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The 10 Best Disney Princes, Ranked
- Joao Nsita
- 11 hours ago
- 18 min read
The sun is dipping below the skyline earlier, the air is cooler, and the cozy, introspective season of autumn is in full swing. It is a time for nostalgia, for comfort, and for the simple, profound joy of revisiting the stories that have shaped our lives. And in the vast, magical world of Disney, while the princesses often take centre stage, there is a whole pantheon of charming, brave, and deeply lovable princes who deserve their own moment in the spotlight.
The Disney Prince is a cultural archetype, a figure who has evolved dramatically over the decades, reflecting our own changing ideas about masculinity, heroism, and what it truly means to be a partner. On social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the conversation around these characters is more vibrant and more nuanced than ever. The classic, stoic princes of the early era are often the subject of gentle, humorous critique, while the more modern, witty, and emotionally intelligent princes of the Disney Renaissance and beyond are celebrated as true romantic heroes. The "#DisneyPrince" aesthetic is a trend in itself, with fans creating everything from modern-day fashion mood boards to passionate video essays debating who is the ultimate Disney heartthrob.
To rank the ten “best” Disney Princes is to take a journey through the evolution of the fairytale hero. It is to celebrate the characters who are not just defined by their ability to save the day, but by their kindness, their humour, their vulnerability, and their unwavering support for the powerful women they love. This is not just a list of the most handsome or the most heroic; it is a deep dive into the characters who are the most compelling, the most influential, and the most masterfully crafted.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the greatest royal heroes in the Disney canon. We have considered their cultural impact, their character development, and their sheer, undeniable charm to bring you this ranked list, presented in descending order. From the swashbuckling and sarcastic to the gentle and kind, these are the ten princes who have captured our hearts and proven that a true prince is so much more than just a title.
Enjoyed what you read? If you find this article insightful and it helps you rediscover the magic of these iconic characters, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
10. Prince Charming (Cinderella, 1950)
The Vibe: The original, iconic, and archetypal fairytale prince. He is less of a character and more of a beautiful, elegant symbol of a dream come true.
The Character: Prince Charming is the handsome, sought-after, and slightly bored heir to the throne. His father, the King, is desperate for him to marry and to provide him with grandchildren. He throws a massive royal ball in the hopes that his son will find a suitable bride. Prince Charming is completely unimpressed by any of the eligible ladies at the ball, until he locks eyes with a mysterious and beautiful young woman in a stunning ball gown. He is instantly smitten, and they share a magical, romantic dance. When she flees at midnight, leaving only a single glass slipper behind, he embarks on a kingdom-wide search to find the woman who has captured his heart.
Why He Makes the List: Prince Charming makes this list not for his complex personality, but for his iconic and foundational status. He is the blueprint, the original fairytale prince upon which so many others were built. His story is the pure, undiluted essence of the classic "love at first sight" fantasy. While he may not have a huge amount of dialogue or a complex backstory, his role in the story is absolutely essential. He represents the possibility of escape, of a new life, and of a love that can transcend circumstance.
The Enduring Legacy: In the modern era, Prince Charming is often criticized for his lack of personality, but this is a slightly unfair reading of a character from a different time. He is a symbol, a perfect, elegant, and deeply romantic figure who exists to fulfill a specific and powerful fairytale function. His unwavering determination to find the woman he loves, even with only a single clue, is a testament to his romantic spirit. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Romantic Movies of All Time. For a deep dive into the history of this classic film, the Walt Disney Family Museum's website has some fantastic articles.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Cinderella on Disney+. You can find a huge range of Prince Charming-themed merchandise, from classic dolls to wedding accessories, on ShopDisney.
9. Prince Naveen (The Princess and the Frog, 2009)
The Vibe: A charismatic, jazz-loving, and deeply arrogant prince who is forced to learn a much-needed lesson in humility and hard work, all while being a frog.
