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. Another Cinderella Story (2008)
This direct-to-video sequel stars Selena Gomez as Mary Santiago, a shy high school senior who dreams of becoming a dancer. When she meets pop star Joey Parker (Andrew Seeley) at a masquerade ball, sparks fly – but she must rush home before her identity is revealed. With catchy musical numbers and sweet chemistry between the leads, Another Cinderella Story offers a fun, contemporary spin on the classic tale.
2. A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song (2011)
In this second sequel, Lucy Hale stars as aspiring singer Katie Gibbs, who attends a performing arts school with her self-centered stepsister. When Katie falls for Luke (Freddie Stroma), the handsome new boy at school, her evil stepfamily will stop at nothing to crush her dreams. But with a little help from her friends, Katie might still get a shot at her happily ever after. Once Upon a Song hits a high note with its talented cast and infectious soundtrack.
3. Ella Enchanted (2004)
Anne Hathaway sparkles in this charming adaptation of Gail Carson Levine’s YA novel, which puts a clever twist on the Cinderella story. Ella is a spirited young woman cursed with the “gift” of obedience by a meddling fairy – she must do anything she’s told, even if it goes against her wishes. To break the spell, Ella embarks on a quest to find her fairy godmother, falling for the dashing Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy) along the way. With its witty humor, lush visuals and strong feminist message, Ella Enchanted is a delightful fairy tale with a modern sensibility.
4. The Princess Diaries (2001)
Before she was Catwoman or Fantine, Anne Hathaway made her film debut as gawky San Francisco teenager Mia Thermopolis in this beloved comedy. On her 16th birthday, Mia learns that she is actually a princess and heir to the throne of Genovia. Under the tutelage of her regal grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews), the awkward Mia must learn to embrace her inner princess. While not a strict Cinderella story, The Princess Diaries shares many of the same themes of transformation and empowerment.
5. Ever After (1998)
Drew Barrymore brings strength and intelligence to the role of Danielle, a clever young woman forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother in this lush period retelling of Cinderella. Set in Renaissance-era France, Ever After follows Danielle as she uses her wits and courage to win the heart of Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), with a little help from artist/inventor Leonardo da Vinci (Patrick Godfrey). Striking a perfect balance of romance, drama and humor, this is a Cinderella story with depth and soul.
6. Cinderella (2015)
Disney’s lavish live-action remake of their 1950 animated classic features Lily James as Ella, a kind-hearted maiden mistreated by her vain stepmother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) and spoiled stepsisters. With a little magic from her Fairy Godmother (Helena Bonham Carter), Ella attends a royal ball where she enchants Prince Kit (Richard Madden). Sumptuously designed and emotionally resonant, Kenneth Branagh’s Cinderella retains the charm of the original while adding new dimensions to the characters.
7. The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Hilary Duff reprises her popular Disney Channel role as awkward teen Lizzie McGuire in this delightful comedy. On a class trip to Rome, Lizzie is mistaken for an Italian pop star and begins masquerading as her doppelganger – while falling for Paolo (Yani Gellman), the singer’s handsome partner. Though not directly based on Cinderella, The Lizzie McGuire Movie features a similar fish-out-of-water story of an ordinary girl experiencing an extraordinary transformation.
8. What a Girl Wants (2003)
Amanda Bynes stars as Daphne Reynolds, a spirited American teenager who travels to London to meet her estranged father Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), a wealthy British politician. As Daphne attempts to fit into high society and win over her skeptical father, she also catches the eye of the dashing Ian Wallace (Oliver James). Like Cinderella, What a Girl Wants centers on a young woman trying to find her place in an unfamiliar world, with a little romance and self-discovery along the way.
9. She’s All That (1999)
This modern update of Pygmalion centers on Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.), a popular high school jock who bets his friends that he can transform nerdy art student Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook) into the prom queen. As Zack and Laney grow closer, they both learn to see beyond appearances and expectations. While more of a general makeover story than a strict Cinderella retelling, She’s All That shares the theme of a diamond in the rough being recognized for her true worth.
10. The Prince & Me (2004)
Julia Stiles stars as Paige Morgan, a pre-med student at a Wisconsin university who falls for Eddie (Luke Mably), a charming new student from Denmark. What Paige doesn’t know is that Eddie is actually Prince Edvard, heir to the Danish throne, posing as a normal college student. As their relationship grows, Paige must decide if she’s ready to trade her ordinary life for one of royal duties and expectations. Like Cinderella, The Prince & Me is a wish-fulfillment fantasy about an ordinary young woman capturing the heart of a prince.
11. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
In this sequel, Mia (Anne Hathaway) has embraced her role as Princess of Genovia but learns that she must marry within 30 days or forfeit the throne to another heir. As Mia struggles with the idea of an arranged marriage, she also contends with the schemes of the conniving Viscount Mabrey (John Rhys-Davies) and her own romantic feelings for Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine). The Princess Diaries 2 continues Mia’s journey of navigating the perils and privileges of life as a modern-day princess.
12. Sydney White (2007)
Amanda Bynes puts a contemporary spin on Snow White in this clever college-set retelling. Sydney is a freshman who pledges her late mother’s once-dignified sorority. When the sorority president (Sara Paxton) discovers that Sydney is the daughter of a plumber, she banishes her from the house. Sydney finds refuge with seven outcasts, banding together to take back the campus from the reigning mean girls. Like Cinderella, Sydney White celebrates a kind-hearted underdog who gets the victory and the guy in the end.
13. Penelope (2006)
Christina Ricci stars as the title character, a young woman born under a curse that can only be broken when she finds true love. Due to the curse, Penelope has the nose of a pig, which she hides from the world. When down-on-his-luck musician Max (James McAvoy) is hired by a tabloid reporter to snap a photo of the mysterious Penelope, he ends up falling for her instead. A sweet, whimsical modern fairy tale, Penelope promotes the importance of self-acceptance over surface beauty.
14. Enchanted (2007)
This affectionate send-up of Disney fairy tale tropes features Amy Adams as Giselle, a cartoon princess banished from her animated fantasy world into real-life New York City. As the eternally optimistic Giselle navigates the perils of modern Manhattan, she brings a little magic and romance to the lives of a cynical divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) and his young daughter. Though more of a general fairy tale pastiche than a Cinderella story, Enchanted is a delightful fish-out-of-water comedy with plenty of heart.
15. Rags (2012)
This gender-flipped Cinderella story stars Max Schneider as Charlie Prince, an orphaned teenager living under the thumb of his cruel stepfather and spoiled stepbrothers. Charlie dreams of becoming a singer, and gets his chance when he meets pop star Kadee Worth (Keke Palmer). Disguising himself as a famous rapper, Charlie and Kadee begin a friendship that could blossom into something more – if Charlie can keep his humble identity a secret. With a hip-hop infused soundtrack, Rags puts a fresh, modern spin on the classic fairy tale.
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!
