Anne Hathaway’s Career: From ‘The Princess Diaries’ to ‘The Idea of You’

Anne Hathaway burst onto the scene and into the hearts of audiences everywhere with her star-making turn as an unsuspecting princess. Her early career was defined by charming and wholesome roles in family-friendly films, which established her as a sweet and relatable screen presence. However, she quickly proved her ambition and talent extended far beyond fairy tales, making a deliberate and successful transition into more mature and demanding roles that showcased her incredible range as an actor.

Her journey has been marked by a series of bold choices, from gritty independent dramas and blockbuster superhero films to sweeping musicals and sharp comedies. This versatility has not only brought her critical acclaim, including an Academy Award, but has also endeared her to a global audience. Hathaway continues to evolve, taking on complex characters and even stepping into roles as a producer, cementing her legacy as one of her generation’s most accomplished and beloved stars.

‘The Princess Diaries’ (2001)

This beloved family comedy was Anne Hathaway’s feature film debut and the role that made her an overnight star. She played Mia Thermopolis, a clumsy and socially awkward San Francisco teenager who discovers that she is the heir to the throne of a small European principality called Genovia. The film follows her comical transformation from an ordinary high school student into a graceful princess.

The movie was a huge commercial success and became a cultural touchstone for a generation of young viewers. Hathaway’s charming and hilarious performance was widely praised, and she shared wonderful chemistry with her co-star, the legendary Julie Andrews, who played her grandmother and queen. The role established her as a talented new leading lady in Hollywood.

‘The Other Side of Heaven’ (2001)

In this biographical drama, Anne Hathaway took on a supporting role as Jean Sabin. The film is based on the real-life story of John Groberg, a young man who leaves his home and his sweetheart in the 1950s to serve as a Christian missionary on a remote island in Tonga. Hathaway’s character is the girl he leaves behind, who promises to wait for his return.

The film was an independent production that focused on themes of faith, love, and perseverance. Hathaway’s role, though smaller, was crucial to the story’s emotional core, representing the life and love the protagonist had to sacrifice for his mission. It was one of her first roles in a serious, dramatic film.

‘Nicholas Nickleby’ (2002)

Anne Hathaway appeared in this ensemble cast adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel. She played Madeline Bray, a beautiful and kind young woman who becomes the love interest of the titular hero, Nicholas Nickleby. Her character is forced to endure hardship at the hands of her cruel father and a wicked moneylender.

The film was praised by critics for its faithful adaptation of the source material and the strong performances from its cast, which included many respected British actors. Hathaway’s gentle and sincere performance suited the period drama, and the role allowed her to demonstrate her abilities in a more classical and theatrical setting.

‘The Cat Returns’ (2003)

In the English-language version of this animated fantasy film from Studio Ghibli, Anne Hathaway provided the voice for the main character, Haru Yoshioka. Haru is a quiet and shy high school student who finds herself transported to the magical Kingdom of Cats after she saves a cat from being hit by a truck. There, she is told she must marry the Cat Prince.

Hathaway led a talented voice cast that included Cary Elwes and Tim Curry. Her voice work captured Haru’s journey from a timid girl to a confident young woman who learns to believe in herself. The film was praised for its charming and imaginative story, and it remains a favorite among fans of the famed Japanese animation studio.

‘Ella Enchanted’ (2004)

Anne Hathaway returned to the world of fairy tales with this fantasy romantic comedy. She starred as Ella of Frell, a young woman who was given a “gift” of obedience by a fairy at birth, forcing her to do anything she is told. She embarks on a quest to find the fairy and break the curse so she can live her own life.

The film was a clever and fun twist on the Cinderella story, featuring musical numbers and a modern sense of humor. Hathaway showcased her singing ability in the movie, performing several songs for the soundtrack. The role further solidified her status as a charismatic star of family-friendly entertainment.

‘The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement’ (2004)

Hathaway reprised her star-making role as Mia Thermopolis in this popular sequel. The story follows Princess Mia as she prepares to take the throne as Queen of Genovia. However, she discovers an ancient law that requires her to be married before she can be crowned, leading her on a frantic search for a suitable husband.

