The Princess Diaries (G, 2001)

common sense media says

Terrific fun for girls and their families, too.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie is rated G because it has no profanity, violence, or sexual material, and there is very little to worry about. But that does not make it a kids-only movie. This is a family movie in the best sense, a movie that the whole family will enjoy. Parents should know that Mia drives without a license and manages to escape a ticket using tactics they might find troubling.

Positive messages: Staying true to yourself.
Violence & scariness: Some comic pratfalls and a car crash (no one hurt).
Sexy stuff: References to kissing.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Princess Diaries

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about growing up, choices, and mistakes. Parents can tell kids about some of their own mistakes and fears when they were Mia's age, and what they did to move on from them. They may also want to talk about what teens should consider before deciding to kiss someone, and how important it is to be loyal to true friends.

What's the story?

What's the story?

Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) is a shy 15-year-old who says, "My expectation in life is to be invisible, and I'm good at it." She dreams of kissing high school hunk Josh Bryant, and she'd like to be able to get up in front of the class to speak without going to pieces. Her sympathetic mother, an artist, her best friend Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), and her "baby," a beat-up Mustang she is having repaired, keep her going. Just before her 16th birthday, she gets a visit from her grandmother (Julie Andrews), whom she's never met. An even bigger surprise is the reason for the visit. It turns out that Mia's grandmother is the queen of Genovia, her late father was a prince, and that makes her a princess! Mia will have to get some fast princess lessons to get ready for the ball. That is, if she decides to accept the job -- which she's not so sure about. As she says to her mother, "Just in case I'm not enough of a freak already, let's add a tiara!" Things get worse when Lilly feels deserted and a couple of very public mistakes make Mia feel that she isn't up to the job. But this would not be a fairy tale if everyone didn't live happily ever after, so somehow everyone's wishes come true.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This is a great big luscious lollypop of a movie, terrific fun for girls of any age and for their families, too. It's a terrific movie for any age. It might not be of much interest to boys, though Hathaway is gorgeous (the least realistic part of the movie is the highly ineffective attempt to make her look like an ugly duckling), and there are some cool cars and very funny moments. But it's a wonderful story about growing up, finding ourselves, and taking chances, with lots of great things for families to talk about afterwards.

The queen's head of security (Hector Elizondo in another impeccable performance) quotes Eleanor Roosevelt's famous words, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." And Mia realizes that the important part of being a princess is not what it does for her, but what it makes it possible for her to do for others.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Garry Marshall
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Julie Andrews
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 115 minutes
Theatrical release: August 3, 2001
DVD release: August 3, 2004
MPAA Rating: G

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

Sk8erGurl
kid, 13 years old
 
4+
I love this movie and so does my mom. It's HILARIOUS!

BlueDragonMaster98
teen, 18 years old
 
It's fun
It's fun, but that's about it. The sex-related thoughts mentioned in the comments are suffice.

Movie Parent
parent of 16 year old
 
This movie did not deserve a G rating. There was too much emphasis on kissing between 15 year olds. My own 15 year old was shocked by the protrayal of french kissing in a G movie. Adults in the movie assume that 15 year old Mia has sex with a boy because of photographs in the paper of her kissing the boy and appearing naked, clutching a towel to herself.

slovesdogs2000
kid, 11 years old
 
Good for ages 6 and up.
This movie is awesome except there is a little bit too much mushy kissing and there is a part where people are trying to get a picture of Mia naked.

DragonGirl1
kid, 13 years old
 
A film for Little Princesses
Princess Dairies is a Movie based being true to yourself and how important it is to honor your self. It is a lovely movie though there seems to be a bit more of kissing then there should be in aG-rated movie plus they tried to take a picture of Mia as she was naked but not too much problems. It is a wonderful movie made for all little princesses.

 
fine
Great unrealistic fairytale film. I would watch it. Mia does say 'shut up' and I think there may have been some other language. But I would let a 12 year old watch it

Sara_diamonds
teen, 16 years old
 
Awesome movie!
I love this movie and have watched it so many times I can't count it on my fingers and toes! Although I love this movie, I think this movie would be better off to be rated PG rather than G. I think this because the kissing is quite full on and also becaus eof the part when Mia was wearing just a towel. They're only small points but I think it pushes the movie closer to a PG classification. This movie is hilarious at times and very sweet too. Worth every cent!

RhythmofLove1997
teen, 14 years old
 
awesome movie!!!!!!
I saw this movie with my friend when it first came out, it was awesome!!!!!!! I still love it and I own it now... lol!!!!

Katy0
teen, 17 years old
 
Worth a look
Not a bad movie, but gets a bit too caught up in drama. Nevertheless, there are strong characters and good messages.

starstuddedmov ...
teen, 13 years old
 
Girl Power
I love it!! This is a movie that really always leaves you with a good message. Although, I do think this would be better off rated PG, this movie really is pushing the G rating, I think there is a LOT of french kissing and teenage anst/flirting for a G movie. I don't think it's something I'd want a 3 year old to see.

Dtownmom
educator and parent of 9 and 9 year old
 
It was OK
It was just OK for me. My 7yo daughters loved it. Parents should know that there is a bit of teen kissing - just enough that you kind of roll your eyes and say, Ok, enough already. I would say it is really more for older kids - just all the things that the main character is going through - are teen things, not little girl things. Also, the movie pays a fair amount of lip service to the idea that it is what's inside that counts, but then spends a lot of time making over the lead actress from ugly duckling to gracefull swan.

nickie Foley
kid, 7 years old
 
Not for young kids
Teenage behaviors include negative role models treating peers poorly including (verbal) bullying throughout the film.

rebma97
teen, 14 years old
 
Too much kissing for a G movie
This was a cute film. Not one of my favorites, but I did enjoy it. But there was a lot of kissing for a G rated movie, which parents might not want their kids to see. Also, there was a scene when the paparazzi try to take pictures of Mia naked (she's covered by a sheet). Some of the clothing at the beach looked risqué. But most of the film wasn't very sexual, but I think it should be rated PG

urbanrunner460
teen, 17 years old
 
This is my favorite movie!!!
I LOVE this movie! I first saw this film when I was 7, and I have loved it ever since. The movie follows Mia's transformation from a nerdy, insecure 15 year old, to a confident, smart young woman. I appreciate this movie even more now, as I am now 15 and face some of the same issues Mia! I would recommend this movie to any tween girl looking for a great time!

CupcakeLuverxox101
kid, 12 years old
 
Surprising rating!
I was surprised to see that this movie was rated G when I finished watching this movie. Actually there was a good amount of kissing which is usually in PG movies. But otherwise this movie was pretty good. I love the whole "Queen of England" theme! Very cool! I would say thought this movie would be best for about 9 year olds and some 8 year olds.

 
Some Sexual Matters That Destroy It
I love this movie except for a few things...there were some sexual topics mentioned and body parts. If I could get this exited besides this thing and the whole beach scene I think everything else was great! I love how she learns who she is and accepts who that is.

princess7m2
kid, 12 years old
 
Movie for kids books for teens
Great movie! Okay for kids except the kissing.Books are a big no though.The books are for 11-12+

MovieFan777
teen, 16 years old
 
Fun Chick Flic For The Family
This romantic comedy is fun for the whole family, and is a great take on the classic Cinderella story. Garry Marshall did well for is first 'kids filck', and he was right to choose the wonderful Julie Andrews to play the Queen, plus Hathaway did wonderful for her first film. But I did enjoy the sequel a bit more.

constanza2000
kid, 11 years old
 
e.g. perfect for kids starting at 4 or 5
You must watch it!

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