1997: Cinderella

Before 1997, Cinderellas were often passive—characters things happened to . Brandy’s Cinderella was different. She was awkward, funny, and deeply human. She rolled her eyes, she had messy hair, and she had dreams that felt tangible.

The production was famously the brainchild of Whitney Houston. She wasn't just a star; she was the driving force. Originally slated to play Cinderella herself, she eventually aged out of the role but remained as the Producer and the Fairy Godmother. cinderella 1997

The film’s heart lies in the chemistry between its leads. , who also served as an executive producer, originally was considered for the titular role but hand-picked Brandy to take the lead instead, stepping into the mentor role herself. She rolled her eyes, she had messy hair,

It taught a generation of children that princesses could look like anyone, that princes could be gentle and kind, and that "impossible things are happening every day." It remains a shining example of how to honor a classic story while making it entirely, beautifully new. Originally slated to play Cinderella herself, she eventually

While not as famous as The Sound of Music or Oklahoma! , the 1957 television Cinderella score is among the duo’s most melodic. Songs like “In My Own Little Corner” (Cinderella’s anthem of inner escape) and “Ten Minutes Ago” (the ballroom discovery) are given lush, full-orchestra arrangements. The standout? “Impossible” transforms from a logistical complaint into a gospel-tinged declaration of possibility, thanks to Houston’s production hand.