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Anne of Green Gables: book vs. movie

Anne of Green Gables has been adapted many times since a silent film in 1919: as Hollywood films, a beloved 1985 Canadian miniseries, a Japanese animated series, a long-running stage musical, a TV film and the Netflix series Anne with an E. Some are cozy and close to the book, while others add darker storylines. This page helps parents choose a gentle first version for a 6–9 year old and know which ones to save for later.

Which version should we watch?

For a 6–9 year old, read the book first in a simple retelling, so your child meets Anne’s chatter and imagination on the page. Then watch the 1985 miniseries with Megan Follows, a few chapters’ worth at a time. It is the warmest, funniest and closest version, and children love it. The 2016 TV film and the 1979 animated series are good gentle choices too.

Save Anne with an E for later, around 10 to 12 and up. It is beautifully made, but it is much darker than the book and has scenes that can upset young children.

The film and TV versions

  • Anne with an E (2017–2019)

    TV seriesLoosely based

    A three-season CBC and Netflix series starring Amybeth McNulty as Anne, Geraldine James as Marilla and R. H. Thomson as Matthew. Beautifully filmed on Prince Edward Island, with many new storylines.

    For families: Much darker than the book, with flashbacks of Anne being mistreated, bullying, frightening moments and grown-up themes such as racism. Better for about 10 or 12 and up, ideally watched together.

  • L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables (2016)

    FilmMostly faithful

    A TV film starring Ella Ballentine as Anne, with Martin Sheen as Matthew and Sara Botsford as Marilla. It was followed by two sequels.

    For families: Gentle and family-friendly, and shorter than the miniseries. A good choice for younger children.

  • Anne of Green Gables (1985)

    TV seriesVery close to the book

    Kevin Sullivan’s Canadian miniseries stars Megan Follows as Anne, Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla, Richard Farnsworth as Matthew and Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert. Many fans think of it as the definitive version.

    For families: Warm, funny and safe for all ages. It runs about three and a half hours, so watch it over two or more evenings. The ending has a very sad moment that will need a cuddle.

  • Anne of Green Gables (Akage no Anne) (1979)

    Animated seriesVery close to the book

    A Japanese animated series directed by Isao Takahata, who later helped found Studio Ghibli. Its 50 episodes follow the book chapter by chapter.

    For families: Gentle, slow and lovely for young children, if you can find a subtitled or dubbed version. The sad part of the story is included.

  • Anne of Green Gables: The Musical (1965)

    MusicalMostly faithful

    A cheerful Canadian stage musical that has played almost every summer at the Charlottetown Festival on Prince Edward Island since 1965.

    For families: Bright and full of songs, and a fun outing for children. Families visiting Prince Edward Island often make it part of the trip.

  • Anne of Green Gables (1934)

    FilmLoosely based

    A black-and-white Hollywood film starring a young actress who took the name Anne Shirley from this role.

    For families: Short and gentle, but it changes a lot of the story. Mostly of interest to fans.

How the movies differ from the book

Anne’s past is shown on screen
The 1985 miniseries opens with Anne’s hard life before Green Gables, working for a family with many small children. In the book, Anne only tells Marilla about it, in a few brave sentences.
Some scenes are moved or combined
To fit the story into about three and a half hours, the 1985 miniseries joins or reorders some of the book’s many small adventures. The famous moments, like the slate, the cordial and the raft, are all there.
A darker Anne in Anne with an E
Anne with an E shows frightening flashbacks of how Anne was treated before Green Gables, and her early days in Avonlea are much harder. In the book, Anne’s sunny imagination is the focus.
Many new characters and stories
Anne with an E adds characters who are not in the book, such as Bash, a young man from Trinidad, and Ka’kwet, a Mi’kmaq girl. It also adds storylines about money troubles and prejudice.
Matthew’s story changes
Near the end of the book, Matthew’s weak heart leads to the saddest chapter. Anne with an E takes his story in a different direction.

Questions about Anne of Green Gables movies

Is Anne with an E OK for kids?
It is better for older children and teens. It includes flashbacks of Anne being mistreated, bullying and some frightening and grown-up storylines, so preview it before sharing it with a 6–9 year old.
What is the best Anne of Green Gables movie?
Most fans choose the 1985 miniseries with Megan Follows. It is close to the book, funny and gentle, and suitable for the whole family.
Is Anne with an E the same as the book?
No. It keeps Anne, Marilla, Matthew, Diana and Gilbert, but adds many new characters and darker storylines, and changes some major events.
Who played Anne in Anne of Green Gables?
Megan Follows played Anne in the 1985 miniseries, Amybeth McNulty in Anne with an E and Ella Ballentine in the 2016 TV film.

Ratings are shown only where we could confirm them. Check current ratings and streaming details before watching.