10 Movies & Shows Like The Ugly Stepsister (2025)

Description: This classic shares with 'The Ugly Stepsister' a blend of fairy tale elements with humor and heart. Both films likely balance romantic fantasy with witty dialogue and memorable characters, appealing to both children and adults.

Fact: Andre the Giant was in constant pain during filming. The ROUS (Rodents of Unusual Size) were puppets, not CGI. Mandy Patinkin's famous line was improvised.

Description: This film parallels 'The Ugly Stepsister' in its focus on a young woman's transformation and her journey to self-acceptance. Both stories involve unexpected changes in social status and the challenges that come with it, wrapped in a light-hearted, comedic tone.

Fact: Julie Andrews agreed to the role only if she didn't have to sing. Anne Hathaway was a complete unknown before this film. The famous eyebrow plucking scene was improvised.

Description: Like 'The Ugly Stepsister', 'Ella Enchanted' is a fairy tale adaptation with a strong female lead who must navigate a world of magic and familial challenges. Both films blend fantasy elements with coming-of-age themes, emphasizing empowerment and breaking free from constraints.

Fact: Anne Hathaway performed all her own singing in the film. The movie is based on a Newbery Honor book by Gail Carson Levine. The film's director, Tommy O'Haver, wanted to create a 'fractured fairy tale' with modern sensibilities.

Description: This film shares similarities with 'The Ugly Stepsister' (2025) as both are modern retellings of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, focusing on themes of transformation, self-discovery, and overcoming adversity. Both films likely explore the dynamics between step-siblings and the journey from being undervalued to finding one's true worth.

Fact: The film stars Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray, who became teen icons of the early 2000s. It was shot in just 35 days. The diner where Sam works is inspired by the classic 1950s diner aesthetic.

Description: 'Enchanted' shares with 'The Ugly Stepsister' a meta approach to fairy tales, blending traditional elements with modern settings. Both films likely play with fairy tale tropes, particularly the 'evil' female antagonist role, while maintaining a whimsical tone.

Fact: Amy Adams was pregnant during filming but hid it with costumes. The film contains over 20 references to classic Disney movies. James Marsden's prince character was originally written as British.

Description: Like 'The Ugly Stepsister', 'Stardust' is a fantasy adventure with fairy tale elements, focusing on a young protagonist's journey and romantic entanglements. Both films likely combine magical worlds with coming-of-age themes and quirky humor.

Fact: Robert De Niro's flamboyant pirate was his idea. Claire Danes was pregnant during filming. The film was based on Neil Gaiman's illustrated novel.

Description: This film shares with 'The Ugly Stepsister' a revisionist approach to fairy tales, telling the story from the perspective of a traditionally villainous character. Both likely explore themes of misunderstood women and the complexity of female relationships.

Fact: Angelina Jolie's daughter Vivienne played young Aurora. The horns were practical effects, not CGI. The film was originally conceived as an animated feature.

Description: Like 'The Ugly Stepsister', this film offers a fresh take on a classic fairy tale (Snow White) with a focus on the female protagonist's empowerment and the dynamics with her antagonistic female relative. Both films likely blend humor with fantasy elements.

Fact: Julia Roberts' first fantasy film since 'Hook'. The costumes were inspired by Renaissance paintings. The dwarves were played by actors of normal height using forced perspective.

Description: While darker in tone, this film shares with 'The Ugly Stepsister' a focus on the rivalry between a young woman and her stepmother. Both likely explore themes of beauty, power, and female agency within a fantasy framework.

Fact: Kristen Stewart did all her own stunts. Charlize Theron based her performance on famous dictators. The film's budget was $170 million.

Description: This musical shares with 'The Ugly Stepsister' a deconstruction of fairy tale narratives, particularly focusing on the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of wishes. Both works likely explore darker themes beneath their fantastical surfaces.

Fact: Meryl Streep learned to climb trees for her role. Johnny Depp was nearly cast as the Wolf. The film combines several Brothers Grimm fairy tales into one interconnected story.