If you are a fan of Anne Shirley like I am, you will definitely have seen some of the shows I researched. I personally wasn't aware of some of them and look forward to watching them in the near future. Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved novel Anne of Green Gables has captivated readers since its publication in 1908. The story of the spirited, red-headed orphan who finds a home at Green Gables has transcended the page to delight audiences across film, television, and stage productions for over a century. In this blog I explore the rich legacy of adaptations that have brought Anne Shirley's story to life.
Early Film Adaptations
Anne of Green Gables (1919)
The earliest known adaptation was a silent film directed by William Desmond Taylor. L.M. Montgomery herself viewed this Americanized version and noted significant differences from her book, including Anne brandishing a gun and an altered ending. This represents the first attempt to translate Anne's story to the screen, despite its departures from the source material.
Anne of Green Gables (1934)
The first "talkie" version was directed by George Nicholls Jr. and produced by RKO Pictures. Montgomery found the first two-thirds acceptable but criticized the sentimental ending. Interestingly, the lead actress Dawn O'Day was so inspired by the character that she legally changed her stage name to Anne Shirley.
Television Adaptations
Anne of Green Gables (1952)
The BBC produced a live television series starring Carole Lorimer as Anne. Unfortunately, due to the technical limitations of the era, no recordings of this adaptation survive.
Anne of Green Gables (1956)
CBC broadcast a made-for-television musical directed by Norman Campbell, with Toby Tarnow playing Anne. This version became a beloved Canadian classic and later inspired the long-running stage musical.
Anne of Green Gables (1972) and Anne of Avonlea (1975)
These British mini-series featured Kim Braden in the title role, faithfully adapting the first two novels in Montgomery's series.
The Sullivan Entertainment Productions (1985-2008)
The most celebrated adaptation is arguably Kevin Sullivan's 1985 Emmy Award-winning miniseries starring Megan Follows as Anne. Filmed on location in Prince Edward Island, this production is widely regarded as the definitive screen adaptation for its faithful portrayal of the novel's spirit and characters.
Sullivan continued the story with several sequels:
- Anne of Avonlea (1987)
- Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000)
- Anne of Green Gables: A New Beginning (2008)
L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables (2016-2017)
This series of TV movies starred Ella Ballentine as Anne, with Martin Sheen as Matthew and Sara Botsford as Marilla. The trilogy included:
- L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables (2016)
- Anne of Green Gables: The Good Stars (2017)
- Anne of Green Gables: Fire & Dew (2017)
Anne with an E (2017-2019)
This CBC-Netflix collaboration starring Amybeth McNulty took a more contemporary approach to the source material. The series expanded on the novel's themes, exploring trauma and social issues with a modern sensibility. It gained international acclaim and introduced Anne to a new generation of viewers.
Road to Avonlea (1990-1996)
Though not directly about Anne, this spin-off series was based on L.M. Montgomery's other works set in the same universe and included characters from the Anne films.
Stage Productions
Anne of Green Gables – The Musical
Originally produced as a CBC television musical in 1956, this production found its permanent home at the Charlottetown Festival in Prince Edward Island. Running since 1965, it has become a Canadian cultural institution and continues to delight audiences today.
Anne & Gilbert, The Musical
Focusing on Anne and Gilbert's romance from the later books, this musical has been running for over 20 years in Charlottetown and continues to be performed in 2025.
Anne of Green Gables: A New Musical (2022)
This contemporary folk-rock musical produced by Goodspeed Musicals brings a fresh take to Anne's story with bold choreography and humor while remaining true to the spirit of the novel.
Web and Modern Adaptations
Green Gables Fables (2014-2016)
This modern web series retold Anne's story through social media formats including Tumblr and video blogs.
Project Green Gables (2015-2016)
A Finnish web series that used vlogs to tell Anne's story in a contemporary setting.
The Enduring Legacy
From silent films to streaming services, Anne Shirley's journey from unwanted orphan to beloved member of the Cuthbert family has been reimagined countless times. Each adaptation brings its own interpretation while preserving the heart of Montgomery's classic tale.
What makes Anne's story so enduringly adaptable? Perhaps it's the universal themes of belonging, imagination, and personal growth. Or maybe it's Anne's irrepressible spirit and the warmth of the community she finds at Green Gables. Whatever the reason, Anne continues to win hearts across generations and media formats.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering Anne for the first time, there's an adaptation that can transport you to the charming world of Avonlea and the unforgettable Green Gables.
| Medium | Title/Production | Year(s) | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film | Anne of Green Gables (silent) | 1919 | Early silent film, Americanized setting |
| Film | Anne of Green Gables (talkie) | 1934 | Dawn O’Day as Anne Shirley |
| TV Musical | Anne of Green Gables (CBC) | 1956 | Early Canadian TV musical |
| TV Series | Anne of Green Gables (BBC) | 1952 | Lost live broadcasts |
| TV Mini-series | Anne of Green Gables (Kevin Sullivan) | 1985 | Definitive, Emmy-winning adaptation |
| TV Mini-series | Anne of Avonlea, Continuing Story, New Beginning | 1987–2008 | Sequels with Megan Follows |
| TV Series | Anne with an E (CBC/Netflix) | 2017–2019 | Modern, deeper themes |
| Stage Musical | Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival) | Since 1965 | Long-running Canadian musical |
| Stage Musical | Anne & Gilbert | Since 2004 | Focus on Anne and Gilbert’s romance |
| Stage Musical | Anne of Green Gables: A New Musical | 2022 | Folk-rock musical by Goodspeed Musicals |
| Web Series | Green Gables Fables, Project Green Gables | 2014–2016 | Modern social media adaptations |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Anne of Green Gables adaptation is considered the best?
The 1985 miniseries directed by Kevin Sullivan and starring Megan Follows is widely regarded as the definitive adaptation, winning Emmy Awards and capturing the spirit of the novel with its faithful portrayal and beautiful Prince Edward Island filming locations.
Is Anne with an E different from the book?
Yes, "Anne with an E" takes a more contemporary approach to the source material, expanding on themes and backstories only hinted at in the novel. It explores trauma, social issues, and gives deeper development to secondary characters while maintaining Anne's essential character.
How many musicals are there about Anne of Green Gables?
There are at least three notable musicals: the long-running "Anne of Green Gables – The Musical" at the Charlottetown Festival (since 1965), "Anne & Gilbert, The Musical" focusing on their romance, and the newer folk-rock "Anne of Green Gables: A New Musical" (2022) by Goodspeed Musicals.
Did L.M. Montgomery like any of the film adaptations?
Montgomery saw the 1919 silent film and the 1934 "talkie" during her lifetime. She noted the 1919 version was quite different from her book with an Americanized setting. For the 1934 version, she found the first two-thirds acceptable but criticized the sentimental ending.
Where can I watch the various Anne of Green Gables adaptations?
The Sullivan Entertainment adaptations (1985-2008) starring Megan Follows are available on GazeboTV. "Anne with an E" can be found on Netflix in most regions. Other adaptations may be available through various streaming services, DVD collections, or special broadcasts.