A Cinderella Story turns 16: Why it’s a classic teen rom-com
By Mads Lennon
A Cinderella Story officially turns 16-years-old today, and it’s still great
Earlier today, I happened to notice an E! News article celebrating the 16th anniversary of the Hilary Duff film, A Cinderella Story, first released in 2004. Since the film debuted, I’ve seen it at least 20 times, and that’s not an exaggeration.
I was obsessed with the film when I saw it in theaters. I vividly remember my aunt taking me to see it and igniting a crazy crush on Chad Michael Murray, which was fitting since I already loved Hilary Duff from her Lizzie McGuire days — pretty sure she was the first woman I ever had a crush on!
Then for Christmas that year, I got a portable DVD player and I would hunker down with my mini-machine and watch the movie on a loop. It’s what first made me start loving Regina King and Jennifer Coolidge as actresses, which paid off considering both women are immensely talented.
It’s funny that A Cinderella Story was panned by critics because the film went on to launch a successful franchise, one that attracted stars like Lucy Hale, Sofia Carson, and Selena Gomez. There are FIVE Cinderella Story movies in total now, although the original is still the best, in my opinion.
A Cinderella Story has evolved into a cult classic over the years.
Despite its many clichés and stereotypical teen movie moments, A Cinderella Story is still tremendously fun to watch. It is also kickstarted a chain of Cinderella-esque films since many teen romantic comedies followed in its footsteps.
Plus, who could forget the infamous drama that occurred between teen starlets Lindsay Lohan and Hilary Duff whose films A Cinderella Story and Freaky Friday rivaled one another, especially since Chad Michael Murray played the love interest in both and Julie Gonzalez played the mean girl in both!
As Teen Vogue pointed out, it’s hardly the most inclusive franchise out there but the films are still fun and sweet to watch, particularly the first. It has been my comfort movie for so long I felt like I needed to pay a little tribute to the film in honor of its 16th birthday.
Next. Hilary Duff's 10 greatest movies of all time. dark
Are you a fan of A Cinderella Story? Do you have any fond memories of the movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!