Dive into a world of tiaras, transformation, and tantalizing tales with our curated list of 25 movies reminiscent of the beloved "The Princess Diaries."
Whether you fell in love with Mia Thermopolis' journey from awkward teen to regal royalty or simply adored the heartwarming blend of comedy, romance, and coming-of-age drama, we've got a cinematic treat in store for you.
From modern-day Cinderellas to high school heroines, these films promise a delightful escape into realms where dreams come true, love blossoms, and life lessons are learned in the most unexpected ways. So, grab your popcorn, snuggle into your favorite spot, and let's embark on a magical movie marathon together!
Mean Girls (2004)
84%
66
7.1When Cady Heron moves from the African savannah to an American high school, she discovers the wild world of girl cliques. Led by the ruthless Regina George, "The Plastics" rule the school. As Cady navigates this treacherous terrain, she learns about friendship, betrayal, and identity. Qualities: Tina Fey's sharp-witted screenplay offers a hilarious yet insightful look into high school dynamics, making "Mean Girls" a timeless teen classic with memorable quotes and relatable characters.
CAST
Lindsay Lohan
Rachel McAdams
Lacey Chabert
Amanda Seyfried
Lizzy Caplan
Daniel Franzese
Tina Fey
Jonathan Bennett
Tim Meadows
Amy Poehler
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
75%626.9Fresh out of college, Andy Sachs lands a job at the prestigious fashion magazine "Runway," working for the formidable Miranda Priestly. As she dives into the demanding world of fashion, Andy confronts her values, ambitions, and relationships. Qualities: Meryl Streep's iconic performance and the film's exploration of the fashion industry's underbelly make this a compelling drama, blending humor with heartfelt moments.
CAST
Anne Hathaway
Meryl Streep
Emily Blunt
Stanley Tucci
Simon Baker
Adrian Grenier
Tracie Thoms
Rich Sommer
Daniel Sunjata
David Marshall Grant
2 degrees of seperation (similar to The Devil Wears Prada)
Legally Blonde (2001)
71%596.4Elle Woods, a bubbly sorority queen, is heartbroken when her boyfriend dumps her for someone "more serious." Determined to win him back, she enrolls in Harvard Law School, surprising everyone with her intelligence and determination. Qualities: Reese Witherspoon's charismatic portrayal of Elle showcases the film's message of empowerment, challenging stereotypes, and proving that you can be both fabulous and formidable.
CAST
Reese Witherspoon
Luke Wilson
Matthew Davis
Selma Blair
Victor Garber
Jennifer Coolidge
Ali Larter
Jessica Cauffiel
Alanna Ubach
Holland Taylor
Clueless (1995)
81%686.9Cher Horowitz, a wealthy and popular Beverly Hills teen, enjoys playing matchmaker and giving makeovers. However, when it comes to her love life and self-awareness, she realizes she might be a bit "clueless." Qualities: A modern adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma," this film brilliantly captures '90s culture with its witty dialogue, iconic fashion, and a standout performance by Alicia Silverstone.
CAST
Alicia Silverstone
Stacey Dash
Brittany Murphy
Paul Rudd
Donald Faison
Elisa Donovan
Breckin Meyer
Jeremy Sisto
Dan Hedaya
Aida Linares
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
71%707.3In this modern retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," high schooler Cameron can't date Bianca until her reclusive older sister, Kat, has a boyfriend. Enter Patrick, the school rebel, hired to woo the seemingly unapproachable Kat. Qualities: With its clever script, endearing characters, and a memorable soundtrack, this film offers a fresh take on a classic tale, celebrating individuality and young love.
CAST
Heath Ledger
Julia Stiles
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Larisa Oleynik
David Krumholtz
Andrew Keegan
Susan May Pratt
Gabrielle Union
Larry Miller
Daryl Mitchell
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
80%666.8Bridget Jones, a single thirty-something in London, decides to take control of her life by keeping a diary. As she navigates her career, friendships, and a love triangle between her dashing boss and a charming family friend, hilarity ensues. Qualities: Renée Zellweger's endearing portrayal of Bridget, combined with the film's witty dialogue and relatable themes, makes it a romantic comedy classic that resonates with audiences of all ages.
