12 Movies To Watch If You Like ‘The Princess Diaries’
Enchanted
Enchanted flips the fairy-tale formula in a way Princess Diaries fans will adore. Giselle begins as a storybook princess from Andalasia, only to be magically transported to modern-day New York City by an evil queen. Her optimism, manners, and belief in true love clash hilariously with real life, especially when she befriends a practical lawyer who doesn’t believe in happily ever afters.
The Princess Switch
The Princess Switch puts a festive spin on the surprise-royalty trope fans loved in The Princess Diaries. When a down-on-her-luck Chicago baker meets her royal lookalike; the two decide to swap lives for a few days. What follows is a cozy holiday romance filled with palace protocols, fish-out-of-water humor, and unexpected love. Like Mia’s journey, both women learn confidence, self-worth, and that sometimes stepping into someone else’s shoes helps you discover who you really are.
13 Going 30
Though it swaps royal gowns for office power suits, 13 Going on 30 shares The Princess Diaries’ core message about identity and true friendship. Jenna wakes up as a successful 30-year-old after wishing away her awkward teen years, only to realize she’s lost what mattered most along the way. Like Mia, Jenna learns that popularity isn’t everything and that the people who loved you before the glow-up often matter most.
Anastasia
This animated musical follows a young woman with no memory of her past who may or may not; be the lost princess of Russia. Along the way, she meets a charming con man, reconnects with her formidable grandmother, and learns to believe in herself. With sweeping songs, dazzling gowns, and a magical transformation arc, Anastasia captures the fantasy, romance, and emotional warmth that made Mia’s story so unforgettable.
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen
For fans who loved the awkward school hallways and early-2000s energy of The Princess Diaries, Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen is a perfect match. Lindsay Lohan stars as Lola, an aspiring performer whose glamorous dreams clash with suburban reality after her family moves. Her flair for drama leads to rivalry, misadventures, and personal growth as she learns the difference between attention and authenticity.
Ever After
Ever After reimagines Cinderella with the same grounded heart that made The Princess Diaries resonate. Danielle is strong-willed, outspoken, and fiercely independent, while Prince Henry struggles under the weight of royal expectations. Their romance grows through wit, mutual respect, and shared ideals rather than fairy-tale fantasy alone. Like Mia, both characters learn that being royal isn’t about perfection; it’s about courage and choice.
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
The Lizzie McGuire Movie mirrors The Princess Diaries in all the best ways: sudden fame, mistaken identity, and a teen girl learning to trust herself. While on a school trip to Rome, Lizzie is mistaken for an Italian pop star and swept into a glamorous scheme involving music, romance, and deception. Like Mia, Lizzie must decide whether to play a role others assign her or stand up as herself.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
While it doesn’t involve tiaras or royal etiquette, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before captures the same awkward-sweet energy that made The Princess Diaries so beloved. Lara Jean’s quiet life turns upside down when her private love letters are accidentally sent out, forcing her into a fake relationship that soon sparks real feelings.
What a Girl Wants
Much like Mia’s shocking discovery in The Princess Diaries, What a Girl Wants centers on a teenager learning her family history is far more extraordinary than she imagined. Daphne travels to London to find her estranged father, only to discover he’s an aristocrat with political ambitions. As she navigates high society, strained family secrets, and her own identity, Daphne must decide how much she’s willing to change to belong.
Legally Blonde
At first glance, Legally Blonde might seem more pink than princess, but its heart is very much aligned with The Princess Diaries. Elle Woods, like Mia, is underestimated, dismissed, and expected to fail once she steps into an intimidating new world. As Elle navigates Harvard Law, she learns that staying true to herself; not changing to please others, is her greatest strength.
A Cinderella Story
A Cinderella Story feels like a modern high school cousin to The Princess Diaries. Sam lives under the control of her selfish stepmother while dreaming of college and secretly messaging a kind boy online. When they plan to meet at the Halloween dance, she hides her identity behind a mask and suddenly becomes the most intriguing girl at school.
The Prince & Me
College life collides with royalty in The Prince & Me. Paige meets Eddie, a carefree Danish exchange student she initially finds arrogant, only to slowly fall for him once she sees his sincerity. The twist arrives when she learns he’s actually Crown Prince Edvard. Suddenly, love means choosing between ordinary dreams and royal duty. Much like Mia’s journey, Paige must decide whether she can embrace a life she never imagined.
