Anastasia (1997)

Anastasia (1997) is an animated musical film produced by Fox Animation Studios and directed by Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. The film is loosely based on the legend of Anastasia Romanov, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, who was believed to have survived the assassination of her family during the Russian Revolution. The movie reimagines her story as a blend of history, fantasy, and adventure, creating a fictionalized narrative where Anastasia (voiced by Meg Ryan) loses her memory and grows up as an orphan, only to discover her true identity years later.
The plot centers on Anya, the amnesiac young woman who is convinced by a group of con artists, including the charming Dimitri (voiced by John Cusack), to impersonate the lost princess Anastasia in an attempt to claim a reward from the Dowager Empress Marie (voiced by Angela Lansbury). As Anya embarks on this journey to find her past, she uncovers the truth about her identity, all while evading the evil Rasputin (voiced by Christopher Lloyd), who is determined to see the Romanov family destroyed forever.
Anastasia is known for its captivating animation, lush period settings, and memorable musical numbers, such as “Once Upon a December” and “Journey to the Past.” While the film is historically inaccurate in many ways—particularly in its portrayal of Anastasia’s fate—it blends historical elements with fantasy and adventure, creating an engaging, magical experience.