CAST
Renée Zellweger
Colin Firth
Hugh Grant
Jim Broadbent
Gemma Jones
James Callis
Sally Phillips
Shirley Henderson
Embeth Davidtz
Lisa Barbuscia
Freaky Friday (2003)
88%706.3Mother and daughter, Tess and Anna, constantly clash until a magical fortune cookie causes them to switch bodies. Now, they must navigate each other's lives, leading to comedic chaos and mutual understanding. Qualities: Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan deliver stellar performances in this heartwarming tale that beautifully explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, making it both humorous and touching.
CAST
Lindsay Lohan
Jamie Lee Curtis
Harold Gould
Chad Michael Murray
Mark Harmon
Stephen Tobolowsky
Christina Vidal
Ryan Malgarini
Haley Hudson
Rosalind Chao
Miss Congeniality (2000)
41%436.3FBI agent Gracie Hart goes undercover as a beauty pageant contestant to prevent a potential bombing. As the tomboyish Gracie navigates the world of high heels and evening gowns, she learns there's more to these women than meets the eye. Qualities: Sandra Bullock's comedic timing shines in this delightful film that blends action, humor, and a message about the importance of inner beauty.
CAST
Sandra Bullock
Benjamin Bratt
Michael Caine
Candice Bergen
William Shatner
Ernie Hudson
John DiResta
Heather Burns
Melissa De Sousa
Steve Monroe
A Cinderella Story (2004)
11%255.9Sam, a downtrodden teenager, dreams of attending Princeton. Working at her stepmother's diner, she finds solace in an online relationship. When she gets a chance to meet her mystery guy at a dance, she wonders if her fairy tale ending is near. Qualities: Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray's chemistry, combined with the film's modern twist on a timeless tale, offers a heartwarming story about hope, dreams, and true love.
CAST
Hilary Duff
Chad Michael Murray
Jennifer Coolidge
Dan Byrd
Regina King
Julie Gonzalo
Lin Shaye
Madeline Zima
Andrea Avery
Mary Pat Gleason
13 Going on 30 (2004)
64%576.3After making a wish on her 13th birthday, Jenna Rink wakes up as her 30-year-old self, living a life she doesn't recognize. As she navigates adulthood, she discovers the value of true friendship and the choices that shape our lives. Qualities: Jennifer Garner's charming performance, coupled with the film's nostalgic nods to the '80s, makes this a delightful exploration of growing up and the power of second chances.
CAST
Jennifer Garner
Mark Ruffalo
Judy Greer
Andy Serkis
Christa B. Allen
Sean Marquette
Alexandra Kyle
Kathy Baker
Phil Reeves
Lynn Collins
Ella Enchanted (2004)
51%536.3Gifted with the "blessing" of obedience at birth, Ella must obey any direct command she's given. Determined to break this curse, she embarks on a quest, encountering ogres, giants, and a charming prince. Qualities: Anne Hathaway's enchanting performance drives this fairy tale adaptation, blending humor, romance, and empowerment in a delightful musical backdrop.
CAST
Anne Hathaway
Hugh Dancy
Cary Elwes
Vivica A. Fox
Joanna Lumley
Jimi Mistry
Steve Coogan
Aidan McArdle
Heidi Klum
Jim Carter
The Parent Trap (1998)
87%646.6Twins Annie and Hallie, separated at birth and each raised by one of their biological parents, accidentally meet at summer camp. Discovering their true identities, they hatch a plan to switch places and reunite their estranged parents. Qualities: This heartwarming remake showcases Lindsay Lohan's impressive dual-role debut, filled with mischief, family bonds, and timeless charm.
CAST
Lindsay Lohan
Dennis Quaid
Natasha Richardson
Elaine Hendrix
Lisa Ann Walter
Simon Kunz
Ronnie Stevens
Michael Lohan Jr.