The Character: When we first meet Prince Naveen of Maldonia, he is a spoiled, fun-loving, and completely broke playboy who has just been cut off by his parents. He arrives in the vibrant, jazz-filled city of New Orleans with the intention of marrying a wealthy southern belle to solve his financial problems. However, his plans are derailed when he is transformed into a frog by the sinister voodoo witch doctor, Dr. Facilier. In a case of mistaken identity, he convinces a hardworking and ambitious young waitress named Tiana to kiss him, hoping to break the spell. Instead, she too is turned into a frog, and the two are forced to embark on a perilous journey through the Louisiana bayou to find a way to become human again.
Why He's One of the Best: Prince Naveen is one of the most compelling and well-developed princes in the Disney canon because he undergoes a true and profound character arc. He begins the film as a selfish, arrogant, and completely useless man-child. But through his journey with the incredibly capable and no-nonsense Tiana, he is forced to learn the value of hard work, of responsibility, and of loving someone for who they are, not what they can give you. His transformation from a shallow playboy into a genuinely good and loving partner is one of the most satisfying in Disney history.
The Enduring Legacy: Prince Naveen is a fantastic and important character. He is a charming, funny, and deeply flawed prince who learns to be a better man. The film itself is a beautiful and vibrant celebration of New Orleans culture and a powerful story about the importance of balancing your dreams with your relationships. For more on the incredible music of the film, the official Disney Music VEVO channel on YouTube is a great resource. The show’s focus on a powerful journey of self-discovery is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Coming of Age Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Princess and the Frog on Disney+.
8. The Beast / Prince Adam (Beauty and the Beast, 1991)
The Vibe: The ultimate, iconic, and deeply tragic "bad boy" with a hidden heart of gold. He is a figure of terrifying rage and profound, heartbreaking loneliness.
The Character: The Beast was once a handsome but selfish and unkind young prince. As a punishment for his cruelty, an enchantress transforms him into a monstrous beast and his servants into household objects. The curse can only be broken if he can learn to love another, and earn her love in return, before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. He lives in bitter, isolated despair in his dark and crumbling castle, until a brave and intelligent young woman named Belle enters his life and begins to see the man behind the monster.
Why He's One of the Best: The Beast is, without a doubt, one of the most complex and psychologically interesting characters in the entire Disney canon. He is not a simple, charming hero. He is a figure of immense rage, of deep-seated self-loathing, and of profound, heartbreaking loneliness. His journey, from a terrifying and abusive captor to a gentle, vulnerable, and loving partner, is one of the most powerful and moving character arcs in animation history. The voice performance by Robby Benson is a masterpiece, perfectly capturing both the terrifying, guttural rage and the quiet, wounded vulnerability of the character.
The Enduring Legacy: The character of the Beast is a powerful and timeless exploration of the idea that true beauty is found within. His story is a testament to the transformative power of kindness and empathy. The film itself is a masterpiece, the first animated film to ever be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Favorite Movie Anti-Heroes of All Time. The film's iconic soundtrack is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of Top 10 Best Disney Soundtracks of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Beauty and the Beast on Disney+.
7. Li Shang (Mulan, 1998)
The Vibe: The strong, disciplined, and deeply honourable military captain who is a perfect, modern subversion of the classic "prince" archetype.
The Character: Captain Li Shang is the newly appointed and determined leader of the Chinese army. He is tasked with training a ragtag group of new recruits, including a young and clumsy soldier named Ping, who is secretly our heroine, Mulan, in disguise. Shang is a serious, no-nonsense leader who is driven by a deep sense of duty and a desire to live up to the legacy of his heroic father. He is initially dismissive of Ping, but he comes to respect the young soldier's incredible courage and ingenuity.
Why He's One of the Best: Li Shang is a fantastic and important character because he breaks the mold of the traditional Disney prince. He does not fall in love with Mulan because she is a beautiful princess; he falls in love with her because he respects her as a soldier, as a leader, and as an equal. Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and admiration, not on a classic, love-at-first-sight fairytale trope. He is a character who is a powerful and inspiring example of a man who is not intimidated by a strong woman. For a deep dive into the film's powerful feminist themes, the official Disney fan club, D23, has some fantastic articles.
The Enduring Legacy: Li Shang is a beloved character who is celebrated for his strength, his integrity, and his progressive (for a Disney prince) worldview. His training anthem, "I'll Make a Man Out of You," has become an iconic and beloved song. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Mulan on Disney+.
