One time, in a faraway country, there was a fairytale that we couldn't stop telling.
The story of Cinderella, a kind maiden who is rescued by her fairy godmother from a horrible life with an evil stepfamily and into a beautiful romance with a handsome prince in 2021 has been told many times. Good ol' Cinderella has been portrayed on TV, film, and Broadway by icons from all walks of life, including Camila Cabello, a pop star in Amazon's new adaptation.
Which of these stories is the most magical? We have scoured all the options on streaming platforms and selected 12 (yes, just like the strokes at midnight!). It's best to think about cueing up next time that you need some magic. Enjoy!
Not available for streaming: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1957) with living legend Julie Andrews is not available. You can bet that it would be high on this list if it were.
12. Cinderella (2021)
As Ella's fairy godperson, Billie Porter crushes the challenge. Credit: amazon studios
Camila Cabello plays Cinderella
This adaptation is the best. Kay Cannon, writer-director, is perhaps best known for her work with New Girl and Pitch Perfect. She delivers high production values and solid comedy with Amazons 2021. It stars Billie Porter and Nicholas Galitzine. Pierce Brosnan and Minnie Driver are also featured. Cannons reimagining of the title lacks the heart and elegance of titles higher on this list. However, it has some great covers of current songs and an earworm of a title song in Cabellos pop ballad million to one.
Cinderella (2021), is available on Amazon Prime Video.
11. Another Cinderella Story (2008)
Who plays Cinderella: Selena Gomez
This adaptation is the best. Selena Gomez plays a struggling dancer who has a difficult home life and a miserable school. A modern miracle happens when she shows her moves to Drew Seeley's handsome pop star. The movie is a mix of DCOM vibes (though Warner Bros. released it, Gomez was at peak Wizards of Waverly Place fame), and aughts dance films such as Step Up. It's a great throwback, though not very substantive.
How to watch: Another Cinderella Story can be rented/purchased through Amazon Prime Video and iTunes, Google Play, YouTube and the Microsoft Store.
10. Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child Season 1 Episode 10 (1995).
Who is Cinderella? Voiced by Daphne Zuniga
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child: This is the best adaptation. It's a multi-cultural anthology series that reimagines classic stories for children from all walks of life. The Season 1 Cinderella adaptation, which was released in 1995 as part of Season 1, offers a vital representation of Mexico for the genre and adorable illustrations that you will enjoy at any age.
How to watch: Happily ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child streaming on HBO Max
9. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1965)
Who plays Cinderella: Lesley Ann Warren
This adaptation is the best. If you are a child in the 80s and 90s, chances are that you have seen a VHS copy Rodgers and Hammersteins Cinderella circa 1985. The movie isn't as good as one would like, with its poor camerawork and video quality making it feel more like community theater. However, Lesley Ann Warren's performance as Cinderella has stood the test of time. The actress's melodious voice and her girl-next door charm make this straightforward retelling special. She's also wearing the iconic fur-trimmed gown. The one.
How to watch: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1965), is available on Amazon Prime Video.
8. Cinderfella (1960)
Jerry Lewis performs a delightful 1960s romp complete with incredible dancing. Credit: FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images
Jerry Lewis plays Cinderella
This adaptation is the best. Comedy legend Jerry Lewis plays the title Cinderfella in this 1960 gender-swapped telling. Anna Maria Alberghetti plays Princess Charming, and jazz legend Count Basie is The Bandleader. This telling is a great example of the best music and dancing. It wont be for all audiences but if Fred Astaire-meets-fairytale intrigues you at all, cue it up.
Cinderfella can be rented/purchased through Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
7. Sesame Street: CinderElmo (1999)
Kevin Clash voices Cinderella
This adaptation is the best. Yes, CinderElmo looks as cute as you imagine, but there's more to this children's special. You will be able to see the Muppets retell this fairytale in all their hilarious Muppet-ness. Stay for Keri Russell as Princess Charming, Oliver Platt as the Fairy Godperson and Kathy Najimy the Evil Stepmother. This 65-minute pleasure is filled with stuffed and stacked casts that will make you smile every second.
