It's been 21 YEARS since the release of The Princess Diaries 👑
Shut UP!
Last updated 3rd Aug 2022
We all have that handful of films that will instantly transport you back to your childhood - and it's fair to say that, for a lot of us, The Princess Diaries is a big one! And, at the risk of making us all feel super old, the film is now celebrating a whopping 21-years since its release!
The hit American coming-of-age movie, based on Meg Cabot's novels of the same name, starred actresses Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, and is thought to be the platform that catapulted Anne to worldwide stardom.
When was The Princess Diaries released?
The iconic film was released 21-years ago on 3rd August 2001!
Set in San Francisco, The Princess Diaries portrays main character Mia Thermopolis’ (Anne Hathaway) journey from shy high school student and social outcast to meeting her estranged royal grandmother Clarisse (Julie Andrews) Queen of Genovia, and ultimately becoming Princess of Genovia.
Anne Hathaway on The Princess Diaries' anniversary
Last year (2021), on the 20th anniversary of the film’s release, Anne Hathaway shared some cute snaps from the film and behind-the-scenes with her castmates.
The 38-year-old, who was just 18 when she played the part of Mia, wrote: ‘Miracles happen… Happy 20th Birthday to #theprincessdiaries, AKA the film that launched a thousand sleep overs 👑’
The film was directed by Garry Marshall alongside a team of producers which included legendary singer Whitney Houston.
WATCH: The Princess Diaries official trailer 2001:
Fans of the film will also remember the iconic teen-pop soundtrack, which was released alongside the film and included standout song ‘Miracles Happen (When You Believe)’.
Following the success of the original movie, Walt Disney Pictures released the follow-up Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement in 2004, which also achieved considerable success - and who can forget the ICONIC sleepover mattress scene?!
Check out these films we're excited about in 2022:
Scream
Release date: 14th January 2022
Wes Craven's classic 90's horror film is having a reboot... or a sequel? (looks to be a bit of both). Definitely starting the year the right way with a bit of horror from a franchise we've all been missing.
Jackass Forever
Release Date: 4th February 2022
There's been a Jackass shaped void in our hearts for years. It's about to be filled this year with the return of Steve-O, Johnny Knoxville and the rest of the gang, with some famous faces along for the ride.
Death on the Nile
Release date: 11th February 2022
Kenneth Branagh is back with another Agatha Christie adaptation following Murder on the Orient Express back in 2017. With a brand new cast even more stacked than before, this film promises to be a proper whodunnit, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
Uncharted
Release Date: 11th February 2022
Fresh off the tails of the immensely successful Spider-man: No Way Home, testTom Holland is starring in this video game adaptation. From the trailers this promises to be a full fledged adventure in the vein of Indiana Jones. Mark Wahlberg is also along for the ride and we are excited to see the chemistry between the two stars.
The Batman
Release date: 4th March 2022
The Bat is back 🦇, this time with a darker tone and a more emo look. This time Robert Pattinson is taking on the character as part of the next step in a R-Patz renaissance that has been taking place over the last few years. It only seems natural for the former vampire to become a full fledged bat, and we can't wait to see it. The film was shot during COVID-19 in... Birmingham of all places? Despite a few COVID related delays during production, the film is set to be released in March.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Release date: 1st April 2022
Following the success of the first film (at least after they changed Sonic's character design), Sonic the Hedgehog 2 promises more of the same bombastic fun. It also sees the return of Jim Carrey's Doctor Eggman, with the addition of Knuckles, a new villain voiced by none other than Idris Elba (yep, Luther himself).
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Release date: 8th April 2022
Finally, a new instalment in the Fantastic Beats series! And it's about time too. Life was getting pretty boring without a bit of magic in it. Whilst the film was scheduled to be released last year, its release, like many other films this year, was pushed back due to COVID-19, with the film finally being released on 8th April.
The Lost City
Release date: 15th April 2022
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum star in this action-adventure romantic comedy. With this combination of genres there's really something here for everybody. The film also features Daniel Radcliffe, who we really haven't seen enough of on screen recently, and promises to be a good old fashioned blockbuster.
Downton Abbey: A New Era
Release date: 29th April 2022
Life just isn't quite the same without Downton on telly. Well, luckily the series has returned to the big screen. The new film sees the return of our favourite characters, and promises 'A New Era'.