Kat Graham
Lisa Cloud
2 degrees of seperation (similar to The Parent Trap)
EverAfter (1998)
91%667.1In this historical retelling, Danielle, a spirited young woman, stands up against her wicked stepmother and captures the heart of Prince Henry, all while hiding her true identity. Qualities: Drew Barrymore's passionate portrayal and the film's unique blend of romance, humor, and adventure offer a refreshing, grounded take on the classic Cinderella tale.
CAST
Drew Barrymore
Anjelica Huston
Dougray Scott
Patrick Godfrey
Megan Dodds
Melanie Lynskey
Timothy West
Judy Parfitt
Jeroen Krabbé
Lee Ingleby
She's the Man (2006)
44%456.4When Viola's twin brother Sebastian skips town, she disguises herself as him and takes his place at his new boarding school, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. Qualities: Inspired by Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," this film boasts Amanda Bynes' comedic brilliance, exploring themes of identity, gender roles, and young love with a modern twist.
CAST
Amanda Bynes
Channing Tatum
Laura Ramsey
Vinnie Jones
David Cross
Julie Hagerty
Robert Hoffman
Alexandra Breckenridge
Jonathan Sadowski
Amanda Crew
Sixteen Candles (1984)
81%617On the eve of her 16th birthday, Samantha Baker feels overshadowed by her sister's wedding and is heartbroken when her crush seems unaware of her existence. Over 24 hours, she navigates family chaos, school dances, and unexpected romance. Qualities: Directed by John Hughes, this iconic '80s film captures the essence of teenage angst, first love, and the comedic trials of growing up, making it a nostalgic favorite for many.
CAST
Molly Ringwald
Justin Henry
Michael Schoeffling
Haviland Morris
Gedde Watanabe
Anthony Michael Hall
Paul Dooley
Carlin Glynn
Blanche Baker
Edward Andrews
Pretty in Pink (1986)
74%566.7Andie Walsh, a high school senior from the wrong side of the tracks, finds herself torn between her childhood friend and a rich but sensitive playboy. As prom approaches, Andie must navigate love, friendship, and societal expectations. Qualities: Directed by John Hughes, this film is a quintessential '80s teen drama, capturing the era's essence with its iconic soundtrack, fashion, and Molly Ringwald's heartfelt performance.
CAST
Molly Ringwald
Harry Dean Stanton
Jon Cryer
Annie Potts
James Spader
Andrew McCarthy
Jim Haynie
Alexa Kenin
Kate Vernon
Andrew Dice Clay
Never Been Kissed (1999)
54%606Josie Geller, an aspiring journalist, goes undercover as a high school student to report on contemporary teenage culture. However, she gets a chance to relive her own awkward teen years, leading to unexpected revelations. Qualities: Drew Barrymore's endearing portrayal of Josie and the film's nostalgic look at high school life make it both a comedic and touching exploration of second chances and self-acceptance.
CAST
Drew Barrymore
David Arquette
Molly Shannon
Michael Vartan
Jessica Alba
John C. Reilly
James Franco
Octavia Spencer
Garry Marshall
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
27%385.8Rebecca Bloomwood, a fun-loving journalist with a serious shopping addiction, dreams of working for her favorite fashion magazine. As her debts mount, she learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the true cost of happiness. Qualities: Isla Fisher's vibrant performance and the film's colorful portrayal of New York's fashion scene make it a delightful romantic comedy with underlying messages about consumerism and self-worth.
CAST
Isla Fisher
Hugh Dancy
Krysten Ritter
Joan Cusack
John Goodman
John Lithgow
Kristin Scott Thomas
Fred Armisen
Leslie Bibb
Lynn Redgrave
More Hidden Gems Like "The Princess Diaries"
Venture beyond the mainstream and discover hidden gems in our "Underrated" section. These films, while lesser-known, encapsulate the charm and whimsy akin to "The Princess Diaries."
Dive into these overlooked treasures and experience heartwarming tales that deserve their moment in the cinematic spotlight.
