Anne Hathaway's 'The Princess Diaries' Marks 25th Anniversary

The Disney film *The Princess Diaries* premiered on July 29, 2001 at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre. The coming‑of‑age comedy introduced 18‑year‑old Anne Hathaway as Mia Thermopolis, a shy San Francisco teen who discovers she is heir to the fictional kingdom of Genovia. Julie Andrews returned to Disney as Queen Clarisse, and the movie was directed by Garry Marshall on a $26 million budget.

Twenty‑five years later the film is being revisited. Disney and streaming platforms highlight the movie’s lasting charm, while cast members reflect on its impact. Actress Mandy Moore, who played the popular cheerleader Lana Thomas, shared a gallery of behind‑the‑scenes photos on social media, recalling the shoot and offering advice to her younger self.

The anniversary underscores the movie’s cultural footprint for a generation of millennials, celebrating its humor, fashion and the breakout success it gave Hathaway.