Are you a fan of the classic 2004 teen rom-com A Cinderella Story starring Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray? This modern retelling of the timeless fairy tale follows Sam Montgomery, an ordinary high school girl who dreams of a better life beyond the diner where she works for her cruel stepmother. When she connects with a mysterious pen pal online, they agree to meet at the Halloween dance – but Sam must rush off before midnight, leaving behind only her cell phone for the smitten Austin Ames to identify her.
If you loved the charm, humor and heart of this feel-good Cinderella story, here are 15 more movies in a similar vein that are sure to leave you enchanted:
1. Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
Ever After: A Cinderella Story is a delightful retelling of the classic fairy tale set in Renaissance-era France. Drew Barrymore stars as Danielle, a spirited and intelligent young woman who is forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother after the death of her father. When Danielle meets Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), she captures his heart with her wit and charm, but must overcome the obstacles of her lowly status to win his love.
This film puts a fresh spin on the familiar story, with Danielle as a strong-willed and resourceful heroine who rescues herself as much as she is rescued by her prince. With gorgeous costumes, lush scenery, and a stellar cast including Anjelica Huston as the wicked stepmother, Ever After is a romantic and empowering Cinderella story for the ages.
2. A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song (2011)
In this modern musical retelling of Cinderella, Lucy Hale stars as Katie Gibbs, a talented singer-songwriter who dreams of escaping her cruel stepfamily and attending a prestigious performing arts school. When Katie’s demo tape accidentally falls into the hands of pop star Luke Morgan (Freddie Stroma), he is smitten by her voice and sets out to find the mystery girl behind the music.
With catchy original songs and charming performances from its young cast, A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song hits all the right notes. Katie’s journey to find her voice and stand up to her stepfamily is both relatable and inspiring, while her romance with Luke adds just the right amount of fairy tale sparkle. If you love A Cinderella Story and are looking for more modern, music-filled adaptations, this sweet and uplifting film is sure to strike a chord.
3. The Princess Diaries (2001)
The Princess Diaries follows awkward teenager Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway in her breakout role) whose life is turned upside down when she learns that she is the princess of a small European country called Genovia. Under the tutelage of her regal grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews), Mia must navigate the challenges of royalty, high school, and first love.
While not a strict Cinderella adaptation, The Princess Diaries shares many themes with the classic fairy tale – a young woman’s transformation, a hidden identity, and a romance that crosses class boundaries. Hathaway is endearing as the relatable and klutzy Mia, while Andrews brings warmth and humor to the role of her mentor. With makeover montages, heartfelt moments, and a swoon-worthy romance, The Princess Diaries is a charming modern fairy tale fit for a princess.
4. Ella Enchanted (2004)
In Ella Enchanted, Anne Hathaway once again takes on the role of a fairy tale heroine with a twist. Ella is a young woman cursed with the “gift” of obedience by a well-meaning but misguided fairy – she must do anything she is told, even if it goes against her own wishes. When Ella falls in love with the charming Prince Char (Hugh Dancy), she must break free of her curse to save the kingdom and live happily ever after.
Ella Enchanted puts a fresh and funny spin on the Cinderella story, with Ella as a clever and determined protagonist who must outwit her fairy godmother’s curse. Hathaway shines in the lead role, bringing humor and heart to Ella’s journey of self-discovery. With colorful characters, musical numbers, and a message of staying true to yourself, Ella Enchanted is an enchanting and empowering fairy tale for a new generation.
5. Cinderella (2015)
Disney’s live-action remake of their animated classic Cinderella breathes new life into the timeless fairy tale. Lily James stars as Ella, a kind-hearted young woman who faces cruelty and servitude after the death of her father. With the help of a fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter), Ella attends a royal ball where she captures the heart of Prince Kit (Richard Madden), but must overcome her wicked stepmother’s schemes to find her happily ever after.
With sumptuous costumes, lavish sets, and a sweeping musical score, Cinderella is a visual feast that captures the magic and romance of the beloved fairy tale. James brings warmth and resilience to the iconic princess role, while Cate Blanchett is deliciously wicked as the villainous stepmother. Though it stays true to the classic story, this Cinderella has a modern sensibility, with a heroine who is as kind as she is strong-willed. For fans of the original animated film or anyone who loves a good old-fashioned fairy tale, Cinderella is a dream come true.
