Welcome to my first ranking blog!
There have been many Cinderella adaptations, but which one is the best? I have the ranking for you below. Please know that these decisions were not made lightly!
This is not an exhaustive list of every single Cinderella because there are too many to count, but remember that my ranking is based on my opinions. But if you don’t say anything against it, my ranking will go down as law!
Take a look on my Letterboxd (@screenscopeblog) to see all of the Cinderellas, and how the world has ranked them…
16. Elle: A Modern Cinderella Story (2010)
It’s a film that was made!!!
Sterling Knight with facial hair, low budget production, terrible British accent, a Cheetah Girl???
It’s on Youtube. Here is the link!
15. A Cinderella Story: A Christmas Wish (2019)
I couldn’t watch this one. I was scared to see Ally from Austin and Ally and Mason from Wizards of Waverly Place kiss. (Sorry, I know that I shouldn’t keep actors in a box, but I need to be honest). I just saw the poster, watched the trailer, and decided it was best to stop there. So out of the ‘A Cinderella Story’ franchise, it’s my least favourite by instinct, and I stand by it! I like the singing though!!
If you enjoy cheesy Hallmark films, fasten your seatbelts and go on the ride on Youtube here!
13. A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits (2016)
A singing Cinderella! (there are a few of those in this list) She Hannah Montana’d the prince in this story.
Oh! Why? Nice singing though :). Unsure what to say but I think the music and a humour was a bit much. But if you thought this was the only jukebox musical on this list you would be sorely mistaken!
11. A Cinderella Story: Starstruck (2021)
‘Cinderella’ dresses up as a man and falls in love with the prince, Jackson Stone (very Wattpad name) on a FARM? I would squeeze the film’s cheeks if I could, so wholesome!
BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOO. A lot of this film is actually about the mice instead of Cinderella herself. This is real Disney! The animation is stunning and the dress transformation? Goosebumps. The film inspired all the others on this list, which is amazing, but I don’t like rodents so…
9. A Cinderella Christmas (2016)
I have to smile! I really liked this, Hallmark at its finest and I think the acting was good! They can never make me hate you!! Merry Christmas!!!
8. A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song (2011)
Teen bops are good for the soul. The songs in this film are great and are sat proudly in my playlist. You either get it or you don’t!
I liked how this Cinderella was quite true to the 1950 one, the sisters, the traditional kingdom and the blonde Cinderella, but really focused on Cinderella’s story instead of the helper mice. Cate Blanchett was especially cruel as the evil stepmother in this adaptation and Lily James is angelic wow wow. For me though, the prince was not princing like a prince should prince.One of the better live actions.
6. Another Cinderella Story (2008)
If someone called me the New Classic, I would fall in love as well. I like to dance behind mirrors! Me too, I’m just that girl.
Cinderella but it’s enemies to lovers, instead of strangers to lovers. It would take a lot for me to not like Anne Hathaway, even if she is in a jukebox musical Cinderella for some reason. This film is a mixture of modern and medieval, and I definitely felt the chemistry between the Cinderella and the prince. The premise was a little weird, but it was unique and I liked it!
4. Rags (2012)
Nickelodeon were not really gifted when it came to their films. TV specials, fantastic, but not movie musicals – and then Rags came along. The male protagonist that is in the ‘Cinderella’ position this time and if you haven’t watched it, DO. The storyline isn’t the best, but the songs??? Chef’s kiss. Who must I ginger so that the Rags soundtrack can be on Spotify? I’ve been waiting patiently, checking monthly. PLEASE.
3. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997)
IN MY OWN LITTLE CORNER IN MY OWN LITTLE CHAIR I CAN BE WHATEVER I WANT TO BE. And I believe that. When I tell you that this is colour-blind casting, I mean it. Brandy is iridescent, she just shines in this film. Fun fact, this Cinderella has a 1957 version with my grandmother, Julie Andrews as the princess! You can watch that version on Youtube.
Nostalgia is definitely a factor in this ranking, but is this not cinema, a cult classic? Remember when films were about teenagers kissing in the rain?! Jennifer Coolidge will always be famous. The film knows what it is and leans into it so well, so its number 2! I’m so glad we had that talk!
The production and the actors worked beautifully in this movie! This Cinderella character had principles, strength and substance, she cared about the class differences between her and the prince and said so, even if Drew Barrymore’s English accent was a bit dodgy. I could feel the chemistry of the protagonists through the screen ugh. Maybe love is real.
Loooooool as if I needed further proof that we are the same person. With every scroll I knew that Ever After would be number 1. Even when I saw it I still put my phone down. 😂😂😂
Brandy will always hold a special place in my heart and shares the top spot, if not surpassing it purely for sentimental reasons. Lily James was a wonder. I love Cinderella, it will always be a classic. ❤️
I completely agree with this list lol! Next time, some pictures would be nicee 🙂
Oooo noted! Thanks for agreeing with me too!