Entertainment

The Best Live-Action Princesses We Love in Movies and TV Shows

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Nov 17, 2024 / 8832 Views

Evan Walker

Princesses and fairy tales are among our most cherished childhood memories. Growing up, watching and reading stories about princesses and their challenges taught us many different life lessons. Their stories held more depth than just exquisite gowns and beautiful palaces. These characters taught us essential lessons about courage, resilience, generosity, love, and self-worth. And, as you may have heard, one of our favourite princesses, Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries will soon return to the silver screen, so we’re looking at the best live-action princesses from movies and TV shows in anticipation.

Even as we get older, the princesses and their stories remain with us as a remembrance of simpler times. Many people believe that princesses are just damsels in distress. They are only waiting for the prince to arrive and save the day. However, their narrative is much more than that. Princesses like Merida from Brave, Mulan, and Elsa from Frozen do not require a man to save the day; they can save their kingdoms on their own if necessary. They are adored and admired by people of all ages. Though we enjoy a good animated film, today we’re focussing on the best live-action princesses that have charmed us with their beauty, wit, and bravery.

Best live-action princesses featured in movies and TV shows

Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries

best live-action princess in Movies and TV Shows — (Image: IMDb)

Played by Anne Hathaway, Mia Thermopolis, the beloved protagonist of The Princess Diaries is based on the novel series by Meg Cabot. She is relatable and humorous, and her heartfelt journey has captivated readers and viewers alike. The story follows Mia, a shy, awkward teenage girl from San Francisco who suddenly discovers she’s actually the heir to the throne of a small European principality called Genovia.

Raised by her single mother and living a normal teenage life, Mia was unexpectedly presented with the responsibilities and expectations of being a princess. Her royal grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (played by Julie Andrews in the movie), steps in to teach her the “proper” ways of being a princess, etiquette, public speaking, and the nuances of royal life.

Mia’s character is beloved for her humour, honesty, and quirks. She is an incredibly relatable regular girl who struggles with insecurities, crushes, friendships, and self-doubt. Despite her new title, she remains grounded and loyal to her friends and tries to stay true to herself. Throughout her story, she learns to embrace her individuality and grow into a leader, showing us that being a princess isn’t about perfection but about courage, kindness, and authenticity. Hathaway plays Mia rather brilliantly and we can’t wait to see her reprise the role in The Princess Diaries 3.

Jasmine from Aladdin

Princess Jasmine, the Middle Eastern Disney princess, has always been a fan favourite powerful lady (with a literal tiger for a pet), but in the 2019 live-action remake of Aladdin, she became a feminist icon. In this new adaptation, Naomi Scott plays the leading lady, who gets a powerful, modern twist that takes her beyond the usual Disney princess role. Naomi’s Jasmine is an educated, ambitious young woman who isn’t happy with being a prize to be achieved or imprisoned in Agrabah’s royal walls. Instead, she has a strong desire to lead and improve the lives of her people, defying the expectations placed on her due to her status and gender.

One of the most striking and welcome changes to the new rendition is Scott’s new solo single, “Speechless.” This song powerfully communicates Jasmine’s frustration with being silenced and her desire to have a say in decisions that impact her and her kingdom. Throughout the film, Jasmine’s relationship with Aladdin stays centred on their mutual love and admiration, but her journey is also about stepping out of the shadows and setting her own goals and vision for Agrabah’s future. Scott’s portrayal of Jasmine is full of power, compassion, and intelligence, making her character a role model.

Rosalinda from Princess Protection Program

best princesses in movies and TV shows — (Image: IMDb)

Demi Lovato plays the role of Princess Rosalinda María Montoya Fiore in the Disney Channel Original Movie Princess Protection Program (2009). In the movie, Rosalinda is the young crown princess of the fictional country of Costa Luna. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her country is threatened by a dictator, and she is forced to stay under the protection of the secret “Princess Protection Program”. For her safety, Rosalinda is moved to a small town in Louisiana, where she goes undercover as a regular high school student named Rosie Gonzalez.

Rosie’s journey is not only about hiding her royal identity but also adapting to a different life far from her palace. She has to learn to live like a teenager from an ordinary family, forgo the formalities she’s used to, and adjust to the American high school life. Through her friendship with Carter Mason (played by Selena Gomez), a down-to-earth, tomboyish girl who initially loathes Rosie’s presence, they both learn about the value of true friendship, independence, and humility.

