Actresses who have played famous film princesses

Film princesses have captivated audiences imagination for years, from traditional fairytales to space adventures, they have often left a lasting impression that stayed with the generations and have become a cult classic. Here’s a list of actresses who played these notable roles that have been loved by all.

Audrey Hepburn played the iconic role of Princess Ann in the romantic comedy, 'Roman Holiday.' The film was released in 1953 and quickly became loved by all. Audrey plays the role of a young European princess who, overwhelmed and tired of her royal duties, runs away to Rome and falls in love with an American reporter. This was her breakout role for which she won an Academy Award for Best actress. She defined the trope of a Runaway Princess in Hollywood.

Anne Hathaway starred in this classic coming of age comedy film, as an awkward teen from San Francisco, who lives with her single mom and later discovers that she’s an heir to the royal throne of Genovia, when her estranged grandmother pays her a surprise visit. The movie was released in 2001 and is based on Meg Cabot’s novel, 'The Princess Diaries.' The role made Hathaway grow into a house-hold name and catapulted her into stardom. The movie has become a sleepover must.

Emma played Belle, a smart, intelligent, and courageous village girl who dreams of a life beyond her small village, in the movie 'Beauty And The Beast.' When her father is imprisoned by a cursed prince, she trades places with him to save him and becomes the prisoner herself. Slowly she starts discovering the truths of the enchanted castle and falls in love with the beast. The movie was released in 2017 and became a massive hit. Emma chose the role of Belle because she was one of her childhood heroines, making it a dream role.

Gal Gadot played the iconic role of Princess Diana of Themyscira in a land of immortal warrior women. She is from the Amazonian race, created by Zeus himself, and is trained from childhood to become one of the greatest warriors of the Amazons. She leaves her childhood home to fight for humanity in World War 1 and later becomes one of the most favorite superheroes, Wonder Woman, fighting alongside humans to bring peace. The movie, 'Wonder Woman,' was released in 2017, made Gadot famous as an actress and was considered to be the very first female-led superhero movie to have gained such a massive hit.

In an iconic role of Princess Leia Organa, Carrie Fisher, refined the entire princess trope. She portrayed strength, sarcasm, humor and realness to the role and showed that princesses don’t always have to be the damsel in distress. She fought back, commanded respect and played an equal role in saving the galaxy. She was first introduced in the Star Wars film, Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, in 1977. Princess Leia is a rebel leader, senator, and force-sensitive member of the Skywalker family who plays a key role in defeating the Galactic Empire.

Letitia Wright plays the brilliant Princess Shuri in the movie 'Black Panther.' Her portrayal of the Wakandan princess was considered a break from racial and gender stereotypes. She played the role of the younger sister of King T’Challa and is considered to be the mastermind behind all of Wakanda’s advanced technology, including the original Black Panther suits and vibranium-based inventions. She is quick-witted, funny, and fearless, and proves that princesses don’t have to stand by and do nothing; she builds tech, fights alongside the soldiers, and leads through her creative innovation.