It’s been 20 years since Anne Hathaway graced the silver screen as Ella, who is forced to do whatever she’s told after a fairy godmother bestows her with a magical talent that demands unbridled obedience. To no one’s surprise, this proves to be much more of a curse than a blessing, especially after Ella’s mother dies…leaving her with the crotchety and cruel Dame Olga. Ella embarks on a journey to find the fairy godmother and break this spell. 

The early aughts fantasy rom-com is a lighthearted adventure with a loveable Anne Hathaway at the center, whose charm and charisma elevate the film’s simple storyline. It’s got clever dialogue and many a smirk-inducing moment. So, on the 20th anniversary of the film, which premiered on April 9, 2004, let’s revisit our favorite quotes from the movie: 

Ella: “It’s not a question of can or can’t. There are some things in life you just do.”

Ella: “How about if I stop thinking about you? How about if I don’t want you anymore?” Prince Charmont: “How about if I want you?”

Benny: “Ah, young love. Full of promise, full of hope, ignorant of reality.”

Ella: “Are you suggesting that I don’t know my own feelings?” Sir Peter: “Precisely.”

Slannen: “I am going to be an actor, which, combined with my natural charisma, will win the heart of the kingdom.”

Sir Edgar: “I never loved your mother. My heart belongs to another. Unfortunately, she doesn’t reciprocate my feelings. But no matter, I shall turn her into a cockroach, or a toad. Maybe a slug.”

Lucinda: “Now, Ella, you’re going to meet a lot of people who will tell you who you are. But the real you is something you must decide for yourself.”

Ella: “Please don’t eat me, giant!” Olive: “I’m not gonna eat you. I’m a vegetarian.”

Prince Charmont: “I have to ask you a question. It’s a good one so think about it. Do you want to dance?”

Ella: “You want to know how I feel? I’ll tell you how I feel. This… stinks.”

Ella: “I’m not just falling in love with a boy. I’m falling in love with a kingdom, with a prince, with dreams.”

Prince Charmont: “I’m really good at… riding.”

Ella: “I’ve been cursed. It’s a story of honor, betrayal, and the power of love.”

Hattie: “Cinderella? Oh, yes! And after that, we can all join hands and sing songs about… kumbaya.”

Prince Charmont: “What’s with the books?” Ella: “I’m a big fan of the written word.” Prince Charmont: “Ah, that explains it. Well, I’ve always been more of a doer, myself.”

Ella: “So, who’s next for the throne?” Heston: “That would be me.” Ella: “Wow. You must be thrilled.”

Ella: “Do you always talk in questions?” Prince Charmont: “Do I?”

Hattie: “Oh, how dashing. Who are you going to kill?”

Narrator: “Ella tried to argue, but in the end, she agreed. That’s the problem with fairy tales: they don’t really leave you any choice.”

Ella: “No, I don’t want a ball. I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell.”