Throughout the film, Rosie gains confidence, learns to protect herself, and builds a strong, loyal friendship with Carter. They learn from each other’s differences, proving that true friendship can cross any barrier and that being a true “princess” is derived from inner strength, kindness, and courage, and not titles or appearances. Lovato’s Princess Rosalinda strikes a charming balance between royal elegance and authenticity, making her one of the best and most memorable live-action princesses in movies and TV shows.

Princess Giselle from Enchanted

The Disney movie Enchanted (2007) introduced classic fairy-tale charm to the modern world in a light-hearted, positive approach. The movie starts with Giselle, an animated girl living in the enchanted country of Andalasia, where she has all the qualities of a conventional Disney princess. She is optimistic, loves Animals, and dreams of her “happily ever after.” But her life takes a dramatic shift when the wicked Queen Narissa pushes her through a portal and tranSports her to the bustling, gritty streets of New York City.

In New York, Giselle, now a real-life human (portrayed by Amy Adams) is abruptly confronted with a reality that is completely opposite to the fairy-tale world she has grown up in. As Giselle navigates this strange world, her naïve but honest take on life adds a light-hearted and magical element to the people she meets. Giselle gradually realises that love and “happily ever after” are more complicated than fairy tales have led her to believe.

Her character evolves into a blend of fairy-tale purity and newfound wisdom, making her both fanciful and grounded. She starts to understand that true love requires patience, compromise, and understanding, and eventually prefers a deeper, more realistic love than the idealised “love at first sight” she initially believed in. Amy Adams perfectly portrays Giselle and her innocence with incredible warmth, humour, and honesty, capturing both her fairy-tale romanticism and her shift into a more self-aware and strong individual. Moreover, it’s almost impossible to finish the movie and not have the songs stuck in your head.

Leia Organa from Star Wars

You can’t talk about the best princesses in movies and TV shows without including Princess Leia. Carrie Fisher played Princess Leia Organa in the original Star Wars trilogy. Leia, known for her signature hairdo, is one of the most recognisable characters in the Star Wars franchise. She first appears in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977), as a princess of the planet Alderaan, a Rebel Alliance leader, and the daughter of Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker (later revealed to be Darth Vader). Her character represents intelligence, strength, and courage, redefining the role of the princess in stereotypical movies.

Leia is known for her sharp wit, independence, and unwavering commitment to resisting tyranny. She’s a key strategist and leader who is respected by allies such as Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. Carrie Fisher’s portrayal of Leia is a blend of grace, authority, and relatability. She added depth and complexity to Leia, understanding that power comes not simply from carrying a weapon or making swift decisions in battle, but also from displaying vulnerability and empathy. While many other actresses have played Princess Leia over the years, Fisher remains a fan favourite.

Shuri from Black Panther

Marvel doesn’t shy away from creating tech-wiz princesses who can also fight the villains on the battleground like it’s a day job. Portrayed by Letitia Wright, Shuri first appears in Black Panther (2018) as the younger sister of T’Challa (Black Panther) and the princess of Wakanda. Shuri is not only a member of the royal family but also the nation’s leading scientist and tech genius, responsible for designing Wakanda’s advanced technology. She is one of the brightest minds in the MCU, rivalling even Tony Stark (Iron Man) and Bruce Banner (Hulk).

In the first Black Panther movie, Shuri plays a vital role in developing the Black Panther suit and other Vibranium-based Technology that propels Wakanda’s progress and defends its people. Letitia Wright does a phenomenal job portraying the character, balancing her serious scientific prowess with playful sibling banter and a refreshing, down-to-earth energy. She also helps to defeat Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: EndGame.

But in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), Shuri takes on a more central role after the untimely death of T’Challa, mirroring the real-life loss of actor Chadwick Boseman. In the sequel, she deals with the grief of losing her brother while navigating the responsibilities of leadership and protecting her homeland. Her character arc shifts from being the genius in the lab to stepping into a position of power, grappling with themes of loss, anger, and resilience while taking on the mantle to become the next Black Panther.

Belle from Beauty and the Beast

The first time EMMA Watson came on-screen wearing that pink dress in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, everyone knew that she was a perfect fit to play a princess. A few years later in the 2017 live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, she took on the role of Belle, bringing a modern and empowered interpretation to the beloved Disney princess. Belle is a brilliant, independent young woman who lives in a small village in France. Unlike the other people in her town, Belle is known for her love of books, curiosity, and refusal to conform to traditional expectations of women in her village.

