Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

97% of critics liked it
(39 reviews)
72% of users liked it
(433,987 ratings)

It was called "Disney's Folly." Who on earth would want to sit still for 90 minutes to watch an animated cartoon? And why pick a well-worn Grimm's Fairy Tale that every schoolkid knows? But Walt Disney seemed to thrive on projects which a lesser man might have written off as "stupid" or… More It was called "Disney's Folly." Who on earth would want to sit still for 90 minutes to watch an animated cartoon? And why pick a well-worn Grimm's Fairy Tale that every schoolkid knows? But Walt Disney seemed to thrive on projects which a lesser man might have written off as "stupid" or "impossible". Investing three years, $1,500,000, and the combined talents of 570 artists into Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney produced a film that was not only acknowledged a classic from the outset, but also earned 8,500,000 depression-era dollars in gross rentals. Bypassing early temptations to transform the heroine Snow White into a plump Betty Boop type or a woebegone ZaSu Pitts lookalike, the Disney staffers wisely made radical differentiations between the "straight" and "funny" characters in the story. Thus, Snow White and Prince Charming moved and were drawn realistically, while the Seven Dwarfs were rendered in the rounded, caricatured manner of Disney's short-subject characters. In this way, the serious elements of the story could be propelled forward in a believable enough manner to grab the adult viewers, while the dwarfs provided enough comic and musical hijinks to keep the kids happy. It is a tribute to the genius of the Disney formula that the dramatic and comic elements were strong enough to please both demographic groups. Like any showman, Disney knew the value of genuine horror in maintaining audience interest: accordingly, the Wicked Queen, whose jealousy of Snow White's beauty motivates the story, is a thoroughly fearsome creature even before she transforms herself into an ancient crone. Best of all, Snow White clicks in the three areas in which Disney had always proven superiority over his rivals: Solid story values (any sequence that threatened to slow down the plotline was ruthlessly jettisoned, no matter how much time and money had been spent), vivid etched characterizations (it would have been easier to have all the Dwarfs walk, talk and act alike: thank heaven that Disney never opted for "easy"), and instantly memorable songs (Frank Churchill, Leigh Harline, Paul J. Smith and the entire studio music department was Oscar-nominated for such standards-to-be as "Whistle While You Work" and "Some Day My Prince Will Come"). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 23 min.
Directed By: David Hand
Written By: Ted Sears, Otto Englander, Earl Hurd, Dorothy Anne Blank, Dick Rickard
Genres: Animation, Kids & Family, Classics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Dec 21, 1937 Wide
On DVD: Oct 6, 2009
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

Critic Reviews

John C. Flinn Sr., Variety
So perfect is the illusion, so tender the romance and fantasy, so emotional are certain portions when the acting of the characters strikes a depth comparable to the sincerity of human players, that the film approaches real greatness.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
You've probably seen it 15 times by now, so why not make it 16?
Frank S. Nugent, New York Times
It is a classic, as important cinematically as The Birth of a Nation or the birth of Mickey Mouse.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
To one degree or another, every animated feature made since owes it something.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
Like many of the Disney films, from Pinocchio to Fantasia, this film is a cinematic rite of passage -- for children and adults.
Fr. Chris Carpenter, Orange County and Long Beach Blade
One of the ten best home video (re-)releases of 2009
Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Animated classic is enchanting but also scary.
Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
There are only a tiny number of films that have come anywhere close to equaling its achievement.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
It luxuriates in the art of animation, watching the various animals race through the woods, or watching Snow White running scared from an array of imaginary horrors.
James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
the film's overall effect is undeniable, not only on the history of cinema as a whole, but in each new viewing that reveals another dimension or additional detail, the sum total of which is one of the true cinematic masterpieces
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
Great movie, great treatment, but if you're particular about your collection, know that the combo pack is available in both DVD and Blu-ray packaging.
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
Sure it's technically essential, but kids won't notice the stunning video presentation of Disney's Blu-ray release, and adults are referred to R.S. Gwynn's "Snow White and the Seven Deadly Sins."
Eric Henderson, Slant Magazine
It is Snow White's afterbirth that merits both canonization and destruction.
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
One of the most important films in the history of popular cinema, and film fans must never forget the incredible achievement it was in 1937. [Blu-ray]
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
The combination standard DVD and blu-ray 'Diamond Edition' release is truly fabulous.
Brian Webster, Apollo Guide
This is both an entertaining old movie and a significant historical document. If you love film, then you must see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
, Empire Magazine
Largely it succeeds because it really is a great deal of fun.
, Film4
This story has it all: brilliant characters and a wonderful, satisfying story.
Stefan Birgir Stefansson, sbs.is
Always a classic
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It's a delightful family fantasy film that is timeless, one that both children and adults can enjoy.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bob S

shenlong
Jeff "

