Out of the woodwork: Pinocchio films over the years

Streaming on Disney+ from September 8, the new live-action Pinocchio reimagines the puppet’s quest to become a real boy. Learn more about the three Pinocchio movies that paved the way for this retelling – and find out which apps to watch them on.

Pinocchio (1940)

Disney+

Disney

In-app purchases

4.4

4.82M reviews

100M+

Downloads

Teen

1
Stream classic and original fan favorites from Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars to the Marvel multiverse
2
Get recommendations based on your watch history and browse categories from documentaries to Disney Junior
3
Manage individual profiles or access parental control features including Profile PIN and Kid-Proof Exit

A highlight of Disney’s golden age, Pinocchio (1940) is still considered one of the best animated films of all time. Known for beloved characters like the ethereal Blue Fairy and an Academy Award–winning score that includes When You Wish Upon a Star, this original offers nostalgia for adults and important lessons for little ones.

Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night

Tubi: Free Movies & TV

Tubi TV

Contains ads

4.8

2.27M reviews

100M+

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Teen

1
Access thousands of movies and shows whenever you want – no credit card or subscription required
2
Check out new weekly content from a wide range of categories: Anime TV, Black cinema, docuseries and more
3
If you’re short on time, you can add content to your watch list and come back to it later

A year after becoming human, Pinocchio goes on a journey to retrieve Gepetto’s magic music box. Along the way, he encounters a creepy carnival, a Neon Cabaret (a hallucinatory version of Pleasure Island), and the malevolent Emperor of the Night. With a double dose of villainy and a decidedly darker plot, this 1987 retelling has become a cult classic.

The Adventures of Pinocchio

Hoopla Digital

Midwest Tape LLC

4.7

201K reviews

5M+

Downloads

Teen

1
Using your library card, access digital content like books, albums, and movies to stream or enjoy offline
2
Customize your viewing or listening experiences with shuffle play, Kids Mode, a sleep timer, and other tools
3
Synchronize Hoopla across devices so you can stop songs or stories then easily pick up where you left off

Out of these three films, this 1996 live-action adaptation stays the most true to Carlo Collodi’s original story. Despite criticism over stiff animation, mischievous moments offer cozy charm, like when Pinocchio eats all of the cannoli (and gets Gepetto into trouble). Bonus: Jim Henson’s beloved team crafted the animatronic wooden Pinocchio.