Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of empowering individuals to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While Disney Princesses have occasionally conveyed problematic messages and stereotypes in the past, the company has made significant efforts to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their cultural backgrounds to shine more authentically.

Disney Princesses exhibit a diverse range of personalities, which influences their approach to overcoming challenges and supporting others. Each Disney Princess serves as an inspiration to fans of all ages, making it challenging to determine the definitive best among them.

Nevertheless, we've managed to compile a list. Here at IGN, we've selected our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13 characters. We apologize to the three enchanting Princesses who didn't make the cut, as this was a difficult decision!

So, without further ado, here is IGN's ranking of the 10 best Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Image: DisneyIn Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends much of her life sheltered in a forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Despite the fairies' protective efforts, Aurora falls under Maleficent's spell and pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, falling into a deep sleep. However, she is awakened by true love's kiss, a plot point that has sparked debate among critics for its reliance on romantic salvation.

Aurora is celebrated not only for her grace and beauty but also for her vivid imagination and dreams, which she shares with her woodland companions.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyAs the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana embodies independence and courage. Chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti, she embarks on a journey to save her island from a blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. 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 determination and bravery make her an empowering figure, inspiring audiences in both the original film and its sequel, Moana 2. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, emphasizes Moana's universal appeal as a role model. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia bring Moana's essence to life in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyDespite enduring mistreatment by her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella remains kind and compassionate. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, she receives a magical transformation from her Fairy Godmother, enabling her to meet the Prince. Her iconic glass slipper becomes the key to her identity and her path to a better life.

While initially critiqued for passivity, Cinderella's proactive actions, such as enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape, highlight her resourcefulness. Her influence extends to fashion, with her dress color changed from silver to baby blue to avoid connotations of child brides.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel's curiosity about the human world drives her to defy her father, King Triton, and collect human artifacts. Her love for Prince Eric leads her to make a dangerous deal with Ursula to gain legs, risking her voice and freedom. With the help of her friends, Ariel overcomes Ursula's schemes and marries Eric.

In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to be a mother, highlighting her journey from a rebellious teenager to a nurturing parent.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneyTiana's ambition and work ethic drive her to save for her dream restaurant in Jazz Age New Orleans. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. Together, they navigate their journey back to humanity, teaching Naveen responsibility and rejecting shortcuts offered by Dr. Facilier.

As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana stands out as a feminist icon and a symbol of perseverance and hard work.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle's love for knowledge and adventure sets her apart in her provincial village. Her journey begins when she sacrifices her freedom to save her father, Maurice, from the Beast. As she learns about the curse and grows to love the Beast, Belle breaks the stereotype of traditional princesses, embracing her intellect and independence.

Her screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, crafted Belle as a feminist icon, challenging the norms of her time.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRapunzel's 18 years in a hidden tower under Mother Gothel's control do not dampen her spirit. Her desire to see the floating lanterns on her birthday leads her to strike a deal with Flynn Rider, ultimately discovering her true identity and royal heritage.

Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, showcased in Tangled, have made her a beloved Disney Princess, known for her ability to overcome adversity and embrace her potential.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine's progressive views on marriage challenge her father's traditional expectations. She refuses to marry for status, seeking a partner based on character. Her relationship with Aladdin, who learns the importance of being true to oneself, leads to a change in law, allowing her to marry whom she chooses.

As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine represents female empowerment and diversity within the Disney Princess lineup.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's fierce independence drives her to reject arranged marriage, clashing with her mother, Queen Elinor, over her future. Her journey in Brave involves mending her relationship with her mother and challenging the expectations placed upon her.

As the first single Disney Princess and a skilled archer, Merida embodies self-determination and strength, breaking from the damsel-in-distress trope.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan's bravery and dedication to her family lead her to disguise herself as a man and join the Imperial Chinese Army to protect her father. Her strategic mind and combat skills save China from the Hun army, earning her the title of princess despite not being of royal birth.

Mulan's story, rooted in a Chinese folk tale, teaches the values of persistence, family, and honor, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring audiences to defy societal expectations.