100+ Movies like A Cinderella Story
Geek Charming
"Geek Charming" follows a similar Cinderella story arc as "A Cinderella Story". Both movies center around a popular, wealthy girl (Dylan/Sam) who is initially shallow and focused on status, but undergoes a transformation after befriending an unpopular, geeky boy (Josh/Austin). Through their blossoming friendship and romance, the popular girl gains a new perspective, stands up to her mean ex-boyfriend/clique (Asher/Shelby), and embraces her true self. Like Sam, Dylan also has a personal connection to winning a prestigious title (Blossom Queen/Homecoming Princess) that her late mother once held. In the end, the geeky boy helps the popular girl see her inner beauty, they share a romantic moment, and she wins the coveted title while rejecting the shallow high school hierarchy.
Talk Back and You're Dead
Both "Talk Back and You're Dead" and "A Cinderella Story" follow a similar Cinderella-esque story arc where a young woman from a humble background falls in love with a wealthy or popular young man, despite opposition from his family or social circle. The female protagonists, Samantha in both films, face mistreatment and hardship from their stepfamilies or parents before finding love and ultimately overcoming their circumstances. The male leads, Austin and Top, initially hide their true identities and feelings before revealing themselves and pursuing a relationship with Samantha. The stories involve elements of mistaken identities, masquerade balls/dances, and the revelation of hidden wills or secrets that restore the heroines' rightful status. Ultimately, the couples overcome societal barriers and familial opposition to be together.
Boyhood
Both "Boyhood" and "A Cinderella Story" follow the coming-of-age journey of the main characters from childhood to young adulthood, depicting their struggles and growth. The protagonists, Mason and Sam, face adversity from dysfunctional family dynamics, including divorce and remarriage, as well as bullying and social pressures at school. Despite challenges, they maintain close bonds with supportive friends and mentors who encourage their dreams and ambitions. The films explore themes of self-discovery, pursuing one's passions, and overcoming obstacles to achieve independence and find their place in the world as they transition into college and adulthood.
First Daughter
Both "A Cinderella Story" and "First Daughter" follow a similar narrative arc of a young woman feeling restricted and oppressed by her circumstances, yearning for freedom and a normal life. The protagonists, Sam Montgomery and Samantha MacKenzie, are trapped in their respective situations - Sam by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, and Samantha by the constraints of being the President's daughter under constant scrutiny and security. They find solace in romantic interests who initially represent an escape from their realities - Sam's online pen pal "Nomad" (Austin) and Samantha's college friend James. However, these love interests turn out to be more than they seem, with Austin being the popular quarterback and James being a Secret Service agent assigned to protect Samantha. The films explore themes of breaking free from societal expectations, finding one's true self, and overcoming adversity. Both Sams face public humiliation but ultimately gain the courage to stand up for themselves, shed their oppressive circumstances, and pursue their dreams of attending college and finding love. The endings see them driving off to their new lives, having gained independence and the freedom they longed for.
Blockers
Both "Blockers" and "A Cinderella Story" center around a group of teenage friends navigating major life events and milestones. In "A Cinderella Story", Sam and her friends deal with high school drama, bullying, and Sam's quest to attend Princeton. In "Blockers", the three friends Julie, Kayla, and Sam make a pact to lose their virginity on prom night, which their parents attempt to prevent. The movies parallel each other in depicting the challenges of growing up, finding one's identity, and the complex relationships between teenagers and their parents. Key themes include friendship, self-discovery, overcoming adversity, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Both films also feature a climactic event (the school dance and prom night) that serves as a turning point for the characters.
The Princess Diaries
Both "The Princess Diaries" and "A Cinderella Story" follow a Cinderella-esque story arc where an ordinary, unpopular teenage girl discovers she is actually of royal or privileged lineage. The protagonists, Mia Thermopolis and Samantha "Sam" Montgomery, undergo a transformation from their humble beginnings to become princesses/royalty, guided by a regal mentor figure (Clarisse and Rhonda). They face bullying from popular girls at school (Lana and Shelby) and initially struggle with their newfound status before ultimately embracing their true identity. The movies explore themes of self-discovery, inner beauty, and overcoming adversity, with the heroines finding confidence, love interests (Michael/Austin), and their place in society by the end. Both films feature a pivotal ball/dance scene where the protagonists make their royal debut.
True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet
Both "True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet" and "A Cinderella Story" follow a similar Cinderella-esque plot where a young girl from a difficult home situation is forced to hide her true identity and blend in at a new school. In "A Cinderella Story", Sam is mistreated by her stepfamily and works at a diner, while in "True Confessions", Morgan is sent to live with her aunt in Indiana and poses as "Claudia". They both find friendship and romance at their new schools, with Sam meeting her online pen pal Austin and Morgan falling for Eli. However, their deceptions are eventually revealed, leading to humiliation before they can reconcile with their love interests. The movies parallel each other in the themes of finding one's true self, overcoming adversity, and the classic rags-to-riches Cinderella story arc.
