.jpg)
The 10 Best Disney Princesses, 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 shaped our childhoods. And in the vast, magical kingdom of our collective memories, there are no figures who reign more supreme, whose legacy is more enduring, or whose gowns are more iconic than the Disney Princesses.
For generations, these animated heroines have been more than just characters in a fairytale; they have been our first role models, our earliest icons of style, and the stars of the musical soundtracks that became the anthems of our youth. But the Disney Princess is not a static figure. She has evolved, transformed, and grown alongside us. On social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the conversation around these characters is a vibrant, powerful, and deeply engaged one. We see a new generation celebrating the "Princess aesthetic," creating stunning makeup looks inspired by their favourite heroines, and passionately debating their rankings. But the trend is also a more critical and thoughtful one, a celebration of the princesses who broke the mold, who shattered stereotypes, and who taught us that a "happily ever after" can be something you build for yourself.
To rank the ten “best” Disney Princesses is to take a journey through the evolution of an archetype. It is to navigate a landscape of classic, graceful damsels, of rebellious, adventurous dreamers, and of fierce, independent warriors. This is not just a list based on who has the best dress or the most romantic love story. It is a comprehensive ranking based on a character's narrative impact, their complexity, their cultural significance, and their enduring, timeless appeal.
This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the royalty of the animation world. We will take a deep dive into each of these ten legendary heroines, presented in descending order, exploring the magic, the music, and the powerful messages that have made them immortal.
Enjoyed what you read? If you find this article insightful and it helps you rediscover the magic of the Disney Princesses, 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. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty, 1959)
The Vibe: The graceful, elegant, and ethereal "dreamer" princess. She is the epitome of the classic, Golden Age of Disney animation.
Her Story: Princess Aurora's story is one of the most iconic in the fairytale canon. Cursed at her christening by the magnificently evil Maleficent, she is destined to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel on her sixteenth birthday and die. Through the magical intervention of the three good fairies, the curse is softened to a deep sleep, a sleep that can only be broken by "true love's kiss." To protect her, the fairies raise her in a secluded forest cottage, where she lives a simple life as a peasant girl named Briar Rose, completely unaware of her royal heritage.
Why She's an Icon: Aurora is the quintessential, classic Disney Princess. She is a figure of incredible grace, elegance, and beauty. The animation of her character is a masterpiece of the era, and her signature song, "Once Upon a Dream," is one of the most beautiful and romantic in the Disney songbook. While modern critics often, and validly, point to her passive role in her own story (she is asleep for a significant portion of it), she is a character who is defined by her deep connection to nature and her powerful, imaginative inner world. She is a dreamer, a romantic, and a figure of timeless, fairytale grace.
The Enduring Legacy: Aurora represents the pinnacle of a certain kind of classic, romantic ideal. Her story, and her aesthetic, have had a profound and lasting impact on our collective idea of what a "princess" is. 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 incredible artistry of this classic film, the Walt Disney Family Museum's website has some fantastic articles and exhibits.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Sleeping Beauty on Disney+. You can find a huge range of Aurora-themed merchandise, from classic dolls to collector's items, on ShopDisney.
9. Moana (Moana, 2016)
The Vibe: A brave, determined, and incredibly capable master wayfinder. She is the ultimate, modern, adventure-hero princess who is the hero of her own story.
Her Story: Moana is the fiercely independent and adventurous daughter of the chief of the Polynesian island of Motunui. From a young age, she feels a deep, inexplicable pull to the ocean, despite the fact that her people are forbidden to sail beyond the safety of their home reef. When a mysterious, life-killing blight begins to destroy her island, Moana discovers that she has been chosen by the ocean itself to embark on a dangerous and epic quest. She must find the arrogant, and long-lost, demigod Maui, and force him to return the stolen heart of the goddess Te Fiti to save her people.
Why She's an Icon: Moana is a powerful and inspiring role model for a new generation. She is a character who is defined by her courage, her intelligence, and her deep love for her family and her community. What makes her a truly groundbreaking princess is the complete absence of a love interest in her story. Her journey is not about finding a prince; it is about finding herself, about embracing her destiny, and about becoming the leader her people need her to be. Her signature song, "How Far I'll Go," is a modern masterpiece, a powerful anthem of ambition and self-discovery that was co-written by the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The Enduring Legacy: Moana is a celebration of exploration, of courage, and of the importance of honouring your heritage. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, praised for its stunning animation and its beautiful, authentic representation of Polynesian culture. Moana has quickly become one of the most beloved and iconic princesses of the modern Disney era. For more on the cultural consultancy that was integral to the film's creation, the official Disney Animation website has some fantastic behind-the-scenes content. 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 Moana on Disney+.
8. Cinderella (Cinderella, 1950)
The Vibe: The ultimate, timeless, and deeply resilient symbol of hope. She is the kind, gentle, and eternally optimistic princess who proves that dreams really can come true.
