After a splashy premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Disney’s The Princess Diaries debuted in cineplexes around the country on August 3, 2001—which means this fan-favorite film is celebrating its 20th anniversary! Hard to believe it’s been two full decades since we first met shy, awkward teenager Mia Thermopolis, as portrayed by Anne Hathaway, and followed along as she learned that her late father and his family are real-life royalty…
The film’s anniversary got us to thinking about all the memorable times Hathaway brought her talents to various corners around the worlds of Disney. Below, in chronological order, are nine such occasions; do note that several of the following titles are available on Disney+, so don’t miss out joining us for some chock-full-o’-Hathaway festivities!
The Princess Diaries stars Hathaway as Mia, a mousy, unpopular teen in San Francisco who receives the shock of her life when she finds out she’s the heir apparent to the crown of Genovia, a small European principality. Disney Legend Julie Andrews costars in the comedy—Hathaway’s big screen debut—as Mia’s This Princess Diaries sequel finds Mia almost ready to live life as a full-time princess when she’s suddenly faced with having to assume the crown from grandma Queen Clarisse—but when she finds out she’s got to marry before she can, she’s forced to choose from a parade of suitors, including the handsome Nicholas (played by Chris Pine in his feature film debut). Much of Royal Engagement was shot on Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch in Southern California.