The Edge of Seventeen
Both "The Edge of Seventeen" and "A Cinderella Story" center around teenage girls struggling with family issues and relationships. In "A Cinderella Story", Sam is mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, while in "The Edge of Seventeen", Nadine has a strained relationship with her popular brother Darian and image-conscious mother Mona after the death of her father. The protagonists find solace in their friendships - Sam with Carter and Nadine with Krista - until those friendships are strained by romantic entanglements. Both girls experience humiliation and betrayal from their peers, with Sam being publicly mocked at the pep rally and Nadine's friendship with Krista ending when Krista begins dating Darian. However, they ultimately find the strength to stand up for themselves, with Sam quitting the diner and Nadine reconciling with her brother. The movies also share themes of self-discovery, overcoming adversity, and the importance of family and true friendship.
A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits
"A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits" closely parallels the plot and themes of "A Cinderella Story". Both movies center around a kind-hearted young woman who is mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. The protagonist works as a servant in her own home and dreams of pursuing her passion, whether attending Princeton or becoming a performer. She meets a charming young man from a different social class, with whom she shares a connection and romantic interest. However, her stepfamily forbids her from attending a pivotal event (a school dance/audition) where she could meet her love interest. With the help of a friend, she attends the event in disguise and shares a magical night with her love interest, leaving behind an important item (cell phone/shoe). Her stepfamily schemes to expose her identity and humiliate her, but she ultimately stands up to them, reclaims her rightful inheritance, and pursues her dreams while beginning a relationship with her love interest.
Wild Child
Both "Wild Child" and "A Cinderella Story" follow a similar narrative arc of a rebellious, privileged teenage girl undergoing a transformative journey and personal growth after being sent away to a new environment. In "A Cinderella Story", Sam is mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, while in "Wild Child", Poppy is a spoiled rich girl sent to a strict boarding school in England by her father. The protagonists initially clash with their new surroundings but eventually find friendship, self-discovery, and romance. They overcome adversity from antagonistic figures (Shelby/Harriet) and learn to stand up for themselves. Key themes include finding one's true self, the importance of friendship and family, and the transformative power of new experiences. Both movies culminate in the protagonists embracing their newfound maturity and independence.
Listen to Your Heart
Both "Listen to Your Heart" and "A Cinderella Story" follow a similar Cinderella-inspired story arc where a young woman from a humble background falls in love with a man from a more privileged social class, facing opposition from her controlling and disapproving mother/stepmother figure. The protagonists, Sam and Danny, bond over their shared passions and dreams despite the class divide. They overcome adversity and societal expectations with the help of supportive friends, ultimately achieving their goals and finding happiness together. The movies explore themes of following one's heart, overcoming parental control, and defying societal norms in the pursuit of love and self-actualization.
How to Deal
Both "How to Deal" and "A Cinderella Story" follow the coming-of-age story of a teenage girl navigating dysfunctional family dynamics, relationships, and finding her identity. The protagonists, Halley in "How to Deal" and Sam in "A Cinderella Story", face adversity from their respective stepfamilies and cliques at school. They find solace in their friendships and budding romances with unlikely partners, Macon and Austin, who help them gain confidence and stand up for themselves. The movies explore themes of self-discovery, overcoming societal pressures, and the complexities of love and loss during adolescence. Despite the different settings, the core narratives parallel each other in their portrayal of a young woman's journey towards empowerment and embracing her true self.
Mean Girls
Both "Mean Girls" and "A Cinderella Story" follow the story of an outsider girl who infiltrates and navigates the complex social hierarchy of a new high school environment dominated by a clique of popular and cruel "mean girls". The protagonists, Cady Heron and Sam Montgomery, befriend other outcasts who help them gain entry into the elite clique led by the "queen bee" bullies Regina George and Shelby Cummings. Through deception and manipulation, the heroines rise in social status but eventually realize the toxic nature of the cliques and reject the superficial values they represent. They undergo personal growth, find their true selves, and gain confidence to stand up to the bullies. In the end, the mean girl cliques are disbanded, the protagonists find love interests, and a message of acceptance and inner beauty prevails over the emphasis on popularity and appearance.
