Do you have those movies that you always simply go back to? Movies that bring you a sense of comfort and home that can never be replaced or ever get sick of? My older sister and I always have these movies on rotation to come back to. We’ve got A Cinderella Story (2004), Mamma Mia 1, and Princess Diaries 2. Each of these movies holds a special place in my memories. They all played a big part in who I am today and no matter where I am or who I am these movies will always be stagnant in the best way possible. 

A Cinderella Story (2004) 

Made in 2004 this movie takes a twist on the fairy tale of Cinderella based in The California Valley Sam Montgomery Our Cinderella is a teenager who is forced to live with her stepmom and step sisters who are very much full of themselves and constantly cast out and take advantage of Sam’s kindness. Now this movie was made at the peak of those coming-of-age movies because that star-studded cast truly reflects the era it was made in. Our two leads in the movie were none other than Lizzie Mcguire herself Hillary Duff and heartthrob Chad Michael Murray best of all our stepmother is played by the iconic Jennifer Coolidge she has been in many movies and TV shows like Legally Blonde, 2 Broke Girls, and more recently White Lotus. The plot of the movie is Sam trying to break from the grips of her step sisters all while balancing her romance with Quarterback Austin Ames (Chad Michael Murray) but they are not aware of each other’s true identity because they have been emailing back and forth through emails but they know they go to the same high school just in different social circles.

They agree to meet at a school Halloween dance Sam must be back at the diner where she works before midnight or else her stepmother will catch her. This moment will forever be burned into my memory from the moment I saw it all those years ago. You know when you watch a fairytale movie where the girl appears in her gown and looks breathtaking and everyone at the ball stops and stares in admiration. When Sam appears in her beautiful gown and that cheesy pop song plays as she ascends down the stairs I always aspire to have those moments in life no matter how old I become it’s always nice to feel like a princess at times.

And of course, after a dramatic love confession and kiss in the rain the movie closes out with a happy ending. The guy gets the girl she stands up against her stepmom and sisters and Sam and Austin leave together for College. I’ll always come back to this movie no matter what. Sometimes you can just sense when it’s time to put on a movie and if you’ve never seen it I highly suggest checking it out. 

Princess Diaries 2 (2004) 

Starring Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, and Chris Pine this movie is yet again another star-studded cast and movie filled with nostalgia, romance, and excitement. Now you may be familiar with the first movie where we found out that Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) was a princess and her grandmother is the Queen of Genovia (Julie Andrews) but the second movie personally is truly my favourite. Sometimes the sequels are better. This movie could be right up your alley especially if you’re a book reader because this story contains everyone’s favourite brewing enemies-to-lovers arc between Nicholas (Chris Pine) and Mia. This movie secured my big first crush on Chris Pine other than Chad Michael Murray but he’s a blonde Chris is a Brunette so two different cases.

Moreover, This movie reflects a lot on the importance of girlhood and female friendships. This is reflected in the wonderful friendship between Mia and Lily, her longtime best friend who comes to visit her before Mia’s arranged marriage to an eligible English bachelor. The movie goes on the budding chemistry between Mia and Nicholas and they can’t help but fall for each other as Mia is on the journey to becoming the next Queen of Genovia. This movie is always a safe space for me to come back to. I guess you could say I love a happy ending but the music, the message, and the glamour of it all draw me in every single time. How could you resist a movie like this? 

Mamma Mia (2008) 

Mamma Mia is arguably the greatest movie/musical of all time. There is no denying this movie has that absolute magic and ooze of nostalgia that you may need to cheer up your day. The cast is pact with every name you could think of for example Meryl Streep the one and only. And the soundtrack is ABBA I just know in times of trouble you blast a bit of ABBA and all your worries wither away. The aesthetics, scenery, music, and acting are untouchable with this one. I’m pretty sure I know the entire script by heart from beginning to end regardless of whether you like the different renditions of the songs, some are good, some are bad they are still so iconic even if it’s Pierce Brosnan singing SOS. Although that one is pretty bad. Aside from that, the plot of this movie is just so captivating. 

Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep) and her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) are gearing up the hotel for Sophie’s wedding. This all takes place on a little Island in Greece called Kalokairi Donna wandered off too all those years ago and has built a life for her and her daughter. But Sophie does a remarkable thing in searching for her real dad; she sends out three wedding invitations: Bill (Stellan Skarsgard), Sam (Pierce Brosnan), and Harry (Colin Firth) all in the hope they will attend her wedding. This stirs up some trouble on Donna’s little island as she is faced with her past flames and is in constant confusion as to why they are here. As the story progresses with the help of Donna’s long-time friends Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters) Donna tries to navigate life now that she’s faced with her past. In various songs and numbers that reflect each scenario placed summed up in an ABBA song, this movie holds the specialist place and my heart. 

Now you may be wondering why these three movies make them so special they all sound the same. However, what you might miss is the little details that can reflect in your life that have a major impact on people. For me, the Cinderella story represents hard work paying off, making sure you don’t let anyone diminish your dreams, and shooting for the stars. Also, don’t be afraid to ask or accept help. You never know if you could be your fairy godmother.  Through Princess Diaries 2, Mia’s character as well as The Queens Character taught me how to be poise and not to be afraid to make mistakes and take risks. Sometimes what you think you need in life could be the exact opposite and embrace the unexpected. Lastly, Mamma Mia gives me a craving for adventure and new opportunities.