More than 100 years later, we still believe in fairies.
Since Scottish writer J.M. Barrie first wrote the play “Peter Pan or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up” in 1904, adaptations of the Neverland fantasy have been churned out almost nonstop, the latest being the film “Wendy,” out Friday. Some of the movies have proved to be cultural touchstones cherished by multiple generations, while others deservedly got the hook.
From a boisterous Robin Williams to Hugh Jackman looking like a Soviet dictator, here’s a look at the best and worst of “Pan” on film.
1. Oh, Captain, My Captain: “Hook” (1991)
Powered by the same adventurous spirit as 1987’s “The Princess Bride,” “Hook” is, to this day, the best take on Barrie’s book. It was directed by Steven Spielberg, the ‘90s blockbuster king, starred Williams at the peak of his powers and an effervescent Julia Roberts charmed as Tinkerbell — just one year after she did “Pretty Woman.” Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook? Chef’s kiss!
2. She’s flying!: “Peter Pan” with Mary Martin (1955)
If there is one “Peter Pan” moment that is cemented in pop culture, it’s Mary Martin shooting up into the sky (on wires, shhh!) in the Broadway musical, which aired on TV several times throughout the ’50s. While it wasn’t a huge hit onstage, on the tube, Martin’s performance proved an enduring success. As the actress sang “I’m flying!,” millions of kids squealed at the impossible magic.
3. Down to earth: “Wendy” (2020)
There’s not much talking in Benh Zeitlin’s reimagining — there are no British accents and the island is powered by a magical whale. But when it comes to harnessing the rambunctiousness and joy of childhood, “Wendy” can’t be beat.
4. Behind the magic: “Finding Neverland” (2004)
OK, so it’s not the traditional story, but this J.M. Barrie biopic tried to explain — with some historical liberties — why “Peter Pan” was the book the writer was destined to publish. It starred a romantic Johnny Depp before the actor turned into a circus act.
5. Mickey messed up: “Peter Pan” (1953)
Disney made “Peter Pan” within a few years of “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella,” but unlike those classics, this one hasn’t stood the test of time. The score isn’t memorable for any catchy tunes — none of them are hummable, but it is for its flagrant racism. The Native American-mocking song “What Makes The Red Man Red” has turned out to be a big embarrassment for Disney.
6. I don’t want it that way: “Peter Pan” (2003)
If “Hook” represented the best of the ‘90s, the Jeremy Sumpter-led “Peter Pan” was the worst of the aughts. Sumpter’s Peter looked like a member of the Backstreet Boys and had the awkward sexuality of a young Nick Carter. It’s a movie more concerned with eyelashes than stakes.
7. Hugh gotta be kidding me: “Pan” (2015)
Hugh Jackman’s version of Hook, Blackbeard, was a Vladimir Lenin look-alike, who — for some reason — ran a mining colony where prisoners dug for pixie dust.