Name: Grim Tales
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Released: 1989-04-14
Rating: 8.8
Cast: Rik Mayall

Rik Mayall's Grim Fairy tales gave old favourites like Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, King Thrushbeard and many others a new lease of life by giving them a modern and totally irreverent interpretation. Mayall's wacky approach to the stories was complimented by a smattering of local accents ranging from cockney, Brummie, Lancanshire and even Irish that lended colour to various character impressions.

You had to watch him in action whether he imitated mean, spoilt princesses (picking their nose, burping etc) or witches (same as above).

Here's an example of his description of a 'really bad smell': "..(the witch) smelt like no one had cleaned the lav. for a year.." 

This was British comedy in its full tainted glory that was targeted at the kids but gained many adult fans as well.

The fairy tale subgenre features narratives featuring magical and fantastical elements, often focusing on themes of morality, wonder, and the triumph of good over evil. Fairy tales are usually characterized by their timeless quality, enchanting settings, and archetypal characters.

Cary Elwes and Robin Wright in The Princess Bride (1987)

Stop motion animation is a technique in which physical objects or puppets are manipulated and photographed one frame at a time to create the illusion of movement when played back at a regular speed. This process involves posing and photographing the objects, then moving them slightly and capturing another frame, and so on. When these frames are played in sequence, they create the illusion of fluid motion.

The adventure genre features exciting journeys, quests, or expeditions undertaken by characters who often face challenges, obstacles, and risks in pursuit of a goal. Adventures can take place in a wide range of settings, from exotic and fantastical locations to historical or even everyday environments.

Animation is a form of visual storytelling that involves creating visual art and motion through the use of various techniques and technologies. In animation, images are manipulated to create the illusion of movement, bringing characters, objects, and environments to life. Animation can encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and intended audiences, making it a diverse and versatile form of storytelling.

Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi, and Mari Natsuki in Spirited Away (2001)

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The fantasy genre features imaginative and often magical worlds, characters, and events. It explores realms beyond the boundaries of reality, featuring elements such as magic, mythical creatures, supernatural powers, and fantastical settings. These stories can take place in entirely fictional worlds or blend fantastical elements with real-world settings.

Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Comedian and actor Rik Mayall energetically narrates a series of stories adapted from the tales written by the Brothers Grimm

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

"The Gentlemen" and "Slow Horses" return this fall, while the "Reacher" spin-off series "Neagley" makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

2026 Fall TV and Streaming Watch Guide

&quot;The Gentlemen&quot; and &quot;Slow Horses&quot; return this fall, while the &quot;Reacher&quot; spin-off series &quot;Neagley&quot; makes its debut. See our guide of the biggest Fall TV and streaming releases.

See who dazzled on the red carpet and took home gold at the 78th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards.

Primetime Creative Arts Emmys: Photos We Love

Rik Mayall, Gwyneth Powell, Greg Davies, Jeany Spark, Mike Wozniak, and Roisin Conaty in Man Down (2013)

Isa Hoes and Edwin Jonker in The Escape (2015)

Kevin Turvey: The Man Behind the Green Door

Kevin Turvey: The Man Behind the Green Door (1982)

Emily Bruni, Michael Maloney, and Rik Mayall in Believe Nothing (2002)

Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall in Bottom (1991)

Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall in Bottom 2001: An Arse Oddity (2001)

Grim Tales

Episodes22

Photos33

Cast1

User reviews4

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed