Films about princesses encompass a broad and enchanting genre that has captivated audiences for generations. Such films often delve into the lives of princesses, exploring themes of love, duty, adventure, and self-discovery. These movies, ranging from animated classics to live-action dramas, offer a diverse portrayal of royalty through compelling narratives and rich character development. Whether set in mythical lands or based on real-life figures, films about princesses continue to enchant viewers with their portrayals of courage, kindness, and the quest for identity and love.
“The Princess Bride”, 1987
Director: Rob Reiner
This cult classic combines elements of comedy, adventure, and fantasy, revolving around the beautiful Princess Buttercup and her true love, Westley. The film, acclaimed for its witty dialogue and memorable characters, embarks on an epic journey filled with danger, swashbuckling, and romance.
Starring: Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, André René Roussimoff, Fred Savage, Robin Wright, Peter Falk, Peter Cook;
Production year: 1987;
Genre: fantasy, melodrama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Princess Bride” on the website imdb.com
“The Princess Diaries”, 2001
Director: Garry Marshall
A modern-day fairy tale that follows Mia Thermopolis, a shy, awkward teenager who discovers she's the heir to the throne of the European kingdom of Genovia. Under the guidance of her estranged grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia undergoes a transformation to take her place as a true princess.
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Mandy Moore, Caroline Goodall, Robert Schwartzman, Erik von Detten, Patrick Flueger, Sean O'Bryan;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, comedy, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “The Princess Diaries” on the website imdb.com
“Frozen”, 2013
Director: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
This animated blockbuster tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna of Arendelle. Elsa's ability to create snow and ice leads her into self-imposed exile. Anna embarks on an adventurous journey with a rugged iceman, his loyal reindeer, and a naive snowman to bring her sister back, mend their relationship, and save their kingdom.
Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, Alan Tudyk, Ciarán Hinds, Chris Williams, Stephen J. Anderson, Maia Wilson;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: animation, musical, fantasy, comedy, melodrama, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Frozen” on the website imdb.com
“Brave”, 2012
Director: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, Steve Purcell
Set in the Scottish Highlands, this film follows Princess Merida, an independent and skilled archer who defies an age-old custom, causing chaos in her kingdom. Seeking to reverse a curse, Merida must rely on her bravery and archery skills to undo a beastly curse.
Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, Sally Kinghorn, Eilidh Fraser, Peigi Barker;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: animation, fantasy, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Brave” on the website imdb.com
“Roman Holiday”, 1953
Director: William Wyler
A classic romantic comedy featuring Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann, who, on a diplomatic tour of Europe, escapes her royal duties to explore Rome on her own. She meets an American journalist, played by Gregory Peck, and romance blossoms as he secretly aims to get an exclusive on her story.
Starring: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power, Harcourt Williams, Margaret Rawlings, Tullio Carminati, Paolo Carlini, Claudio Ermelli, Paola Borboni;
Production year: 1953;
Genre: melodrama, comedy;
Age: 6+;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Roman Holiday” on the website imdb.com
“Aladdin”, 2019
Director: Guy Ritchie
This animated musical fantasy from Disney features Princess Jasmine, the strong-willed and independent daughter of the Sultan of Agrabah. Seeking to live her life beyond the palace walls, she encounters Aladdin, a kind-hearted street urchin. Together, they embark on a magical adventure involving a lamp, a genie, and a flying carpet.
Starring: Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Will Smith, Marwan Kenzari, Navid Negahban, Nasim Pedrad, Billy Magnussen, Jordan A. Nash, Taliyah Blair, Aubrey Lin;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: musical, fantasy, melodrama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 128 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Aladdin” on the website imdb.com
“The Little Mermaid”, 1989
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Disney's animated film brings to life Ariel, a mermaid princess fascinated with the human world. Her longing leads her to strike a dangerous deal with Ursula, a sea witch. Ariel risks it all for love and a chance at life on land.
Starring: Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Paddi Edwards, Buddy Hackett, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Edie McClurg, Will Ryan;
Production year: 1989;
Genre: animation, musical, fantasy, melodrama, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 83 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Little Mermaid” on the website imdb.com
“Anastasia”, 1997
Director: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman
This animated musical fantasy adventure film tells the story of Anastasia Romanov, who, after losing her family to the Russian Revolution, suffers amnesia. She embarks on a journey to Paris to discover her identity, unknowingly pursued by supernatural forces tied to her royal past.
Starring: Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, Hank Azaria, Bernadette Peters, Kirsten Dunst, Angela Lansbury, Rick Jones, Andrea Martin;
Production year: 1997;
Genre: animation, musical, fantasy, drama, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Anastasia” on the website imdb.com
“Enchanted”, 2007
Director: Kevin Lima
A delightful mix of animated and live-action storytelling, “Enchanted” follows Princess Giselle, who is banished from her animated fairy-tale world to modern-day New York City by an evil queen. The film humorously juxtaposes fairy-tale idealism with the realities of life.
Starring: Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Timothy Spall, Susan Sarandon, Idina Menzel, Rachel Covey, Julie Andrews, Jeff Bennett, Kevin Lima;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: comedy, fantasy, musical, melodrama, family, animation;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Enchanted” on the website imdb.com
“Ella Enchanted”, 2004
Director: Tommy O'Haver
A charming twist on the Cinderella story, this film stars Anne Hathaway as Ella, a young woman cursed with obedience. In her quest for freedom and love, Ella navigates through a fantastical world filled with ogres, giants, and wicked stepsisters.
Starring: Anne Hathaway, Hugh Dancy, Cary Elwes, Aidan McArdle, Joanna Lumley, Lucy Punch, Jennifer Higham, Minnie Driver, Eric Idle, Steve Coogan;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: fantasy, melodrama, comedy, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “Ella Enchanted” on the website imdb.com
Films about princesses often encapsulate the magic of storytelling through their diverse characters, enchanting settings, and universal themes, making them beloved by audiences of all ages.
In conclusion, films about princesses have transcended mere tales of damsels in distress to become powerful narratives that celebrate strength, independence, and the complexity of the feminine experience. Whether animated or live-action, these stories have evolved from their traditional origins to embrace diversity, challenge societal norms, and inspire audiences across generations. They serve not only as entertainment but also as cultural artifacts that reflect our changing attitudes towards gender roles and individual agency. Through their journeys, princess characters embody resilience, intelligence, and compassion, offering viewers of all ages a rich tapestry of role models. In doing so, films about princesses continue to enchant and enlighten, proving that they are much more than simple fairy tales; they are vibrant, multi-dimensional stories that resonate deeply with the human spirit.