Mean Girls
Both "Mean Girls" and "A Cinderella Story" follow a similar narrative arc of an outsider girl navigating the harsh social hierarchy of high school. In "A Cinderella Story", Sam is tormented by her vain stepfamily and the popular clique led by Shelby, mirroring Cady's struggles against Regina and the "Plastics" in "Mean Girls". The protagonists find an ally who helps them infiltrate the popular group to take down the mean girl leader from within. This leads to a series of schemes and revenge plots that initially succeed but ultimately backfire, forcing the protagonists to confront their own flaws and make amends. The movies explore themes of popularity, bullying, self-discovery, and the pressures of high school social dynamics. Both climax with the protagonists rejecting the superficial hierarchy and embracing their true selves, finding redemption and new self-confidence.
#realityhigh
#realityhigh parallels A Cinderella Story in its central plot of an unpopular, kind-hearted girl (Dani/Sam) being mistreated by the popular, mean-girl clique (Alexa/Shelby and friends) but finding her way through a makeover and gaining popularity. Like Sam, Dani gets a taste of the glamorous life but loses sight of her true self and values, neglecting her genuine friend (Freddie/Carter). However, she ultimately rejects the superficial world, stands up to her tormentors, and reconciles with her love interest (Cameron/Austin) who sees her true worth. Both films feature a Cinderella-esque transformation, a vindication of the good-natured protagonist over the materialistic antagonists, and a heartwarming conclusion where the heroine embraces her authentic self while achieving her dreams.
Rudderless
Both "Rudderless" and "A Cinderella Story" follow the journey of a protagonist dealing with loss and hardship, who finds solace and redemption through an unexpected creative outlet. In "A Cinderella Story", Sam overcomes her stepfamily's mistreatment by pursuing her passion for writing and connecting with her online pen pal. Similarly in "Rudderless", Sam copes with the tragic loss of his son by discovering and performing his son's unfinished songs, which helps him grieve and find purpose. The protagonists in both films face adversity but ultimately triumph by embracing their true selves and talents. The movies also explore themes of family, identity, and the healing power of art and self-expression.
Not Another Teen Movie
Both "Not Another Teen Movie" and "A Cinderella Story" follow a similar plot structure of a teenage girl from a lower social status being transformed and pursued by a popular male student. In "A Cinderella Story", Sam is a mistreated stepdaughter who catches the eye of the popular quarterback Austin after meeting him anonymously at a dance. In "Not Another Teen Movie", Jake makes a bet to turn the nerdy Janey into prom queen, eventually falling for her in the process. The movies parallel the classic Cinderella fairy tale with a poor, downtrodden girl being recognized for her inner beauty by a prince-like figure from a higher social circle. They also satirize common high school movie tropes like the popular clique, makeover scenes, and prom night climaxes. Ultimately, the protagonists overcome adversity and societal expectations to find acceptance and love.
The Greening of Whitney Brown
Both "The Greening of Whitney Brown" and "A Cinderella Story" follow a similar Cinderella-esque story arc where the protagonist, a teenage girl, experiences a dramatic fall from privilege and popularity due to a family financial crisis. They are forced to move to a more humble living situation, leaving behind their lavish lifestyles and shallow friends. Through this upheaval, they discover their true selves, form meaningful new relationships (with a love interest and a mentor figure), and ultimately regain their self-worth and independence from materialistic pursuits. The movies parallel each other in depicting the protagonists' journeys of self-discovery, embracing simpler values, and overcoming adversity caused by their initial privileged attitudes.
Youth in Revolt
Both "Youth in Revolt" and "A Cinderella Story" follow the story of an outcast teenager struggling against adversity and societal pressures. The protagonists, Sam and Nick, create alternate personas (Cinderella and François Dillinger) to escape their mundane lives and pursue romantic interests (Austin and Sheeni). They face opposition from antagonistic figures (Fiona/stepsisters and Sheeni's parents) but ultimately overcome obstacles through determination and self-discovery. The films explore themes of identity, rebellion against conformity, and the pursuit of dreams despite familial and social constraints. The protagonists find solace in supportive friends (Carter and Vijay) and mentors (Rhonda and Ferguson) who aid their journeys of self-actualization. Culminating in romantic fulfillment and a path towards their aspirations, the movies celebrate the triumph of individuality and following one's passions.
DJ Cinderella
Both "DJ Cinderella" and "A Cinderella Story" follow the classic Cinderella story archetype, with the main character being a kind-hearted young woman mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. The protagonists, Sam and Cíntia, find solace in creative pursuits - writing and DJing respectively - and form a romantic connection with a charming young man from a different social circle. This connection blossoms at a pivotal event where the heroines attend in disguise, paralleling the iconic ball scene from the original fairy tale. Despite facing adversity from their cruel stepfamilies and social cliques, the heroines ultimately triumph by standing up for themselves, discovering their self-worth, and achieving their dreams with the support of their love interests. The movies explore themes of inner beauty, following one's passions, and overcoming societal expectations and familial oppression.