Her Story: The story of Cinderella is one of the most famous and beloved fairytales of all time. After the death of her beloved father, Cinderella is left in the care of her cruel stepmother and her two wicked stepsisters, who abuse her and force her to work as a maid in her own home. Despite her hardships, Cinderella remains kind, gentle, and hopeful, finding friendship in the small animals who live in the château. With the help of her magical Fairy Godmother, she gets one, magical night at the royal ball, a night that will change her life forever.
Why She's an Icon: While modern audiences might critique her for her seemingly passive nature, Cinderella is a character of incredible, and often underrated, resilience. Her true superpower is not magic; it is her unwavering ability to maintain her kindness and her hope in the face of relentless cruelty. She is a character who never gives up on her dreams, and her story is a powerful and enduring testament to the idea that goodness will, in the end, be rewarded. Her iconic, magical transformation and her beautiful ballgown have made her a timeless fashion icon.
The Enduring Legacy: Cinderella is, for many, the quintessential Disney Princess. Her story is the ultimate "rags-to-riches" fairytale, a story that has been a source of hope and inspiration for generations. Her iconic song, "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," is a beautiful and timeless anthem of optimism. For a deep dive into the history of the fairytale itself, the University of Southern Mississippi's fairytale research page is a fascinating resource. This kind of powerful, life-changing love is a joy to watch, a theme we also loved in The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang | Book Review.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Cinderella on Disney+.
7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid, 1989)
The Vibe: The rebellious, passionate, and endlessly curious teenage dreamer who launched a new golden age of Disney animation.
Her Story: Ariel is the youngest daughter of King Triton, the ruler of the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. She is a free-spirited and adventurous mermaid who is completely obsessed with the forbidden human world. After rescuing the handsome Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she falls head-over-heels in love and makes a dangerous deal with the devious sea witch, Ursula. She trades her beautiful voice for a pair of legs, with the hope of winning Eric's heart in just three days.
Why She's an Icon: Ariel is the princess who changed everything. She was the first princess of the "Disney Renaissance," a new kind of heroine who was active, rebellious, and the driving force of her own story. She doesn't wait to be rescued; she rescues the prince first. She is a character who is defined by her fierce determination and her passionate pursuit of her dreams, no matter the cost. Her iconic "I want" song, "Part of Your World," is a masterpiece of musical storytelling, a powerful and deeply relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't quite belong.
The Enduring Legacy: The Little Mermaid and its brilliant soundtrack, from the legendary duo of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, single-handedly revitalized Disney animation. Ariel's character created the blueprint for a new generation of more independent and proactive princesses. She is a beloved and enduring icon, a powerful symbol of teenage rebellion and the courage to follow your heart. For a deep dive into the genius of Howard Ashman, the Disney+ documentary "Howard" is an essential, and deeply moving, watch. The show’s complex and often fiery relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of Top 10 Michael Jackson Songs of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream The Little Mermaid on Disney+.
6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog, 2009)
The Vibe: A hardworking, ambitious, and incredibly determined entrepreneur who is a powerful and inspiring role model.
Her Story: Tiana is a young African-American woman living in the vibrant, jazz-infused world of 1920s New Orleans. She is not a princess who is dreaming of a prince; she is a talented chef who is dreaming of opening her own restaurant, a dream she shared with her late father. She is a practical and no-nonsense woman who believes in the power of hard work, holding down two jobs to save up enough money to make her dream a reality. Her carefully laid plans are thrown into chaos when, at a masquerade ball, she is mistaken for a princess and is convinced to kiss a frog—who is actually the arrogant and charming Prince Naveen, who has been turned into an amphibian by the evil voodoo witch doctor, Dr. Facilier. The kiss, of course, does not break the spell; it turns her into a frog too.
Why She's an Icon: Tiana is a groundbreaking and incredibly important Disney Princess. She is the first African-American princess in the Disney canon, a landmark moment of representation. She is also a powerful symbol of entrepreneurship and self-reliance. She is a heroine who is not waiting for her dreams to be handed to her; she is actively and tirelessly working to achieve them for herself. Her journey as a frog through the Louisiana bayou is a hilarious and heartwarming adventure that teaches both her and the pampered Prince Naveen about what truly matters in life.
The Enduring Legacy: Tiana is celebrated for her incredible work ethic, her resilience, and her powerful, inspiring message that you can achieve your dreams through hard work and determination. She is a modern, empowered, and deeply beloved princess. 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 The Princess and the Frog on Disney+.
5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast, 1991)
The Vibe: The intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely independent "bookworm" princess who taught a generation that there is more to a person than what you see on the surface.