How to watch: Sesame street: CinderElmo can be rented/purchased through Amazon Prime Video and iTunes.
6. A Cinderella Story (2004)
Hilary Duff plays Cinderella
This adaptation is the best. It has so many things to thank A Cinderella Story that it's hard to know where to start. What is it about the rain-soaked kiss between Hilary Duff & Chad Michael Murray. Regina Kings's speech about not allowing fear of striking out stop you from playing the game? Is Jennifer Coolidge holding onto a cookie and saying, "So moist?" This is a aughts movie for all ages that takes the Cinderella story and adds so much great scenes, you almost forget it was based on anything.
How to Watch: A Cinderella Story is available on Netflix.
5. Disney's Cinderella (2015)
Lily James plays Cinderella
This adaptation is the best of Disney live action remakes. Its #1 title is Cinderella (2015). This film is directed by Kenneth Branagh and features the same visual integrity as The Lion King (2019), but has the updated narrative skills of Mulan (2021). It's a winning combination that makes its stars shine. Lily James plays a stunning Cinderella opposite Richard Madden's prince charming. Cate Blanchett is the true star of the show, as she plays the role of a wicked Stepmother. Her performance will be the best going forward.
Cinderella (2015) streaming on STARZ.
4. Ella Enchanted (2004)
"Ella Enchanted" is a timeless fairytale, with or without Cinderella connections. Credit to miramax movies
Anne Hathaway plays Cinderella
This adaptation is the best. Based on Gail Carson Levines YA novel, Ella Enchanted expands upon the original Cinderella story. A curse similar to Sleeping Beauty, but with obedience rather than narcolepsy. There's also a group of mythical creatures that rebel against the King. And even a jazzy cover version of Dont Go Breaking My Heart with stunning choreography. Anne Hathaway is the star of one her most famous roles.
How to watch Ella Enchanted: It's streaming on HBO Max.
3. Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
Drew Barrymore plays Cinderella
This adaptation is the best. Ever After, a 90s title that was so loved and so specific to its time, can make it difficult to remember that it has anything to do Cinderella. Andy Tennant directs this historical romance. Drew Barrymore stars as Danielle de Barbarac (an orphaned maiden from Renaissance-era France). Danielle lives with her cruel stepmother Rodmilla de Ghent, played by Anjelica Hudson. She faces a uncertain future until she is freed by art and love. Although this story may seem a little dark for children, adults will love its complex themes and melancholy.
How to watch: Ever After: A Cinderella Story streaming on Disney+
2. Disney's Cinderella (1950)
Ilene Woods voices Cinderella
This adaptation is the best. Cinderella (1950), only the eleventh Disney movie, is the most widely recognized adaptation of the fairy tale. It is characterized by beautiful songs and artistic animation, which are typical of Disney's unique approach to musicals. It's a fairytale in every sense, from Ilene Woods beautiful vocals on A Dream Is A Dream Your Heart Makes to the unforgettable fairy godmother transformation scene.
How to Watch: Disney's Cinderella (1950), is available on Disney+.
1. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997)
Brandy is the best Cinderella. Credit: disney+
Brandy plays Cinderella
This adaptation is the best. Although it received mixed reviews at the time, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997) still reigns supreme. It is the best Cinderella story in 2021. The spectacular performances by Brandy and Whitney Houston, who play Cinderella as well as the Fairy Godmother, are a huge draw. But, what's more important is the wide representation Robert L. Freedman has provided with his musical film, which features a cast that includes Bernadette Peters and Bernadette Alexander, Victor Garber and Whoopie Goldberg, Bernadette Petras, Jason Alexander, Jason Alexander, and many others.
How to Watch: Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997) can be viewed on Disney+.