Wild Child (2008)
41%6.1Rebellious Californian teen Poppy Moore is sent to a strict British boarding school to straighten out her behavior. Amidst the rules and uniforms, Poppy discovers the value of true friendship and self-discovery. Qualities: Emma Roberts shines in this coming-of-age tale that beautifully juxtaposes American and British teen cultures, offering laughs, heart, and a fresh perspective on growing up.
CAST
Emma Roberts
Alex Pettyfer
Natasha Richardson
Kimberley Nixon
Juno Temple
Johnny Pacar
Linzey Cocker
Aidan Quinn
Georgia King
Sophie Wu
What a Girl Wants (2003)
36%415.8American teenager Daphne Reynolds travels to England to reconnect with her estranged father, only to discover he's a prominent political figure. As she tries to fit into this new world, Daphne learns about family, identity, and love. Qualities: Amanda Bynes delivers a charming performance in this heartwarming tale that blends humor with touching family dynamics, showcasing the importance of staying true to oneself amidst societal pressures.
CAST
Amanda Bynes
Colin Firth
Kelly Preston
Eileen Atkins
Anna Chancellor
Jonathan Pryce
Oliver James
Christina Cole
James Greene
Ben Scholfield
Monte Carlo (2011)
40%435.8Grace, a recent high school graduate, embarks on a European vacation with her best friend and stepsister. When she's mistaken for a British heiress, the trio is whisked away to Monte Carlo for a whirlwind of glamour, romance, and adventure. Qualities: This film beautifully captures the allure of European locales and offers a delightful tale of mistaken identity, emphasizing the importance of authenticity amidst opulence.
CAST
Selena Gomez
Katie Cassidy
Leighton Meester
Cory Monteith
Andie MacDowell
Brett Cullen
Amanda Fairbank-Hynes
Luke Bracey
Valérie Lemercier
Ice Princess (2005)
52%556Casey, a studious teenager, discovers a passion for figure skating. Torn between her academic aspirations and her newfound talent, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery on the ice. Qualities: "Ice Princess" gracefully melds the worlds of sports and academia, showcasing the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's passion against all odds.
CAST
Michelle Trachtenberg
Joan Cusack
Amy Stewart
Steve Ross
Hayden Panettiere
Kim Cattrall
Trevor Blumas
Kirsten Olson
Jocelyn Lai
Connie Ray
Sydney White (2007)
35%456.2A modern retelling of "Snow White," Sydney White, played by Amanda Bynes, starts college with dreams of joining her mother's old sorority. However, after clashing with the sorority queen, she finds herself uniting a group of campus misfits. Qualities: This film cleverly weaves fairy tale elements into a college setting, celebrating friendship, diversity, and standing up against conformity.
CAST
Amanda Bynes
Sara Paxton
Matt Long
Jeremy Howard
Danny Strong
Jack Carpenter
John Schneider
Samm Levine
Arnie Pantoja
Crystal Hunt
The Perfect Man (2005)
6%275.4Teenager Holly Hamilton is tired of moving every time her single mom, Jean, has another romantic failure. To boost her mother's spirits, Holly creates a secret admirer, leading to unexpected results. Qualities: This heartwarming film delves into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, blending humor with touching moments of growth and understanding.
CAST
Hilary Duff
Heather Locklear
Chris Noth
Mike O'Malley
Ben Feldman
Vanessa Lengies
Caroline Rhea
Kym Whitley
Aria Wallace
Michelle Nolden
Avalon High (2011)
5Allie transfers to Avalon High and discovers that her new classmates are reincarnations of King Arthur and his court. As ancient legends come to life, Allie must navigate her role in this modern-day Camelot. Qualities: A unique blend of high school drama and Arthurian legends, "Avalon High" offers a fresh perspective on timeless tales, emphasizing destiny, courage, and young love.
CAST
Britt Robertson
Molly C. Quinn
Gregg Sulkin
Devon Graye
Steve Valentine
Craig Hall
Joey Pollari
Don Lake
Chris Tavarez
Ingrid Park