A baby princess with magical healing powers is born to a king and queen but is kidnapped by an old woman named Mother Gothel, who discovers the child's hair holds the power of youth. Gothel secludes the princess in a secluded tower, raising her as her own daughter under the name Rapunzel. Rapunzel grows up into a spirited young woman with an insatiable curiosity about the outside world, particularly the floating lanterns that appear on her birthday every year. As her 18th birthday approaches, she yearns to leave the tower and find the source of the lights, despite Gothel's warnings about the outside world's dangers.

A charming thief named Flynn Rider is on the run after stealing a crown from the kingdom. Seeking refuge, he stumbles upon Rapunzel's tower. Rapunzel, who has never seen another human besides Gothel, takes the opportunity to make a deal with Flynn. She will return the crown to him if he guides her to the lanterns. Reluctantly, Flynn agrees, setting off a journey that leads to self-discovery, adventure, and burgeoning feelings of friendship and love between the sheltered young woman and the worldly thief. As they travel, they must navigate both the perils of the kingdom's guards and a group of bandits. Meanwhile, they are pursued by Mother Gothel, who will go to any lengths to maintain her access to the magic within Rapunzel's hair.