The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeEntertainmentFilmThe Princess and the Frog
Entertainment • Film

The Princess and the Frog

The Princess and the Frog is a 2009 animated musical fantasy film from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Princess and the Frog is a 2009 animated musical fantasy film from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Set in 1920s New Orleans, the story follows Tiana, a young woman who is transformed into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen and must find a way to break the spell. The film is notable for introducing Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana.

Plot

The film follows Tiana, a hardworking waitress who dreams of opening her own restaurant. After a magical encounter with Prince Naveen and the villainous Dr. Facilier, Tiana and Naveen are transformed into frogs and must reverse the spell.

Production

The Princess and the Frog was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements and produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It is widely noted for Disney’s return to traditional hand-drawn animation after years of computer-animated releases.

Release and reception

The film premiered in 2009 and received a wide theatrical release in the United States. It was generally well received and became an important title in Disney’s princess line for representation and style.

Cultural significance

The film is especially significant for introducing Tiana, Disney’s first Black princess. Its New Orleans setting, jazz-influenced music, and focus on ambition and hard work are central to its identity.

Key facts

  • Released by Disney in 2009 as a return to hand-drawn animation.
  • Loosely based on the fairy tale The Frog Prince.
  • Tiana is Disney’s first Black princess.
  • Set in New Orleans during the Jazz Age.
🍁
Canadian context

The film has broad relevance for Canadian audiences as a major Disney animated feature and a commonly broadcast family film in Canada, but it has no specific Canadian setting or production connection.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Princess and the Frog about?
It is about Tiana, a young woman in New Orleans who is turned into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen and then tries to break the spell.
When was The Princess and the Frog released?
It was released in theatres on December 11, 2009.
Who directed The Princess and the Frog?
The film was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.
Who voices Tiana?
Tiana is voiced by Anika Noni Rose.
Is The Princess and the Frog based on a fairy tale?
Yes. It is loosely based on the fairy tale The Frog Prince.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Princess_and_the_Frog
    Supports: Basic plot, setting, release year, directors, cast, and premise.
  2. Common Sense Mediahttps://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-princess-and-the-frog
    Supports: Release date, cast, runtime, rating, and plot summary.
  3. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1196003-princess_and_the_frog
    Supports: Release date, runtime, genre, and rating.
  4. Mental Flosshttps://www.mentalfloss.com/entertainment/disney/the-princess-and-the-frog-facts
    Supports: First Black princess, hand-drawn animation, and significance within Disney princess films.