Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering girls, women, and audiences of all ages to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While some past portrayals have been critiqued for problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney has continuously worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their cultural backgrounds to shine more authentically.
Disney Princesses exhibit a diverse array of personalities, each navigating challenges and supporting others in distinct ways. These iconic characters serve as role models, inspiring fans young and old, which makes selecting the very best among them a challenging task.
Here at IGN, we've carefully curated our list of the top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We apologize to the three wonderful princesses who didn't make our list; the decision was incredibly tough!
Without further delay, here's IGN's ranking of the 10 best Disney Princesses.
Best Disney Princesses
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10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Image: DisneyIn Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends most of her life hidden 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. Despite the fairies' efforts, Aurora falls victim to the curse on her 16th birthday, pricking her finger and falling into a deep sleep, only to be awakened by true love's kiss. Known for her grace and beauty, Aurora also captivates with her vivid imagination, dreaming of her future and sharing those dreams with her woodland companions. Critics, however, have reevaluated her narrative, questioning the reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse.
Moana
Image: DisneyMoana, daughter of Motunui's chief, breaks the mold of traditional princess tales by embarking on a quest to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, Moana takes action as a teenager to combat the blight threatening her island, caused by the darkness of Te Kā. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, she restores the heart, transforming Te Kā back into Te Fiti and saving her island. Moana's independence, bravery, and determination make her a symbol of empowerment, inspiring audiences across all ages. Auli‘i Cravalho, her voice actress, emphasizes Moana's universal appeal as a role model. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia bring Moana to life in the upcoming live-action film.
Cinderella
Image: DisneyDespite enduring abuse from her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella remains kind-hearted and resilient. Her life changes when her Fairy Godmother transforms her for the royal ball, complete with a stunning gown and glass slippers. Though initially perceived as passive, Cinderella's resourcefulness shines through as she enlists her animal friends to aid her escape from confinement. Her iconic fashion sense, particularly the glass slippers and baby blue dress, has made her a beloved figure. The dress color was intentionally changed from silver to baby blue to ensure it was appropriate for young audiences.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Image: DisneyAriel's yearning for the human world drives her to defy her father King Triton's rules. Her collection of human artifacts and rescue of Prince Eric from a shipwreck showcase her adventurous spirit and determination. Ariel's journey to become human involves a risky deal with Ursula, but with the help of Eric, Sebastian, and Flounder, she overcomes the sea witch and marries her love. 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)
Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies the virtues of hard work and perseverance. Her dream of opening a restaurant drives her to hold multiple jobs, but her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. Through their journey, Tiana instills a sense of responsibility in Naveen, rejecting shortcuts offered by Dr. Facilier. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana's journey in The Princess and the Frog highlights her as a feminist icon and a determined businesswoman.
Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Image: DisneyBelle's thirst for knowledge and adventure sets her apart in her provincial village. Her journey begins when she trades her freedom for her father's, encountering the Beast in his enchanted castle. As she learns of the curse, Belle's compassion and love transform the Beast, breaking the spell. Belle's preference for books and her rejection of Gaston's superficial advances cement her status as a feminist icon, challenging traditional princess stereotypes.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
Image: DisneyLocked away by Mother Gothel, Rapunzel's life changes when Flynn Rider stumbles into her tower. Seizing the chance to see the floating lanterns on her birthday, Rapunzel negotiates her freedom, discovering her true identity and royal heritage along the way. Her resourcefulness and creativity, using her magical hair for various purposes, have made her a beloved character. Rapunzel's journey in Tangled showcases her intelligence and resilience, defying the negative influences of her captor.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Image: DisneyJasmine's progressive views on marriage challenge the traditional expectations set by her father, the Sultan of Agrabah. Rejecting suitors based on character rather than status, she stands up for her right to choose her own path, famously declaring, "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. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine symbolizes female empowerment and racial diversity in the Disney franchise.
Merida (Brave)
Image: DisneyMerida's refusal to marry against her will in Brave underscores her desire for autonomy. Her conflict with Queen Elinor over traditional roles leads to a transformative journey involving a spell that turns her mother into a bear. Merida's archery skills and leadership help her break the spell and forge a new path for her clan. As the first single Disney Princess and the first from a Pixar film, Merida represents a break from the damsel-in-distress trope, celebrating independence and strength.
Mulan
Image: DisneyMulan's story, rooted in Chinese folklore, showcases her bravery and ingenuity as she disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. Her strategic mind leads to victory over the Hun army, and despite her identity being revealed, she saves the Emperor and brings honor to her family. Although not born into royalty, Mulan's actions earned her the title of princess, symbolizing perseverance, family honor, and the breaking of gender norms.