6. Kristoff (Frozen, 2013)
The Vibe: The rugged, sarcastic, and deeply decent "ice-man" who is a perfect, modern, and wonderfully subversive take on the classic Disney hero.
The Character: Kristoff is a solitary and slightly cynical ice harvester who lives in the mountains outside of Arendelle. His best friend, and indeed his only real family, is his loyal reindeer, Sven. His quiet life is turned upside down when he meets the quirky, optimistic, and slightly naive Princess Anna, who enlists his help on a dangerous journey to find her sister, Elsa, and to bring back summer.
Why He's One of the Best: Kristoff is a brilliant and refreshing subversion of the classic, charming prince. He is not a prince, he is not suave, and he is not immediately smitten with the princess. In fact, he is initially quite annoyed by her. Their relationship is a slow-burn, "opposites attract" dynamic that is built on a foundation of shared adventure, witty banter, and a growing, genuine respect. He is a character who is a fantastic and healthy model of modern masculinity. He is not intimidated by Anna’s power or her agency; he supports her, he respects her, and when the time comes, he is willing to step aside to let her be the hero of her own story. For more on the incredible success of the film, the official Disney Animation website is a great resource.
The Enduring Legacy: Kristoff is a beloved character who is celebrated for his kindness, his humour, and his refreshingly modern and supportive approach to romance. His 80s-inspired, power-ballad-style "I want" song, "Lost in the Woods," is a hilarious and brilliant highlight of the second film. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Romantic Movies of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Frozen and Frozen II on Disney+.
5. Hercules (Hercules, 1997)
The Vibe: The ultimate, lovable, "zero-to-hero" himbo. He is a character of immense physical strength and an even bigger, more compassionate heart.
The Character: Hercules is the son of the Greek gods Zeus and Hera. He is made mortal as a baby by his evil uncle, Hades, and is raised on Earth as a clumsy, awkward, and super-strong outcast. As a teenager, he discovers the truth of his divine heritage and embarks on a quest to become a "true hero" so that he can rejoin his parents on Mount Olympus. His journey is complicated by his love for the cynical, sharp-tongued, and deeply wounded Megara, a woman who is secretly working for Hades.
Why He's One of the Best: Hercules is one of the most endearing and lovable of all the Disney heroes. He is a character of pure, unadulterated, good-hearted sincerity. His journey is a classic and incredibly satisfying underdog story. But what makes him a truly great character is his ultimate realization that being a "true hero" is not about fame or physical strength; it's about the strength of your heart and the sacrifices you are willing to make for the people you love. His decision to give up his godhood to live a mortal life with Meg is one of the most romantic and powerful moments in the Disney canon.
The Enduring Legacy: The film is a beloved 90s classic, celebrated for its unique, stylized animation, its brilliant, gospel-infused soundtrack, and its huge, comedic heart. Hercules is a fantastic and inspiring role model, a hero who proves that true strength is measured by your kindness. The film’s iconic soundtrack is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of Top 10 Best Disney Soundtracks of All Time. For more on the mythology that inspired the film, Theoi.com is an incredible academic resource.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Hercules on Disney+.
4. Prince Phillip (Sleeping Beauty, 1959)
The Vibe: The first, truly active and heroic prince in the Disney canon. He is a brave, charming, and determined hero who is willing to literally fight a dragon for the woman he loves.
The Character: Prince Phillip is the handsome and charming prince who is betrothed, at birth, to the infant Princess Aurora. As a young man, he meets a beautiful peasant girl in the forest and falls instantly in love, unaware that she is, in fact, his betrothed princess in hiding. When Aurora falls victim to Maleficent's curse, it is up to Phillip to fight his way through a forest of thorns and to battle a giant, fire-breathing dragon to save her.
Why He's One of the Best: While the princes who came before him were largely passive figures, Prince Phillip was a true, active hero. He is brave, he is determined, and he is a genuinely compelling character in his own right. He is not just a reward for the princess; he is an equal partner in the story's climax. The final battle between Phillip and the dragon-form of Maleficent is one of the most spectacular, thrilling, and beautifully animated action sequences in the history of cinema. For more on the film's groundbreaking, mid-century modern animation style, the official Disney fan club, D23, has some fantastic articles.
