Skip to content
Meet the Classics

Heidi: book vs. movie

Heidi has been filmed again and again since the silent era, as Hollywood musicals, Swiss films, TV movies and much-loved cartoons. Some versions keep the gentle book almost scene for scene, while others add songs, villains or chases. This page compares the best-known ones so you can choose a first Heidi for a 6–9 year old, know which scenes might upset a sensitive child, and decide which version to save for later.

Which version should we watch?

For a first Heidi with a 6–9 year old, try the 2015 Swiss film or a few episodes of Heidi, Girl of the Alps. Both stay close to the book, are beautiful to look at and have nothing scarier than homesickness. Younger or more restless children may prefer the 2015 animated series, with its short, cheerful episodes.

Save the 1937 Shirley Temple film for a fun extra once your child knows the real story, so you can talk about what Hollywood changed. Best of all, read the book or a picture-book retelling first, so your child meets Heidi, Grandfather and the goats in their own imagination before seeing them on screen.

The film and TV versions

  • Heidi (2015)

    FilmVery close to the book

    A Swiss film starring Anuk Steffen as Heidi and Bruno Ganz as Grandfather, shot in the real Alps. It follows the book closely, from the hayloft to Frankfurt and back.

    For families: Gentle and lovely to look at, with a few sad moments when Heidi is homesick. Some releases are in German with subtitles or dubbing, so check which version you have before movie night.

  • Heidi (2015)

    Animated seriesMostly faithful

    A bright computer-animated series for young children, with short episodes about Heidi, Peter, Clara and the goats.

    For families: Made for the youngest viewers, with no scary moments. Short episodes are easy to fit into a busy day.

  • Heidi (2005)

    FilmMostly faithful

    A British family film with Emma Bolger as Heidi, Max von Sydow as Grandfather, Geraldine Chaplin as Fräulein Rottenmeier and Diana Rigg as Clara’s grandmother.

    For families: A calm, traditional telling with one scene of mild peril. Fine for most 6–9 year olds.

  • Heidi (1993)

    TV seriesMostly faithful

    A two-part Disney Channel movie with Noley Thornton as Heidi, Jason Robards as Grandfather and Jane Seymour as a chilly Fräulein Rottenmeier.

    For families: First shown in two long parts on TV (some home releases are cut shorter), so it works well over two evenings. Warm and family-friendly.

  • Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974)

    Animated seriesVery close to the book

    A Japanese cartoon series of 52 episodes directed by Isao Takahata, with Hayao Miyazaki on the team. It is loved around the world for its slow, careful scenes of mountain life.

    For families: Very gentle and unhurried, ideal for watching one episode at a time. Some children may find the pace slow at first.

  • Heidi (1952)

    FilmMostly faithful

    A Swiss film directed by Luigi Comencini, with Elsbeth Sigmund as Heidi, filmed in the mountains in black and white.

    For families: Old-fashioned and quiet. It suits patient viewers and families who enjoy classic films.

  • Heidi (1937)

    FilmLoosely based

    The Hollywood version starring Shirley Temple, with Jean Hersholt as Grandfather. It adds songs, a dream sequence and a dramatic chase to the story.

    For families: Fun and short at about 88 minutes, but a scene where Heidi is nearly sold to strangers can frighten very young or sensitive children.

How the movies differ from the book

A villain who sells children
In the 1937 Shirley Temple film, Fräulein Rottenmeier tries to sell Heidi to a band of travelers. In the book she is strict and fussy, but she never plots anything like that.
Grandfather comes to the city
In the 1937 film, Grandfather travels to Frankfurt to rescue Heidi and ends up in a chase with the police. In the book, Heidi is sent home because she is so homesick that she becomes ill.
Clara walks at Christmas
The 1937 film has Clara walk again in Frankfurt at Christmas. In the book, Clara learns to walk much later, on a summer visit to the mountain with Heidi and Grandfather.
Songs and a dream
The 1937 film was made for Shirley Temple, so it adds singing and a dream sequence. The book has no musical numbers and keeps its focus on mountains, goats and friendship.

Questions about Heidi movies

What is the best Heidi movie for kids?
The 2015 Swiss film with Anuk Steffen and Bruno Ganz is one of the most faithful and beautiful. For younger children, the 1974 cartoon Heidi, Girl of the Alps is gentle and very close to the book.
Is the Shirley Temple Heidi the same as the book?
No. The 1937 film keeps the main idea but adds songs, a dream sequence, a plot to sell Heidi and a chase in Frankfurt, none of which happen in the book.
Is Heidi OK for young children?
Most versions are very gentle. The saddest parts are Heidi’s homesickness in the city, and the 1937 film has one tense scene where she is nearly taken away.
What cartoon is based on Heidi?
The best-known is Heidi, Girl of the Alps (1974), a Japanese series directed by Isao Takahata. A computer-animated Heidi series also began in 2015.

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