The Princess Diaries Is 1 of Disney’s Best Cult Classics

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As excitement builds for the upcoming Devil Wears Prada 2, fans are rediscovering Anne Hathaway’s past films. Both the original Devil Wears Prada and her very first movie are now among the most-watched titles on Disney+. It’s surprising to remember that, despite its current popularity, the first film wasn’t initially expected to be a big hit.

Based on Meg Cabot’s novel, The Princess Diaries tells the story of Mia Thermopolis, a teenager who discovers she’s next in line to a throne. Though critics weren’t overly impressed and many thought its family-friendly rating would hurt its chances, the movie surprisingly became a big success and led to a sequel. Twenty-five years later, The Princess Diaries is still a beloved Disney film, known for its excellent acting and genuinely sweet story.

Critics Weren’t Impressed by The Princess Diaries

While audiences enjoyed The Princess Diaries, critics weren’t as impressed – it only received a 49% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Many found the story predictable and unremarkable, sticking closely to the familiar “ugly duckling” trope and focusing too much on the main character’s transformation. Some reviewers also thought the movie was too long and that the jokes didn’t always land.

The adaptation also made significant changes from the original books, like the death of Mia’s father and a greater focus on the romantic relationship between Mia and Michael. These alterations led to disappointment among many readers.

Although some parts of The Princess Diaries, like the makeover scene, haven’t held up over time and it’s not a perfect adaptation of the book, the movie still has a lot going for it. It didn’t revolutionize the genre, but it’s charming and heartwarming, which is why so many people enjoy it. The film also works well as its own story, separate from the book series – something proven by the success of the sequel.

Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews Are an Iconic Duo

Most reviewers agreed that both Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews gave outstanding performances in The Princess Diaries. Andrews is perfectly charming and handles difficult situations with elegance, making her vulnerable moments even more impactful. Her performance beautifully balances Hathaway’s portrayal of Mia.

Anne Hathaway completely shines as Mia, whether she’s being adorably clumsy, facing tough situations like bullies, or embracing her responsibilities as a princess. She’s both incredibly funny during Mia’s awkward moments and surprisingly moving in more serious scenes – for example, her brave smile while telling her grandmother she’s giving up the throne. Her impressive range as an actress is a big reason why this role launched her career.

Even though Mia and Clarisse are both strong characters on their own, the heart of The Princess Diaries is really their developing relationship. It’s wonderful to see these long-separated relatives, who live very different lives, learn to love and appreciate each other. Like any great teacher and student, Mia blossoms under Clarisse’s guidance, finding the confidence and responsibility she needs to be a queen. And Clarisse, in turn, learns from Mia to be more open and gentle, becoming more vulnerable as their bond deepens.

The Princess Diaries’ Supporting Cast Is Its Secret Weapon

While Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews are the stars everyone remembers, a fantastic supporting cast played a huge role in making The Princess Diaries the beloved film it is today. Actors like Robert Schwartzman, as Mia’s endearingly awkward friend, and Sandra Oh, as the enthusiastic Vice Principal Gupta, delivered memorable performances, even in smaller roles. They all worked wonderfully with Hathaway and Andrews, and helped bring the world of the movie to life.

deserves more recognition as a key character. He’s Clarisse’s calm and caring head of security, and plays a vital role as a mentor to Mia and a loving partner to Clarisse. He often helps them understand each other when they disagree, making him an essential part of their family. It’s perfect that he officially joined the family in the second movie, and The Princess Diaries just wouldn’t be the same without him.

The Princess Diaries Earns Its Cult Status With Its Heart and Disney Magic

Despite some criticism that its story was predictable, The Princess Diaries succeeded because it was genuinely heartwarming. While the movie is lighthearted and fun, it also feels sincere. From Anne Hathaway’s accidental stumble to the beautiful music by John Debney, the filmmakers skillfully combined real moments with classic Disney charm, creating a truly feel-good experience.

G-rated movies are uncommon now, and it’s even harder to find live-action films with that rating. That might be why The Princess Diaries still feels so charming after 25 years—there just aren’t many movies made like it anymore.

The movie fully commits to its joyful spirit and features a strong cast while remaining focused on its central character. It balances lighthearted, family-friendly humor with genuine emotional depth, creating a relatable and touching coming-of-age story. Ultimately, it’s a heartwarming film that viewers enjoy watching repeatedly.

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2026-04-19 17:04