The Princess Diaries (2001)

Release Date:

2001

Movie Rating:

G

Runtime:

1h 55m

Release Date:

2001

Movie Rating:

G

Runtime:

1h 55m

The Princess Diaries (2001) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

The Princess Diaries follows the story of Mia Thermopolis, a shy teenager living in San Francisco with her artist mother. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she is the heir to the throne of Genovia, a small European principality. Her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, arrives to give Mia "princess lessons" and prepare her for her new role. As Mia navigates the challenges of royal life, she must decide whether to embrace her newfound identity or continue her life as a regular teenager. With the help of her best friend Lilly and her loyal bodyguard Joe, Mia faces the ups and downs of her transformation while dealing with school, friendships, and the pressures of being a princess.

IMDb logo
6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
49%
Metacritic Logo
52/100
IMDb logo
6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
49%
Metacritic Logo
52/100

The Princess Diaries, released in 2001, is a family-friendly comedy-drama that captures the whimsical journey of a teenager discovering her royal heritage. As a movie for kids, it combines humor and heartwarming moments, making it a delightful watch for younger audiences. Most parents appreciate its lighthearted tone and positive messages, though some note minor concerns about its portrayal of certain social dynamics.

Why Kids Should Watch The Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries is celebrated for its charming narrative and positive messages.

  • Promotes self-discovery and embracing one's identity.
  • Features a strong character arc as Mia transforms from an awkward teen to a confident young woman.
  • Offers visually appealing scenes of royal life that captivate young viewers.
  • Encourages kindness and understanding among peers.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Princess Diaries

Some parents express concerns about the movie's depiction of social status and peer pressure.

  • Highlights challenges of fitting in and peer acceptance.
  • Includes scenes where characters face ridicule or bullying, which may be unsettling.
  • Some elements of the plot may be confusing for very young children.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, engaging storytelling, and valuable life lessons.

What Parents Should Know About The Princess Diaries

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Mia learns to embrace her uniqueness and shows kindness to others, setting a positive example.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The theme of peer pressure and acceptance may require parental guidance to discuss its implications.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Characters who engage in bullying face social consequences, reinforcing the importance of kindness.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Mia's journey involves learning to apologize and work with others, highlighting these social skills.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about self-acceptance and the value of being true to oneself, delivered through Mia's transformation.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Princess Diaries is praised for its engaging storyline and positive messages about self-discovery and kindness. While some parents note the portrayal of social challenges, these elements can serve as conversation starters about peer pressure and acceptance. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing these themes. For those seeking similar content, movies like "Ella Enchanted" or "The Parent Trap" may also be enjoyable options.

Official The Princess Diaries Trailer

The Princess Diaries, released in 2001, is a family-friendly comedy-drama that captures the whimsical journey of a teenager discovering her royal heritage. As a movie for kids, it combines humor and heartwarming moments, making it a delightful watch for younger audiences. Most parents appreciate its lighthearted tone and positive messages, though some note minor concerns about its portrayal of certain social dynamics.

Why Kids Should Watch The Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries is celebrated for its charming narrative and positive messages.

  • Promotes self-discovery and embracing one's identity.
  • Features a strong character arc as Mia transforms from an awkward teen to a confident young woman.
  • Offers visually appealing scenes of royal life that captivate young viewers.
  • Encourages kindness and understanding among peers.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Princess Diaries

Some parents express concerns about the movie's depiction of social status and peer pressure.

  • Highlights challenges of fitting in and peer acceptance.
  • Includes scenes where characters face ridicule or bullying, which may be unsettling.
  • Some elements of the plot may be confusing for very young children.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, engaging storytelling, and valuable life lessons.

What Parents Should Know About The Princess Diaries

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Mia learns to embrace her uniqueness and shows kindness to others, setting a positive example.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The theme of peer pressure and acceptance may require parental guidance to discuss its implications.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Characters who engage in bullying face social consequences, reinforcing the importance of kindness.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Mia's journey involves learning to apologize and work with others, highlighting these social skills.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about self-acceptance and the value of being true to oneself, delivered through Mia's transformation.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Princess Diaries is praised for its engaging storyline and positive messages about self-discovery and kindness. While some parents note the portrayal of social challenges, these elements can serve as conversation starters about peer pressure and acceptance. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing these themes. For those seeking similar content, movies like "Ella Enchanted" or "The Parent Trap" may also be enjoyable options.

Official The Princess Diaries Trailer


The Core Values Learned From The Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries's most common core values include Self-discovery, Building confidence, and Appreciating family. Throughout the movie, kids witness Mia's journey of self-discovery as she learns about her royal heritage and what it means for her identity. This Transformation encourages children to explore their own unique qualities and embrace who they are. Building confidence is another key value, as Mia initially struggles with self-esteem but gradually gains the Courage to stand tall in her new role.

Her growth is evident as she learns to speak up and make decisions that reflect her true self. Appreciating family is highlighted through Mia's evolving relationship with her grandmother, Queen Clarisse. Their bond strengthens as they navigate the challenges of royal life together, teaching kids the importance of family support and understanding.

Other Core Values Explored: Acceptance | Adaptability | Being brave | Courage | Emotional growth | Friendship | Growth mindset | Leadership | Perseverance | Self-expression | Standing up for what's right | Trust

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Princess Diaries

Accepting Your Identity: In the princess diaries, Mia learns to embrace her true self as she navigates her new role as a princess. Initially, she struggles with the idea of being royalty, but through her journey, she discovers the importance of accepting who she is, both as a regular teenager and as a princess. This lesson teaches kids the value of being true to themselves, no matter the circumstances.

Believing in Yourself: Mia's transformation from a shy, awkward teenager to a confident young woman is a testament to the power of self-belief. With the support of her grandmother and friends, she learns to trust her abilities and make decisions that reflect her newfound confidence. This encourages children to believe in their own potential and capabilities.

Finding Courage: Throughout the movie, Mia faces numerous challenges that require her to be brave. Whether it's speaking in front of a crowd or standing up for herself, she finds the courage to face her fears. This lesson shows kids that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it.

Supporting Your Friends: Mia's friendship with Lilly highlights the importance of supporting those you care about. Despite the changes in her life, Mia remains loyal to her friends and learns the value of being there for them. This teaches children the significance of friendship and the support it provides.

Choosing Your Path: Mia is faced with the decision of whether to accept her royal duties or continue her life as a regular teenager. Her journey emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with one's values and desires. This lesson encourages kids to think about their own paths and the decisions they make.

Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Yourself | Embracing Differences | Growing Through Discomfort | Learning from Mistakes | Letting Talents Shine | Making a Difference | Practicing Empathy | Recognizing Your Potential | Trusting Intuition

Why Kids Love The Princess Diaries

The Princess Diaries is a charming adventure where kids are swept into the whirlwind life of Mia Thermopolis, a regular teenager who suddenly finds herself in the glamorous world of royalty. With funny disguises and awkward situations, Mia's journey is filled with laugh-out-loud moments that keep kids entertained. As she navigates her new life, Mia's attempts to fit in and stand out are both relatable and hilarious. The movie is a delightful mix of unexpected friendships and the excitement of making new friends, as Mia discovers who she can trust in her royal adventure.

Kids will love the scenes where teamwork wins the day, and the strong family bonds that add warmth to the story. With its blend of humor, heart, and the thrill of discovering one's unique identity, The Princess Diaries offers a fun and engaging experience that keeps kids hooked from beginning to end.