One of our readers commented on our WCW: Drew Barrymore post with the suggestion that we should do a Top Five Friday dedicated to the best Cinderella adaptations on the big and small screen. Trystan thought there wouldn’t be enough renditions of the classic fairytale [Ed Note: with historical costumes!] to make a post worthwhile, but I got curious and started looking up the live action adaptations of Cinderella and quickly ended up with a list that could easily fill two Top Five Friday posts! I’ve whittled it down to my personal faves — no doubt, I’ll have excluded someone’s absolute favorite here, because honestly, I’m not kidding when I say there’s a A LOT of Cinderella films. She’s a common occurrence on film going back to 1914, starring Mary Pickford in the title role, and it seems that every decade after has at least two or three variations of the story to offer.
It quickly became apparent that I was going to have be EXTREMELY picky about which films made my top five list, because truly, there’s a ton of historical-ish Cinderella films out there. And I’m not even including the non-English films! So, here’s my very exclusive, but nowhere near exhaustive, list of best historical-ish Cinderellas on film.
Ever After (1998)
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve declared this one of my top favorite films ever, not even just out of Cinderella films. It’s near perfect; the costumes, the plot, the humor, the sadness … It’s sweet and sweetly bitter in all the right ways.
The Slipper and the Rose (1976)
This adaptation of the fairytale has my favorite wicked stepmother (Margaret Lockwood) and fairy godmother (Annette Crosbie). The costumes are gorgeous, though depending on the character they suffer a little from Main Character Costume Syndrome. Richard Chamberlain is probably the worst actor that could have been cast as Prince Charming, but he was hot shit at this point in the ’70s, and appeared to be the guy they cast in any costume flick as the love interest, so ok, why not?
Cinderella (2021)
Are you surprised I ranked this one so high up? Well, you shouldn’t be. I thought it was a fun modernization of the fairytale, striking a balance between strictly historical and historically inflected costuming. It’s a fun romp, and sometimes I just put it on to enjoy the fluff. Billy Porter can be my fabulous godmother ANY day. Fun fact: Ellen Mirojnick also costumed the first season of Bridgerton.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1965)
This is one I’m pretty sure I’m going to get some flack on because I’m choosing it over the 1957 Rodgers & Hammerstein Cinderella starring Julie Andrews. Why? Well, there are a couple of reasons including the fact that the 1957 adaptation of the musical has nice-enough costumes, but they aren’t really on the same level as the 1965 version. They’re too tasteful. Too pretty. Too … too. But ultimately, the 1965 version is the first live-action version I remember seeing, and since this is my list, the nostalgia factor won out in the end.
Cinderella (2015)
If we are going purely on costuming for this list, Cinderella (2015) would be insane to omit. The costumes by Sandy Powell are TO. DIE. FOR. As for the rest of the film, eh, it’s fine.
Honorable Mention: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997)
This adaptation is going on this list as an honorable mention, mainly because I can’t conceive of not including it even if it didn’t make the top five. Starring Brandy as Cinderella, Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, Whoopi Goldberg as the Queen, and Bernadette Peters as the Wicked Stepmother, it really punches up the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. It’s brightly colored, sparkly, and just a total romp.
Did I leave off your favorite adaptation of this classic fairytale? Tell me about it in the comments and maybe I’ll make a second post in the near future!
Glad you liked the 2021 Cinderella because whoo boy did I not. I felt like they were basically just doing a retread of the 2015 version, with Cinderella not caring about being a princess and the prince being unsure if he wanted to rule but having the position thrust on him by virtue of being the firstborn son. Add in Camila Cabello’s wooden, 21st century faux feminist acting (and my unfortunate knowledge of her real life awfulness) and… it was a hard watch.
I’ll admit, I included it mainly because of Billy Porter and Minnie Driver. And I do actually like the costumes a lot. Maybe there’s another post in here about how every generation gets a Cinderella that says something about it, sometimes in ways that aren’t exactly flattering upon inspection.
What, no Pierce Brosnan?