6. Another Cinderella Story (2008)
Another Cinderella Story is a contemporary retelling of the classic fairy tale set in the world of high school dance competitions. Selena Gomez stars as Mary, a talented dancer who is constantly overshadowed by her cruel stepfamily. When Mary meets pop star Joey Parker (Andrew Seeley) at a masquerade ball, they share a magical dance before she must flee at midnight, leaving behind only a mp3 player as a clue to her identity.
With energetic dance numbers and a charming lead performance from Gomez, Another Cinderella Story is a fun and fresh take on the familiar story. The film updates the fairy tale for the digital age, with Mary and Joey connecting through music and technology. Though it hits many of the expected beats, the film has a sweet, uplifting message about being true to yourself and never giving up on your dreams. For fans of dance movies and modern fairy tales, Another Cinderella Story is sure to be a hit.
7. The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella (1976)
The Slipper and the Rose is a lavish musical retelling of Cinderella set in the tiny kingdom of Euphrania. Gemma Craven stars as Cinderella, a kind-hearted servant girl who dreams of escaping her cruel stepmother and attending the royal ball. When she catches the eye of the charming Prince Edward (Richard Chamberlain), Cinderella’s life is changed forever, but she must overcome the schemes of her wicked stepfamily to find her happily ever after.
With lush costumes, elaborate musical numbers, and a dreamy romantic score, The Slipper and the Rose is a feast for the senses. Craven is luminous as Cinderella, bringing grace and vulnerability to the role, while Chamberlain is dashing as her prince. The film expands on the classic fairy tale with subplots involving the royal family and court intrigue, adding depth and humor to the familiar story. For fans of old-fashioned movie musicals and fairy tale romances, The Slipper and the Rose is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
8. Cinderella (1950)
Disney’s animated classic Cinderella set the standard for fairy tale adaptations and continues to enchant audiences of all ages. The film follows the story of Cinderella, a kind and gentle young woman who is forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. With the help of her animal friends and a magical fairy godmother, Cinderella attends the royal ball where she meets and falls in love with Prince Charming, but must flee at midnight, leaving behind a glass slipper as the key to her identity.
With its iconic hand-drawn animation, memorable songs, and endearing characters, Cinderella is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of the fairy tale. The film’s themes of kindness, perseverance, and the power of dreams continue to resonate with audiences today. From the magical transformation sequence to the romantic ballroom dance, Cinderella is filled with moments of enchantment and wonder. As the fairy godmother says, “even miracles take a little time,” and Cinderella reminds us that with faith and courage, even the most impossible dreams can come true.
9. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997)
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a magical musical retelling of the classic fairy tale, originally written for television in 1957 and later adapted for the stage. Brandy stars as Cinderella, a young woman with a kind heart and a beautiful voice who dreams of a better life beyond the confines of her stepfamily’s home. Whitney Houston co-stars as her fairy godmother, who helps Cinderella attend the royal ball and win the heart of Prince Christopher (Paolo Montalban).
With a diverse cast and a score full of beloved songs like “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a joyful and inclusive take on the timeless tale. Brandy brings warmth and relatability to Cinderella, while Houston is a luminous presence as her fairy godmother. The film’s message of kindness, courage, and being true to yourself is as relevant today as ever. For fans of classic musicals and fairy tale romance, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a dream come true.
10. Cinderella Story (2019)
Cinderella Story is a modern musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, starring Sofia Carson as Kat Decker, an aspiring singer-songwriter who dreams of escaping her small town and making it big in the music industry. When Kat meets famous pop star Freddie Prince (Thomas Law) at a music festival, they share an instant connection, but Kat must hide her true identity as she pursues her musical dreams and navigates the challenges of fame and love.
With original songs and energetic performances, Cinderella Story puts a fresh spin on the familiar rags-to-riches tale. Carson is a talented singer and actress who brings depth and relatability to Kat’s journey of self-discovery. The film explores themes of authenticity, creativity, and following your heart, with a romance that feels both modern and timeless. For fans of music-driven coming-of-age stories with a fairy tale twist, Cinderella Story hits all the right notes.
11. Cinderella (2021)
Cinderella is a modern musical retelling of the classic fairy tale, with Camila Cabello making her acting debut as the titular heroine. In this version, Cinderella is an ambitious young woman with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. With the help of her Fabulous Godmother (Billy Porter), Cinderella attends a royal ball where she captures the heart of Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine), but must decide if pursuing her own dreams is more important than fitting into the confines of royal life.
