Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering not just girls and women, but everyone, to dream of brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While some earlier portrayals of Disney Princesses have been criticized for promoting problematic stereotypes, Disney has continually worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, celebrating the diversity and strength of these iconic characters.
Each Disney Princess showcases a distinct personality, which influences how they navigate challenges and support others around them. These beloved characters inspire fans of all ages, making it challenging to pinpoint the very best among them.
Here at IGN, we've meticulously curated our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We regret having to omit three enchanting princesses from this list, but we aimed to highlight those who most exemplify powerful traits and inspiring stories.
So, without further delay, here is IGN's selection of the 10 best Disney Princesses.
Best Disney Princesses
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10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Image: DisneyFor most of Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora resides in a secluded forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse would cause her to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel's spindle on her 16th birthday. Despite the fairies' efforts, Aurora returns to her castle and falls prey to the curse, but instead of death, she falls into a deep sleep, to be awakened only by true love's kiss, thanks to Merryweather's blessing.
Aurora is renowned for her grace and beauty, yet her imaginative spirit, dreaming of a future and sharing these dreams with her woodland friends, adds depth to her character. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has faced scrutiny in modern critiques.
Moana
Image: DisneyAs the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana never aspires to romantic fairy tales. Chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, she embarks on a quest as a teenager to combat a blight threatening her island, caused by the darkness of Te Kā. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, who initially stole the heart, Moana discovers that Te Kā is the corrupted form of Te Fiti. By restoring the heart, she heals both the ocean and her island.
Moana's journey highlights her independence, courage, and determination, qualities that define her as a role model for empowerment. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, emphasizes Moana's universal inspiration. We eagerly await how Catherine Laga'aia will bring Moana to life in the upcoming live-action adaptation.
Cinderella
Image: DisneyDespite enduring mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella remains kind-hearted and resilient. After being forbidden from attending the royal ball, she receives magical assistance from her Fairy Godmother, who transforms her into a stunning vision in a ballgown and glass slippers. Although her attire vanishes at midnight, Cinderella retains one slipper, which ultimately helps her prove her identity to the Prince.
While initially criticized for passivity, Cinderella's proactive request for help from her animal friends to escape her confinement showcases her resourcefulness. Her iconic style has made her a fashion icon, and Disney's thoughtful change of her dress color from silver to baby blue reflects a commitment to age-appropriate representation.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Image: DisneyAriel embodies youthful defiance, longing to explore the human world rather than remain confined to the ocean. Her collection of human artifacts and her daring rescue of Prince Eric from a shipwreck lead her to make a perilous deal with Ursula to gain legs and pursue her love. Despite the challenges, Ariel's journey teaches her valuable lessons about love and responsibility.
Ariel's story extends into motherhood in the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, where she navigates her daughter Melody's dreams, solidifying her unique place among Disney Princesses.
Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana epitomizes diligence and ambition. Working tirelessly to fulfill her late father's dream of opening a restaurant, her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen and transforms into a frog. Throughout their adventure, Tiana imparts lessons on responsibility and hard work to Naveen, ultimately rejecting a shortcut to her dreams offered by the villainous Dr. Facilier.
As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana's journey in The Princess and the Frog celebrates her as a feminist icon and a symbol of perseverance.
Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Image: DisneyBelle, an avid reader and thinker, yearns for more than her provincial life offers. Her selflessness shines when she trades her freedom for her father's, leading her to the Beast's enchanted castle. Through her time there, Belle learns to see beyond appearances and fosters a transformative love that breaks the curse.
Belle's preference for knowledge over traditional romance challenges princess stereotypes, a deliberate choice by screenwriter Linda Woolverton, making Belle a feminist icon who values inner qualities over superficial beauty.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
Image: DisneyRapunzel, secluded in a tower by Mother Gothel, yearns for freedom and the chance to see the floating lanterns released on her birthday. Her encounter with Flynn Rider catalyzes her escape, leading to adventures that reveal her true heritage and the power of her magical hair.
Rapunzel's ingenuity and resourcefulness in Tangled have cemented her as a beloved Disney Princess, embodying creativity and resilience against manipulation.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Image: DisneyJasmine defies traditional expectations of marriage, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Her refusal to marry suitors chosen by her father, the Sultan of Agrabah, and her eventual union with Aladdin underscore her commitment to personal choice and self-respect.
As the first West Asian Disney Princess, Jasmine's role in Aladdin challenges gender norms and promotes racial diversity within the franchise.
Merida (Brave)
Image: DisneyMerida's desire to control her destiny rather than conform to societal expectations of marriage is a central theme in Brave. Her clash with her mother, Queen Elinor, over her refusal to marry and her subsequent quest to reverse a spell that transforms Elinor into a bear, highlight her bravery and independence.
Merida, the first Disney Princess from Pixar and the first to remain single, embodies strength and self-determination, breaking the mold of the traditional princess narrative.
Mulan
Image: DisneyMulan's story, rooted in Chinese folklore, showcases her courage and ingenuity as she disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. Her strategic prowess and bravery save her country from the Hun invasion, earning her the title of princess despite not being born into royalty.
Mulan's journey in Mulan teaches the values of perseverance, family, and honor, challenging gender norms and inspiring audiences with her defiance of traditional roles.
AnswerSee ResultsThere you have it! We apologize to the three Disney Princesses who didn't make our list, but our focus was on showcasing the most impactful personalities and stories. What are your thoughts on our selections and their rankings? Share your opinions in the comments section.
