Before every Disney star had a TikTok strategy, we had Mia Thermopolis. The Princess Diaries is the ultimate "reluctant hero" story for the middle-school set. It works because Hathaway plays the awkwardness straight—she is not a polished star pretending to be messy; she is genuinely relatable.

The 2001 original holds up because it focuses on the anxiety of being seen rather than just the glamour of being a royal. If your kids have already seen it, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement is the rare sequel that doubles down on the fun, introducing Chris Pine and a mattress-surfing scene that remains a core memory for anyone born between 1985 and 1995.

Ella Enchanted is often overlooked, but it is Hathaway at her most charismatic. It is a jukebox musical before that became a tired trope, and it subverts the "damsel in distress" narrative with a literal curse of obedience.

Parents should know that the movie is a wild departure from the Newbery Honor book by Gail Carson Levine. If your kid is a reader, they might be annoyed by the talking snakes and the pop songs. But as a standalone piece of 2000s camp, it is a blast. It teaches a subtle lesson about agency and "breaking the spell" of what people expect from you.

Hathaway’s later Disney work took a turn for the surreal. Her portrayal of the White Queen in Alice in Wonderland and its sequel is a masterclass in "Disney Weird." She floats through scenes with a stylized, almost eerie grace that keeps the movies from feeling like generic CGI fluff. These are the picks for when your kids are ready for something more atmospheric and less "happily ever after."

The biggest buzz at the 2026 Disney Legends ceremony was the confirmation that Hathaway will return for Princess Diaries 3. While details are still under wraps, the project is set to move forward with Hathaway not just starring but likely producing. Based on the early buzz, the film will likely focus on a new generation of Genovian royalty while Mia steps into a mentor role. It is expected to drop in theaters late next year, and the trailer looks like it will lean heavily into the nostalgia that made the first two films hits.

Hathaway’s Disney career is basically a case study in the evolution of the female lead. Use these movies to talk about:

Q: What age is The Princess Diaries appropriate for? It is a solid pick for ages 7 and up. There is some very mild "teen" talk and a few mean-girl moments, but it is overwhelmingly wholesome and focuses on friendship and family.

Q: Is Ella Enchanted too scary for younger kids? Not really. There are some goofy ogres and a villainous uncle, but it is played for laughs more than scares. It is safe for the 6+ crowd.

Q: Why was Anne Hathaway named a Disney Legend in 2026? The Disney Legend award is for people who have made a significant impact on the Disney legacy. Between her iconic role as Mia Thermopolis, her work in the Alice franchise, and her long-standing relationship with the studio, she is one of the most recognizable faces of Disney's live-action era.

Q: Is Princess Diaries 3 coming out soon? It is currently in development. Relative to August 2026, we are looking at a likely release window in 2027. Anne Hathaway has confirmed her involvement, which is the green light fans have been waiting for.

Anne Hathaway's Disney filmography is the rare collection that doesn't feel like "homework" for parents. These movies have aged surprisingly well because they rely on Hathaway's genuine comedic timing and heart rather than just special effects. Whether you are introducing your kid to Genovia for the first time or prepping for the new sequel, you are in good hands.