The Enduring Legacy: Prince Phillip set a new standard for the Disney prince. He was a character who was not just defined by his royal status, but by his courage and his actions. He is a timeless and iconic hero, a classic, dragon-slaying prince who has captivated audiences for generations. The show's complex and terrifying villain is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Villains of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Sleeping Beauty on Disney+.
3. Aladdin (Aladdin, 1992)
The Vibe: The ultimate, charming, "diamond in the rough." He is a witty, resourceful, and deeply good-hearted hero who is a master of the grand, romantic gesture.
The Character: Aladdin is a kind, clever, and charismatic "street rat" who lives a life of petty crime in the bustling city of Agrabah. He dreams of a life beyond the palace walls. His life is changed forever when he is tricked by the evil Jafar into retrieving a magic lamp from the Cave of Wonders. He unleashes a larger-than-life Genie and uses his three wishes to transform himself into a prince so that he can win the heart of the beautiful and fiercely independent Princess Jasmine.
Why He's One of the Best: Aladdin is one of the most charming and lovable of all the Disney heroes. He is a classic underdog, a character who uses his wit and his heart, not his status, to win the day. The voice performance by Scott Weinger is full of a youthful, energetic charm. But what makes Aladdin a truly great character is his journey of self-acceptance. He learns that he doesn't need to pretend to be a prince to be worthy of love, and that his true worth comes from his own, good heart.
The Enduring Legacy: The film is a masterpiece of the Disney Renaissance, a perfect blend of comedy, adventure, and sweeping romance. The character of Aladdin is a timeless and beloved hero, and his epic, magic carpet ride with Jasmine is one of the most iconic and romantic sequences in all of cinema. The film's incredible soundtrack, with songs like "A Whole New World," is a huge part of its enduring appeal, a theme you can explore in our list of Top 10 Michael Jackson Songs of All Time (as another artist with a legendary sound).
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Aladdin on Disney+.
2. Prince Eric (The Little Mermaid, 1989)
The Vibe: The kind, handsome, and deeply romantic dream boat who is the gold standard for the classic Disney prince.
The Character: Prince Eric is a handsome, seafaring prince who is a skilled mariner and a dreamer. He is rescued from a shipwreck by the mermaid princess, Ariel, and he becomes completely obsessed with the memory of her beautiful, enchanting voice. He is a character who is defined by his kindness, his bravery, and his unwavering belief in the mysterious girl who saved his life. Unlike many of the princes who came before him, Eric is a genuinely active and well-developed character. He is not just a prize to be won; he is a partner in the adventure.
Why He's One of the Best: Prince Eric is, for many, the perfect, idealized Disney prince. He is not just handsome; he is a genuinely good and kind person. He is a hero who is defined by his actions, from his bravery during the shipwreck to his final, epic battle against the sea witch, Ursula, where he literally impales her with the bow of a ship. He is a character who is both a classic, fairytale hero and a surprisingly modern and proactive partner. For a deep dive into the making of this classic film, the Disney+ documentary "Howard", about the life of lyricist Howard Ashman, is essential viewing.
The Enduring Legacy: The character of Prince Eric set a new and much higher standard for the Disney prince. He was a character with a personality, with a backstory, and with a genuine, active role to play in the story's climax. He is a timeless and beloved romantic hero, and his iconic, and almost-successful, "Kiss the Girl" scene is one of the most romantic in the Disney canon. The show’s complex and often fiery relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of Top 10 Rolling Stones Songs of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Little Mermaid on Disney+.
1. Flynn Rider / Eugene Fitzherbert (Tangled, 2010)
Why He's at the Top: While every prince on this list is a classic in his own right, Flynn Rider, a.k.a. Eugene Fitzherbert, is, without a doubt, the single greatest and most beloved Disney prince of all time. He is the perfect, modern synthesis of everything we love in a romantic hero. He has the sarcastic wit of a Han Solo, the swashbuckling charm of an Errol Flynn, and the deep, hidden, and profoundly romantic heart of a true fairytale prince. He is a character who is not just a love interest; he is a co-protagonist, a brilliant, fully-realised character with his own, powerful and moving character arc. He is, quite simply, the best.
