A Little Princess

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A Little Princess

G

Released May 10, 1995

1h 37m

Kids & Family

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

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38 Reviews

88%

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100,000+ Ratings

When young Sara (Liesel Matthews) is sent to a boarding school by her well-meaning World War I-bound father (Liam Cunningham), the imaginative girl makes the best of things by entertaining her friends with fanciful tales. After running afoul of the strict headmistress, Miss Minchin (Eleanor Bron), Sara receives some heartbreaking news, and is forced to work in servitude. As she struggles to keep her spirits up, she makes some remarkable discoveries that may change her seemingly bleak fate.

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Critics Consensus

Alfonso Cuarón adapts Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel with a keen sense of magic realism, vividly recreating the world of childhood as seen through the characters.

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Anthony Puccinelli

Chicago Reader

I’d advise all parents, even all grown-ups: Go.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 7, 2022

Full Review

Caroline Westbrook

Empire Magazine

Soppy and girlish in the extreme, this should keep even the tiniest viewer rapt, while all too many adults may fall victim to an inexplicable bout of eye-watering long before the closing credits.

Rated: 4/5

May 27, 2011

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

The film uses studio resources to create an entrancing world both in New York and in the heroine's fantasies about India.

May 27, 2011

Full Review

Clotilde Chinnici

Loud and Clear Reviews

Overall, A Little Princess is a masterclass in magical realism, which also happens to be one of the genres Alfonso Cuarón excels in.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 19, 2025

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

One of the most well-crafted, magical family films ever made

Rated: 9/10

Apr 30, 2020

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Purely innocent, whimsical, and imaginative.

Rated: 3.5/4

Jan 29, 2019

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Jaymie-leigh H

made an account just to rate this movie. if you don’t know, get to know!!!! the only movie that leaves me in absolute shambles, my all time favourite

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/17/25

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Eye C

In his early stages of his career Cuarón delivers a moving picture of childhood and violence against it. And now I can see why they pick him for Harry Potter.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

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Sway M

Perfect in every way. No notes.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 37 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $9,000,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/01/25

Full Review

Felipe M

After 30 years this film has aged so well, what can I say that hasn't been said already, it touches the human heart in all the right places, Alfonso Cuaron best work in my opinion along side the most liked Harry Potter movie...(Children of men,what a film too) ..And Liesel Matthews, wow, Her story and background, she was so talented as a child.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/09/25

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Sean M

Absolutely incredible film! I remember watching this as a kid in the 90s and it’s still amazing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/25

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Alfonso Cuarón

Director

Eleanor Bron

Miss Minchin

Liam Cunningham

Capt. Crewe

Liesel Matthews

Sara Crewe

Rusty Schwimmer

Amelia Minchin

Arthur Malet

Charles Randolph

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Synopsis

When young Sara (Liesel Matthews) is sent to a boarding school by her well-meaning World War I-bound father (Liam Cunningham), the imaginative girl makes the best of things by entertaining her friends with fanciful tales. After running afoul of the strict headmistress, Miss Minchin (Eleanor Bron), Sara receives some heartbreaking news, and is forced to work in servitude. As she struggles to keep her spirits up, she makes some remarkable discoveries that may change her seemingly bleak fate.

Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Producer: Mark Johnson
Screenwriter: Frances Hodgson Burnett, Richard LaGravenese, Elizabeth Chandler
Distributor: Warner Home Vídeo, Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers, Baltimore Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 10, 1995, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA): $9.0M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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