This was Hathaway’s breakout role, and she is perfect as the clumsy, relatable Mia. Her comedic timing and expressive face make her transformation feel earned rather than superficial.

It’s a nostalgic gem. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the fiftieth, it’s impossible not to smile when Mia finally realizes that "courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear."

Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is an invisible, frizzy-haired teenager just trying to survive high school in San Francisco. Her life flips upside down when she discovers she is the sole heir to the throne of Genovia. Under the strict but loving guidance of her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (Julie Andrews), Mia undergoes "princess lessons" to decide if she will take the crown or remain an ordinary girl.

is a quintessential 2000s "makeover" fairy tale that remains a comforting, feel-good classic for all ages. The Plot

Directed by Garry Marshall, the film has a bright, optimistic energy. It’s a "comfort movie" through and through. While the plot follows a predictable path, the witty dialogue and charming supporting cast (like Hector Elizondo’s Joe) keep it from feeling like a generic teen flick.