Family Films That Celebrate Transformation

Description: Cher Horowitz, a Beverly Hills high schooler, decides to give her new friend a makeover, leading to unexpected changes in her own life. This film is a modern take on Jane Austen's "Emma."

Fact: The film's fashion has become iconic, influencing trends for years. Alicia Silverstone's character Cher was ranked #41 on Empire magazine's list of "The 100 Greatest Movie Characters."

Description: A popular high school jock bets he can turn an artsy, unpopular girl into the prom queen. This classic teen comedy showcases the power of inner beauty and personal transformation.

Fact: The film helped launch the careers of several young actors, including Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook. It was inspired by the play "Pygmalion" and the film "My Fair Lady."

Description: FBI agent Gracie Hart goes undercover in a beauty pageant to prevent a terrorist attack. Her transformation from a tomboy to a beauty queen is both hilarious and heartwarming.

Fact: Sandra Bullock did her own stunts in the film, including the famous fight scene in the pageant finale. The movie spawned a sequel, "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous."

Description: Mia Thermopolis, an ordinary high school student, discovers she's the princess of a small European country. Her journey from awkward teen to poised princess is filled with comedic makeovers and lessons in self-acceptance.

Fact: Julie Andrews, who plays Queen Clarisse, was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role. The film's success led to a sequel, "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement."

Description: Elle Woods, a sorority girl, transforms from a fashionista to a Harvard Law student, proving that looks can be deceiving and intelligence comes in all forms.

Fact: Reese Witherspoon won a Golden Globe for her role as Elle Woods. The film spawned a sequel, "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," and a Broadway musical.

Description: Four best friends share a pair of jeans that magically fits each of them perfectly, leading to personal transformations as they spend their summer apart.

Fact: The film is based on the novel by Ann Brashares. The sequel, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2," was released in

Description: This musical comedy follows Tracy Turnblad, who dreams of dancing on a local TV show. Her journey involves not just a physical makeover but also a fight against racial segregation, making it a story of societal change.

Fact: The film was adapted from the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, which was also turned into a Broadway musical. John Travolta played Edna Turnblad, a role traditionally played by a man in drag.

Description: While not strictly a family film, this story of a young woman's transformation from a frumpy assistant to a fashion-savvy editor at a high-end magazine offers a comedic look at the fashion world and personal growth.

Fact: Meryl Streep's performance as the formidable magazine editor was critically acclaimed, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. The film is based on a novel by Lauren Weisberger, who was once an assistant to Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Description: A political consultant, known for his rough exterior, gets a complete makeover to win an election, learning valuable lessons about himself and his campaign in the process.

Fact: This Hallmark Channel original movie stars David Walton and Julia Stiles, with Stiles also serving as an executive producer.

Description: A baker from Chicago and a European duchess switch places, leading to a series of hilarious and heartwarming makeovers as they navigate each other's lives.

Fact: Vanessa Hudgens plays both lead roles, showcasing her versatility. The film's success led to a sequel, "The Princess Switch: Switched Again."