This is true – I was probably viewing the 2021 from a more adult lens since I grew up with the Brandy Cinderella and Ever After which I loved, and then took my younger cousins to the 2015 Cinderella, so got to experience the whimsy/magic from their POV.
The Slipper and the Rose! I have very fond memories of seeing this at Radio City Music Hall at Christmas. And, of course, Annette Crosbie is the BEST fairy godmother (I will fight you). :)
’65 Cinderella lives rent free in my head. Magical and delightful Medieval Chic! (Ginger Rogers cut out gown is amazing!) I loved it so much that I based my wedding hairdo on Leslie’s Cinderella (married 1993) I scrolled down slowly with concern that you would not mention it! Thank You!
Same here! My first Cinderella, so the best Cinderella.
This kind of makes me want to have a Cinderella movie marathon. I love every single version on this list. They are all so good!
Great post, I’d love to know your opinion on a more general top 5 overall fairy tale adaptations -which ones have the best costumes from a historical standpoint?
I will fight alongside you for the honour of Annette crosbie
Well, if you, one day, feel up to an international edition I’d sure like to suggest Czecho-Slovakian/GDR joint venture ‘Three wishes for Cinderella’ after Božena Němcová’s (seriously worth a look-into) version of the story: With the heroine being every bit as feisty as Drew, a cute but dumbo prince, dogs, owls, horses and the most piggy-swag stepmother (Carola Braunbock, a Bert Brecht discovery) there is. The costumes, though by now pretty much czech unesco heritage in status, are undeniably from behind the Iron curtain in look and feel. According to my mother the whole country/countries did know of silk only via museum, heirlooms or recycled allied parachutes. Same with most of the mostly all other natural fibres. But at least the production dared to lean into more outlandish German+Italian renaissance designs and proportions.
Every christmas I remember with more a acuteness, that I still want that bat hat/veil (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMGNiNTZlMWUtMTc5OC00MGUyLWE2MDYtNzBkNDIyZGUzYjg5XkEyXkFqcGc@._V1_QL75_UX392_.jpg).
I’ve read, that the film was actually supposed to shoot in summer and everything was prepared accordingly. Since it was “only” a fairy tale and had a border-crossing filming schedule, it was pushed back until the levels of winter you can now see in the movie – which adds so well to its appeal, that in 2022 Norway filmed and even more GoT-y remake. Not bad. But not as charming.
For contrast and diversity, there’s also a 1989 ZDF ‘Aschenputtel’ version that is very 1840-Grimm in essence: meek, staid and forbearing. Perfect Fanny Price/Biedermeier wive material with an edge à la Spitzweg and a dab of 80ies gothic in the stepmother and sisters. Unlikeliest of unlikelinesses: Pretty decent costumes.(https://www.cinema.de/sites/default/files/styles/cin_landscape_650/public/sync/img.tvspielfilm.de/b4/5c/18/5459def3e4b0f17a83185cb4.jpeg.jpg?h=2e4af638&itok=eEJA3QJY). The prince. Well. He’s a nutcracker.
Completely agree with you on Three Wishes for Cinderella. Beautiful version of the story with unique variations.
Should definitely get more attention.
PS: Anyone seen the new ‘Ugly Stepsister’ period set horror version?
I did, and I absolutely loved it! Artfully done and unflinching commentary on body image.
It is definitely not for everyone! I think it will be rather divisive the wider the audience it receives. For my part, I thought it was great.
I just did and I loved it! Been dying for a dark version of the Cinderella tale forever and it delivered.
I was very impressed by how much they can squeeze the costumes within a small budget.
_ I guess the last comment did not go through because it had image links… sorry for a potential double! But here it is: _
Well, if you, one day, feel up to an international edition I’d sure like to suggest Czecho-Slovakian/GDR joint venture ‘Three wishes for Cinderella’ after Božena Němcová’s (seriously worth a look-into) version of the story: With the heroine being every bit as feisty as Drew, a cute but dumbo prince, dogs, owls, horses and the most piggy-swag stepmother (Carola Braunbock, a Bert Brecht discovery) there is. The costumes, though by now pretty much Czech unesco heritage in status, are undeniably from behind the Iron curtain in look and feel. According to my mother the whole country/countries did know of silk only through museums, heirlooms or repurposed allied parachutes. Same with mostly all other natural fibres. But at least the production dared to lean into more outlandish German+Italian renaissance designs and proportions.
