In high school, my friend Alice and I assigned each other Disney princess alter egos. She was Rapunzel because she had overprotective parents who would keep her in her “tower” aka her house. Mine was Cinderella, because my overprotective mother would always want me home before a certain time. And so there I was, just like Cinderella, having to leave any fun event before the clock struck midnight.

I didn’t know it then, but the story of Cinderella would still resonate with me now. Adults are not immune to being trapped and caged. If anything, we’re even more susceptible to it, just in different ways. Hard times come upon us. We value and exhibit kindness, loyalty, and respect, only to be met with rudeness, infidelity, and disrespect. The good people always seem to lose. The villains win. The assholes have it all.

At times, it might feel hard to keep your chin up and stick to your morals. But there is hope at the end of the tunnel. These movies are where the hero does triumph over all, against the odds, the madness, and everything in between.

It Could Happen to You (1994)

Both characters are good people in shitty situations. That is, until they win the lottery! But big money coming in for people who once had so little creates complications. I loved the humbleness of this film. Top tier performances, a diner backdrop, and incredible writing all around. Loved this one!

Waitress (2007)

It’s difficult for me to put this movie into words, but there’s so many things to love about it. Her journey is absolutely ruthless, which makes it even more amazing and wonderful when she overcomes it all. Also set at a diner (I must really have a thing for diners), the main character is adept at making pies and dreams of opening her own pie shop someday. However, a toxic, abusive husband whom she can’t leave makes her life miserable. To make matters worse, she finds out she’s pregnant with their child.

What I loved about this movie is that the main character is absolutely penniless. She’s saving cash behind her husband’s back just so she can leave him. Her life is spent as a waitress at a diner. She’s doing the best she can for someone in her situation and sometimes it’s just not enough. But with some luck and help, things for her change. I’d say this ending was the most satisfying for me.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

I also talk about this movie here, and I can’t help but mention it again! Mrs. Harris is someone who gives too much to too many people who don’t deserve it. Endearingly, all the woman wants is a beautiful dress, and she won’t stop at anything until she gets it. Along the way, she meets those who help her when she needs it most. I love watching movies and seeing where karma is due, don’t you?

Upgraded (2024)

Maybe not as stifling as the true Cinderella story, but I enjoyed this one. It’s modern and fresh without being too over the top. Nothing strays from the plot, and I think it’s a journey a lot of people can relate to. Also, it’s a real feel good movie for when you need the perfect pick me up!

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The motel’s favorite Cinderella story? Of course, it has to be Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray’s! The oozing chemistry, the costumes, the high school and diner backdrop, the iconic scenes, and Jennifer Coolidge? Too many things to love about it.