The sequel was another box office success, delighting fans who had grown to love the characters. Hathaway confidently stepped back into the role, showing Mia’s growth from an awkward teenager into a more poised but still endearingly clumsy young leader. The film continued the heartwarming and comedic tone of the original.

‘Hoodwinked!’ (2005)

In this computer-animated comedy, Anne Hathaway voiced the character of Red Puckett, the film’s version of Little Red Riding Hood. The movie retells the classic fairy tale as a police investigation, using flashbacks from multiple perspectives to uncover the truth behind a disturbance at Granny’s cottage. Red is portrayed as a capable and worldly delivery girl.

The film was an independent animated feature that became a surprise box office hit, praised for its clever script and witty humor. Hathaway’s voice performance gave Red a sarcastic and independent personality, a fun departure from the traditional fairy tale character. She led an all-star voice cast in this fresh take on a classic story.

‘Havoc’ (2005)

This gritty crime drama marked a significant and deliberate departure from Anne Hathaway’s wholesome public image. She played Allison Lang, a wealthy and bored teenager from a privileged Los Angeles suburb who, along with her friends, decides to immerse herself in the city’s hip-hop and gang culture, with dangerous consequences.

The film was a raw and provocative look at youth culture and class tourism. Hathaway’s fearless performance was a bold statement that she was ready to tackle complex and challenging adult roles. The movie was a direct-to-video release in North America but demonstrated her commitment to breaking away from her “princess” persona.

‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005)

In this critically acclaimed and culturally significant drama, Anne Hathaway played the supporting role of Lureen Newsome Twist. She is the confident and ambitious rodeo queen who marries Jack Twist, one of the film’s protagonists played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Over the years, her character evolves into a shrewd and successful businesswoman.

Although her screen time was limited, Hathaway’s performance was crucial in portraying the conventional life Jack tries to maintain while hiding his true feelings. The role allowed her to be part of a landmark film that received numerous accolades, including eight Academy Award nominations. It was another important step in her transition to more mature cinematic work.

‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)

Anne Hathaway starred in one of the most iconic films of the 2000s as Andrea “Andy” Sachs, a bright and aspiring journalist who lands a job as the junior personal assistant to the ruthless and demanding fashion magazine editor, Miranda Priestly. The film follows Andy’s challenging journey as she navigates the cutthroat world of high fashion.

The movie was a massive commercial and critical success, and it remains a beloved modern classic. Hathaway’s relatable and charming performance as the fish-out-of-water protagonist was central to the film’s appeal. Her on-screen dynamic with Meryl Streep, who played Miranda, was praised as a perfect comedic and dramatic pairing.

‘Becoming Jane’ (2007)

In this biographical romantic drama, Anne Hathaway took on the role of the celebrated English novelist Jane Austen. The film presents a speculative account of Austen’s early life and her real-life romance with a young Irishman named Tom Lefroy. The story suggests that this relationship inspired many of her famous works.

Hathaway adopted an English accent and immersed herself in the period’s history and etiquette to play the literary icon. Her performance was praised for capturing Austen’s intelligence, wit, and passion. The role allowed her to lead a historical drama and portray a complex and revered real-world figure.

‘Get Smart’ (2008)

Anne Hathaway starred opposite Steve Carell in this action-comedy based on the classic 1960s television series. She played the highly competent and beautiful Agent 99, who is partnered with the bumbling but enthusiastic Maxwell Smart. Together, they must thwart a sinister plot by the evil organization known as KAOS.

The film was a major box office hit, and Hathaway’s performance was praised for its comedic timing and action-hero prowess. She proved she could handle the physical demands of an action role while delivering a funny and charismatic performance. The movie showcased her versatility and her appeal in a big-budget summer blockbuster.

‘Rachel Getting Married’ (2008)

This independent drama earned Anne Hathaway her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She delivered a raw and powerful performance as Kym Buchman, a sharp-tongued and volatile young woman who is temporarily released from drug rehab to attend her sister’s wedding. Her presence brings long-simmering family tensions to the surface.

