Cinderella is one of the most beloved fairy tales of all time. The story of a kind-hearted girl who overcomes adversity and finds true love with a charming prince has captivated audiences for generations. If you’re a fan of the classic Cinderella story, you’ll be delighted to know there are many wonderful movies that capture a similar magic and charm. Here are the 15 best movies like Cinderella:
1. Ever After (1998)
Ever After is a delightful retelling of the Cinderella story set in 16th century France. Drew Barrymore stars as Danielle, a spirited and intelligent young woman who is treated as a servant by her cruel stepmother (Anjelica Huston). When Danielle meets the charming Prince Henry (Dougray Scott), she captures his heart with her wit and courage.
This film puts a refreshing spin on the familiar tale, with Danielle as a strong and capable heroine who rescues herself. The period setting, gorgeous costumes, and lush scenery add to the fairy tale atmosphere. Ever After is a romantic and empowering Cinderella story.
2. Ella Enchanted (2004)
Anne Hathaway stars in this charming and funny adaptation of Gail Carson Levine’s novel. Hathaway plays Ella, a young woman who was given the “gift” of obedience by a misguided fairy at her birth. Ella must do anything she is told, even if it goes against her wishes. Determined to break the curse, Ella goes on a quest and falls for the handsome Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy).
Ella Enchanted is a clever and entertaining twist on the Cinderella story with a strong message about thinking for yourself. The talented cast, including Cary Elwes and Minnie Driver, add to the fun. This is a delightful fairy tale adventure the whole family can enjoy.
3. A Cinderella Story (2004)
Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray star in this modern retelling of Cinderella set in high school. Duff plays Sam, a kind-hearted girl who is forced to wait on her demanding stepmother (Jennifer Coolidge) and mean stepsisters. Sam dreams of going to Princeton, but feels trapped by her circumstances. When she begins an anonymous email flirtation with a boy she met online, Sam wonders if she might have a chance at happiness.
While A Cinderella Story hits many familiar beats, it updates the fairy tale for a new generation. The talented young cast give the classic story a fresh and funny spin. This is a sweet, entertaining teen romance.
4. The Princess Diaries (2001)
Anne Hathaway makes another appearance on this list in her breakout role. Hathaway plays Mia Thermopolis, a shy, awkward teenager who discovers she is actually a princess and heir to the throne of a small European country called Genovia. Under the guidance of her regal grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews), Mia undergoes a transformation into a poised and confident young royal.
Like Cinderella, The Princess Diaries is a wish fulfillment fantasy of an ordinary girl who finds out she is extraordinary. Hathaway is immensely likable as Mia and Andrews is perfectly cast as her mentor. This is a funny, heartwarming modern fairy tale.
5. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997)
This lovely musical adaptation of Cinderella features an all-star cast including Brandy in the title role and Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother. Bernadette Peters co-stars as the wicked stepmother, with Whoopi Goldberg as the Queen. The film follows the classic story, but adds some delightful twists and memorable songs like “Impossible” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”
The diverse, talented cast brings a fresh energy to the familiar tale. Brandy makes a sweet, endearing Cinderella you can’t help but root for. The lush costumes and sets create an enchanting fairy tale world. This Cinderella is a joyful, magical musical treat.
6. Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted cleverly combines live action and animation to tell the story of Giselle (Amy Adams), a fairy tale princess who is banished from her animated fantasy world to real-life New York City. There she meets Robert (Patrick Dempsey), a cynical divorce lawyer, and his young daughter Morgan (Rachel Covey). As Giselle navigates the challenges of the real world, she also begins to question the fairy tale ideas about love she once believed in.
Amy Adams is a delight as the eternally optimistic Giselle, playing the role with humor and heart. The film gently skewers fairy tale conventions while still celebrating their magic and wonder. Enchanted is a charming, funny, and romantic adventure.
7. Cinderella (2015)
This sumptuous live-action remake of the classic Disney animated film features an all-star cast including Lily James as Cinderella, Cate Blanchett as her wicked stepmother, and Helena Bonham Carter as her quirky fairy godmother. Director Kenneth Branagh brings a lush visual style to the familiar story, with gorgeous costumes and eye-popping sets.
James makes a lovely, kind-hearted Cinderella you can’t help but adore, while Blanchett is deliciously evil as her cruel stepmother. The film follows the original story closely, from the fateful ball to the glass slipper fitting, while adding some new twists. This is a magical, romantic retelling of the classic fairy tale.
8. Pretty Woman (1990)
While not a fairy tale in the traditional sense, Pretty Woman has often been described as a modern Cinderella story. Julia Roberts stars as Vivian, a spirited Hollywood prostitute who is hired by wealthy businessman Edward (Richard Gere) to be his escort for a week. As they get to know each other, an unlikely romance blossoms between them.
