Do you ever wish that your long-lost royal grandmother would show up one day and whisk you away to rule a small European country? Well, join the club! Ever since Anne Hathaway charmed us as the awkward-teen-turned-graceful-princess Mia Thermopolis in 2001’s The Princess Diaries, many of us have been waiting for our own fairytale transformation.
While we may not get the royal treatment in real life, we can still live vicariously through these delightful movies that give us major Princess Diaries vibes. Filled with charm, humor, romance, and a touch of magic, these films will make you believe that even an ordinary girl can find her inner princess. So grab your tiara and get ready to curtsy as we count down the 15 best movies like The Princess Diaries!
1. The Prince & Me (2004)
The Prince & Me is like the college version of The Princess Diaries. Julia Stiles stars as Paige Morgan, a serious pre-med student who falls for the charms of her classmate Eddie…who turns out to be the Crown Prince Edward of Denmark! As Paige follows Eddie to his home country and gets a crash course in royal etiquette, she must decide if she’s ready to give up her own dreams for a life of tiaras and titles.
Like Mia, Paige is a relatable heroine who goes through a fish-out-of-water transformation into a poised princess. But she’s also determined to stay true to herself, even in the face of disapproving palace officials and tabloid drama. With its sweet romance, lush scenery, and a dash of cheeky humor, The Prince & Me is a royal delight.
2. Ella Enchanted (2004)
Anne Hathaway must have still had princess fever after The Princess Diaries, because she jumped right into another royal role in Ella Enchanted. A clever twist on the Cinderella story, the movie follows Ella, a spirited girl who was “gifted” with the curse of obedience as a baby. Ella embarks on a quest to break the spell, along the way falling for the handsome Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy).
Ella Enchanted ramps up the fairytale whimsy with magical creatures, musical numbers, and a scene-stealing Minnie Driver as Ella’s wicked stepmother. But like Mia, Ella is no passive damsel waiting for her prince. She’s a take-charge heroine who’s determined to create her own happily ever after. Hathaway is utterly charming, making Ella Enchanted a must-watch for any Princess Diaries fan.
3. A Cinderella Story (2004)
A Cinderella Story proves that you don’t need a royal bloodline to get the princess treatment. Hilary Duff stars as Sam Montgomery, a modern-day Cinderella slaving away in her wicked stepmother’s diner. But Sam has a secret online pen pal named Nomad, not realizing he’s actually her school’s popular quarterback Austin Ames (Chad Michael Murray). After texting and emailing for months, they agree to meet at the Halloween dance…but will Sam lose Austin once he discovers she’s just a lowly diner girl?
With its dreamy California setting, early 2000s fashion, and sweet central romance, A Cinderella Story is peak nostalgic comfort viewing. While Sam may not get an actual crown, she goes through a classic Princess Diaries-style makeover, swapping her waitress uniform for a glittering ballgown. And like Mia, Sam learns to embrace her true self, winning her prince in the process. Isn’t that royally romantic?
4. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Of course, we can’t forget the actual sequel to The Princess Diaries! In The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, Mia is officially crowned Princess of Genovia and seems to be acing this whole royal thing. That is, until she learns an archaic law requires her to get married in 30 days or forfeit the throne to the scheming Viscount Mabrey (John Rhys-Davies). Cue the parade of suitors, scandalous rumors, and a potential new romance with the Viscount’s charming nephew Nicholas (Chris Pine in his film debut)!
The Princess Diaries 2 amps up the glamour, comedy, and swoony romance, while still keeping the big heart that made us fall in love with the first movie. Hathaway and Julie Andrews (returning as Queen Clarisse) are a royal dream team, and Heather Matarazzo gets an expanded role as Mia’s plucky BFF Lilly. It’s the rare sequel that truly lives up to the original.
5. What a Girl Wants (2003)
What a Girl Wants gives the Princess Diaries formula a fun twist. Instead of a princess coming to America, we get an American girl traveling to England to find her long-lost father…who just happens to be a British Lord! Amanda Bynes stars as Daphne Reynolds, a free-spirited teen raised by her single mom in New York. On a whim, Daphne jets off to London to meet her father Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), who never knew she existed. But as the newly discovered heir to a massive estate, Daphne struggles to fit into the stuffy world of British high society.