Her Story: Belle is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels like an outcast in her small, provincial French village. She is a voracious reader who yearns for adventure and for a life that is more than the one that has been planned for her. To save her eccentric inventor father, she selflessly offers to take his place as a prisoner in an enchanted castle, a castle that is home to a monstrous and terrifying Beast. She soon discovers that the Beast and his entire household are living under a powerful curse, a curse that can only be broken if he can learn to love, and be loved in return, before the last petal falls from a magical rose.
Why She's an Icon: Belle is another of the groundbreaking princesses of the Disney Renaissance. She was one of the first Disney heroines who was explicitly celebrated for her intelligence and her love of books. She is a character who is defined by her compassion, her courage, and her ability to see the good in others, even in a monster. Her relationship with the Beast is one of the most complex and beautifully developed in the entire Disney canon, a powerful journey of two outcasts finding a deep, and unexpected, connection.
The Enduring Legacy: Beauty and the Beast made history as the first animated film to ever be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, a testament to its incredible artistry and its powerful, emotional storytelling. Belle is a timeless and beloved heroine, a powerful symbol of the idea that true beauty is found within. Her love for books is a beautiful and inspiring trait, and for more on great love stories, you can check out our Romance Book Recommendations. 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+.
4. Rapunzel (Tangled, 2010)
The Vibe: A creative, quirky, and incredibly resourceful artist who is a perfect, modern, and action-packed take on the classic "damsel in distress."
Her Story: For eighteen years, Rapunzel has been locked away in a hidden tower by her manipulative, passive-aggressive "mother," Gothel. She is a young woman of incredible talent and boundless creativity, a master of painting, astronomy, and, of course, managing her 70 feet of magical, golden hair. Her one great dream is to see the "floating lights" that appear in the sky every year on her birthday. Her quiet life is thrown into chaos by the arrival of the charming, roguish thief, Flynn Rider. She strikes a deal with him: she will return the stolen royal crown he is hiding if he will take her to see the lanterns.
Why She's an Icon: Rapunzel is a brilliant and wonderfully modern take on a classic fairytale princess. She is not a passive damsel waiting to be rescued; she is the one who rescues herself, knocking out her "prince" with a frying pan and initiating her own adventure. She is a character who is both incredibly sweet and incredibly tough, a perfect blend of artistic sensitivity and resourceful, take-charge energy. Her journey of self-discovery, as she finally escapes her tower and reclaims her own life, is a powerful and inspiring one.
The Enduring Legacy: Tangled was a massive critical and commercial success that launched a new, modern era of Disney animation. Rapunzel is one of the most popular and beloved of the modern princesses, celebrated for her creativity, her resilience, and her wonderfully quirky personality. The film’s beautiful and romantic "I See the Light" sequence is one of the most stunning in modern animation. For a deep dive into the film's incredible art, the book The Art of Tangled is a fantastic resource. The film’s complex and often fiery relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies About Marriages.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Tangled on Disney+.
3. Jasmine (Aladdin, 1992)
The Vibe: A fierce, independent, and trailblazing princess who is a powerful and outspoken advocate for her own agency and freedom.
Her Story: Princess Jasmine is the beautiful and fiercely independent daughter of the Sultan of Agrabah. She is a young woman who feels trapped by the gilded cage of her palace life. She is being forced by an ancient law to marry a prince by her next birthday, but she is a woman who wants to marry for love, not for status. She is a character who is not afraid to speak her mind, to challenge the patriarchal traditions of her society, and to fight for her own right to choose her own destiny.
Why She's an Icon: Jasmine is a groundbreaking and incredibly important Disney Princess. She was the first non-white princess in the Disney canon, a landmark moment of representation that opened the door for a new, more diverse generation of heroines. She is a powerful and outspoken feminist icon, a woman who famously declares, "I am not a prize to be won!" Her romance with the "street rat" Aladdin is a beautiful and classic "opposites attract" love story, but she is always an equal partner in their adventure.
The Enduring Legacy: Jasmine is celebrated for her strength, her intelligence, and her fierce, independent spirit. She is a princess who completely redefined what it meant to be a Disney heroine, proving that a princess could be just as strong and as determined as any prince. Her iconic song, "A Whole New World," is one of the greatest and most romantic in the Disney songbook, a beautiful celebration of discovery and freedom. 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 Aladdin on Disney+.
2. Merida (Brave, 2012)
The Vibe: A wild, fiery, and fiercely independent Scottish princess who is a master archer and the master of her own destiny.
Her Story: Merida is the spirited and headstrong daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, the rulers of a medieval Scottish kingdom. She is a young woman who has no interest in the traditional duties of a princess. She would much rather be riding her horse through the highlands and practicing her archery. Her life is thrown into chaos when her mother announces that she is to be betrothed to the son of one of her father's allies. In a powerful act of defiance, Merida competes for her own hand in marriage at the Highland games. Her rebellion leads to a massive fight with her mother and a desperate, magical mistake that transforms the queen into a bear.
