Disney Princesses have long been celebrated for their ability to inspire and empower individuals of all ages to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While some earlier portrayals contained problematic elements and stereotypes, Disney has actively worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to shine more vibrantly.
Each Disney Princess boasts a distinct personality, which uniquely influences their approach to overcoming challenges and supporting others. Their stories resonate deeply with fans, both young and old, making the selection of the top Disney Princesses a challenging yet rewarding task.
At IGN, we've carefully curated our list of the top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We extend our apologies to the three enchanting Princesses who didn't make the cut, as this decision was far from easy.
Without further delay, here are IGN's top 10 Disney Princesses.
Best Disney Princesses
11 Images
10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Image: DisneyIn Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends most of her life in a secluded forest cottage under the care of the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, intended to cause her death upon pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, is altered by Merryweather's blessing, leading Aurora to fall into a deep sleep instead, from which she awakens with true love's kiss.
Aurora's iconic status stems from her grace and beauty, but her vibrant imagination and dreams of a better future highlight her inner strength. While her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has faced criticism, her enduring appeal remains strong.
Moana
Image: DisneyMoana, the chief's daughter in Moana, embodies independence and leadership. Chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, she embarks on a daring quest to save her island from a blight caused by the darkness of Te Kā. With the help of the shapeshifting demigod Maui, Moana discovers that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form, and by returning the heart, she restores balance and saves her people.
Moana's journey showcases her bravery, determination, and self-reliance, making her an empowering figure for all. Auli‘i Cravalho, her voice actor, praised Moana as a universal role model. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia bring Moana's spirit to life in the upcoming live-action adaptation.
Cinderella
Image: DisneyDespite enduring abuse from her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella maintains her kindness and humility. Her transformation from a maidservant to a ball attendee, thanks to her Fairy Godmother, is iconic. With her glass slippers and resilience, Cinderella proves resourceful, rallying her animal friends to help her escape confinement rather than waiting for a prince's rescue.
While initially seen as passive, Cinderella's enduring charm and fashion influence, including the change of her dress color to baby blue for costumes, have cemented her as a beloved figure.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Image: DisneyAriel's longing to explore the human world leads her to defy her father, King Triton, and collect human artifacts. Her love for Prince Eric, whom she rescues, drives her to make a risky deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. Ariel's journey to win Eric's love and defeat Ursula showcases her courage and determination.
In The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to be a mother, further expanding her role and influence.
Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Image: DisneyTiana's dedication to her dream of opening a restaurant in Jazz Age New Orleans highlights her strong work ethic. Her transformation into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen leads to a journey that teaches both responsibility and the value of hard work.
As the first African American Disney Princess in The Princess and the Frog, Tiana's story is a testament to perseverance and feminist ideals, making her a powerful role model.
Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Image: DisneyBelle's love for knowledge and adventure sets her apart in her provincial French village. Her willingness to trade her freedom for her father's, and her subsequent journey to break the Beast's curse, showcases her intelligence and compassion.
As a modern Disney Princess, Belle challenges traditional roles, rejecting Gaston's advances and embracing her own path, earning her a place as a feminist icon.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
Image: DisneyLocked away by Mother Gothel, Rapunzel's desire to see the floating lanterns on her birthday leads her to strike a deal with Flynn Rider. Her journey to the kingdom of Corona reveals her true heritage and strength.
Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, from using her hair for various purposes to standing up against Gothel's manipulations, have made her a beloved character in Tangled.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Image: DisneyJasmine's progressive stance on marriage challenges the traditions of Agrabah. Her refusal to marry for status and her insistence on choosing her own partner, ultimately Aladdin, highlight her independence and strength.
As the first West Asian Disney Princess in Aladdin, Jasmine's role in promoting female empowerment and racial diversity is significant.
Merida (Brave)
Image: DisneyMerida's determination to control her own destiny in Brave sets her apart. Her refusal to marry and her quest to reverse a spell that turns her mother into a bear demonstrate her bravery and skill.
As the first single Disney Princess from a Pixar movie, Merida's archery and leadership skills inspire audiences to forge their own paths.
Mulan
Image: DisneyMulan's story, rooted in Chinese folklore, showcases her courage and ingenuity. Disguising herself as a man to take her father's place in the army, she saves China from the Huns and brings honor to her family.
Despite not being born into royalty, Mulan's inclusion as a Disney Princess underscores her role in challenging gender norms and promoting values of persistence, family, and honor.
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 unique personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our selections and rankings? Share your opinions in the comments below.
