Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- whimsical
- witty
- breezy
- family movie night
- rainy day
What critics said
Critics broadly found Anne Hathaway charming and the fantasy production appealing, but considered the simple storyline overwhelmed by silly gimmickry and contemporary elements.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The story places a contemporary sensibility and comic elements inside a medieval-style world of fairies, elves, ogres, and royalty.
Ella must obey every instruction because of Lucinda's gift, making autonomy and resistance central to her journey.
Ella searches for Lucinda and works to break the obedience curse through her own initiative.
The film's fantasy world, romantic plot, and musical-comedy identity combine into a colorful storybook presentation.
Films like Ella Enchanted, and why
The Princess Bride
Both are whimsical fairy-tale adventures centered on a resourceful young heroine, romantic fantasy, comic villains, and an uplifting challenge to oppressive social rules.
Enchanted
Both combine family-friendly fantasy, romance, musical comedy, and a clever heroine navigating a stylized storybook world.
The 10th Kingdom
Both are coming-of-age fantasy romances featuring magical curses, fairy-tale conventions, comic adventure, and protagonists seeking personal freedom.
Movie Details
- Director
- Tommy O'Haver
- Release Date
- 2004-04-09
- Runtime
- 96 min
- Rating
- 6.5 / 10 (2020)
Cast
- Anne Hathaway
- Hugh Dancy
- Cary Elwes
- Aidan McArdle
- Joanna Lumley
- Lucy Punch
- Jennifer Higham
- Minnie Driver
- Eric Idle
- Steve Coogan
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Ella Enchanted about?
- A spirited young woman battles a magically enforced obedience curse while pursuing freedom, romance, and a place in a whimsical fairy-tale kingdom.
- What is Ella Enchanted like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ella Enchanted as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Ella Enchanted violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Ella Enchanted.
- What did critics think of Ella Enchanted?
- Critics broadly found Anne Hathaway charming and the fantasy production appealing, but considered the simple storyline overwhelmed by silly gimmickry and contemporary elements.
- Which films are like Ella Enchanted?
- Films with a similar feel include The Princess Bride, Enchanted, and The 10th Kingdom.
- How long is Ella Enchanted?
- Ella Enchanted runs 96 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ella Enchanted?
- In United States, Ella Enchanted is available to rent or buy from JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
