The Princess Diaries (2001)

Kernel Score: 77% · 5,218 ratings · Rated G

Genres: Comedy, Family, Romance

Released: 2001-08-03

Runtime: 115 minutes

Is The Princess Diaries worth watching?

Worth watching. A shy teenager learns she's a princess in this warm, silly makeover comedy. Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews are the reason it works, and it's still a cosy family watch.

Watch it if you

  • want a feel-good family comedy
  • like fairy-tale stories set in the real world
  • enjoy Julie Andrews

Skip it if you

  • want sharp, unpredictable comedy
  • dislike makeover-style plots

Best for: Family movie night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Princess Diaries

  • Stream: Disney+
  • Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A socially awkward but very bright 15-year-old girl being raised by a single mom discovers that she is the princess of a small European country because of the recent death of her long-absent father, who, unknown to her, was the crown prince of Genovia. She must make a choice between continuing the life of a San Francisco teen or stepping up to the throne.

The Princess Diaries parents' guide: all ages

Parents need to know that The Princess Diaries is a wholesome family comedy about a teen discovering she is royalty.

  • Violence & scariness: None — No meaningful violence; a light family comedy.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like The Princess Diaries

If you liked The Princess Diaries, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Pretty Woman (1990) — 85%: Fairy-tale romance built around a transformation.
  • The Parent Trap (1998) — 81%: Warm, light family comedy with a likeable young lead.
  • The Young Victoria (2009) — 80%: Young woman suddenly handed a crown, played more seriously.
  • Maleficent (2014) — 80%: Fairy-tale retelling with a strong lead and family themes.
  • Overboard (1987) — 77%: Light romantic comedy built on a change of fortune.
  • Barbie as The Princess & the Pauper (2004) — 83%: Princess story with a lookalike twist, aimed at younger kids.

Director

Garry Marshall

Cast

  • Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis
  • Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi
  • Heather Matarazzo as Lilly Moscovitz
  • Caroline Goodall as Helen Thermopolis
  • Héctor Elizondo as Joe
  • Robert Schwartzman as Michael Moscovitz
  • Erik von Detten as Josh Bryant
  • Patrick John Flueger as Jeremiah Hart
  • Sandra Oh as Vice Principal Gupta
  • Mandy Moore as Lana Thomas

The Princess Diaries FAQ

Is The Princess Diaries worth watching?

Worth watching. A shy teenager learns she's a princess in this warm, silly makeover comedy. Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews are the reason it works, and it's still a cosy family watch.

Where can I watch The Princess Diaries?

In the US you can stream The Princess Diaries on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is The Princess Diaries OK for kids?

The Princess Diaries is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that The Princess Diaries is a wholesome family comedy about a teen discovering she is royalty.

What movies are like The Princess Diaries?

If you liked The Princess Diaries, try Pretty Woman, The Parent Trap, The Young Victoria and Maleficent.