Watson played Belle with a sense of bravery and independence that resonated with modern audiences. In this version of the story, Belle is an inventor who follows in her father’s footsteps and creates useful equipment for everyday living. Belle’s journey takes an unexpected turn when her father, Maurice, gets captured by the Beast (Dan Stevens) and imprisoned in his castle. To save him, Belle willingly takes his place, showing her bravery and selflessness. We’re all too familiar with the rest of the story. This fresh take on the story paints Belle as a strong, independent woman rather than a victim of Stockholm syndrome, as some might suggest. She sees beyond the beast’s appearance and falls in love with his charm, humility, and kindness. Even though Belle is not a princess by birth, she becomes one by marrying a prince (the beast), making her a princess in every way.

Buttercup from The Princess Bride

Buttercup, played by Robin Wright in the 1987 film The Princess Bride, is the lead female character in this famous fantasy movie. Adapted from William Goldman’s novel of the same name, the film features romance, comedy, and swashbuckling action, with Buttercup playing both the damsel in distress and a strong, independent figure with an important role in the plot.

Buttercup starts as a princess who falls madly in love with the farm boy Westley. Their love story, however, takes a tragic turn when Westley is assumed dead after he gets captured by pirates. Heartbroken, Buttercup agrees to marry Prince Humperdinck, the royal prince of Florin, despite not having feelings for him. This arrangement sets the foundation for her complicated situation as a princess caught up in a political plot. Robin Wright’s portrayal of Buttercup is a mix of compassion, grace, and quiet strength. Her character develops throughout the film, despite the fact that she is first portrayed as a classic damsel in distress. Her courage and resilience shine through, especially as she resists Prince Humperdinck’s advances and holds out hope that her real love, Westley, will return. When she discovers Westley is alive, she finds hope and determination to fight for her true love.

Aurora from Maleficent

Princess Aurora, played by Elle Fanning in Disney’s Maleficent films, is a reimagined version of the original Sleeping Beauty. Aurora is a more complicated and dynamic character in these movies, rather than a passive damsel in distress. She appears as kind-hearted, empathetic, and diplomatic in the films Maleficent (2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019), representing innocence and the possibility of human-fairy harmony.

Unlike the original fairy tale or the 1959 animated movie, Aurora has a more intimate relationship with Maleficent (played by Angelina Jolie), who serves as both her antagonist and protective guardian. Maleficent curses Aurora as a child in the first film but eventually learns to love and care for her as she grows older. This link twists the traditional villain-hero contrast, making Maleficent an anti-hero. In the sequel, Aurora must balance her loyalty to Maleficent with her love for Prince Phillip, as well as her job as Queen of the Moors and her desire for peace with the human kingdom. Elle Fanning captures Aurora’s sweet spirit while also displaying moments of courage and drive. Fanning’s Aurora is not only an unrivalled beauty but also a kindhearted, compassionate, and brave leader.

Princess Anne from Roman Holiday

Audrey Hepburn, the celebrated Hollywood actress, played Princess Anne in the 1953 film Roman Holiday. This legendary character was Hepburn’s breakout role, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Feeling bound by royal obligations, young Princess Anne decides to flee the palace anonymously for a day of freedom while visiting Rome. This takes her on an unexpected journey through the city, where she experiences life as a regular citizen. Despite her regal background, she enjoys the simple pleasures of life and appreciates independence and sincerity. This rebellious and adventurous side enables the audience to relate with her on a more personal level as she navigates her brief life beyond the palace walls.

During her journey, Anne meets Joe Bradley, an American journalist (played by Gregory Peck). Joe is initially unsure of her identity, but he quickly realises she is the visiting princess and seeks to write an exclusive piece on her. As they spend the day visiting Rome together, their connection develops from one of convenience to one of true affection and respect. Their bond brings out Anne’s honest personality and helps her to have a day filled with happiness, spontaneity, and romance. Hepburn’s performance as Princess Anne offers grace, charm, and vulnerability. Her inherent grace and honesty added substance to the role, making her relatable despite her royal status.

Princess Diana from Wonder Woman

Princesses in movies and TV shows — (Image: IMDb)

Marvel has their superhero princess and so does DC. Played by Gal Gadot, Princess Diana, better known as Wonder Woman, is the daughter of Queen Hippolyta, ruler of the Amazons who live on the hidden, all-female island of Themyscira. Diana, who has been trained as a warrior since she was a child, is initially unaware of her real identity — that she is Zeus’ daughter with god-like abilities. Her story begins with her existence on Themyscira, but it quickly extends when she decides to leave the island to save people during WWI.

