CinderElmo

Our favorite little red monster is the star of this delightful film that playfully skews the story of Cinderella. Originally aired on Fox television in 1999, the feature is a playful mix of human actors and Sesame Street characters that is an easy watch for families with 3- to 7-year-olds. Cinderelmo (he's a boy, if you didn't know) dreams of playing in a castle and meeting the princess. Unfortunately his mean--but not that mean--stepmother wants her two other sons to go to the ball at which the princess must declare whom she wishes to marry.

Directed by Bruce Leddy, CinderElmo leans on a strong ensemble — Kevin Clash, Oliver Platt, Steve Whitmire — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about family titles of 1999.