Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering individuals to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While earlier portrayals of Disney Princesses have faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, Disney has actively worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and the messages conveyed, allowing these characters and their diverse backgrounds to truly shine.

Disney Princesses are celebrated for their distinct personalities, which influence how they navigate challenges and support those around them. Each princess serves as a beacon of inspiration for fans of all ages, making it challenging to pinpoint the very best among them. Yet, we've taken on the task and, here at IGN, have curated a list of the top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We extend our apologies to the three enchanting princesses who didn't make the cut; the decision was incredibly tough!

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

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Image: DisneyIn Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends most of her life in a secluded forest cottage under the care of the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, which would cause her to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, is altered by Merryweather to a deep sleep that can be broken by true love's kiss. Despite the fairies' efforts, Aurora falls victim to the curse but is ultimately awakened by her prince. Known for her grace and beauty, Aurora also captivates with her vivid imagination, dreaming of her future and sharing those dreams with her woodland friends. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has sparked debate among modern audiences.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyMoana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, breaks the mold by not aspiring to marry a prince or needing rescue. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a quest as a teenager to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, which was stolen by the demi-god Maui. Her journey to return the heart and save her island from Te Kā's blight showcases her independence, bravery, and determination. Moana's empowering traits resonate widely, as noted by her voice actor Auli‘i Cravalho, who sees her as a role model for everyone. We look forward to seeing how Catherine Laga'aia embodies Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella endures mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains kind-hearted and humble. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, she receives magical assistance from her Fairy Godmother, transforming her into a vision in a dazzling ballgown and glass slippers. Though initially perceived as passive, Cinderella demonstrates resourcefulness by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape from confinement. Her iconic style and resilience have made her a beloved figure, and Disney's decision to change her dress color from silver to baby blue for costumes reflects a thoughtful approach to her portrayal.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning to explore the human world despite her father King Triton's prohibitions. Her collection of human artifacts and her rescue of Prince Eric from a shipwreck lead her to make a perilous deal with Ursula to gain legs and a chance at love. Ariel's journey to defeat Ursula and marry Eric showcases her courage and determination. In the sequel, she becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, further enriching her character.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's relentless work ethic drives her dream of opening a restaurant. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. Their subsequent adventure teaches Naveen responsibility and culminates in Tiana rejecting a Faustian bargain with Dr. Facilier. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana's story celebrates hard work and perseverance, making her a feminist icon and a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle's thirst for knowledge and adventure sets her apart in her provincial village. Her journey begins when she trades her freedom for her father's, leading her to the Beast's enchanted castle. As she learns about the curse and grows to love the Beast, Belle challenges traditional princess stereotypes, valuing intellect and independence over romance. Her screenwriter Linda Woolverton crafted her as a feminist icon, and Belle's rejection of Gaston's advances underscores her strength and autonomy.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRapunzel, confined by Mother Gothel in a tower for 18 years, uses her chance encounter with Flynn Rider to escape and see the floating lanterns on her birthday. Her journey to the kingdom of Corona reveals her true heritage and showcases her resourcefulness and creativity. Rapunzel's ability to use her magical hair for various purposes beyond healing has made her a beloved and empowered character in the Disney Princess lineup.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine challenges the traditional expectations of marriage, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Her defiance against the law mandating her to marry a prince by her next birthday, and her eventual choice of Aladdin, highlight her progressive views. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine brings diversity to the franchise and stands as a symbol of female empowerment, advocating for personal choice and autonomy.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's refusal to marry and her desire to control her own destiny set her apart. Her conflict with her mother Queen Elinor over traditional roles leads to a transformative journey involving a spell that turns Elinor into a bear. Merida's resolution to the crisis and her advocacy for personal choice in marriage reflect her strength and independence. As the first single Disney Princess and a skilled archer, she breaks the mold of the damsel in distress.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan's story, rooted in Chinese folklore, sees her disguising herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. Her bravery and strategic mind lead to the defeat of the Hun army and the rescue of the Emperor. Despite not being born into royalty, Mulan's actions earn her the title of princess, symbolizing her fight against gender norms and her dedication to family and honor. Her tale is a powerful narrative of breaking free from patriarchal constraints.