Diana is shown as fearless, empathetic, and passionately motivated. She possesses an intuitive sense of justice and a strong moral compass, motivated by a desire to protect the innocent and oppose injustice and evil. Gal Gadot’s performance as Wonder Woman is filled with grace, kindness, and warrior ferocity. In Wonder Woman (2017), we learn Diana’s origin story, in which she decides to help pilot Steve Trevor (played by Chris Pine) and Travels to the outside world to stop Ares, the god of war, believing he is responsible for the wars. In the sequel Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), set decades after the first film, Diana faces new challenges and battles against Maxwell Lord and Cheetah. She also plays a crucial role in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) and Justice League (2017/2021).

Margaret and Stacy from The Princess Switch

If you love princesses, then how about a double dose? The new-age Christmas movie series The Princess Switch has become a must-watch during the holidays. The story follows Margaret Delacourt and Stacy DeNovo, two identical-looking people (played by Vanessa Hudgens) and what happens when they switch their identities for two days.

Stacy is a talented, kind-hearted baker from Chicago who runs a successful pastry shop with her best friend, Kevin. She is practical, organised, and focused on her career. Her life changes when she enters a prestigious baking competition in the fictional kingdom of Belgravia, setting the stage for the adventure. On the other hand, Margaret Delacourt is the Duchess of Montenaro, a European aristocrat set to marry Prince Edward of Belgravia. While she’s royal by birth and upbringing, Margaret yearns for a more down-to-earth, everyday experience.

When they switch their identities for two days Stacy falls in love with Prince Edward, and Margaret falls for Stacy’s friend Kevin. At the end of the first movie, Stacy and Edward get married while Margaret and Kevin start dating. In The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020) Margaret becomes a central focus as she prepares to ascend to the throne of Montenaro after the death of a relative. The story introduces a third doppelgänger, Fiona Pembroke, also played by Hudgens, who is a mischievous and scheming cousin. In the second movie, Fiona plays the antagonist trying to take the crown from Margaret. But in the third movie, all three doppelgängers work together to bring back a stolen relic.

Needless to say, Vanessa Hudgens exudes talent by playing all three characters, each with their distinct own charms. It’s a fun Christmas movie series for families to enjoy together.

Cinderella from Cinderella

Disney has made many different versions of Cinderella and movies inspired by the story. However, the 2015 live-action adaptation of the famous fairy tale, which featured Lily James as the titular character, is one of the best versions of the story ever made. This adaptation provided a new, nuanced take on the beloved character while remaining true to the heart of the story. Cinderella, known as Ella in this movie, begins the story as a sweet and lovely little girl living on a beautiful estate with her wealthy parents. Unfortunately, her mother dies, leaving her father to marry Lady Tremaine, a widow with two daughters. When Ella’s father dies, her life takes a severe turn as her stepmother and stepsisters display their vile, selfish characters, turning her into a servant in her own home and mockingly calling her “Cinderella.”

The movie is based on an old classic tale, and Lily James’ portrayal of Cinderella underlines qualities like kindness, resilience, and inner strength. Despite the torture and cruelty she faces, Cinderella chooses to be sympathetic and hopeful, remembering her mother’s final words: “Have courage and be kind”. Cinderella’s relationship with Prince Kit (played by Richard Madden) is deeper in this movie than in the previous versions. They meet for the first time not at the ball, but by chance in the forest, where Ella is unaware of Kit’s true identity as the prince. This encounter establishes a genuine connection based on mutual respect and admiration.

Ella from Ella Enchanted

Is it really surprising that Anne Hathaway made our list of best princesses in movies and TV shows twice? In 2004, Hathaway played Ella in Ella Enchanted, a modern, comedic twist on the classic fairy tale “Cinderella”. Based on the novel by Gail Carson Levine, the film tells a unique and whimsical story that blends fairy tale elements with humour and adventure.

Ella of Frell is born into a fantastical world where fairies and magic exist. At birth, she is “blessed” (or rather cursed) by a fairy named Lucinda with the gift of obedience. This means Ella is compelled to obey any direct command given to her, no matter how harmful or ridiculous. After the death of her mother, Ella’s life becomes difficult as her father remarries and she gains two mean-spirited stepsisters who exploit her curse for their own gain.

Determined to break free from her magical bondage, Ella embarks on a journey to find Lucinda and undo the curse. Along the way, she encounters elves, ogres, and giants, making both friends and enemies. Ella’s journey is not just about breaking the curse but also about discovering her inner strength and learning to stand up for herself. During her adventure, Ella crosses paths with Prince Charmont (played by Hugh Dancy), who is both dashing and kind-hearted. Unlike many traditional princes in fairy tales, Charmont is portrayed with depth and sincerity. Ella and Charmont’s relationship develops over time, built on mutual respect and a shared sense of justice. Their romance is sweet and charming, marked by playful banter and genuine moments of connection.