The first fully animated feature film is a definite classic of the cinematic medium. This film changed cinema forever, and introduced the world to Walt Disney. The studio has always made memorable, classic animated features; But Snow White is the definitive Disney classic. Based on a… More
The first fully animated feature film is a definite classic of the cinematic medium. This film changed cinema forever, and introduced the world to Walt Disney. The studio has always made memorable, classic animated features; But Snow White is the definitive Disney classic. Based on a classic fairy tale, Walt6 Disney set ahead and created this memorable take of an old tale. If you're to watch one Disney animated film, this is definitely the one to watch. Perfect for every one of all ages, with stellar animation and a great cast of voice talents, Snow White is a phenomenal achievement in film. This is the perfect film to watch with your kids, and it still holds up to this day. This is a brilliant film, which really doesn't need a review, because after all, everything that needed to be said has been said. This is the film that put Disney on the map, and remains one of the finest films that the studio has ever made. Watch it if you haven't seen it. This is one of cinema's greatest classics, a film that has stood the test the time, as is still great fun after all these years. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a terrific film that is a must see for every true lover of cinema. No matter how old you are, this is a film that is a must see, and should be seen as a wonderful piece of art on its own. Brilliant in every aspect, this is the real Disney classic, a film that would bring Disney's vision in the public conscience.
KJ P

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarf's" is a classic Walt Disney feature that will have everyone in tears. As the queen (an evil witch) needs to find and destroy a princess named Snow White due to the fact that a mirror tells her she is "the fairest of them all,"… More
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarf's" is a classic Walt Disney feature that will have everyone in tears. As the queen (an evil witch) needs to find and destroy a princess named Snow White due to the fact that a mirror tells her she is "the fairest of them all," we follow Snow White as the main character who meets seven little dwarfs with very unique character attributes. It is a very basic premise as Snow White befriends these seven dwarfs while we await the appearance of the Queen's confrontation. I absolutely loved this movie aside from the fact that the queen is such a huge part of the story and is kind of brushed off to the side until the end of the story. Also, it may be a little too dark for kids and the animation may be a little scary, but "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is pure disney magic that will never go out of date. This is an amazing film!
Alexander D

Ahh, those wholesome, G-rated days of my early childhood when SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES was "the best movie ever". I just recently discovered for myself that the original "Snow White" fairy tale didn't even have dwarves ("oh, so THAT'S why… More
Ahh, those wholesome, G-rated days of my early childhood when SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES was "the best movie ever". I just recently discovered for myself that the original "Snow White" fairy tale didn't even have dwarves ("oh, so THAT'S why the titles are different!"), and if anything, that little factoid just makes this film five times more creative. We look down at a lot of the more modern Disney movies that aren't really as good (take G-FORCE or THE PRINCESS DIARIES, for instance), and we also have moved movies like this one, CINDERELLA, and SLEEPING BEAUTY into a category of "Disney princess movies" (which can be decoded as "Disney movies we never want to see again"), but if you look at how successful this film was back when it first was released in 1937 and how popular it is still today, you'd be surprised. That said, SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES is a definite children's classic, but even though I've seen it ten times, I could care less. For ANY classic, ten times is enough.
Liam G

It is the first film I remember seeing and still remains a classic close to my heart. Wonderful.
Eric A

First animated Disney film! Even if you haven't seen it, you know it HAS to be good. Remind's me of my sister.
Jameson W