The Premise: When we first meet him, he is Flynn Rider, the kingdom’s most wanted, and most arrogant, thief. On the run from the palace guards, he stumbles upon a mysterious, hidden tower and climbs it, only to be knocked unconscious with a frying pan by its feisty, long-haired resident, Rapunzel. The two strike a deal: he will take her to see the "floating lights" that appear every year on her birthday, and in return, she will give him back the royal crown he has stolen. What follows is a hilarious, action-packed, and incredibly romantic road trip adventure.
What Makes Him the Best: Flynn Rider is a masterpiece of character creation. The voice performance by Zachary Levi is a work of pure, charismatic genius. The character is a brilliant deconstruction of the classic Disney hero. He is not a prince, he is a common thief. He is selfish, he is arrogant, and he is deeply cynical. But over the course of the film, his relationship with the endlessly optimistic and kind-hearted Rapunzel allows him to reconnect with his true, and much better, self: the gentle, romantic, and deeply good-hearted orphan, Eugene Fitzherbert. His final, selfless act of sacrifice is one of the most powerful and moving moments in the entire Disney canon. The show’s focus on a powerful romance is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 10 Best Love Songs of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Tangled on Disney+.
Conclusion
In the vast and magical kingdom of Disney, the role of the prince has undergone a beautiful and profound evolution. From the simple, symbolic figures of the classic era to the complex, witty, and deeply human heroes of the modern age, these ten characters represent the very best of a beloved archetype. They are more than just handsome faces and royal titles; they are symbols of courage, of kindness, and of a love that is strong enough to conquer all.
These are the characters who have taught us that a true hero is not defined by his strength, but by his heart. They are a testament to the enduring, and ever-evolving, power of a great fairytale. As Disney continues to create new and magical worlds, one thing is certain: the legacy of these iconic princes will continue to charm, to inspire, and to make us believe in the power of a happily ever after.
Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the very first Disney Prince? The first official Disney Prince is the prince from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). He is often referred to as "The Prince" as he is not given a specific name in the film.
2. Why are some characters like Aladdin and Hercules considered "princes"? While they are not born into royalty in the traditional sense, they are officially included in the Disney Prince lineup due to their heroic status and their marriage to a princess or a god's daughter by the end of their respective films.
3. What is the "Disney Renaissance"? The Disney Renaissance is a term used to describe the period from 1989 to 1999, which began with The Little Mermaid. This era saw a resurgence in the critical and commercial success of Walt Disney Animation Studios and is famous for producing many of the most beloved and iconic princes, including Eric, The Beast, and Aladdin.
4. Where can I watch all of these classic Disney movies? All of the animated films on this list are available to stream exclusively on Disney+.
5. What makes a Disney Prince "modern"? The more modern Disney princes, from the Renaissance era onwards, are typically more active, more complex, and more well-developed characters than the classic princes of the early era. They often have their own, distinct personalities, their own character arcs, and are portrayed as more equal partners to the princesses.
6. Who is the most popular Disney Prince according to fans? While it's always a subject of debate, Flynn Rider from Tangled and Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid consistently rank at the very top of fan polls and discussions on platforms like Reddit.
7. Are there any official "rules" for being a Disney Prince? The official Disney Prince lineup is a marketing franchise, and the criteria are not always strictly defined. Generally, a character must play a heroic, central role in an animated Disney film and be the romantic partner of a princess or a heroine of similar status.
8. I love the style of these princes. Where can I find merchandise? The official ShopDisney website has a dedicated "Princes" section where you can find a huge range of merchandise, from clothing and accessories to collectible figures.
9. Are there any good books about the art of Disney animation? Yes, the book The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation, written by two of Disney's legendary "Nine Old Men," Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, is considered the bible of animation and is an essential read for any fan.
10. What is the next major Disney Prince movie? Disney Animation is always working on new and exciting projects. Keep an eye on the official Disney Animation Studios website for all the latest news and announcements about their upcoming films.
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