I may be thirty years old, but I still love me a good princess movie. I don’t know what it is, but I have a serious soft spot. I’m not generally a big fan of the whole damsel in distress thing (girl power, for the win), but once in a while it’s ok to fantasize about a handsome knight in shining armor or about daydreaming in a gilded castle. I don’t care how old you are.
There are plenty of animated princess classics, but here are five of my favorite live action versions…
Princess Bride. I mean, come on. A princess named Buttercup, a handsome and brave childhood crush/masked crusader, a giant, Inigo freakin’ Montoya. This story has everything a good fairy tale needs and is clever to boot.
If you live under a rock and have somehow not seen this one, I don’t think you can talk to me until you do.
Princess Diaries. It’s no secret that I have a major girl crush on Anne Hathaway. Love her. And this is pretty much the best ugly duckling movie for a young girl. Anne Hathaway goes from a big haired invisible geek to a perfectly coiffed and confident princess through makeovers, lessons in being a princess and a healthy dose of self discovery.
Seriously, Netflix needs to add this like stat so I can add it to my daughters’ rotation (it’s nice to have at least one or two movies in rotation that I actually enjoy).
Enchanted. This one starts out animated and turns into a hilarious clash of the fairy tale universe with reality. The beautiful Princess Giselle (played by Amy Adams, who seriously looks like a Disney princess) meets a handsome prince in the middle of the forest and it is immediately decided that they shall be married.
But an evil queen (Susan Sarandon, who is amazing) banishes her and she finds herself hurled from her animated world into the middle of real, live midtown Manhattan. She meets a cynical (but hot) divorce attorney and both of their world views slowly change as they get to know each other.
There is singing and dancing. There is a ball. There is a chipmunk that is the princess’s BFF. Perfection.
Ever After. This alternative Cinderella story gives us the Princess of all Princesses with much more spunk than we’re used to. She’s brave and she’s feisty and she stands up for what she believes in. She also happens to fall in love with a prince, but it’s really not what defines her.
I really love this one (and the costumes!).
Roman Holiday. You can’t go wrong with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It’s just impossible. Hepburn plays a princess who rebels against her rigid schedule and sneaks out of the embassy one night while touring Rome. A sedative her doctor gave her kicks in and she ends up falling asleep on a bench, where an American newsman finds her and takes her in for the night for her safety.
It’s a classic and whether you’re into princess movies or not, this one is a must see.
So what say you? What are your favorite princess movies? Or are you not a fan of the things in the first place?
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Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
This is NOT the list that I voted for. Princesses and asses are two VERY different things!!!!
You mean princesses weren’t an acceptable substitute? Haha!
I’m having trouble deciding on an angle for it! Like do I do really evil bastards or loveable assholes? I’m kind of leaning towards some sort of twist.
If you have any ideas (or votes for the list) seriously email them to me!
Not. At. All. No offense to the post – its just not what I was expecting. I think the real problem is you’re trying to limit yourself to one post. Maybe do a post on each of the various types of assholes? Let me know your final decision and I’ll be sure to offer some suggestions.
How did I not know you also loved Princess Bride? Seriously one of the best movies ever! No wonder we’re besties lol
Ha! YES! Have you ever read the book? I have not but I’m curious about it.
I actually have the book but have yet to read it lol. I also told Taylor Pyatt (an adorable member of the New York Rangers) that he should name his new dog Dread Pyatt Roberts… lol
Enchanted was such a cute movie! I’ll have to check out Roman Holiday!
Definitely check it out! It’s a great one and there’s all sorts of pretty Roman scenery too!