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Big-screen princesses have been capturing the imaginations of moviegoing commoners for nearly as long as the film medium has existed. But in the past few decades, some of these tiara-toting ingenues have undergone a royal transformation, trading in their dainty manners for daring adventures. Here's a look at some of the silver screen's most memorable princesses, both graceful and gutsy.

Princesses of the silver screen

( Clockwise from top left: Walt Disney Pictures; Paramount Pictures; Lucasfilm; DreamWorks Pictures; Walt Disney / Pixar )

Big-screen princesses have been capturing the imaginations of moviegoing commoners for nearly as long as the film medium has existed. But in the past few decades, some of these tiara-toting ingenues have undergone a royal transformation, trading in their dainty manners for daring adventures. Here's a look at some of the silver screen's most memorable princesses, both graceful and gutsy.