Why She's an Icon: Merida is a true revolutionary in the Disney Princess lineup. She is the first princess from a Pixar film, and more importantly, she is the first Disney Princess to be completely, and unapologetically, single. The story of Brave is not a romance; it is a powerful and moving exploration of a complex mother-daughter relationship. Merida is a character who is defined by her courage, her independence, and her determination to forge her own path in a world that is trying to force her into a box.
The Enduring Legacy: Merida is a powerful and important role model, a princess who proves that you don't need a prince to have a "happily ever after." Her story is a celebration of family, of forgiveness, and of the brave and wonderful act of being true to yourself. The show’s focus on a powerful family is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Mothers. For more on the beautiful Scottish landscapes that inspired the film, the Visit Scotland website is a fantastic resource.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Brave on Disney+.
1. Mulan
Why She's at the Top: While every princess on this list is an icon in her own right, Fa Mulan stands at the very top because she is not just a princess; she is a legend. She is a character who completely and totally shatters every single stereotype of what a "princess" is supposed to be. She is not a damsel in distress; she is a warrior. She is not waiting to be rescued; she is the one who does the rescuing. Her story is not about finding a prince; it is about saving an entire nation. She is, without a doubt, the most powerful, the most heroic, and the most inspiring of all the Disney heroines.
Her Story: Based on an ancient Chinese folk tale, the story of Mulan is an epic one. When the Hun army invades China, the Emperor decrees that one man from every family must join the Imperial Army. Mulan's beloved father is old and frail, and in a powerful act of love and self-sacrifice, she secretly takes his place, disguising herself as a man named "Ping." She endures a brutal training regimen and, through her intelligence, her courage, and her sheer force of will, she becomes one of the most brilliant and effective soldiers in the entire army.
What Makes Her a Legend: Mulan is the ultimate, trailblazing hero. Her story is a powerful and timeless exploration of honour, of family, and of the courage it takes to defy the restrictive gender roles of a patriarchal society. She is a character who proves that strength is not a matter of gender, but of character. Her journey is not just about becoming a great warrior; it is about embracing her true, authentic self. 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. The film's iconic soundtrack, particularly "I'll Make a Man Out of You," has a powerful, almost rock-and-roll energy, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 10 Best Rolling Stones Songs of All Time.
Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Mulan on Disney+.
Conclusion
In the magical, ever-evolving kingdom of Disney, the role of the princess has undergone a beautiful and powerful transformation. From the gentle, graceful dreamers of the classic era to the fierce, independent warriors of the modern age, the ten heroines on this list are a testament to the incredible, enduring power of the Disney Princess. They are more than just characters in a fairytale; they are cultural icons, role models, and a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.
They have taught us to be kind, to be brave, to be curious, and to be true to ourselves. They have given us some of the most beautiful and unforgettable music in cinematic history, and they have taken us on a series of magical, breathtaking adventures. As the Disney canon continues to grow and to evolve, one thing is certain: the magic of the Disney Princess is, and always will be, timeless.
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!
Related Articles from That Love Podcast:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is on the official, canonical list of Disney Princesses? The official Disney Princess lineup currently includes Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana, and Raya.
2. Why aren't Anna and Elsa from Frozen on the official list? Anna and Elsa are not part of the official "Disney Princess" franchise because the Frozen franchise is so massive and successful on its own that they are in their own, separate category. They are, of course, still beloved queens and princesses.
3. Who was the first Disney Princess of colour? Jasmine, from the 1992 film Aladdin, was the first Disney Princess of colour.
4. Which Disney Princess is the only one to not be royal by birth or marriage (in her first film)? Mulan is the only character in the official lineup who is not royal by either birth or marriage. She is included in the franchise because of her incredible heroism.
5. 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, largely driven by the creation of a new generation of more active and independent princesses.
6. I love the music from these movies. Where can I find the soundtracks? All of the soundtracks for these films are available to stream on major music platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. You can also purchase them from the official Disney Music Emporium.
7. Are all these movies based on classic fairytales? Many of them are. Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid are all based on classic European fairytales. Others, like Mulan and Pocahontas, are based on historical legends, and some, like Moana and Brave, are original stories inspired by mythology.
8. Where can I find more in-depth information about the history of these films? The fan-run Disney Wiki is an incredible and exhaustive resource for information on every single character, film, and song in the Disney canon.
9. What is the best way to watch these movies? All of the films on this list are available to stream in high definition, and many in 4K, exclusively on Disney+.
10. I love the style of the Disney Princesses. Where can I find merchandise? The official ShopDisney website has a huge and dedicated "Princess" section where you can find a massive range of merchandise, from clothing and costumes to collectibles and home decor.
Comments