A warm, visually rich Disney musical that blends fairy-tale romance with a grounded story about ambition, class, and perseverance. Its hand-drawn animation, New Orleans setting, and jazz-inflected energy give it a distinct personality, even if the pacing and villain material are a little uneven.
The Princess and the Frog
Where to watch: Buy
Movie · Animation · Romance
Tue · 1h 38m
Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Jim Cummings
Overview
A waitress, desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner, is set on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him.
Director
Ron Clements, John Musker
Cast
Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Jim Cummings
Curator Review
Verdict
A warm, visually rich Disney musical that blends fairy-tale romance with a grounded story about ambition, class, and perseverance. Its hand-drawn animation, New Orleans setting, and jazz-inflected energy give it a distinct personality, even if the pacing and villain material are a little uneven.
Best for
fans of classic Disney animation
viewers who like musical fairy tales
people drawn to romance with a strong work-ethic heroine
audiences who enjoy jazz-era atmosphere and New Orleans flavor
families looking for an accessible adventure with heart
Skip if
you want a tightly paced plot with no detours
you dislike traditional musical numbers
you prefer modern CGI animation over hand-drawn style
you are looking for a darker or more subversive fairy tale
Overview
This is one of Disney’s most appealing late-era hand-drawn features because it feels rooted in place and personality. The New Orleans setting, jazz soundtrack, and lively supporting characters give the film a texture that many fairy-tale adaptations lack, while Tiana’s ambition makes the emotional center feel more contemporary than the premise suggests.
Worth noting
The romance is playful, the comedy is broad but effective, and the animation has a handmade charm that still stands out. It also has a strong sense of momentum whenever it leans into adventure and musical spectacle, even if some of the middle stretch feels a bit familiar in structure.
Bottom line
What lingers most is the film’s sincerity: it believes in hard work, community, and the idea that dreams are worth pursuing without being naive about the obstacles. It’s not Disney’s most complex fairy tale, but it is one of its most distinctive and heartfelt.
Top Letterboxd reviews
lain (5★) · 9124 likes
i wish i had even a fraction of tiana's work ethic
Robin (4.5★) · 6125 likes
This movie had so much jazz and they didn't thank Ryan Gosling once? Uncool.
robyn (5★) · 5948 likes
THERES NO NEED TO KILL RAY IM SORRY
James (Schaffrillas) (3★) · 4403 likes
That shot of Lawrence's huge ass? Cinema
👽hayley👽 (3.5★) · 4394 likes
where the FUCK did that crocodile get that trumpet it just.... came out of nowhere
Themes
ambition, romance, transformation, fairy tale, musical, family, class and labor, self-determination
Topics
hand-drawn animation, Disney musical, fairy tale romance, New Orleans, jazz, adventure, work ethic, blue-collar life, family-friendly, 2000s animation