Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked
- By Anthony
- May 24,2025
Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering individuals to envision brighter futures for themselves and those around them. While some earlier portrayals of Disney Princesses have been critiqued for perpetuating problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney has actively worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to shine.
Disney Princesses boast a wide array of personalities, each influencing how they tackle challenges and support others. Despite their varied traits, each Disney Princess serves as a beacon of inspiration for fans of all ages, making it challenging yet rewarding to select the top 10 from the official list of 13 characters. Here at IGN, we've made our choices, and while we regret not including three magical princesses, our selection process focused on their personalities and abilities.
So, without further ado, here is IGN's ranking of the 10 best Disney Princesses.
Best Disney Princesses
11 Images
10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Image: DisneyIn Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends much of her life in a forest cottage under the care of the Three Good Fairies, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Despite the fairies' efforts, Aurora is enchanted by Maleficent and pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, falling into a deep sleep. However, thanks to Merryweather's blessing, she is awakened by true love's kiss. Aurora's grace and beauty are iconic, but it's her vivid imagination and dreams that truly set her apart. Yet, her story's reliance on true love's kiss has sparked contemporary debate among critics.
Moana
Image: DisneyMoana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, embodies independence and bravery. Chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, Moana embarks on a quest to heal her blighted island. With the help of the demigod Maui, she navigates treacherous waters and discovers that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form. By returning the heart, Moana restores balance to the ocean and her island. Her empowering journey, celebrated by voice actor Auli‘i Cravalho as a universal role model, continues to inspire in Moana 2. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal in the upcoming live-action adaptation.
Cinderella
Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella faces abuse from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains kind and humble. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, she receives help from her Fairy Godmother, transforming into a vision in a sparkling ballgown and glass slippers. Though initially seen as passive, Cinderella's proactive rescue from confinement by her animal friends showcases her resourcefulness. Her iconic fashion sense, especially her dress altered to baby blue for children's costumes, reflects Disney's thoughtful approach to representation.
Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Image: DisneyAriel epitomizes teenage rebellion with her fascination for the human world, collecting human artifacts in her grotto. Her love for Prince Eric leads her to make a risky deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. Ariel's journey to defeat Ursula and marry Eric showcases her determination and courage. In The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes a mother, marking her as the first Disney Princess to do so.
Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's story in The Princess and the Frog highlights her dedication and work ethic. Her dream of opening a restaurant drives her to hold multiple jobs, but a magical mishap turns her into a frog alongside Prince Naveen. Through their adventure, Tiana teaches Naveen responsibility, and her refusal of Dr. Facilier's deceitful offer underscores her integrity. Tiana stands as the first African American Disney Princess and a symbol of feminist empowerment.
Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Image: DisneyBelle's love for knowledge and independence sets her apart in her French village. When her father is captured by the Beast, Belle courageously offers herself in his place. Her growing affection for the Beast, despite his appearance, breaks the curse and restores his humanity. Belle's preference for books over suitors, particularly Gaston, positions her as a feminist icon, challenging traditional princess stereotypes.
Rapunzel (Tangled)
Image: DisneyRaised in a tower by Mother Gothel, who uses her magical hair to stay youthful, Rapunzel yearns for freedom. Her encounter with Flynn Rider presents an opportunity to see the floating lanterns released on her birthday. Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, using her hair for various purposes beyond healing, make her a beloved character. Her journey in Tangled highlights her intelligence and resilience.
Jasmine (Aladdin)
Image: DisneyJasmine's progressive views on marriage and her defiance of tradition make her a feminist icon. Frustrated with the law requiring her to marry a prince, she rejects suitors until Aladdin, disguised as Prince Ali, wins her heart. Her assertion, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!" underscores her agency. As the first West Asian Disney Princess, Jasmine contributes to the franchise's diversity.
Merida (Brave)
Image: DisneyMerida's refusal to marry and her desire to control her destiny in Brave challenge traditional princess roles. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over marriage leads her to seek a spell that transforms Elinor into a bear. Merida's journey to reverse the spell and her archery skills showcase her strength and independence. As the first Pixar Disney Princess and the first to remain single, Merida offers a refreshing narrative.
Mulan
Image: DisneyMulan's story, inspired by a Chinese folk tale, 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. Even after her identity is revealed, Mulan saves the Emperor, earning honor for her family and country. As the first Chinese Disney Princess, Mulan embodies persistence, family values, and the rejection of gender norms, making her a powerful symbol of empowerment.