Directed by Jonathan Demme, the film was shot in a documentary style that created a sense of realism. Hathaway’s performance was widely hailed by critics as a career-best, showing a depth and vulnerability that audiences had never seen from her before. The role firmly established her as a serious and formidable dramatic actress.

‘Passengers’ (2008)

In this supernatural thriller, Anne Hathaway played Claire Summers, a grief counselor assigned to help the five survivors of a catastrophic plane crash. As she conducts therapy sessions, she develops a close relationship with one of the survivors, while others begin to disappear mysteriously, leading her to uncover a shocking truth.

The film was a psychological mystery that blended elements of romance and horror. Hathaway’s role required her to anchor the film’s suspenseful plot as a character trying to make sense of inexplicable events. The movie explored themes of life, death, and the afterlife through its twist-filled narrative.

‘Bride Wars’ (2009)

Anne Hathaway co-starred with Kate Hudson in this romantic comedy about two lifelong best friends who become sworn enemies. Their friendship is put to the ultimate test when a clerical error schedules both of their dream weddings at the same prestigious venue on the exact same day, leading to an all-out war of sabotage.

The film was a commercial success that capitalized on the comedic chemistry between its two leads. Hathaway played Emma Allen, the more timid and people-pleasing of the two friends, who discovers her competitive side as the conflict escalates. The movie was a lighthearted and entertaining look at female friendship and wedding planning chaos.

‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)

In this ensemble romantic comedy from director Garry Marshall, Anne Hathaway played Liz Curran, a secretary at a talent agency who is also moonlighting as a phone *e* operator. Her storyline follows her budding romance with a mailroom clerk, played by Topher Grace, as they navigate the pressures of the holiday.

Hathaway’s role was part of a sprawling cast of A-list stars whose individual stories all intertwine over the course of a single Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles. Her performance was noted for its comedic energy and charm, and she earned an MTV Movie Award for a particularly funny scene involving a Russian accent.

‘Alice in Wonderland’ (2010)

Anne Hathaway joined the fantastical world of Tim Burton in this visually spectacular adventure film. She played Mirana, the White Queen, the kind and beautiful monarch who was deposed by her tyrannical older sister, the Red Queen. She recruits Alice to help her reclaim her throne and restore peace to Underland.

Hathaway’s portrayal of the White Queen was deliberately eccentric and quirky, as she played the character with an airy, ethereal grace that masked a darker side. The film was a colossal box office success, grossing over a billion dollars worldwide. The role allowed her to be part of a major fantasy blockbuster.

‘Love & Other Drugs’ (2010)

This romantic comedy-drama reunited Anne Hathaway with her ‘Brokeback Mountain’ co-star Jake Gyllenhaal. She played Maggie Murdock, a vibrant and fiercely independent young artist who is in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. She tries to keep her relationships casual to avoid emotional attachment, but her connection with a charming pharmaceutical salesman changes everything.

Hathaway received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance, which was praised for its bravery, vulnerability, and emotional depth. She deftly handled the film’s blend of comedy, romance, and serious drama, portraying the physical and emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness.

‘Rio’ (2011)

In this vibrant animated film, Anne Hathaway voiced Jewel, a fiercely independent and free-spirited Spix’s macaw. She is believed to be the last female of her species and is brought to Rio de Janeiro to mate with Blu, a domesticated and flightless male macaw. The two birds embark on a wild adventure through the city after they are captured by smugglers.

The film was a massive international box office hit, celebrated for its colorful animation, energetic musical numbers, and fun story. Hathaway’s voice work perfectly captured Jewel’s tough and adventurous personality, and she shared great comedic chemistry with Jesse Eisenberg, who voiced Blu. She also showcased her singing talents on the film’s soundtrack.

‘One Day’ (2011)

This romantic drama is based on the best-selling novel of the same name. Hathaway played Emma Morley, a principled and witty working-class young woman. The film follows her complex friendship with a wealthy and charming man named Dexter over two decades, checking in on their lives on the same day, July 15th, each year.

