Every Disney Princess empowers 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 actively worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their cultures to shine brightly.
Each Disney Princess brings a unique personality to the table, influencing how they tackle challenges and support others. These iconic figures inspire both young and old, making it challenging to pinpoint the very best among them.
However, we at IGN have managed to compile a list of our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We apologize to the three amazing Princesses who didn't make the cut; the decision was far from easy.
So, without further ado, here are IGN's top 10 Disney Princesses.
Best Disney Princesses
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10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Image: DisneyFor most of Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora resides 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. 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 falls victim to the curse at her castle, but instead of dying, she falls into a deep sleep thanks to Merryweather's blessing, to be awakened by true love's kiss.
Aurora is celebrated as one of the most iconic Disney Princesses for her grace and beauty. Yet, her imaginative spirit and dreams of the future, shared with woodland creatures, truly define her. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has sparked debate among critics in recent times.
Moana
Image: DisneyAs the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana never aspired to be rescued or fall in love with a prince. Chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of Te Fiti, she embarks on this mission as a teenager to save her island from the blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. She enlists the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, who had stolen the heart centuries ago. Moana discovers that Te Kā is actually Te Fiti's corrupted form and restores her, saving both the ocean and her island.
Moana embodies independence, bravery, and determination, traits of an empowered young woman. Her voice actress, Auli‘i Cravalho, describes her as a role model for all. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia bring Moana's essence to life in the upcoming live-action film.
Cinderella
Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, turning her into a servant in her own home. Yet, she remains humble and kind, caring for the animals, especially Jaq and Gus, whom she protects from Lucifer, the cat. When forbidden from attending the royal ball, Cinderella receives a magical transformation from her Fairy Godmother, complete with a stunning gown and glass slippers, which disappear at midnight—except for one slipper. This slipper becomes crucial when the Duke visits and Cinderella proves her identity by producing the matching shoe.
Initially criticized for passivity, Cinderella shows agency by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic ballroom look made her a fashion icon. Interestingly, Disney changed her dress from silver to baby blue for costumes to avoid resembling child brides.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Image: DisneyAriel epitomizes teenage rebellion, yearning to explore the human world rather than remain under the sea. Despite King Triton's prohibitions, she amasses a collection of human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric, falling in love with him. To be with him, Ariel strikes a deal with Ursula, sacrificing her voice for legs, with the condition of receiving a kiss from Eric within three days. After uncovering Ursula's plot to usurp Triton's trident, Ariel, with Eric's help, defeats the sea witch and marries her love.
In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, giving birth to Melody, who yearns to live as a mermaid.
Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Image: DisneyFrom Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies hard work, juggling two jobs to fulfill her dream of opening a restaurant, a promise to her late father. Her life changes when she turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen, who was cursed by Dr. Facilier. On their journey to reverse the curse, Tiana teaches Naveen responsibility, rejecting Facilier's offer to magically achieve her dreams at the cost of her integrity.
The Princess and the Frog introduced Tiana as the first African American Disney Princess. Her determination and business acumen make her a feminist icon and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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, who is imprisoned by the Beast. As she learns of the curse on the Beast and his castle, Belle grows to love him beyond his appearance, ultimately breaking the spell with her love.
Belle breaks the mold of traditional princesses, valuing knowledge and self-discovery over romance. Her screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, crafted her as a feminist icon, evident in her rejection of Gaston's shallow advances.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
Image: DisneyRapunzel, confined by Mother Gothel in a tower for 18 years, seizes her chance for freedom when Flynn Rider stumbles into her life. She negotiates a deal to see the floating lanterns on her birthday, discovering her royal heritage along the way.
Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, using her hair for more than just its healing properties, have made her a beloved Disney Princess. Her journey defies the negative narratives imposed by Gothel, showcasing her strength and intelligence.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Image: DisneyJasmine challenges traditional marriage norms, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. She rejects suitors until Aladdin, disguised as a prince, wins her heart. Her defiance is captured in her declaration, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!" After Aladdin frees the Genie, the Sultan allows Jasmine to marry for love, choosing Aladdin.
As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine symbolizes female empowerment and diversity in the Disney Princess franchise.
Merida (Brave)
Image: DisneyMerida refuses to marry for political gain, seeking to control her own destiny. Her conflict with Queen Elinor over her future leads to a spell that transforms Elinor into a bear. Merida's journey to reverse the spell teaches her and the clans the importance of personal choice.
Merida, the first Disney Princess from Pixar and the first to remain single, breaks the mold of the damsel in distress, showcasing her archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding skills.
Mulan
Image: DisneyMulan, the first Chinese Disney Princess, defies gender norms by joining the Imperial Chinese Army in her father's place. Her strategic mind and combat skills lead to the defeat of the Hun army. Even after her secret is revealed, Mulan saves the Emperor, earning honor for her family and China.
Although not royalty by birth or marriage, Mulan is crowned a Disney Princess to promote values of persistence, family, and honor, challenging traditional gender roles and patriarchal structures.
AnswerSee ResultsThere you have it! We apologize to the three Disney Princesses who didn't make our list, but our focus was on their overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our selections and rankings? Share your opinions in the comments.
