Disney has built an empire on movies about royalty, but for many decades, most of them were animated. People have mixed opinions about the "Disney Princess" culture, but those films became classics and have been watched countless times. Disney certainly capitalizes on the success of the grand palace scene.
Fans know that live-action remakes of their animated classics are Disney's current plan— and will continue to be, so long as each one rakes in the cash the way they have been— but those aren't the only movies that will transport viewers to royal settings.
The Princess Diaries — 6.3
Princess Mia is a beloved member of Disney's royal canon. Anne Hathaway brought author Meg Cabot's high school character to life in 2001, and The Princess Diaries quickly became a timeless family favorite. Julie Andrews will always be a regal queen and a delightful grandmother as Clarisse. Fans of the movie and its sequel watch them over and over again on Disney+ in hopes that a new movie will someday round the story out as a trilogy.
Descendants Trilogy — 6.5
There are three major films in the Descendants franchise, which average out to an IMDb score of approximately 6.5. These Disney Channel Original Movies have gained wide attention as creative depictions of Disney villains.
To be exact, the main characters are the children of Disney's worst villains— Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, Jafar, and the Evil Queen. The films are headlined by Disney Channel mainstays of recent years such as Dove Cameron and the late Cameron Boyce. All three movies were directed by Kenny Ortega (Hocus Pocus, High School Musical).
Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil — 6.6
The 2014 Maleficent movie did well enough to lead to a sequel five years later. Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) and Aurora (Elle Fanning) have developed a closeness they never would have had in the 1950s. Unfortunately, divisions still complicate friendships, and Aurora and Maleficent are torn apart into a Great War that could jeopardize all the progress they have made.
Michelle Pfeiffer is introduced as Queen Ingrith, who is Prince Philip's mother, Aurora's soon-to-be mother-in-law, and a forceful antagonist all rolled into one.
Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time — 6.6
Though it does not evoke images of princess balls or golden tiaras, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is still about royalty. The movie was derived from the 2003 video game of the same name— one with an upcoming remake, in fact— and tells the story of Prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhall). Mortals can go back in time using the Sands of Time in the holy city of Alamut.
Dastan attacks the city, gets a dagger, and gains access to the Sands. The action-adventure movie stands apart from more storied fairytales, and it is on Disney+.
Cinderella (1997) — 6.6
The Wonderful World of Disney's 1997 version of Cinderella was a match made in heaven because it had the music of Rogers & Hammerstein and the magic of Disney.
Brandy shines in the title role in her shimmering blue gown, and who could go wrong with Whitney Houston as a Fairy Godmother and Bernadette Peters as a stepmother? Whoopi Goldberg and Victor Garber are present and accounted for, too. Unfortunately, this classic is not on Disney+ yet.
Cinderella (2015) — 6.9
Viewers are quick to point out that 2015's live-action Cinderella is a note-for-note copy of its animated predecessor. Even Disney+ summarizes the movie as "a modern classic that shines with beauty, imagination...and magic."
The film might not be esteemed as original, but it is responsible for the most luxurious, sparkling glass slippers known to man. The movie's cast is also reputable, starring Lily James as Ella, Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother, and Cate Blanchett as the stepmother.
The Prince And The Pauper: The Pauper King — 6.9
This was Disney's 1962 take on Mark Twain's tale of The Prince and the Pauper. The live-action film was part of The Wonderful World of Disney and starred Australian actor Sean Scully in a double role as Prince Edward and Tom Canty (the pauper). The lookalikes coincidentally meet in London in 1537 and switch places for a time. This rare piece of Disney history is available for subscribers to watch on Disney+.
Maleficent — 7.0
Maleficent was one of Disney's first entries into the 2010s live-action collection. The film is not an exact replica of the 1959 animated classic, and Princess Aurora is not its centerpiece.
As the title implies, the movie offers a backstory for the evil witch Maleficent which turns the original tale on its head. The character goes adventuring with the princess best known as "Sleeping Beauty" in an unexpected exploration of good and evil.
Aladdin (2019) — 7.0
The live-action remake of Aladdin was an enjoyable film for longtime fans who have always wanted to journey to Agrabah. Will Smith is the Genie everyone wanted. Aladdin (Mena Massoud) and Jasmine (Naomi Scott) have incredible chemistry in human form, and they each bring refreshing developments to the characters while somehow staying true to the spirit of the animations that viewers love. Of all Disney's remade classics, this is one of the most engaging stories.
Enchanted — 7.0
Enchanted is like a greatest hits album for all the Disney princess stories. Giselle (Amy Adams), from the magical kingdom of Andalasia, is about to marry her dear Prince Edward (James Marsden). But Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon)— who looks a lot like Maleficent— sends the young maiden to New York City instead.
Amy Adams highlights the glorious wonder and simultaneous fright of a big city, complicating the narrative as she falls for a lawyer named Robert (Patrick Dempsey). The music, the costuming, and the story all come together in a beautiful spectacle. And the icing on the cake is that Julie Andrews is the narrator.