Snow White and the Huntsman

Years after a brutal coup leaves the Evil Queen in power, Snow White is kept under heavy guard in a crumbling kingdom. The Queen pursues a legendary immortality by a dark method tied to the princess, while the realm grows restless. A battle hardened huntsman is ordered to seize Snow White, but he grows torn when he witnesses the queen's cruelty and the young woman's stubborn courage. Snow White escapes into a perilous Dark Forest, where she meets unlikely allies and learns to trust her own strength. Together they move toward a confrontation that could reshape the land's future. In the foreground, rival factions and an alliance test Snow White's resolve and force her to choose between mercy and justice.

Released in 2012 and directed by Rupert Sanders, Snow White and the Huntsman reimagines the classic fairy tale with a darker edge. It adapts the material for the screen with writers Evan Daugherty, Hossein Amini and John Lee Hancock today.

Box office across the world totaled about 396.6 million, against a production budget of 170 million. Its ensemble cast and effects fueled broad appeal worldwide. The film performed strongly in multiple markets and drove interest in the franchise worldwide. Its broad reception helped set a lasting trend.

The film helped popularize a darker take on fairy tales, with lush visuals and a strong female lead that influenced later productions in the genre. Charlize Theron's portrayal of Ravenna left a lasting impression and sparked discussions about queenly villainy in modern fantasy. It helped redefine adult fantasy for adults.

Critics praised the production design, action sequences, and performances, especially Theron and Hemsworth, while some found the plot thin and the pace uneven. The film explores power and tyranny, treating Snow White as a more active, morally nuanced heroine. Its themes still spark conversations about female leadership. For broader audiences.