To play the role of the English character, Hathaway worked extensively on mastering a Yorkshire accent. The film is a poignant and often heartbreaking look at love, friendship, and the passage of time. Her performance captured Emma’s journey from an insecure recent graduate to a confident and successful woman.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012)

Anne Hathaway took on the iconic role of Selina Kyle, also known as Catwoman, in Christopher Nolan’s epic conclusion to his Batman trilogy. She portrayed the cunning and morally ambiguous cat burglar who becomes an unlikely and crucial ally to Batman as he faces the formidable villain Bane.

Hathaway’s performance was a major highlight of the film, praised for being sophisticated, witty, and physically impressive. She trained extensively in martial arts to perform many of her own stunts and fight scenes. Her portrayal was a modern and grounded take on the classic character, and the film was a massive critical and commercial success.

‘Les Misérables’ (2012)

This role earned Anne Hathaway an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress. She played Fantine, a tragic factory worker in 19th-century France who is forced into prostitution to provide for her young daughter. The film is a large-scale adaptation of the beloved stage musical.

For the role, Hathaway lost a significant amount of weight and had her long hair cut off on screen to portray Fantine’s decline. Her raw and heartbreaking performance of the song “I Dreamed a Dream,” which was sung live on set, was universally acclaimed as a stunning and powerful cinematic moment.

‘Song One’ (2014)

In this independent drama, Anne Hathaway starred as Franny Ellis, an anthropology student who returns home after her musician brother falls into a coma. As she tries to understand his life, she explores the local music scene he was a part of and begins a relationship with his favorite musician, played by Johnny Flynn.

Hathaway also served as a producer on the film, demonstrating her growing interest in working behind the camera. The movie was a quiet and heartfelt story that explored themes of family, grief, and the healing power of music. Hathaway even performed several songs live for the film.

‘Rio 2’ (2014)

Hathaway reprised her voice role as Jewel in the sequel to the animated hit. In this new adventure, Jewel, Blu, and their three children leave their comfortable life in Rio de Janeiro and travel to the Amazon rainforest. There, they discover that they are not the last Spix’s macaws and must reunite with Jewel’s long-lost family.

The sequel was another box office success, bringing back the colorful animation and musical energy of the original. Hathaway’s character arc focused on her reconnecting with her wild roots and her father. The film was a fun, family-friendly adventure with a message about environmental conservation.

‘Interstellar’ (2014)

Anne Hathaway re-teamed with director Christopher Nolan for this epic science fiction film. She played Dr. Amelia Brand, a brilliant NASA scientist and astronaut who is part of a crew that travels through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new habitable planet for humanity. The film is a visually stunning and intellectually ambitious exploration of space, time, and love.

Hathaway’s character is at the heart of the film’s debate between science and human emotion. Her performance was a key part of the movie’s grand and emotional story, and she held her own in a star-studded cast that included Matthew McConaughey and Jessica Chastain. The film was lauded for its scientific concepts and breathtaking visuals.

‘The Intern’ (2015)

In this heartwarming comedy, Anne Hathaway played Jules Ostin, the driven and overworked founder and CEO of a rapidly growing online fashion company. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her company hires a 70-year-old widower, played by Robert De Niro, as a senior intern. He quickly becomes a friend, mentor, and source of stability in her chaotic life.

The film was a commercial success, praised for its charming premise and the wonderful chemistry between Hathaway and De Niro. Hathaway’s performance captured the pressures faced by a modern female entrepreneur, balancing ambition with personal and professional challenges. The movie was a feel-good story about intergenerational friendship.

‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ (2016)

Hathaway returned to the role of Mirana, the White Queen, in this sequel to the fantasy blockbuster. The film sees Alice return to the whimsical world of Underland to help her friend, the Mad Hatter, who is fading away. To save him, Alice must travel back in time using a magical device, where she encounters younger versions of the characters.

