Disney Princesses have long been a source of inspiration, encouraging individuals across all ages to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While the franchise has faced criticism for past portrayals that perpetuated problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney has actively worked to enhance the Disney Princess representation and messaging. This evolution showcases the diverse cultures and empowering narratives of these iconic characters.
Each Disney Princess brings a unique personality to the table, shaping how they confront challenges and support those around them. Their stories resonate with fans of all ages, making it challenging to pinpoint the very best among them. Yet, here at IGN, we've crafted a list of our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We extend our apologies to the three magical Princesses who didn't make the cut—it was a tough decision!
So, let's dive into IGN's selection of the 10 best Disney Princesses.
Best Disney Princesses
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10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora, also known as Briar Rose, spends much of her life sheltered in a forest cottage by the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. Their efforts to protect her from Maleficent's curse, which would cause her to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, are in vain as she ultimately falls victim to it. However, thanks to Merryweather's blessing, she falls into a deep sleep instead of meeting her demise, awoken only by true love's kiss.
Aurora is celebrated for her elegance and beauty, but her imaginative spirit and dreams of the future are what truly set her apart. Her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has sparked contemporary discussions on the portrayal of female agency.
Moana
Moana, daughter of Motunui's chief, never harbored dreams of romance or rescue. Chosen by the ocean as a baby to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, she embarks on a quest as a teenager to save her island from the blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, who initially stole the heart, Moana discovers that Te Kā is a corrupted form of Te Fiti. By returning the heart, she restores balance to the ocean and her island.
Moana's journey highlights her independence, courage, and determination, qualities that make her a powerful role model. Auli‘i Cravalho, her voice actor, has praised Moana as an inspiration for everyone. We're excited to see how Catherine Laga'aia will embody Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action film.
Cinderella
After losing her father, Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, turning her into a servant in her own home. Despite this, she remains compassionate and kind, forming bonds with the château's mice and birds, particularly Jaq and Gus. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her, providing a stunning gown and glass slippers that vanish at midnight. Yet, Cinderella retains one slipper, which ultimately proves her identity to the Prince.
Initially criticized for passivity, Cinderella demonstrates resourcefulness by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic ball gown and glass slippers have made her a fashion icon. Notably, Disney altered her dress color to baby blue to avoid resembling child brides.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Ariel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning to explore the human world over her life beneath the sea. Disregarding her father King Triton's rules, she amasses a collection of human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric from a shipwreck, falling in love. To pursue her dreams, Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs, with the condition to win Eric's kiss within three days. Despite Ursula's manipulations, Ariel, with Eric's help, defeats the sea witch and marries her beloved.
In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes a mother to Melody, marking her as the first Disney Princess to embrace motherhood.
Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana epitomizes hard work and determination. Saving to fulfill her late father's dream of opening a restaurant, she balances two jobs. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning them both into frogs due to a curse by Dr. Facilier. Their journey to reverse the spell teaches Naveen responsibility and Tiana the importance of pursuing dreams ethically.
The Princess and the Frog introduces Tiana as the first African American Disney Princess, celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and feminist values.
Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Belle is a curious and independent thinker, longing for more than her provincial life. When her father Maurice is captured by the Beast, she offers herself in his place. Learning of the curse that transformed the Beast and his servants, Belle's compassion and love for the Beast break the spell, restoring him to his princely form.
Belle challenges traditional princess stereotypes, valuing knowledge over marriage. Her screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, crafted her as a feminist icon, rejecting Gaston's advances and affirming her independence.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
Rapunzel, locked away by Mother Gothel to harness her hair's healing powers, dreams of freedom. Her chance comes when Flynn Rider stumbles into her tower, leading to an adventure to see the floating lanterns on her birthday. Discovering her royal heritage, Rapunzel uses her resourcefulness and creativity to overcome challenges.
From Tangled, Rapunzel has become a beloved Disney Princess, admired for her intelligence and resilience, countering the negative influences of her captor.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Jasmine challenges traditional marriage norms, seeking a partner based on character, not status. Rejecting suitors and asserting her autonomy, she famously declares, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!" After Aladdin reveals his true self, the Sultan changes the law, allowing Jasmine to marry for love.
Jasmine's defiance of patriarchal norms and her role as the first West Asian Disney Princess highlight her as a symbol of female empowerment and diversity.
Merida (Brave)
Merida refuses to conform to societal expectations, rejecting arranged marriage and aspiring to control her destiny. Her conflict with Queen Elinor over these desires leads to a spell gone awry, transforming her mother into a bear. Through her journey to reverse the spell, Merida unites the clans, advocating for personal choice in marriage.
As the first Disney Princess from a Pixar film and the first to remain single, Merida embodies strength and independence, excelling in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding.
Mulan
Mulan, inspired by a Chinese folk tale, defies gender roles by disguising herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. Her bravery and strategic thinking lead to victory against the Hun army. Despite her deception being revealed, Mulan saves the Emperor and earns honor for her family and China.
Though not born into royalty, Mulan's story teaches the value of persistence, family, and honor, breaking the mold of traditional gender roles. She symbolizes empowerment and resilience, challenging the patriarchy.
AnswerSee ResultsThere you have it! We regret that three Disney Princesses didn't make our list, but our focus was primarily on their overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our selections and rankings? Share your opinions in the comments.
