Directed by the legendary Garry Marshall, based on Meg Cabot’s beloved novel, The Princess Diaries was never expected to become a cultural touchstone. It was a modest comedy starring a young Anne Hathaway (in her film debut) and the incomparable Julie Andrews (returning to a major studio film after a long hiatus). Yet, the alchemy of its cast, its pre-9/11 innocence, and its timeless message about self-acceptance turned it into a box office hit and a perennial comfort watch. For those who need a refresher—or for a new generation discovering it on Disney+—the plot of the princess diaries 2001 is the quintessential Cinderella story for the awkward age.
After all, as Queen Clarisse says: “A princess is never late. Everyone else is simply early.” the princess diaries 2001
Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway) is a invisibly shy, klutzy high school student in San Francisco. She lives with her bohemian artist mother (Caroline Goodall) and tries to survive the daily humiliations of teenage life, from failing her driver’s test to being ignored by the popular clique. Directed by the legendary Garry Marshall, based on
Long live the Princess of Genovia. You can stream The Princess Diaries (2001) on Disney+. The sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, is also available. For those who need a refresher—or for a