While the sequel was not as commercially successful as the original, it allowed audiences to revisit the visually rich world and its eccentric inhabitants. Hathaway’s character plays a key role in the story’s exploration of past events, revealing secrets about her and her sister’s history.

‘Colossal’ (2016)

This highly original film blended elements of monster movies, romantic comedies, and dark dramas. Hathaway starred as Gloria, an unemployed writer who moves back to her hometown after a bad breakup. She soon discovers that she has a strange psychic connection to a giant kaiju monster that is terrorizing Seoul, South Korea.

Hathaway also served as an executive producer on the project, which was praised for its unique concept and clever use of genre to explore themes of addiction, abuse, and self-destruction. Her performance was acclaimed for navigating the film’s tricky tonal shifts, grounding the bizarre story with a compelling and relatable human struggle.

‘Ocean’s Eight’ (2018)

In this all-female spinoff of the ‘Ocean’s’ trilogy, Anne Hathaway played Daphne Kluger, a famous and slightly egotistical actress. She becomes the unwitting target of a team of female criminals, led by Sandra Bullock’s character, who plan to steal a priceless diamond necklace from her neck during New York City’s annual Met Gala.

Hathaway’s performance was a comedic highlight of the film, as she delightfully satirized the stereotype of a vain and pampered movie star. The movie was a box office hit, praised for its stylish direction and the fantastic chemistry of its ensemble cast. Her character’s surprising arc was a fun and clever part of the heist.

‘Serenity’ (2019)

This neo-noir thriller featured Anne Hathaway as Karen Zariakas, a mysterious woman who tracks down her ex-husband, a fishing boat captain played by Matthew McConaughey. She makes him a desperate and dangerous offer to murder her new, abusive husband for ten million dollars. The film is known for a shocking and reality-bending plot twist.

The movie was a stylized and ambitious thriller that divided critics and audiences with its unconventional narrative choices. Hathaway’s character was a classic femme fatale, and her performance was part of a story that constantly kept viewers guessing. The film has since gained a reputation for its wild and unforgettable ending.

‘The Hustle’ (2019)

Anne Hathaway co-starred with Rebel Wilson in this female-led remake of the comedy ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’. She played Josephine Chesterfield, a sophisticated and high-class British con artist who operates in a glamorous French Riviera town. She reluctantly agrees to train a small-time Australian con woman, leading to a hilarious rivalry.

The film was a lighthearted caper that relied on the comedic talents of its two stars. Hathaway adopted a refined English accent and showcased her skills in physical comedy and witty banter. The movie provided an entertaining look at two very different women teaming up to swindle wealthy men.

‘Dark Waters’ (2019)

In this legal thriller based on a true story, Anne Hathaway played Sarah Barlage Bilott, the wife of corporate defense attorney Robert Bilott, played by Mark Ruffalo. The film follows Robert’s decade-long legal battle against a powerful chemical company that has been knowingly polluting a local community with a toxic chemical.

Hathaway’s role was that of the supportive but increasingly strained spouse of a man consumed by a monumental and dangerous case. Her performance provided the emotional anchor for the story, showing the personal toll that the fight for justice took on the Bilott family. The film was praised by critics for its powerful and important message.

‘The Last Thing He Wanted’ (2020)

This political thriller from director Dee Rees starred Anne Hathaway as Elena McMahon, a veteran journalist covering the 1984 U.S. presidential election. Her life takes a dangerous turn when she quits her job to care for her ailing father, who pulls her into his world as an arms dealer for Central America.

The film is based on the novel of the same name and features a complex and fast-moving plot involving political intrigue and international conspiracies. Hathaway’s character is a tough and determined journalist who finds herself in over her head in a world of espionage and danger.

‘Roald Dahl’s The Witches’ (2020)

Anne Hathaway took on the villainous role of the Grand High Witch in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book. The film follows a young boy who stumbles upon a secret coven of witches and must stop them from turning all the world’s children into mice. The movie was directed by Robert Zemeckis.

Hathaway’s performance was a campy and over-the-top portrayal of the terrifying and glamorous leader of the witches. She adopted a menacing accent and was transformed by extensive special effects. The role allowed her to play a classic literary villain with theatrical flair.