Like Mia, Daphne is a lovable fish out of water who has to navigate swanky parties, snooty rivals, and a royal makeover. But while Daphne may trade her boho dresses for ballgowns, she never loses her lively spirit or her determination to win over her father. With its transatlantic culture clash comedy and heartwarming father-daughter relationship, What a Girl Wants is a jolly good princess story.
6. The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)
Okay, so technically there are no actual princesses in The Lizzie McGuire Movie. But this delightful comedy, spun off from the hit Disney Channel series, still gives us major Princess Diaries vibes. Hilary Duff stars as the titular teen, who jets off to Rome for a class trip and is shocked to discover she’s a dead ringer for Italian pop star Isabella. Cue the mistaken identity hijinks as Lizzie agrees to pose as Isabella, falling for her handsome singing partner Paolo in the process.
The Italian scenery is almost as dreamy as Lizzie’s glamorous pop star makeover. And while Lizzie may not be actual royalty, she gets the full princess experience, from gowns to galas to a climactic Colosseum performance. But like Mia, Lizzie ultimately learns to stay true to herself and appreciate what really matters: friends, family, and a certain Gordo-ous boy back home. Viva la principessa Lizzie!
7. Ice Princess (2005)
Ice Princess proves you can find your inner royal on the ice rink rather than in a palace. Michelle Trachtenberg stars as Casey Carlyle, a brainy bookworm who decides to use her physics skills to become a competitive figure skater. As Casey trains for a prestigious competition, she gets a glamorous makeover, a dreamy love interest, and a rivalry with a snooty skating princess.
Like Mia, Casey is a relatable heroine who doesn’t quite fit the princess mold at first. She’s more comfortable in a lab coat than a leotard, and she has to work twice as hard to master the same moves as the skating prodigies. But with the help of a tough-love coach (Kim Cattrall) and her own determination, Casey blossoms into a graceful ice princess. While the ice skating feats are fun, the movie’s real message is about staying true to yourself…tiara or no tiara.
8. The Princess Switch (2018)
The Princess Switch is like The Princess Diaries meets The Parent Trap. Vanessa Hudgens does double duty as Stacy, a Chicago baker, and Lady Margaret, Duchess of the fictional country of Montenaro. When the two women switch places, Stacy gets a taste of royal life, while Margaret enjoys the freedom of being a “normal” girl. But naturally, romantic entanglements ensue, as the women start to fall for the men in each other’s lives.
Set during the Christmas season, The Princess Switch is as sweet and comforting as a sugar cookie. While the premise requires some suspension of disbelief, Hudgens is utterly charming in her dual roles, convincingly portraying both the lively Stacy and the reserved Margaret. And of course, there are plenty of Princess Diaries-esque makeover and etiquette training montages as Stacy learns to act like a royal. Consider this a Christmas present for Princess Diaries fans.
9. The Princess Diaries (2001)
Obviously, we have to include the OG princess movie on this list! The Princess Diaries stars Anne Hathaway in her breakout role as Mia Thermopolis, a gawky San Francisco teen who discovers she’s the heir to the throne of a small European country called Genovia. Under the tutelage of her regal grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews), Mia undergoes a dazzling transformation into a poised princess. But first, she has to survive the paparazzi, jealous mean girls, and her own clumsy antics.
Based on the popular YA book series by Meg Cabot, The Princess Diaries is a wish-fulfillment fantasy that still feels grounded thanks to Mia’s relatable insecurities and awkwardness. Hathaway is utterly winning, and her chemistry with Andrews is the heart of the movie. With its makeover montages, dreamy ball scenes, and sweet romance, The Princess Diaries set the template for so many teen princess movies to come. Bow down to the original and best!
10. Enchanted (2007)
Enchanted is both a loving homage to and a clever subversion of classic Disney princess movies. The story begins in typical fairytale fashion, with wide-eyed beauty Giselle (Amy Adams) falling for the handsome Prince Edward (James Marsden) and preparing for her dream wedding. But when Edward’s wicked stepmother banishes Giselle to real-world New York City, she has to adjust to a land without talking animals or spontaneous musical numbers.
Like Mia, Giselle is a fish out of water in her new world, but her pure heart and optimistic outlook win over everyone she meets, including a cynical divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey). Enchanted is a delightful mix of live action and animation, with tongue-in-cheek jokes for the adults and plenty of colorful whimsy for kids. Adams is perfectly cast, embodying both the classic Disney princess and a modern-day heroine. Consider Enchanted a royal treat for the whole family.
