan is a human boy who becomes a pivotal character in Maleficent's life. Initially a friend, his ambition and subsequent betrayal lead to significant turmoil. His character represents the conflict between love and power, ultimately facing tragic consequences.

👑 Ambitious 💔 Betrayer 🥀 Tragic

Aurora (Elle Fanning)

Aurora, initially an innocent princess, grows up unaware of her dark fate. Her character evolves as she learns about her true lineage and the curse placed upon her. Aurora's journey is one of self-discovery and overcoming fear.

👸 Princess 🌸 Innocent 🌟 Brave

Diaval (Sam Riley)

Diaval, a raven transformed into a man by Maleficent, serves as her loyal companion and ally. His character adds depth to Maleficent's journey, showcasing themes of friendship and loyalty amidst chaos.

🦅 Raven 🤝 Loyal ⚔️ Ally

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:49

Major Themes – Maleficent (2014)

Explore the central themes of Maleficent (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme, particularly illustrated through Stefan's actions against Maleficent. Initially bound by love, his choice to abandon her for power serves as a catalyst for the ensuing conflict. This theme deepens the exploration of loyalty and the painful consequences of broken trust.

🌹 Redemption

Maleficent's journey from vengeance to redemption is a poignant aspect of the narrative. Initially driven by rage after her betrayal, she evolves to understand and embrace her maternal instincts towards Aurora. This transformation underscores the power of love to heal and redeem.

⚔️ Conflict

The film explores conflict on multiple levels: personal, magical, and societal. The struggle between the Moors and the human kingdom reflects broader themes of power dynamics, while the personal conflicts between Maleficent and Stefan reveal deeper emotional battles.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:49

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Dark fantasy redemption stories like Maleficent

Classic fairy tales receive a darker, more complex exploration of villains and heroes.If you enjoyed Maleficent's take on a classic villain's journey, discover movies like it. This thread features similar fantasy films that reimagine fairy tales with darker tones, complex character motivations, and powerful redemptive arcs centered on misunderstood figures.

dark fantasyredemptivevengefulmagicalsomberatmosphericbetrayalmotherly love

Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a non-linear path from a past trauma or betrayal that fuels a quest for vengeance. The central character, often an antagonist from the original tale, is given depth and humanity. Their vengeful actions inadvertently lead to a connection with another character (often the 'victim' of their curse), forcing a reevaluation of their goals and culminating in a sacrifice or act of love that redefines their legacy.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core narrative DNA: a dark reinterpretation of a well-known story, a focus on morally grey or villainous protagonists, a steady pacing that allows for character development, and a emotionally heavy but ultimately hopeful arc of redemption that challenges traditional notions of good and evil.

Movies about magical realms and found family like Maleficent

Unlikely bonds form to protect a mystical realm from human conflict.Fans of Maleficent's protective bond with Aurora and the conflict between the Moors and the human kingdom will enjoy these movies. Find similar stories featuring magical worlds under threat, fierce protector figures, and the healing power of found family bonds.

magical worldfound familyprotectiveatmosphericsomberredemptivegood vs evilcurse

Narrative Summary

The narrative often begins with a deep-seated mistrust or outright war between two distinct worlds. A central character, sometimes a child or young adult, becomes the bridge between these worlds. A powerful, initially isolated figure from one realm becomes an unexpected guardian, forming a deep, protective bond that challenges old prejudices and becomes the key to resolving the larger conflict, emphasizing themes of belonging and chosen kinship.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared setting of a threatened magical world and their strong emotional focus on a found family dynamic that transcends biological ties. They combine high-stakes fantasy conflict with a steady, emotionally heavy pacing and a tone that balances dark threats with heartwarming connections, leading to a satisfying, happy resolution.

Unlock the Full Story of Maleficent

Don't stop at just watching — explore Maleficent in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Maleficent is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Maleficent Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Maleficent, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Maleficent Summary

Maleficent Timeline

Track the full timeline of Maleficent with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Maleficent Timeline

Maleficent Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Maleficent that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Maleficent Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Maleficent

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Maleficent: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Maleficent

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Discover movies like Maleficent that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.