The sequel was released on 29th April.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Release date: 5th May 2022
If the after credits scene at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home left you hungry for more, we can't blame you. Benedict Cumberbatch is back for a second instalment in the Doctor Strange series, this time accompanied by Elizabeth Olsen's Scarlet Witch, Wanda.
Top Gun: Maverick
Release date: 27th May 2022
Here's another film we never thought we'd see a sequel to. Tom Cruise is here to prove he's still got it jumping back in the pilot's seat for testTop Gun: Maverick. This film was in development for a while (thanks 'rona), but swooped onto screens this year to take our breath away on 25th May.
Jurassic World Dominion
Release date: 10th June 2022
The dinos are back (with a vengeance). The last Jurassic World film left the series in a really interesting place, and Jurassic World: Dominion picks up right where that film left off. Not to mention the fact that the cast of the original film are back.
Lightyear
Release date: 17th June 2022
Buzz lightyear returns... in a way we've never seen him before. For testLightyear he's dropped the first name and this looks to be a very different affair to the Toy Story films. Buzz is blasting out of the confines of Andy's room and into the vastness of space - and we're all coming along for the ride.
Elvis
Release date: 24th June 2022
Ever wanted to know more about the King of Rock? Well your prayers have been answered this year with the release of Elvis, a biopic about... well, Elvis. This one really shouldn't be missed. It is directed by Baz Luhrmann (the director of Romeo + Juliet) and stars Tom Hanks, and Austin butler as the king himself.
Minions: The Rise of Gru
Release date: 1st July 2022
Whether you love them or hate them, Minions are here to stay, as this film makes clear. Perhaps the most recognisable animated characters in the world return to the big screen this year in Minions: The Rise of Gru. This new addition in the series promised to be a real crowdpleaser.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Release date: 8th July 2022
Thor returns this year with Mjolnir (his hammer for those not versed in the MCU) in tow. This time there's a bit of a twist in the formula: Natalie Portman's Jane is returning to the Thor universe as... the new Thor? Thor blimey, didn't see that one coming, but boy are we excited to find out more.
The Railway Children Return
Release date: 15th July 2022
The sequel to the classic film The Railway Children came out this summer. It's been more than 50 years since the original film was released and actress Jenny Agutter reprised her role of Bobbie Waterbury in the sequel. The Railway Children Return also sees Sheridan Smith take on the role of Bobbie's daughter Annie.
Nope
Release date: 12th August 2022
From Jordan Peele, director of the Get Out and Us comes the next instalment in his world of horror. We know virtually nothing about this film... other than its name, which also tells us nothing about the film. We do know that the film sees the director reunite with star of Get Out and pride of Britain Daniel Kaluuya, which is exciting to say the least.
Pinocchio
Release date: 8th September 2022
Another live-action remake for us all to get excited about! Disney's classic Pinocchio is being brought back to life, with the cast including huge names such as Tom Hanks, Luke Evans, Cynthia Erivo and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Don't Worry Darling
Release date: 23rd September 2022
1D star Harry Styles is back on the big screen opposite Florence Pugh in director Olivia Wilde's follow up to 2019's Booksmart.
Hocus Pocus 2
Release date: 30th September 2022
Yep, you read that right! 1993 Disney classic Hocus Pocus officially returned with a sequel, and it landed on Disney+ on Friday 30th September.
My Policeman
Release date: 4th November 2022
Starring in yet another film, Harry Styles returned to the big screen in October 2022 in My Policeman, an Amazon Original film which landed in UK cinemas on 21st of that month, and will become available globally on Prime Video from 4th November.
As well as Harry, the film stars Emma Corrin, Gina McKee, Linus Roache, David Dawson, and Rupert Everett, in a 'beautifully crafted story of forbidden love and changing social conventions'.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Release date: 11th November 2022
This year we return to Wakanda. This is a somewhat sad return following the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman. It's a good thing his role wasn't recast as he really cannot be replaced, but his absence will definitely be felt. We're sure the supporting cast of the first film will be able to step up, however, and keep the spirit of Wakanda alive.
Avatar 2
Release date: 16th December 2022
Whilst many films releasing this year have been delayed, none have experienced as many delays as the long awaited sequel to the 2009 smash hit Avatar. We can't quite believe that it's coming out this year, but it really does seem to be the case. Best get rewatching the first film before Avatar 2 releases later this year.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Release date: 23rd December
2022 really is the year for musical biopics, and we are very excited for this one. The perfect film for fans of the singer and the newly converted. The perfect way to wrap up a year of incredible cinema.
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