11. The Princess Protection Program (2009)
In The Princess Protection Program, even royals need a little rescuing sometimes. Demi Lovato stars as Rosalinda, a teenage princess forced to go into hiding when her country is threatened by an evil dictator. She’s placed in the care of Mason (Tom Verica), an agent for the top-secret Princess Protection Program. To keep Rosalinda safe, Mason brings her home to Louisiana to pose as a typical American teen named Rosie…with the help of his tomboy daughter Carter (Selena Gomez).
As Carter teaches Rosie how to blend in as a “normal” girl, the two form an unlikely friendship. Like Mia and Lilly in The Princess Diaries, Rosie and Carter bring out the best in each other, learning valuable lessons about bravery, loyalty, and being true to yourself. While The Princess Protection Program may be predictable, Lovato and Gomez’s genuine chemistry make it a royally fun ride.
12. Monte Carlo (2011)
Monte Carlo is like The Lizzie McGuire Movie with a royal twist. Selena Gomez stars as Grace, a Texas waitress who travels to Paris with her best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy) and uptight stepsister Meg (Leighton Meester). When Grace is mistaken for a British heiress, the three women decide to keep up the charade, jetting off to Monte Carlo for a week of luxury…and a little romance.
Like Mia’s makeover in The Princess Diaries, Grace’s transformation into an elegant socialite is a fashionable fairy tale. But while Grace may get to wear couture gowns and attend fancy balls, she learns that the grass isn’t always greener on the royal side. With its picturesque European locales, chic costumes, and likable trio of heroines, Monte Carlo is a frothy summer treat…with a touch of princess sparkle.
13. Sydney White (2007)
Sydney White reimagines the classic Snow White fairy tale as a college comedy. Amanda Bynes stars as Sydney, a tomboy freshman who pledges her late mother’s once-dignified sorority. But Sydney’s individual spirit clashes with the sorority’s superficial new leadership, led by the wicked Rachel Witchburn (Sara Paxton). Banished from the sorority house, Sydney finds a new home with seven outcasts, who help her take back the campus from Rachel’s reign of terror.
Like Mia, Sydney is an unconventional princess who’d rather wear overalls than a tiara. But she’s got the bravery and kind heart of a true fairy tale heroine, standing up for her friends and staying true to her principles. Sydney White is silly and sweet, with a charming romance between Bynes and a pre-fame Matt Long. It’s a fresh, modern-day take on a classic princess story.
14. Another Cinderella Story (2008)
Another Cinderella Story gives the classic fairy tale a musical spin. Selena Gomez stars as Mary, a small-town teen with big dreams of becoming a dancer. But Mary’s aspirations are thwarted by her cruel stepmother (Jane Lynch) and wicked stepsisters, who treat her like their personal servant. Mary’s only solace is her online dance videos…and her secret email flirtation with her pen pal “Nomad,” a term for the mysterious masked man she danced with at the school masquerade ball.
When Mary lands an audition for a prestigious dance school in Los Angeles, she’ll have to defy her stepfamily, reveal her identity to Nomad, and take a leap of faith to make her dreams come true. Another Cinderella Story hits all the satisfying beats of the classic fairy tale—the makeover, the ball, the lost shoe—while adding some fresh twists. And Gomez proves a likable, relatable heroine, showcasing her dancing skills and comic timing. Consider this a glass slipper that fits for Princess Diaries fans.
15. The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)
In The Princess Switch: Switched Again, the royal shenanigans are taken to the next level. Set two years after the first movie, the sequel finds Stacy (Vanessa Hudgens) happily married to Prince Edward of Belgravia, while Duchess Margaret (also Hudgens) is set to be crowned Queen of Montenaro. But when Margaret’s coronation plans are threatened by a handsome royal rival, Stacy suggests they switch places again. Except this time, there’s a third look-alike on the scene: Margaret’s wild child cousin Fiona (yes, also Hudgens).
With triple the Vanessa Hudgens, The Princess Switch: Switched Again serves up triple the romance, glamour, and identity swap antics. Like Mia in The Princess Diaries 2, Stacy has settled into royal life, but she’s still the same lively girl at heart. And Hudgens clearly has a blast playing all three roles, especially the mischievous Fiona. If you loved the original Princess Switch, then Switched Again is a royally entertaining sequel.