With a diverse cast, contemporary pop songs, and eye-catching costumes, this Cinderella updates the timeless tale for a new generation. Cabello brings charm and relatability to the iconic princess role, while Porter steals the show as her genderless fairy godparent. The film’s message of female empowerment and chasing your dreams feels both timely and inspiring. Though it takes some liberties with the original story, this Cinderella is a fun and fresh take on the beloved fairy tale.
12. The Glass Slipper (1955)
The Glass Slipper is a charming and understated retelling of Cinderella, with Leslie Caron as the titular heroine and Michael Wilding as her prince. In this version, Cinderella (here called Ella) is a kind but mistreated servant girl who catches the eye of the prince when he is disguised as a commoner. As they fall in love, Ella must overcome the cruelty of her stepfamily and the obstacles of class to find her happily ever after.
With beautiful Technicolor cinematography and elegant performances from its leads, The Glass Slipper is a romantic and intimate take on the classic fairy tale. Caron brings a quiet strength and grace to Ella, while Wilding is charming as the prince who falls for her inner beauty. The film foregoes the usual fairy tale magic in favor of a more grounded and realistic approach, but still captures the enchantment and wonder of the story. For fans of classic Hollywood romances and understated fairy tale adaptations, The Glass Slipper is a hidden gem.
13. Maid in Manhattan (2002)
Maid in Manhattan is a modern Cinderella story set in the glittering world of New York City hotels. Jennifer Lopez stars as Marisa Ventura, a single mother who works as a maid at a luxurious Manhattan hotel. When a case of mistaken identity leads wealthy politician Christopher Marshall (Ralph Fiennes) to believe that Marisa is a wealthy socialite, the two begin a whirlwind romance that challenges the boundaries of class and privilege.
With its charming lead performances and fairy tale romance, Maid in Manhattan is a feel-good romantic comedy that updates the Cinderella story for the 21st century. Lopez brings warmth and relatability to Marisa’s journey of self-discovery, while Fiennes is dashing as the prince-like Christopher. The film explores themes of class, identity, and the importance of being true to yourself, with a sweet and satisfying romantic arc. For fans of modern fairy tales and heartwarming love stories, Maid in Manhattan is the perfect fit.
14. Sabrina (1954)
Sabrina is a classic romantic comedy with Cinderella themes, starring Audrey Hepburn as the titular character, a chauffeur’s daughter who is transformed into a sophisticated beauty after attending culinary school in Paris. When Sabrina returns home, she catches the eye of both the wealthy playboy David Larrabee (William Holden) and his serious older brother Linus (Humphrey Bogart), leading to a complicated love triangle that challenges the boundaries of class and family loyalty.
With its witty script, elegant fashions, and luminous performance from Hepburn, Sabrina is a timeless romantic comedy that captures the magic of transformation and true love. Hepburn is enchanting as the wide-eyed and innocent Sabrina, while Bogart and Holden bring depth and charm to their roles as the contrasting brothers. The film explores themes of class, identity, and the power of love to overcome social barriers, with a romantic and satisfying conclusion. For fans of classic Hollywood romances and fairy tale-inspired love stories, Sabrina is a must-see.
15. Pretty Woman (1990)
Pretty Woman is a modern Cinderella story with a twist, starring Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward, a Hollywood prostitute who is hired by wealthy businessman Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) to be his escort for a week. As Vivian and Edward spend time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other, challenging their preconceptions about love, class, and what it means to be a “pretty woman.”
With its iconic performances, memorable moments, and fairy tale romance, Pretty Woman is a classic romantic comedy that has captured the hearts of audiences for over three decades. Roberts is radiant as the spirited and vulnerable Vivian, while Gere brings depth and charm to the role of the cynical Edward. The film explores themes of transformation, self-worth, and the power of love to overcome social barriers, with a romantic and empowering conclusion. For fans of modern fairy tales, unconventional love stories, and feel-good romances, Pretty Woman is a timeless classic.
Whether you’re in the mood for a frothy teen comedy, a lush fairy tale romance or a clever contemporary retelling, these 15 movies all capture the magic and charm of A Cinderella Story. With their plucky heroines, swoon-worthy love interests and heartwarming messages of transformation and empowerment, these films prove that the Cinderella story is truly timeless. So grab some popcorn, settle in and get ready to be enchanted all over again!