When Disney first announced they were making a show about a "peasant girl" who becomes a princess overnight, the internet—or at least the parenting and Disney-fan corners of it—had some thoughts. Some people were worried it would be another "wait for your prince" trope. But they were wrong. Honestly, Sofia the First became one of the most progressive and surprisingly deep franchises Disney Junior ever produced.
If you’re looking for "movies Sofia the First," you’re likely realizing that the line between a "movie" and a "special" is kinda blurry in the world of Enchancia. Most people think there are only one or two. Actually, the story is told through four distinct long-form features that basically act as the pillars of the whole series.
The Movie That Started It All: Once Upon a Princess
Before the weekly series ever hit Disney Junior in 2013, we got Once Upon a Princess. This is the "true" movie. It’s the origin story. We see Sofia and her mom, Miranda, living a humble life in a shoe shop until King Roland II falls in love and marries Miranda.
Suddenly, Sofia is thrust into a world of flying carriages and "Royal Prep" school. It’s not all glitter, though. Her new stepsister, Amber, is—to put it bluntly—pretty mean at first. She’s jealous. She’s insecure. She even gives Sofia trick shoes to make her look like a fool during a dance.
What makes this movie work is the introduction of the Amulet of Avalor. It’s the engine for the entire franchise. When Sofia does something good, the amulet gives her a "blessing" (like talking to animals). When she messes up, it’s a curse. It also brought in Cinderella for the first-ever "Legacy Princess" cameo, setting the stage for every Disney icon from Jasmine to Belle to eventually stop by.
The Secret Library and The Curse of Princess Ivy
A lot of casual viewers missed The Curse of Princess Ivy. This was a massive television movie event that shifted the tone of the show. It wasn’t just about learning table manners anymore. This movie introduced Princess Ivy, a black-and-white-clad antagonist from a rival kingdom who wants to steal the crown and turn all of Enchancia gray.
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Why does this one matter? Because it marks the moment Amber finally learns Sofia’s secret. Up until this point, Sofia was keeping her animal-talking, princess-summoning powers under wraps. Amber steals the amulet, Ivy is unleashed, and we get a high-stakes adventure featuring a cameo from Rapunzel.
The music in this one—especially "Dare to Risk it All"—showed that Disney wasn't just making "toddler tunes." They were writing Broadway-style anthems for four-year-olds. It’s pretty impressive when you listen back to it as an adult.
The Crossover Movie: Elena and the Secret of Avalor
This is the one that really blew the doors off the "Sofia-verse." For years, fans wondered why Sofia’s amulet was called the Amulet of Avalor. In 2016, we finally got the answer in a full-length crossover movie.
Basically, a princess named Elena had been trapped inside Sofia's amulet for 41 years. 41 years!
Sofia has to travel to the Kingdom of Avalor, face off against an evil sorceress named Shuriki (who actually killed Elena’s parents—heavy stuff for Disney Junior), and find a way to set Elena free. This movie served as the "backdoor pilot" for the Elena of Avalor series. It’s a masterclass in world-building. Sofia isn't just a student here; she’s a hero. She uses her experience as a "Storykeeper" to fix history.
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Forever Royal: The Epic Series Finale
In September 2018, the journey ended with Forever Royal. If you haven't seen this one, bring tissues. It’s a 70-minute finale that brings back almost every character the show ever introduced.
The stakes were higher than they’d ever been. An evil sorceress named Vor tries to take over the Ever Realm. Sofia has to go to the "Mystic Isles" and essentially face the ultimate test of her character. It ends with a graduation ceremony from Royal Prep that honestly felt like the end of an era for a whole generation of kids.
Craig Gerber, the creator, didn't just phone it in. He made sure Sofia’s arc from a village girl to a "Protector" was fully realized.
Why the Sofia the First Movies Still Rank
So, why are people still searching for these movies in 2026?
- Relatability: Sofia isn't perfect. She trips. She makes mistakes. She gets nervous.
- The Voice Cast: Having Ariel Winter (from Modern Family) as Sofia and Wayne Brady as Clover the rabbit gave the show a level of polish that most preschool shows lack.
- The Continuity: Unlike Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Sofia has a plot. Things that happen in the first movie are referenced in the finale.
If you’re planning a marathon, the chronological order is:
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- Once Upon a Princess
- The Floating Palace (Technically a double episode, but often sold as a movie)
- The Curse of Princess Ivy
- Elena and the Secret of Avalor
- Forever Royal
Honestly, the best way to watch these now is on Disney+. They have the "specials" categorized separately sometimes, which can be a pain to find if you don't know the titles.
If you're looking for what's next, keep an eye out for news on the rumored spinoffs or the continued adventures in the Avalor universe. The best way to stay updated is to follow the official Disney Junior social channels or check the "New on Disney+" tabs monthly, as they often cycle through "Sofia" legacy content during princess-themed promotion months.
For parents, the most actionable thing you can do is watch Once Upon a Princess with your kid first. It sets the moral compass for the whole series. It’s not just about being "nice"; it's about the nuance of blended families and finding your own voice when everyone else is telling you who you're supposed to be.
Check your local streaming listings or physical media collections, as some of the older DVD "Movie Collections" like The Princess Spectacular actually contain these long-form stories bundled together.