The Princess Diaries, the Garry Marshall film that put Anne Hathaway on the map, marks the 20th anniversary since its 2001 release.

Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway), a shy and unpopular student at Grove High, lives with her single mother, Helen (Caroline Goodall), in a refurbished San Francisco firehouse. Struggling with public speaking and harboring a crush on classmate Josh Bryant (Erik von Detten), Mia faces teasing from his girlfriend, Lana Thomas (Mandy Moore). Her closest friends are social outcast Lilly Moscovitz (Heather Matarazzo) and Lilly’s brother Michael (Robert Schwartzman), who secretly admires her. Life changes when Mia is summoned to meet her estranged grandmother, Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), the Queen of Genovia, who reveals that Mia is the sole heir to the European kingdom.

Initially overwhelmed, Mia resists Clarisse’s attempts to groom her for royal life. Her mother convinces her to attend “princess lessons,” promising she won’t have to decide on her future until the Genovian Independence Day Ball three weeks later. Under the guidance of Joe (Héctor Elizondo), the queen’s head of security, Mia receives a glamorous makeover and begins adjusting to her new status. Schoolmates treat her differently, and her schedule strains her friendship with Lilly. When paparazzi expose Mia to the public, she faces embarrassment at her first state dinner, but Clarisse finds her clumsiness endearing, and the two bond over family stories and Mia’s parents’ past.

As Mia navigates newfound attention, she initially neglects Lilly and Michael, attending a beach party where Josh exploits her for fame and Lana humiliates her. After reconciling with Lilly, Mia asserts herself, standing up to bullying and making amends. At the Independence Day Ball, she struggles with the idea of renouncing the throne but is inspired by a letter from her late father. Despite being caught in a rainstorm en route, Mia arrives, embraces her role as Princess of Genovia, dances with Michael, and shares her first kiss with him. At the end of The Princess Diaries, Mia is seen traveling to Genovia with plans to relocate with her mother.

Beyond the plot, The Princess Diaries stands out for its durability and repeated viewing value. It’s not just a coming-of-age story or a makeover tale—it’s a narrative about personal growth, female mentorship, and navigating public scrutiny with integrity. Its G rating makes it uniquely accessible, and its humor, emotional resonance, and charm have allowed it to endure across decades. Rewatching today, the film feels as fresh and relatable as ever, demonstrating why it remains a personal favorite for repeated viewings, comfort watches, and celebratory revisits.

Every teen has to deal with bullies, and in The Princess Diaries, that’s Lana and, to a lesser extent, her boyfriend Josh. Both get their comeuppance: Josh receives a literal smack in PE class, while Lana is covered in ice cream as the faculty quietly dismiss her complaints. The ice cream scene, in particular, lands perfectly, blending humor and Mia’s growing confidence. It’s far more effective than the deleted scene where Lana simply walks away in a news clip, giving the audience a much more satisfying moment of justice.

Beyond the standout moments of Mia’s empowerment, The Princess Diaries shines in its depiction of friendship, mentorship, and the subtleties of growing up. Lilly’s patience and loyalty anchor Mia’s journey, providing both comic relief and emotional grounding, while Michael’s quiet devotion offers a sweet counterpoint to high school drama, culminating in their first kiss at the ball. Joe’s gentle guidance and understated humor, along with minor but memorable characters like Paolo, enrich the world without overwhelming it. The awkward state dinner, quirky classmates, and playful physical comedy all reflect Garry Marshall’s signature warmth. Combined with its early-2000s charm, Disney accessibility, and enduring heart, these layers explain why the film continues to resonate with audiences today.

It’s hard to imagine a time when Anne Hathaway wasn’t a star, but The Princess Diaries launched her career. Hathaway perfectly embodies Mia’s awkward charm, humor, and heart, making every step of her journey from shy teen to confident princess believable. Her performance balances vulnerability and comedic timing, and without it, the story simply wouldn’t land. Watching Hathaway, we buy fully into the idea of a teenager discovering she’s royalty and navigating a world that’s suddenly bigger than she ever imagined.

Dame Julie Andrews came out of semi-retirement to play Queen Clarisse, her first feature film in 15 years. Known for her singing, Andrews brings warmth, elegance, and impeccable timing without ever having to sing a note here. Fun fact: The Princess Diaries was shot on Stage 2 of Disney’s Burbank lot—the same stage where Mary Poppins was filmed, now named for the Disney legend herself. Like Hathaway, Andrews is simply irreplaceable in the role, giving the film its enduring gravitas and heart.

Garry Marshall’s craftsmanship is evident in every frame of The Princess Diaries, building on a lineage that stretches from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Pretty Woman to this adolescent fairy tale. He creates a space where Mia’s emotional journey, awkwardness, and triumphs are treated sincerely rather than cynically, giving audiences both laughter and heart. The film’s makeover, humor, and tender family moments remain unmatched, and its rewatchability cements it as a classic of early-2000s Disney live-action.

To say that both Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews are absolute perfection in The Princess Diaries would not be an understatement. The film’s charm, emotional resonance, and enduring appeal make it as delightful and meaningful today as it was in 2001, proving why it belongs at the top of anyone’s personal canon.

DIRECTOR: Garry Marshall
SCREENWRITER: Gina Wendkos
CAST: Anne Hathaway, Heather Matarazzo, Héctor Elizondo, Mandy Moore, Caroline Goodall, Robert Schwartzman, Erik von Detten, Sean O’Bryan, Sandra Oh, Kathleen Marshall, and Julie Andrews

Disney released The Princess Diaries in theaters on August 3, 2001. Grade: 5/5

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