Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Disney Princesses have long been cherished for their ability to inspire and empower audiences worldwide, particularly young girls and women. These iconic characters often embody dreams of a brighter future and reflect diverse cultures and personalities. Over the years, Disney has made significant efforts to evolve the representation and messaging of these beloved characters, striving to present more inclusive and empowering narratives.

Each Disney Princess brings a unique flair and approach to overcoming challenges, inspiring fans of all ages. While it's a challenging task to rank them, we at IGN have curated a list of our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official lineup of 13. We extend our apologies to the three princesses not included; their omission was a difficult decision.

So, let's dive into IGN's selection of the 10 best Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends much of her life hidden in a forest cottage by the Three Good Fairies, who rename her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, which would cause Aurora to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die, is altered by Merryweather to a deep sleep that can be broken by true love's kiss. Despite the fairies' efforts, Maleficent's hypnotic power leads Aurora to fulfill the curse, but she awakens with Prince Philip's kiss.

Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, yet her imaginative spirit and dreams for the future are what truly set her apart. However, her narrative has faced scrutiny for its reliance on true love's kiss to resolve the curse.

9. Moana

Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, embarks on a journey far removed from traditional princess tales. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she sets out as a teenager to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, which was stolen by the demi-god Maui. Her quest involves confronting Te Kā, the corrupted form of Te Fiti, and returning the heart to restore balance and save her island.

Moana's independence, bravery, and determination make her a powerful symbol of empowerment. Her voice actress, Auli‘i Cravalho, has highlighted Moana as a universal role model. We eagerly anticipate how Catherine Laga'aia will bring Moana to life in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Cinderella's story is one of resilience and kindness. After losing her father, she endures mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains compassionate, especially towards the animals she befriends. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her into a vision of beauty, complete with a memorable ballgown and glass slippers.

While initially perceived as passive, Cinderella's initiative in orchestrating her escape from confinement showcases her resourcefulness. Her iconic style has made her a fashion icon, and Disney's decision to change her dress color from silver to baby blue for costumes further cements her influence.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel embodies youthful rebellion and curiosity. Her fascination with the human world leads her to collect artifacts and ultimately rescue Prince Eric. Her desire to join the human world prompts her to make a dangerous deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. With the help of her friends, she overcomes Ursula's schemes and marries Eric.

In The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, adding a new dimension to her character. Her story remains a beloved tale of adventure and love.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Tiana, set in Jazz Age New Orleans, epitomizes hard work and determination. Her dream of opening a restaurant drives her to hold down multiple jobs. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning them both into frogs. Their journey to reverse the curse teaches Naveen responsibility and Tiana the value of love and partnership.

The Princess and the Frog introduces Tiana as the first African American Disney Princess, and her story celebrates her as a feminist icon and a successful businesswoman.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's intelligence and desire for adventure set her apart. Her journey begins when she trades her freedom to free her father, Maurice, from the Beast's castle. As she learns about the curse that transformed the prince into the Beast, Belle's compassion and love ultimately break the spell.

Belle challenges traditional princess roles by prioritizing knowledge and personal growth over romance. Her screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, crafted her as a feminist icon, emphasizing her rejection of Gaston's superficial advances.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel, kept in a tower by Mother Gothel, uses her 70 feet of magical hair to escape and explore the world. Her journey to see the floating lanterns leads her to Flynn Rider, and together they uncover her true heritage and the power of her hair.

Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity have made her a fan favorite. Her story in Tangled showcases her as a strong, independent character who overcomes manipulation and finds her own path.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine's story in Aladdin highlights her progressive views on marriage and personal choice. She rejects suitors based on their character rather than their status, culminating in her famous declaration of independence. Her relationship with Aladdin, who learns to value authenticity, underscores her commitment to true love.

As the first West Asian Disney Princess, Jasmine brings diversity to the franchise and stands as a symbol of female empowerment.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's tale in Brave is one of self-determination. She resists her mother's expectations of marriage, choosing instead to chart her own course. Her journey involves transforming her mother into a bear and navigating clan politics, ultimately advocating for personal choice in marriage.

As Pixar's first Disney Princess and the franchise's first single princess, Merida breaks the mold of the damsel in distress, showcasing her skills in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding.

1. Mulan

Mulan's story, based on a Chinese folk tale, is one of bravery and honor. She disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the Imperial Chinese Army and fights against the Hun army. Her strategic mind and courage lead to victory, and she is honored as a hero.

Despite not being born into royalty, Mulan's inclusion as a Disney Princess underscores her role as an icon of persistence and empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring audiences to break free from societal constraints.

There you have it! Our apologies to the three Disney Princesses not included in our list. We focused on the princesses' overall personalities and abilities in our selections. What are your thoughts on our choices and rankings? Share your opinions in the comments section below.