Like Cinderella, Vivian gets a glamorous makeover and a chance at a better life. Roberts is radiant in the role that made her a star, and her chemistry with Gere is electric. Pretty Woman puts a romantic comedy spin on the Cinderella fantasy.
9. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
In this charming sequel, Mia (Anne Hathaway) has embraced her role as Princess of Genovia, but faces a new challenge. An ancient law decrees that she must marry within 30 days or forfeit the throne. As Mia struggles with her romantic future, she dreams of finding a true love match like her Grandma Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) once had.
The Princess Diaries 2 offers more of the delightful wish fulfillment that made the first film so appealing. The cast, including new addition Chris Pine as a dashing rival prince, is as charming as ever. This is another winning modern fairy tale.
10. Maid in Manhattan (2002)
Jennifer Lopez stars in this Cinderella story set in the glamorous world of a high-end Manhattan hotel. Lopez plays Marisa, a hardworking single mother who works as a maid. When a case of mistaken identity causes wealthy politician Christopher (Ralph Fiennes) to believe Marisa is a guest, a fairy tale romance develops.
Maid in Manhattan follows a classic Cinderella arc, as Marisa tries to maintain her masquerade and win Christopher’s heart. Lopez and Fiennes have a warm, appealing chemistry. This is a sweet, escapist romantic fantasy.
11. The Glass Slipper (1955)
Leslie Caron stars in this charming retelling of the Cinderella story. Caron plays Ella, a mistreated orphan who dreams of a better life. She meets the charming Prince Charles (Michael Wilding), but believes she is unworthy of his affections. With help from her fairy godmother (Elsa Lanchester), Ella gets her chance to shine at the royal ball.
The Glass Slipper is a lovely, traditional telling of the Cinderella tale with a few unique twists. Caron is enchanting as the humble, romantic Ella. The film features beautiful costumes and creative set pieces that bring the fairy tale to life. This is a lesser-known gem for Cinderella fans.
12. Sabrina (1954)
Audrey Hepburn stars in this delightful romantic comedy based on the play by Samuel A. Taylor. Hepburn plays Sabrina, the shy daughter of a wealthy family’s chauffeur. Sabrina has always been in love with the family’s younger son David (William Holden), but he barely notices her. After a transformative trip to Paris, a newly glamorous Sabrina catches David’s eye, as well as that of his business-minded older brother Linus (Humphrey Bogart).
Like Cinderella, Sabrina gets a magical makeover that allows her true beauty to shine through. Hepburn is radiant in one of her most iconic roles, and the love triangle plot allows for both humor and romance. Sabrina is a charming, sophisticated fairy tale for grownups.
13. The Slipper and the Rose (1976)
This lavish British musical adaptation of Cinderella features Gemma Craven as the title character and Richard Chamberlain as her prince. The film follows the traditional story, but adds several delightful songs and a deeper exploration of the characters’ motivations. Cinderella and her prince must overcome obstacles including a meddling stepmother, a reluctant king, and their own self-doubts.
The Slipper and the Rose is a sweet, old-fashioned take on the classic fairy tale with a lovely score and strong performances. Craven makes an endearing, warmhearted Cinderella and Chamberlain an appropriately dashing prince. This is an underrated musical treat.
14. Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song (2011)
This second sequel in the A Cinderella Story series features Lucy Hale as aspiring singer Katie. Katie dreams of escaping her cruel stepmother (Missi Pyle) and wicked stepsister (Megan Park) by winning a recording contract. She catches the eye of pop star Luke (Freddie Stroma), but her stepsister takes credit for Katie’s amazing voice.
While the plot is predictable, the talented young cast brings energy and humor to the familiar story. Hale showcases her singing talents and makes Katie a likable, relatable heroine. This is a cute, lightweight Cinderella story for tweens and teens.
15. Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007)
This clever direct-to-video sequel puts a new spin on the Cinderella story. When Cinderella’s wicked stepmother gets hold of the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand, she turns back time to the day of the ball. This time, she makes sure the glass slipper fits one of her own daughters. Cinderella must break the spell and win back her prince before it’s too late.
Cinderella III offers a fresh take on the classic characters with some imaginative twists and turns. Cinderella becomes an active heroine who must save her own happy ending. The animation is impressive for a direct-to-video feature. This is a fun fairy tale adventure that will delight Cinderella fans.
These 15 films all capture the magic, romance, and wish fulfillment that have made the Cinderella story an enduring classic. Whether you prefer a traditional fairy tale, a modern reimagining, or a loose adaptation, there is a Cinderella movie for everyone. Curl up with one of these enchanting films and be transported to a world where dreams really do come true.