‘Locked Down’ (2021)

This romantic comedy heist film was conceived and shot entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hathaway starred alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor as Linda, one half of a London couple who have decided to break up just before they are forced to quarantine together. Frustrated with their lives, they impulsively decide to steal a diamond from a department store.

The movie captured the specific anxieties and frustrations of the early lockdown period. Hathaway’s performance balanced the comedic aspects of being stuck with an ex-partner with the dramatic weight of a person re-evaluating her entire life. The film was a unique time capsule of a global event.

‘WeCrashed’ (2022)

In this television miniseries, Anne Hathaway played Rebekah Neumann, the wife of WeWork’s charismatic and controversial founder Adam Neumann, played by Jared Leto. The series chronicles the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of the shared-workspace startup, focusing on the eccentric and often toxic relationship at its center.

Hathaway’s portrayal of the spiritually-minded and ambitious Rebekah earned her critical acclaim, including Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice award nominations. She captured the unique blend of new-age philosophy and shrewd branding that made her character such a fascinating and influential figure in the WeWork saga.

‘Armageddon Time’ (2022)

This coming-of-age drama from director James Gray is a semi-autobiographical story about his childhood in Queens, New York, in the 1980s. Hathaway played Esther Graff, the loving and protective mother of the film’s young protagonist. The film explores themes of family, friendship, and the pursuit of the American Dream against a backdrop of societal change.

Hathaway’s performance was widely praised for its warmth, nuance, and emotional honesty, capturing the spirit of a caring mother in a specific time and place. The film was a critically acclaimed portrait of family life and was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

‘Eileen’ (2023)

In this psychological thriller, Anne Hathaway played Rebecca Saint John, a glamorous and mysterious psychologist who begins working at a youth prison in 1960s New England. She forms an intense and unsettling bond with a shy and unassuming young woman who also works at the facility, pulling her into a shocking crime.

Hathaway’s performance was praised for its magnetic and enigmatic quality, portraying a character who is both alluring and dangerous. The film was a slow-burn thriller that built a palpable sense of dread, and her work was a key element of its dark and captivating atmosphere.

‘She Came to Me’ (2023)

Anne Hathaway starred in and produced this quirky romantic comedy. She played Patricia Jessup-Lauddem, the creatively blocked and obsessively clean psychiatrist wife of an opera composer who is also suffering from a creative block. The story follows the various romantic entanglements of a group of interconnected characters.

The film was the opening feature at the Berlin International Film Festival. Hathaway’s performance was a funny and touching portrayal of a woman whose perfectly ordered life is thrown into chaos. Her work as a producer also highlighted her continued commitment to bringing unique and character-driven stories to the screen.

‘Mothers’ Instinct’ (2024)

This psychological thriller featured Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain as Alice and Celine, two best friends and neighbors living an idyllic suburban life in the 1960s. Their perfect harmony is shattered by a tragic accident involving one of their children, leading to a spiral of guilt, suspicion, and paranoia that threatens to destroy their families.

The film is an English-language remake of a Belgian movie and was a tense and stylish thriller. Hathaway’s performance powerfully conveyed a mother’s grief and the creeping dread that her best friend might be responsible for the tragedy. The psychological battle between the two lead actresses was the dramatic core of the movie.

‘The Idea of You’ (2024)

In this contemporary romance, Anne Hathaway played Solène, a 40-year-old single mother and art gallery owner. She takes her teenage daughter to the Coachella music festival, where she has a chance encounter with the 24-year-old lead singer of a world-famous boy band, played by Nicholas Galitzine. Their chance meeting sparks an unexpected and whirlwind romance.

The film is based on the popular novel of the same name and became a streaming hit. Hathaway’s performance was praised for its charm, vulnerability, and wit, and her chemistry with her co-star was a major highlight for viewers. The movie was celebrated as a smart and refreshing take on the modern romantic comedy, exploring themes of age, fame, and second chances.

What is your favorite Anne Hathaway film from her celebrated and diverse career?