Disney's first, and a classic animated film!
Bently L

I wish another Disney Renaissance would happen again soon. The company was at their highest peak at around the time that this came out. They made history with this film and made many classics in the years that followed. They had hard times in the 80s but in the 90s, Disney rocked!… More
I wish another Disney Renaissance would happen again soon. The company was at their highest peak at around the time that this came out. They made history with this film and made many classics in the years that followed. They had hard times in the 80s but in the 90s, Disney rocked! They were okay in the early 2000s as well. January 2006 saw the release of High School Musical and the face of Disney was pretty much changed in my point of view. They rebranded themselves with tween targeted material. High School Musical, Hannah Montana, you name it! For now, lets go back to 1937 and review the film that started it all: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. This groundbreaking achievement tells the story of Snow White. This is the only film from Disney that I can recall that dosen't add the studio's trademark story twisting technique into it. The film tells the story of a fair and beautiful woman named Snow White, who dreams of a prince and has a nice voice. The queen is jealous of her fairness and sends a huntsman to kill her. She runs away from him and finds a cottage in the woods that belong to seven dwarves with colorful personalities. However, the evil queen is still bend on putting an end to her. A simple little film Snow White is. Its colorful, has wonderful artwork, and classic music. Snow White in my opinion doesen't have much of a three-dimensional persona. Shes just kind. Thats all! The prince is just a singer and kisser. Thats all! The queen is just evil and bent on killing her. Thats all! The ones with the real personalities were the dwarves! Their names give away their personas: -Doc (This one doesen't give away a whole lot!) -Happy -Sneezy -Sleepy -Grumpy -Bashful -Dopey In order for me to give this a higher rating, the main characters need more of a personality. But I can still tolerate what they were given. Its a simple film to review. The only things you can really go over are the music, characters, and art. They were all great for its time. A simple and nice film. For the 1st animated film the world has seen, it is great. But animation got better as the years went by. Pinocchio, the 2nd film from the studio, is dope! I am also baffled that I gave Transformers 3 a higher rating but that just my opinion. Deal with it. There are many good Disney films out there but this is still wonderful. And cue my dream Disney Renaissance in T-Minus...2,000 milleniums. "A fine bunch of water lilies you turned out to be."
Bethany M

Another childhood favourite and classic!
Conner R

I have almost no idea where animation would be today without Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It's really the movie that made cartoons viable as full length features, allowed Disney to become the power that it is today and established a new way of storytelling. It's not just… More
I have almost no idea where animation would be today without Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It's really the movie that made cartoons viable as full length features, allowed Disney to become the power that it is today and established a new way of storytelling. It's not just a simple-minded kid's movie or a throwaway musical. This presents a number of different ideas and concepts and combines it into one extravaganza. This still manages to be the definitive version of the classic story, even though it's only 80 minutes. The characters and atmosphere is nailed down so perfectly that there's no need for endless scenes establishing them.
Tim S

The first and best of Disney's animated films. Other crowning achievements would later follow (Fantasia, Pinnochio, Sleeping Beauty, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast), but this will always be the finest in my mind for developing and pushing the medium of the animated motion… More
The first and best of Disney's animated films. Other crowning achievements would later follow (Fantasia, Pinnochio, Sleeping Beauty, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast), but this will always be the finest in my mind for developing and pushing the medium of the animated motion picture and remaining as fresh as it was the day of its release.
Michael E

the film is fascinating to watch and it has fun characters mainly the dwarfs.
AJ V

This is a great Disney movie, not the best, but it has good animation and it tells the story of Snow White well. I liked it growing up, and kids today will still enjoy it, I think.
Richard C

this movie just bores me every time i see it. C-
erika b

good flim
Dead A

This one was the sweetest fairy tale. I loved this when I was a kid. And I bought this again few months ago.
Jennifer D

Gotta give it props for its age.
Anthony L

Wonderful animation, beautiful colours and a huge step forward for cinema. It was just never my cup of tea. Still, credit due!
Film C

Cant believe this was made in the 1930's!! A classsic walt disney movie that is awesome and every little child should watch these as they are magical loveable and your never to old to watch these! its got dwarfs that you'll just fall in lve with and a really catchy tune… More
Cant believe this was made in the 1930's!! A classsic walt disney movie that is awesome and every little child should watch these as they are magical loveable and your never to old to watch these! its got dwarfs that you'll just fall in lve with and a really catchy tune which is brilliant, ill be surprised by anyone who says they've never seen this movie! This is what disney cartoon classsics should look like not that new stuff now ! Walt Disney started with this magnificant movie and then went from strength to strength! Exceptionally brilliant always worth a watch!
Luke B

For it's time, this was a magnificent achievement. Watching it on Blu-Ray, there aren't many things of 72 years that look THIS good. The main focus here, was obviously what Disney COULD do. The story is simple and very weak. Skipping over any form of build up, which leaves… More
For it's time, this was a magnificent achievement. Watching it on Blu-Ray, there aren't many things of 72 years that look THIS good. The main focus here, was obviously what Disney COULD do. The story is simple and very weak. Skipping over any form of build up, which leaves the films middle act being 45 minutes of Snow White pottering about the house. Because of the time, the film is very sexist. Leaving the women as egotistical maniacs, wrapped up in their own vanity or as naive simpletons, dreaming of first love and only good for housework. It's far too harsh to criticise the films for these points, but it wouldn't be accepted today. The voice work is quite annoying and later efforts such as Bambi and Pinocchio would develop the artistry and the storytelling techniques.