Cinderella (1950)

Cinderella (1950) is a timeless, hand-drawn Disney fairy tale that follows the gentle and kind-hearted Ella — soon nicknamed Cinderella — as she endures cruelty from her wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine and vain stepsisters, Drizella and Anastasia. Left a servant in her own home after her father's death, Cinderella’s hope and patience are rewarded when her animal friends (notably the lovable mice Gus and Jaq) and a whimsical Fairy Godmother help her attend the royal ball, where she captures the heart of the Prince. From the pumpkin carriage to the glass slipper and the midnight deadline, the story moves through familiar, enchanting beats of classic folklore. Watching this film you’ll experience the warmth and charm of Golden Age Disney animation: graceful, expressive character animation, lush painted backgrounds, and a soft, romantic color palette. The movie is punctuated with memorable songs and playful comic moments — the mice’s antics and the Fairy Godmother’s “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo” magic are especially delightful — while the ball scene offers one of the film’s most visually striking, emotionally uplifting moments. Emotionally the film is simple and satisfying: it invites sympathy for Cinderella’s hardships, joy in small acts of kindness, and a sense of wonder at the film’s magical transformations. It’s family-friendly and nostalgic, appealing both to children for its fairy-tale magic and to adults for its classic artistry and heartfelt message about kindness, resilience, and the belief that dreams can come true.

Actors: Ilene Woods, James MacDonald, Eleanor Audley

Directors: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske

Runtime: 74 min

Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy

6.6 /10 85 /100 7.3 /10 7.5 /10