Every Disney Princess has a unique way of empowering audiences 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, the company has made significant efforts to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their cultures to shine more brightly.
Each Disney Princess brings a distinct personality to the table, influencing how they navigate challenges and support others. These iconic characters inspire fans of all ages, making it challenging to select the top favorites.
Here at IGN, we've carefully chosen our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official list of 13 characters. We apologize to the three wonderful princesses who didn't make the cut, as the decision was tough.
So, without further ado, 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 away 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, which would cause her to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday, is thwarted by Merryweather's blessing, turning it into a deep sleep from which true love's kiss can awaken her. Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, but also for her vivid imagination and dreams she shares with her woodland friends. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has been critiqued in modern times.
Moana
Image: DisneyMoana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, never aspires to be rescued or fall in love with a prince. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a mission to return the heart of Te Fiti, the Polynesian goddess of nature, when a blight threatens her island due to Te Kā’s darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, she discovers that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form and restores the goddess, saving her island and the ocean. Moana's independence, bravery, and determination make her an empowering figure for all, as noted by her voice actor Auli‘i Cravalho. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia embody Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action adaptation.
Cinderella
Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella endures abuse from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains kind-hearted and humble. Despite being forbidden from attending the royal ball, she receives a magical transformation from her Fairy Godmother, enabling her to attend and leave behind a glass slipper. This slipper ultimately leads to her reunion with the Prince. While initially seen as passive, Cinderella shows resourcefulness by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic ball gown and glass slippers have cemented her as a fashion icon, and Disney's choice to change her dress color to baby blue for costumes reflects their consideration for young audiences.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Image: DisneyAriel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning to explore the human world. Defying her father King Triton's rules, she collects human artifacts and falls in love with Prince Eric after saving him from a shipwreck. Her quest to be with him leads her to make a deal with Ursula, sacrificing her voice for legs. Despite the challenges, she, with Eric's help, defeats Ursula and marries her beloved. Ariel's journey continues in The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, where she becomes a mother to Melody, making her the first Disney Princess to embrace motherhood.
Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies hard work and determination. Saving to fulfill her late father's dream of opening a restaurant, she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. Their journey to break the spell teaches Naveen responsibility and showcases Tiana's unwavering commitment to her goals. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana's story in The Princess and the Frog also positions her as 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 when he's imprisoned by the Beast. As she learns of the curse placed on the Beast and his castle, Belle grows to love him, breaking the spell just in time. Her pursuit of knowledge and rejection of Gaston's superficial advances make her a feminist icon, as envisioned by screenwriter Linda Woolverton during Beauty and the Beast's creation.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
Image: DisneyRapunzel, confined in a tower by Mother Gothel to exploit her magical hair, seizes her chance for freedom when Flynn Rider enters her life. Using her wits and resourcefulness, she negotiates her escape to see the floating lanterns on her birthday. Rapunzel's journey in Tangled showcases her creativity and resilience, making her a beloved Disney Princess known for her ingenuity and strength.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Image: DisneyJasmine challenges traditional expectations by seeking a partner based on character rather than royal status. Frustrated by the law forcing her to marry a prince, she asserts her autonomy with the iconic line, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!" Her relationship with Aladdin, who values authenticity over wealth, leads to a change in the law, allowing her to marry for love. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine's role in Aladdin highlights her as a symbol of female empowerment and diversity.
Merida (Brave)
Image: DisneyMerida defies the expectation to marry, asserting her right to control her destiny in Brave. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over marriage culminates in a spell that transforms Elinor into a bear. As Merida works to reverse the spell, she convinces the clans to allow their firstborns to choose their own paths. As the first Disney Princess from a Pixar film and the first to remain single, Merida's skills in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding make her a standout figure of independence.
Mulan
Image: DisneyMulan, the first Chinese Disney Princess, defies gender norms by joining the Imperial Chinese Army in her father's place. Her bravery and strategic mind lead to the defeat of the Hun army, and she saves the Emperor despite her identity being revealed. Mulan's story, rooted in a folk tale, emphasizes persistence, family, and honor, challenging traditional gender roles. Her recognition as a princess by Disney underscores her message of empowerment and breaking the patriarchy.
