Disney Princesses have long served as powerful symbols of empowerment, inspiring girls and women—and everyone, really—to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While earlier portrayals sometimes perpetuated problematic stereotypes, Disney has diligently worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters to authentically reflect their cultures and values.
Each Disney Princess boasts a unique personality, influencing how they navigate challenges and support others. These iconic figures captivate audiences of all ages, making the task of selecting the top princesses particularly challenging. Yet, at IGN, we've narrowed it down to our top 10 from the official list of 13. We regret omitting three remarkable princesses, but the decision was anything but easy!
So, without further ado, here is IGN's ranking of the 10 best Disney Princesses.
Best Disney Princesses
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10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends much of her life sheltered in a forest cottage by the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, set to be fulfilled on her 16th birthday, promised death upon pricking her finger on a spinning wheel's spindle. Despite the fairies' protective efforts, Maleficent's enchantment leads Aurora into a deep sleep, from which she is awakened by true love's kiss, a twist on the original fate due to Merryweather's blessing.
Aurora is renowned for her grace and beauty, yet it's her vivid imagination and dreams of the future shared with her woodland friends that truly define her. Critics have debated her passive role and reliance on true love's kiss, sparking important conversations about narrative tropes in princess stories.
Moana
Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, never aspired to romantic rescue. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a quest as a teenager to restore the heart of Te Fiti, the Polynesian goddess of nature, after a blight threatens her island. Enlisting the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, who once stole the heart, Moana discovers that Te Kā, the source of the island's woes, is actually a corrupted form of Te Fiti. By returning the heart, she restores balance to the ocean and saves her home.
Moana's journey is a testament to her independence, bravery, and determination, qualities that resonate with audiences and inspire empowerment. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, emphasizes Moana's universal role model status. We eagerly anticipate how Catherine Laga'aia will embody Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action adaptation.
Cinderella
After her father's untimely death, Cinderella is relegated to servitude by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Yet, she remains kind-hearted, caring for the animals around her, especially Jaq and Gus, whom she protects from the cat, Lucifer. When barred from attending the royal ball, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother transforms her into a vision of elegance, complete with a dazzling gown and glass slippers.
While initially perceived as passive, Cinderella's proactive measures, such as enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape, reveal her resourcefulness. Her iconic ball attire and the glass slippers cement her status as a fashion icon. Interestingly, Disney altered her dress color from silver to baby blue in merchandise to avoid bridal associations, highlighting their commitment to thoughtful representation.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Ariel epitomizes teenage rebellion, yearning for life above the sea. Defying her father King Triton's prohibitions, she amasses a collection of human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric from a shipwreck, sparking a deep affection. Her quest to join the human world leads her to make a perilous deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs with the stipulation of winning Eric's kiss within three days.
Ariel's determination to pursue her dreams and her transformation into a mother in The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea add layers to her character. Her story not only captivates audiences but also highlights her as a trailblazer among Disney Princesses.
Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies diligence and ambition. Working multiple jobs to fulfill her late father's dream of opening a restaurant, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is transformed into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen. Alongside Naveen, she embarks on a journey to reverse the curse, teaching him the value of responsibility and hard work.
As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana breaks barriers and exemplifies feminist ideals. Her unwavering pursuit of her dreams and her eventual success in The Princess and the Frog underscore her role as a modern icon of perseverance and empowerment.
Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Belle, an intellectual and independent young woman, seeks more than the confines of her provincial life. Her journey begins when she sacrifices her freedom to save her father, Maurice, who is imprisoned by the Beast. As she learns of the curse afflicting the Beast and his castle, Belle's compassion and love ultimately break the spell, restoring the prince to his human form.
Belle challenges traditional princess stereotypes by prioritizing knowledge and autonomy over romance. Her screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, crafted her as a feminist icon, rejecting Gaston's advances and championing personal growth and intellectual curiosity.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
For 18 years, Rapunzel is confined to a tower by Mother Gothel, who covets the magical healing powers of her long hair. An opportunity to explore the world arises when Flynn Rider stumbles into her tower, leading Rapunzel to negotiate her freedom in exchange for returning his stolen crown.
Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, from using her hair as a tool for climbing and swinging to illuminating dark spaces, have made her a beloved figure in recent years. Her journey in Tangled showcases her ability to overcome manipulation and pursue her dreams, cementing her status as a modern Disney Princess.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Jasmine, a symbol of female empowerment, challenges the patriarchal norms of her world. Rejecting suitors based on their royal status alone, she asserts her right to marry for love and character. Her relationship with Aladdin, who learns to value authenticity over pretense, highlights her progressive views on marriage.
As the first West Asian princess in Disney's lineup, Jasmine introduces much-needed diversity and serves as a beacon of defiance against traditional gender roles. Her impact extends beyond her film, inspiring audiences with her courage and independence.
Merida (Brave)
Merida's story in Brave revolves around her refusal to conform to societal expectations of marriage. Clashing with her mother, Queen Elinor, over her desire to control her destiny, Merida's archery skills and leadership shine during the Highland games. Her journey to reverse a spell that turns her mother into a bear underscores her commitment to family and autonomy.
As the first Disney Princess from a Pixar film and the first to remain single, Merida breaks the mold of the traditional princess narrative. Her skills in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding further cement her as an empowering figure for audiences.
Mulan
Mulan's tale, rooted in Chinese folklore, exemplifies courage and sacrifice. Concerned for her aging father's safety, she disguises herself as a man to take his place in the Imperial Chinese Army. Her strategic mind and combat prowess lead to the defeat of the Hun army, and despite her deception being uncovered, she ultimately saves the Emperor and honors her family.
Though not born into royalty, Mulan's inclusion as a Disney Princess underscores her message of perseverance, family loyalty, and the rejection of restrictive gender roles. Her story in Mulan powerfully challenges patriarchal norms, making her an enduring symbol of empowerment.
AnswerSee ResultsThere you have it! We apologize to the three Disney Princesses who 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.
