"A Cinderella Story" is now a well-known series of movies, and the one featuring Hilary Duff is often considered a highlight. While her performance alongside Chad Michael Murray gave a contemporary feel to the traditional Cinderella story, later films in the series haven't matched that level of quality. The franchise seems unable to recreate the appeal of the initial film, instead relying on extra storylines and changes from the central Cinderella plot. Efforts to mirror the success of the Walt Disney and Rodgers and Hammerstein versions have not worked out well, which has created a feeling of weariness and lack of importance for the series. Even with Selena Gomez in "Another Cinderella Story," that movie didn't achieve the same level of success as Hilary Duff’s film. Likewise, Lucy Hale’s “A Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song” received criticism for its poor handling and straying from what makes the Cinderella story special. Sofia Carson’s “A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits” tried to include dance scenes similar to "Grease," but it didn't work out, representing a low point in the franchise. Laura Marano’s "A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish" was considered the least effective installment and reinforced the decline in quality. As more movies are made, the poor response to recent films has lessened excitement for future ones. It might be hard for audiences to connect with upcoming releases because of how the series has been developing.

Source on TMDB