Every christmas I remember with more a acuteness, that I still want that bat hat/veil (imagelink…).
I’ve read, that the film was actually supposed to shoot in summer and everything was prepared accordingly. Since it was “only” a fairy tale and had a border-crossing filming schedule, it was pushed back until the levels of winter you can now see in the movie – which adds so well to its appeal, that in 2022 Norway filmed and even more GoT-y remake. Up to date. Probably nicer for actors and crew to film. Not bad. But not as charming.
For contrast and diversity, there’s also a 1989 ZDF ‘Aschenputtel’ version that is very 1840-Brothers Grimm in essence: meek, staid and forbearing. Perfect Fanny Price/Biedermeier wive material with an edge à la Spitzweg and a dab of 80ies gothic in the stepmother and sisters. Plus, unlikeliest of unlikelinesses: Pretty decent, if a little decade-hopping costumes.
“Ever After” is definitely at the top of my list, but I also have a lot of nostalgic love for the Faerie Tale Theater “Cinderella” and the “Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister” tv movie. And it’s more of a combination of stories, but “Sapsorrow” from Jim Henson’s The Storyteller is another good take, especially with French and Saunders as the sisters. There really are a million adaptations of this story, aren’t there?
I have a soft spot for “The Glass Slipper” (1955), starring Leslie Caron of “Gigi.”
The Slipper and the Rose came out when I was in my first year studying at the University of Cambridge. A friend and I went and as we entered the theatre, a grey haired Don asked if he might sit with us. It became clear that he wanted to see the film, but was embarrassed, at his age, to be seen watching it. We gave him a cover and had a delightful conversation.
As for Richard Chamberlain, he was our young women’s idea of an handsome prince. We particularly loved the ‘What a Comforting Thing to Know’ scene; those long legs and all that athleticism. Be still my beating heart. The hair styles certainly didn’t matter one jot.
I love a good Cinderella movie. Ever After, Slipper and the Rose, Cinderella with Lily James, and Cinderella with Brandy are my favorites. Have you seen Cenerentola (2011)? It’s an Italian Cinderella adaptation set in 1950s Rome with beautiful costumes and a really cute guy playing the love interest.
I love Ever After :)
It’s not strictly about Cinderella but I remember seeing Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister on the Wonderful World of Disney in the late 90s 2000ish era. It was set in the Netherlands and tulips were a focus. The Wonderful World of Disney also did a live action Snow White around that time. I don’t remember much but I think the dwarves turn into a rainbow or something.
Slipper and the Rose will always be my number one Cinders. Loved the costumes, loved Richard, loved the locations, loved the Sherman Brothers score – really humorous and sophisticated compared to some of the music they wrote for Disney. I also loved the Leslie Ann Warren Cinders; I remember seeing the original broadcast as a child. Gave the DVD to my husband for Xmas because it reminded him of Disney Parks Entertainment division costuming and choreography when he was a young dancer. I do give extra brownie points to the breathe dress in Ever After – gorgeous, but not a fan of the leading lady. She’s the vocal and physical doppleganger of my cloyingly obnoxious s-i-l. Can’t watch more than five minutes of anything she’s in. Lily James – at least they properly call her Ella. It was a fun film – the steps were awful in a child friendly way. So juvenile, and Cate trying to keep it together while the one was singing. Oy – brilliant scene. Having seen the costumes in person, and realizing the ballgown was digitally enhanced on the screen, well – it’s not really period, but I do love the gorgeous blue and appreciate the layers and layers of iridescent fabrics under the top blue layer, not to mention the structural engineering in the bodice to be able to support that skirt. While the costumes were pure Hollywood, I think that they genuinely fulfilled any little kid’s imaginings of what a princess would wear in a fairy tale land.