9 Best Cinderella Movies of All Time

Cinderella. A tale of rags to riches, dreams and wishes, and grand royal balls, right? Not necessarily. It really depends on what version you’re referring to. 

In the Grimm Brothers 1812 Aschenputtelsaw, one of Cinderella’s step-sisters cuts off her big toe and the other her heel just to fit into the glass slipper. They also had both eyes plucked out by Cinderella’s flock of birds at the end of the story. Seriously grim! But fortunately, not all adaptations are as gruesome as this one. 

Amazon Prime recently released a new Cinderella movie to add to the thousands of versions of ‘Cinderella’ that have been created all over the world. Let’s take a look through time at some of the most popular Cinderella themed movies we know and love. 

We’ll focus on versions that include three key elements to any good Cinderella story: an evil stepmother and step-sisters, a fairy godmother figure and a grand ball. 

1. Walt Disney’s Cinderella (1950)

Likely the most well-known adaptation, Walt Disney’s version was our introduction to the story of Cinderella for many of us. 

Famed for its magical spell ‘Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo’, beloved talking mice Jaq and Gus-Gus, and famous blue ball gown, this version leapt straight off the screen and into our hearts. 

If you’re feeling nostalgic and crave a modicum of magic, Disney’s version will have you in your feelings in no time.

2. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997)

Wait! Cinderella can be Black?! Hell yeah, she can be, and she definitely was in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1997 adaptation.

First, we must pay homage to the original 1957 television musical starring the fabulous Julie Andrews. It was later remade featuring Lesley Ann Warren in 1965, but it’s the 1997 remake that many of us love to rewatch. 

Starring Brandy as Cinderella, Whitney Houston as the fairy godmother, and Whoopie Goldberg as the queen, this version is a powerhouse of talented African American actresses. 

This colour-blind, rainbow cast makes this an appealing watch for any and everybody. 

It features incredible music and choreography and funny comedic moments. Definitely, one to watch… and then rewatch if you haven’t already.

3. Ever After (1998) 

Set in 16th-century Renaissance-era France, Danielle (aka Cinderella) poses as a Lady to rescue a servant from deportation when she crosses paths with the prince. Here begins what is, without a doubt, the best Cinderella movie out there.

Starring Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott, this adaptation stands out for its endearing love story. We see Danielle and the prince fall in love over several encounters sharing meaningful and vulnerable moments, contrasting other versions where the two barely meet. Love at first sight is nice, but it’s sweeter when there’s depth to the love story.

Another triumph of the movie is Anjelica Huston, who plays the evil stepmother, and kills it. She delivers one of the coldest lines to Danielle, ‘How can anyone love a pebble in their shoe?’ Brutal! 

4. A Cinderella Story (2004)

 In this 2004 version, Sam is a high school student/waitress while Austin is the football team captain. They have an anonymous email relationship but decide to finally meet at the school’s Halloween ball. 

Of course, Sam goes as Cinderella and Austin as the prince. The film is an easy watch with some cute moments and a likeable cast.

‘Don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game,’ is a quote referenced a few times throughout the movies, and it’s an encouraging message we can all take on board. 

There have been a few other additions to the series such as, A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song (2011), A Cinderella Story: If The Shoe Fits (2016), and A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish (2019). 

5. Ella Enchanted (2004)

Ella of Frell is on a quest to make her fairy godmother remove the gift of obedience she granted Ella when she was a baby. 

She crosses paths with Prince Charmont as he escapes his adoring fans, and her apparent dislike intrigues him. There begins their love story. 

Despite the curse, Ella is a strong-headed, kind young woman and Charmont’s adoration and respect towards her is a treat to watch. They also share one of the best kisses from any film on this list. 

The movie has lovely world-building, although the CGI could use some work. It uses fairytale creatures to discuss equality and politics but in a light-hearted way. Also, Prince Charmont is actually one of the most charming princes of any of the movies. His love for Ella makes us love him even more.

Topped off with fun musical numbers, this is definitely a version to rewatch, especially with young ones. 

6. Another Cinderella Story (2008)

We’re back at high school again! But in this version, Mary is an aspiring dancer, and Joey is a famous dancer/singer looking for a dancer to star in his next music video. 

It’s clear at this point that you can’t have a Cinderella movie without some degree of dancing or singing. Considering a ball is a big part of the storyline, that comes as no surprise. 

But this adaptation has more dancing than most, with some decent choreography, at least by 2008 standards. A particular favourite is the tango dance at the ball; you can’t go wrong with a tango. 

Just don’t think too deeply about the ages of the actors and you’ll be fine. 

7. Cinderella (2015 Disney)

Honestly, who wasn’t excited when Disney announced they were making a live-action remake of the 1950 animated Cinderella? The movie was highly anticipated, and it did not disappoint. 

One of the biggest changes to the original version was Cinderella and the Prince meeting in the forest ahead of the ball. The chemistry between Lily James and Richard Madden circling each other while on horseback had us all captured. The eye contact was so intense at points; it was as if they bared their souls in the four minutes they were together.  

Also, kudos to Sandy Powell, the costume designer. She designed some fabulous costumes, not just for the main characters but also for the extras and dancers. Combined with the CGI, which was amazing, vibrant, and colourful, it made the worldbuilding look stunning. 

Some questioned the message the movie sends to young children, but the line Cinderella kept repeating is the real takeaway: 

Have courage and be kind.

Cinderella 2015

What a great message for anyone to walk away with! 

This live-action Cinderella is definitely one to lose yourself in now and again regardless of age.

8. A Cinderella Christmas (2016)

Usually, Cinderella just attends the ball, but in this holiday movie, she also organises it. 

Angie is an event planner running her uncle’s company with her lazy cousin while Nicholas runs his family business but can’t access his inheritance unless he gets married.

Both characters grow and develop as individuals throughout the movie, which isn’t something you see in many adaptations. 

Having Angie leave behind a stocking rather than a glass shoe is a nice touch and brings in the Christmas spirit. Parts of the storyline are hard to swallow for a movie set in the present day, but the cute and cheesy moments means we just go with it. 

Admittedly, being set around Christmas is one of the main reasons why this movie is rewatchable. It joins the list of Christmas movies to watch every December, so if you’re in the mood for some Cinderella magic around Christmas, look no further. 

9. Cinderella (2021)

All Ella wants is to have her own dressmaker shop, but patriarchy keeps getting in the way. 

This jukebox musical comedy is a modern take on the classic story. It promotes female empowerment and following your dreams no matter who or what stands in your way. 

Starring Camila Cabello in her breakout role, this movie had the potential to be a huge success, but unfortunately, it didn’t hit the mark. Quite a few things didn’t really work well, but you’ll have to watch it yourself to determine what these things were. 

Having said that, Billy Portor was fabulous as the fairy godmother, captivating us all in his golden-orange costume. Idina Menzel also brought it, playing one of the most intriguing stepmothers we’ve seen. She has an interesting backstory that allowed us to understand and sympathise with her character.

 At this point, you may wonder why it’s worth rewatching at all? One word. Perfect.

Ella and the prince dance and sing to this Ed Sheeran song at the ball, and it’s one of the best scenes in the movie. It’s when the chemistry between the two actors was at its best. 

Also, if you’re someone who likes karaoke, this is a fun movie to sing along to when you’re rewatching it. The movie is currently streaming on Amazon Prime.

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