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The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Devil Wears Prada is a 2006 American comedy-drama film directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna. Based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel, it stars Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, set in the world of New York fashion publishing.

Plot and premise

The film centres on Andy Sachs, who takes a job at Runway magazine and struggles under the pressure of working for Miranda Priestly. Its setting in the fashion industry drives the film’s workplace and coming-of-age conflict.

Production and source material

The screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna adapts Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel. Several sources note that the novel drew on Weisberger’s experience as an assistant to Anna Wintour.

Cast and characters

Meryl Streep leads the cast as Miranda Priestly, with Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs. Stanley Tucci, Emily Blunt, Adrian Grenier and Simon Baker appear in supporting roles.

Reception and legacy

The film was commercially successful and has remained widely quoted and culturally recognizable. Coverage of its long-term influence frequently highlights its dialogue, fashion setting and enduring popularity.

Key facts

  • The film follows Andrea Sachs, a recent graduate who becomes an assistant at the fashion magazine Runway.
  • Meryl Streep plays Miranda Priestly, the magazine’s demanding editor-in-chief.
  • The story is based on Lauren Weisberger’s bestselling 2003 novel, which was partly inspired by her experience working for Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
  • The film was released in the United States on June 30, 2006.
  • The film became a commercial success and remains culturally influential.
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Canadian context

The film is widely known to Canadian audiences through theatrical release, television, streaming and pop-culture references, and it is often discussed in fashion and media contexts in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Devil Wears Prada?
It is a 2006 American comedy-drama film about a young woman working at a fashion magazine under a demanding editor-in-chief.
Who directed The Devil Wears Prada?
David Frankel directed the film.
What is The Devil Wears Prada based on?
It is based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel of the same name.
Who stars in The Devil Wears Prada?
The film stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt.
When was The Devil Wears Prada released?
It was released in U.S. theaters on June 30, 2006.
What is the setting of the film?
It is set in the New York fashion magazine world, primarily at the fictional publication Runway.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Devil-Wears-Prada
    Supports: Film title, 2006 American dramedy, director, screenwriter, source novel, setting, principal cast, release date, and later stage adaptation context.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_devil_wears_prada
    Supports: Release date, runtime, rating, genre, distributor, production company, and plot synopsis.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/a65223169/facts-the-devil-wears-prada-movie
    Supports: Basic description of the film, principal characters, source novel, and cultural impact.
  4. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Devil_Wears_Prada_(film)
    Supports: Title, director, producer, screenplay, source novel, cast, and plot summary.