The Princess and the Frog

On the vibrant streets of New Orleans, a practical young waitress named Tiana pursues her dream of owning a flourishing restaurant. A spell binding two unlikely strangers at the wrong moment pulls a prince into a frog's body and drags Tiana into a magical misadventure. With jazzy backbeats, talking animals, and a splash of voodoo inspired danger, the city becomes a stage for a turning point in both their lives. Together they travel through swamps, bustling streets, and moonlit courtyards in a lively quest to lift the curse. Along the way they discover trust, courage, and unexpected affection. Music and humor keep the pace lively for viewers of any age.

Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, The Princess and the Frog released in 2009 as a return to hand drawn animation, drawing inspiration from the Brothers Grimm tale The Frog Prince and reimagining it with a New Orleans flavor. The film features the voices of Anika Noni Rose and Bruno Campos, with a lively score by Randy Newman.

The Princess and the Frog earned Academy Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song, highlighting Randy Newman's score and songs. Its nominations underscored Disney's return to hand drawn animation and a bold musical sensibility that appealed to both families and critics.

The film made Tiana Disney's first Black princess and became a cultural touchstone for representation with its Jazz Age setting and New Orleans atmosphere. Its vibrant music scene, Mardi Gras imagery, and sassy side characters added depth to its cultural impact, resonating with broad audiences.

Critics appreciated the warmth, humor, and music while praising its craftsmanship and appeal to audiences of all ages. The film centers on hard work, friendship, and love as it blends classic fairy tale optimism with modern values and a respect for culture, inviting audiences to think about choices.