Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Disney Princesses have long been iconic figures, inspiring countless individuals to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While earlier portrayals may have included problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney has actively worked to enhance the representation and messaging of these beloved characters, celebrating their diverse cultures and empowering narratives.

Each Disney Princess brings a unique personality to the table, shaping how they confront challenges and support those around them. Their stories resonate with fans of all ages, making it challenging yet rewarding to identify the most influential among them. Here at IGN, we've carefully curated our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We apologize for omitting three enchanting Princesses from our list, as the decision was far from easy.

Without further ado, here is 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 in a forest cottage, protected by the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, meant to kill her upon pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, is altered by Merryweather to a deep sleep from which true love's kiss can awaken her. Aurora is celebrated not only for her grace and beauty but also for her vivid imagination and the dreams she shares with her woodland friends. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has faced modern scrutiny.

9. Moana

Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, embodies independence and courage. Chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, she embarks on this quest as a teenager to save her island from the darkness of Te Kā. With the help of the demigod Maui, Moana discovers that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form and restores the goddess, saving her island and the ocean. Moana's journey highlights her determination and leadership, making her a role model for everyone, as noted by her voice actress Auli‘i Cravalho. We look forward to seeing how Catherine Laga'aia will embody Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action film.

8. Cinderella

Cinderella's story of resilience and kindness is timeless. After her father's death, she endures mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains compassionate towards her animal friends. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her into a vision of beauty, complete with a dazzling gown and glass slippers. Critics once viewed Cinderella as passive, but her proactive approach, enlisting her animal friends to help her escape, showcases her resourcefulness. Her iconic ball gown and slippers have made her a fashion icon, and Disney's thoughtful change of her dress color from silver to baby blue for costumes underscores their commitment to positive representation.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel's tale of teenage rebellion and longing for the human world captivates audiences. Disregarding her father King Triton's rules, she collects human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric, falling in love with him. Her determination to become human leads her to make a risky deal with Ursula, sacrificing her voice for legs. With the help of Eric, Sebastian, and Flounder, she overcomes Ursula's schemes, marries Eric, and becomes a mother in the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea. Ariel's journey from mermaid to mother highlights her growth and determination.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's story is one of hard work and perseverance. Her dream of opening a restaurant drives her to work tirelessly, even when transformed into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen. Her journey with Naveen teaches him responsibility, and she rejects Dr. Facilier's tempting offer to magically fulfill her dreams, choosing integrity over shortcuts. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana embodies feminist ideals and entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring fans with her unwavering dedication to her goals.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's intellectual curiosity and independence set her apart. Seeking more than her provincial life offers, she trades her freedom for her father's when he's captured by the Beast. As she learns of the curse that can only be broken by true love, Belle grows to see beyond the Beast's appearance, ultimately saving him with her love. Her preference for books over suitors, and her rejection of Gaston's superficial advances, cement her status as a feminist icon, challenging traditional princess stereotypes.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel's story of discovery and self-reliance is compelling. Kidnapped by Mother Gothel for her magical hair, Rapunzel spends 18 years in a tower. Her desire to see the floating lanterns leads her to strike a deal with Flynn Rider, embarking on a journey that reveals her royal heritage and true self. Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, using her hair for various purposes, highlight her as a clever and empowered princess, overcoming the negative narratives imposed by Gothel.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine's progressive stance on marriage and personal freedom marks her as a feminist icon. Frustrated by the law requiring her to marry a prince, she asserts her right to choose her partner based on character, not status. Her relationship with Aladdin, who learns the value of authenticity, underscores this message. As the first West Asian Disney Princess, Jasmine's story adds significant diversity to the franchise, empowering audiences to defy traditional roles.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's fierce independence and desire to control her own destiny are central to her story. Resisting arranged marriage, she competes in the Highland games and seeks a witch's help, inadvertently turning her mother into a bear. Through these trials, Merida learns the importance of understanding and compromise, ultimately allowing her clan's firstborns to choose their partners. As the first single Disney Princess from a Pixar film, Merida breaks the mold of the damsel in distress, showcasing her skills in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding.

1. Mulan

Mulan's story of courage and breaking gender norms is truly inspiring. Disguising herself as a man to spare her father from military service, she proves her valor by defeating the Hun army. Even after her identity is exposed, Mulan saves the Emperor, earning honor for her family and country. As the first Chinese Disney Princess, Mulan's tale emphasizes persistence, family values, and the rejection of traditional gender roles, symbolizing a powerful message of empowerment and self-determination.

There you have it! We regret not including three Disney Princesses in our list, but our focus was on their overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our choices and rankings? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.