The 10 Best Disney Princesses, Ranked

Disney Princesses have long been icons of inspiration, empowering individuals of all ages to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While Disney has faced criticism in the past for some problematic representations, the company has actively worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, celebrating the diversity and strength of these beloved characters.

Each Disney Princess brings a unique personality to the table, influencing how they navigate challenges and support those around them. This diversity makes it challenging yet exciting to highlight the top 10 from the official list of 13 characters. At IGN, we've carefully selected our favorites, and while we apologize for excluding three wonderful princesses, our choices reflect a focus on their distinctive traits and impactful stories.

Best Disney Princesses

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10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora, also known as Briar Rose, lives a sheltered life in a forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies, who protect her from Maleficent's curse. Despite their efforts, the curse catches up with her, leading to a deep sleep that can only be broken by true love's kiss. Aurora's grace and beauty are iconic, yet her imaginative spirit shines through as she dreams and shares her aspirations with her woodland friends. Recent critiques, however, have questioned the narrative of a princess needing rescue.

9. Moana

Moana, daughter of Motunui's chief, embodies independence and courage. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a quest to restore the heart of Te Fiti, the goddess of nature, to save her island from darkness. With the help of the demigod Maui, Moana discovers that Te Kā, the source of the blight, is Te Fiti's corrupted form. Her journey highlights her determination and leadership, making her an empowering role model for all, as noted by her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia bring Moana's essence to life in the upcoming live-action film.

8. Cinderella

Cinderella, enduring hardship at the hands of her stepmother and stepsisters, remains a beacon of kindness and resilience. After being denied the chance to attend the royal ball, her Fairy Godmother transforms her into a vision of elegance, complete with a stunning ballgown and glass slippers. While some viewed her as passive upon the film's release, Cinderella's proactive nature is evident as she enlists her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic style and resilience have cemented her status as a fashion and feminist icon, with Disney even altering her dress color to baby blue to ensure young fans' costumes do not resemble wedding attire.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel's rebellious spirit drives her to explore the human world, defying her father King Triton's rules. Her collection of human artifacts and her daring rescue of Prince Eric showcase her adventurous nature. To pursue her dreams, Ariel makes a perilous deal with Ursula, trading her voice for human legs. Her journey culminates in defeating the sea witch with the help of her friends and marrying Eric. Ariel's story continues in The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, where she becomes the first Disney Princess to embrace motherhood.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's story is one of determination and hard work. Her ambition to open a restaurant in honor of her late father leads her on an unexpected journey when she turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen. Alongside Naveen, Tiana navigates challenges, teaching him responsibility and rejecting shortcuts to success. Her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit make her the first African American Disney Princess and a feminist business icon.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's intellectual curiosity and desire for adventure set her apart. Trading her freedom for her father's, she finds herself in the Beast's enchanted castle. As she learns about the curse and the Beast's true nature, Belle's compassion and love break the spell. Her preference for books and knowledge over traditional pursuits of love and marriage, as envisioned by screenwriter Linda Woolverton, positions Belle as a modern feminist icon.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel's life in a secluded tower, manipulated by Mother Gothel, takes a turn when Flynn Rider stumbles into her world. Her yearning to see the floating lanterns leads to a daring escape, showcasing her resourcefulness and bravery. Rapunzel's hair, imbued with magical powers, becomes a tool for adventure and self-discovery. Her story in Tangled emphasizes her ingenuity and independence, challenging the negative narratives imposed by Gothel.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine's progressive views on marriage challenge the traditions of Agrabah. Rejecting suitors based on their character rather than status, she asserts her autonomy with the famous 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 learns to value authenticity, leads to a change in the kingdom's laws. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine introduces racial diversity and symbolizes female empowerment.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's story in Brave is a testament to her desire for self-determination. Refusing to marry for political alliances, she clashes with her mother, Queen Elinor, over traditional expectations. Her archery skills and leadership during the Highland games and subsequent challenges highlight her strength and independence. As the first single Disney Princess from Pixar, Merida breaks the mold of the damsel in distress, offering a powerful narrative of personal choice.

1. Mulan

Mulan's tale, rooted in Chinese folklore, is one of bravery and honor. Disguising herself as a man to spare her father from war, she joins the Imperial Chinese Army and uses her intellect and combat skills to defeat the Huns. Despite her deception being uncovered, Mulan's heroism saves the Emperor and brings honor to her family. As the first Chinese Disney Princess, Mulan's story champions persistence, family values, and challenges gender norms, embodying a powerful message of empowerment.

These are our top 10 Disney Princesses, chosen for their compelling personalities and impactful stories. We regret not including three amazing princesses, but our focus was on highlighting those who best exemplify the themes of empowerment and diversity. What are your thoughts on our selections? Share your opinions in the comments below.