Long before Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, Anastasia (1997) had already captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with its sweeping animation, rich music, and royal mystery. Though not a Disney production at the time, many fans often mistakenly consider it part of the Disney princess lineup—and with good reason.

Directed by former Disney veterans Don Bluth and Gary Goldman, and produced by Fox Animation Studios, Anastasia reimagines the enduring legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II. History tells us the Romanov family was executed during the Russian Revolution. But for decades, rumors swirled that Anastasia might have survived—and Anastasia (1997) leans into that legend, creating an unforgettable animated tale filled with hope, love, and identity.

Not in the mood to read? Watch the first video here.

In the film, a spirited eighteen-year-old orphan named Anya teams up with two schemers, Dimitri and Vladimir, to pose as the lost duchess and claim a reward. But as the journey unfolds from snowy St. Petersburg to the dazzling streets of Paris, Anya begins to wonder if the fairy tale might actually be her real past.

Starring the voices of Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Angela Lansbury, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Lloyd, Hank Azaria, Bernadette Peters, and a young Kirsten Dunst, Anastasia earned critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase—and even received Oscar nominations for Best Song and Best Score.

Whether you’re a history buff, animation lover, or simply enchanted by royal legends, here are 13 fascinating facts that reveal the deeper roots and artistic brilliance behind Anastasia (1997).

Watch the video about the 13 fascinating facts.

1. The Music Box Was Real

In the movie, Anya’s music box symbolizes her lost past and connection to her grandmother. Interestingly, the real Anastasia received a music box from her mother, Tsarina Marie Feodorovna, for her thirteenth birthday. Unlike the film’s pink version, it was made of silver and featured a ballerina on top.

2. Joy the Spaniel Survived

A small dog appears in the family portrait in the palace ballroom—a nod to Joy, the spaniel belonging to Anastasia’s brother, Alexei. Joy was reportedly found alive at the site of the Romanovs’ execution. Tragically, Anastasia’s own dog, Jimmy, was not so lucky.

3. That Dress Wasn’t Just Animation

In the final scenes, Anya wears a regal dress that closely resembles one worn by the real Anastasia. This same style of dress also appears in the 1956 live-action Anastasia film, cementing its place as part of the myth’s visual legacy.

4. A Royal Prankster

The film depicts Anya as witty and mischievous—traits the real Anastasia was known for. Historical accounts describe her as full of humor and constantly playing pranks on family and palace staff, earning her a reputation for being both clever and mischievous.

5. Rasputin’s Grim Prophecy

The sinister villain Rasputin in the film is based on a real—and highly controversial—figure. Grigori Rasputin was a mystic and close advisor to Tsarina Alexandra. Before his assassination in 1916, he reportedly warned that if he were killed by a Romanov relative, the entire family would perish within a year. The film nods to this legend in a subtle way: during the song “A Rumor in St. Petersburg,” a woman tries to sell “Count Yussupov’s pajamas.” In reality, Prince Felix Yussupov was Rasputin’s assassin and a Romanov relative.

6. A Painting with History

As Anya walks into the grand ballroom of the St. Petersburg palace, the first painting on the left is the actual coronation portrait of Nicholas II and Alexandra. This touch of historical accuracy reinforces the grandeur of the Romanov legacy.

7. A Real Drawing from a Real Daughter

In a heartwarming moment, the Dowager Empress clutches a crayon drawing given to her by young Anastasia. This is based on a real drawing made by Anastasia in 1914, which she gifted to her father, Nicholas II.

8. Born at “The Farm”

Anastasia was born at Peterhof Palace near St. Petersburg—a summer residence of the Romanov family. They affectionately called it “The Farm.” Architecturally, it was inspired by the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles in France.

9. Dimitri’s Origin Story

The film’s charming conman, Dimitri, is loosely based on a European aristocrat who once vouched for Anna Anderson, a woman who famously claimed to be the real Anastasia. However, the aristocrat’s credibility was shaky, as he had only met the young duchess once in her childhood.

10. Vladimir’s Historical Counterpart

Vladimir is inspired by Count Vladimir Frederiks, the Tsar’s Chief Court Minister. He was a loyal supporter of the Romanovs and, after the Revolution, continued to wear his court uniform in silent protest against the new regime.

11. The Alexander III Bridge in Paris

The climactic showdown between Rasputin, Dimitri, and Anya takes place on the majestic Pont Alexandre III in Paris. This real bridge was named in honor of Anastasia’s grandfather during his diplomatic visit to France in the late 19th century.

12. A-List Casting Choices

Before Christopher Lloyd voiced Rasputin, the role was offered to Patrick Stewart, Tim Curry, and Jonathan Pryce. Meg Ryan, who voiced 18-year-old Anya, was in her mid-thirties at the time but brought warmth and complexity to the role.

13. The Name Means “Resurrection”

In one scene, Vladimir tells Anya that Anastasia means “she will rise again.” The name comes from the Greek anástasis, meaning resurrection—a fitting theme for a story about reclaiming identity and rewriting destiny.

From Screen to Stage: The Broadway Musical Adaptation

Not in the mood to read? Watch the video here.

The success and emotional depth of the 1997 animated film inspired a stage adaptation that brought Anastasia to Broadway in 2017. The musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (who also composed the film’s iconic soundtrack), and a book by Terrence McNally, reimagines the story for live theatre.

The Broadway version keeps some of the film’s most beloved songs, including “Once Upon a December” and “Journey to the Past,” but deepens the political and emotional context. It removes supernatural elements (like Rasputin and his talking bat Bartok) and introduces a new antagonist: Gleb Vaganov, a Bolshevik officer torn between duty and compassion.

The musical premiered at the Hartford Stage in Connecticut before moving to Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre, where it ran from April 2017 to March 2019. It has since toured internationally, with productions in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Critics praised the lush set design, romantic score, and fresh storytelling that honored the film while exploring darker historical themes. For fans of the original movie, the musical offers a mature, emotionally resonant extension of Anya’s journey of self-discovery.

A Royal Tale That Lives On

While Anastasia (1997) takes creative liberties with history, it masterfully blends fact and fiction into a compelling narrative about family, identity, and hope. The film introduced many to the enduring legend of the Romanovs and continues to captivate new generations with its rich animation, unforgettable songs, and emotional core.

Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, Anastasia remains a beautifully crafted film that reminds us all: “Once upon a December” can live in our hearts forever.