Every Disney Princess has a unique way of empowering girls, women, and everyone to dream of better futures for themselves and those around them. While Disney Princesses have faced criticism for problematic messages and stereotypes in the past, Disney has made significant efforts to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to shine brightly.
Disney Princesses exhibit a broad spectrum of personalities, influencing how they tackle challenges and support others. Each Princess inspires fans of all ages, making it a challenging task to select the very best.
However, we've managed to do just that. Here at IGN, we've chosen our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official list of 13 characters. We apologize to the three magical Princesses who didn't make the cut, as the decision was incredibly tough.
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 lives in a forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Maleficent cursed Aurora to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel's spindle on her 16th birthday. Despite the fairies' efforts, Maleficent hypnotizes Aurora to fulfill the curse, but she falls asleep instead of dying, thanks to Merryweather's blessing, and is awakened by true love's kiss.
Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, but her vivid imagination and dreams shared with woodland creatures are equally enchanting. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has been critiqued in recent years.
Moana
Image: DisneyAs the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana never aspired to marry a prince or be rescued. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a mission to return the heart of Te Fiti, the Polynesian goddess of nature, to save her island from a blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, Moana realizes that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form and restores her, saving the ocean and Motunui.
Moana embodies independence, bravery, and determination, traits that empower young women. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, considers Moana a role model for all. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal in the upcoming live-action Moana film.
Cinderella
Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains humble and kind. She befriends the château's animals, particularly Jaq and Gus, whom she protects from Lady Tremaine's cat, Lucifer. When forbidden from attending the ball, Cinderella receives a magical transformation from her Fairy Godmother, including a dazzling ballgown and glass slippers. She leaves behind a slipper, which proves her identity when the Duke arrives.
Initially seen as passive, Cinderella's proactive request for her animal friends to free her from confinement shows her resilience. Her iconic ballroom look made her a fashion icon, and Disney changed her dress color from silver to baby blue to avoid resembling child brides in costumes.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Image: DisneyAriel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning to join the human world. Despite her father King Triton's rules, she collects human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric, falling in love. To be with him, Ariel sacrifices her voice to Ursula, gaining legs with the condition of a kiss within three days. Discovering Ursula's plot to steal Triton's trident, Ariel, with Eric's help, defeats the sea witch and marries her beloved.
In the sequel, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, giving birth to Melody, who dreams of life as a mermaid.
Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Image: DisneyFrom Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's dedication to hard work fuels her dream of opening a restaurant. Her life takes a turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. On their journey to reverse the curse, Tiana instills responsibility in Naveen, rejecting Dr. Facilier's tempting offer to magically achieve her dreams.
The Princess and the Frog introduces Tiana as the first African American Disney Princess and a feminist business icon.
Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Image: DisneyBelle, an intellectual and independent young woman, seeks more than her provincial life offers. She trades her freedom for her father's, imprisoned by the Beast. Learning of the curse, Belle grows to love the Beast despite his appearance, breaking the spell with her love as he nears death.
Belle breaks the princess stereotype with her love for reading and knowledge, rejecting Gaston's advances based solely on her beauty. Her screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, crafted her as a feminist icon.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
Image: DisneyRapunzel, held captive by Mother Gothel for 18 years, sees her chance to escape when Flynn Rider enters her tower. Striking a deal to see the lanterns on her birthday, Rapunzel discovers her royal heritage and uses her magical hair for various purposes beyond healing.
Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity have made her a beloved Disney Princess, overcoming the negativity instilled by Mother Gothel.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Image: DisneyJasmine challenges traditional marriage norms, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Rejecting suitors, she stands up against being treated as a prize. After Aladdin frees the Genie, the Sultan changes the law, allowing Jasmine to marry Aladdin for his true self.
As a symbol of female empowerment, Jasmine introduces racial diversity as the first West Asian princess in the franchise.
Merida (Brave)
Image: DisneyMerida defies expectations by refusing arranged marriage, seeking control over her destiny. Her conflict with Queen Elinor escalates during the Highland games, leading to a spell that transforms Elinor into a bear. Merida resolves the situation, advocating for personal choice in marriage among the clans.
As the first single Disney Princess from a Pixar film, Merida breaks the damsel-in-distress trope with her archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding skills.
Mulan
Image: DisneyMulan, the first Chinese Disney Princess, disguises herself as Ping to take her father's place in the army. Her strategic mind and combat skills lead to victory against the Huns. Even after her true identity is revealed, she saves the Emperor, earning honor for her family and China.
Mulan's story, based on a folk tale, emphasizes persistence, family, and honor, challenging gender norms and making her a symbol of breaking patriarchal constraints.
AnswerSee ResultsThere you have it! We regret that three Disney Princesses didn't make our list, but our focus was primarily on their personalities and abilities. What do you think of our picks and rankings? Share your thoughts in the comments.
