Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Disney Princesses have long been icons of empowerment, inspiring individuals of all ages to dream of brighter futures for themselves and those around them. Over the years, Disney has diligently worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, striving to showcase the diverse cultures and dynamic personalities of these beloved characters.

Each Disney Princess brings a unique blend of traits to the table, influencing how they navigate challenges and support others. While all Disney Princesses inspire, selecting the top 10 from the official list of 13 was no small task. Here at IGN, we've carefully chosen our top 10, acknowledging the three magical princesses who didn't make the cut but remain exceptional in their own right.

Without further ado, here's IGN's ranking of the 10 best Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora, also known as Briar Rose, spends most of her life sheltered in a forest cottage by the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. Their efforts to protect her from Maleficent's curse, which would cause her to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, ultimately fail. Despite this, Aurora's story ends with hope as she falls into a deep sleep instead of death, thanks to Merryweather's blessing, and is awakened by true love's kiss.

Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, but her imaginative spirit truly sets her apart. She dreams of her future and shares these dreams with her woodland companions. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has sparked contemporary critique.

9. Moana

Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, embodies independence and determination. Her journey begins when she's chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess, Te Fiti. As a teenager, she embarks on a quest to save her island from the blight caused by Te Kā's darkness, enlisting the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui.

Moana's bravery and self-reliance make her a powerful symbol of empowerment. Her story continues to inspire in Moana 2, and her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, has highlighted Moana's universal appeal as a role model. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Cinderella's story is one of resilience and kindness. Despite being mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, she remains humble and caring, even towards the animals she befriends. When barred from attending the royal ball, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother transforms her, allowing her to meet the Prince.

Initially criticized for passivity, Cinderella's proactive nature is evident when she enlists her animal friends to help her escape confinement. Her iconic ballgown and glass slippers have made her a fashion icon, and Disney's thoughtful choice to change her dress color from silver to baby blue for costumes reflects a sensitivity to young audiences.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel embodies teenage curiosity and rebellion, yearning to explore the human world. Her collection of human artifacts and her daring rescue of Prince Eric highlight her adventurous spirit. To pursue her love for Eric, Ariel makes a risky deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs.

Ariel's journey culminates in defeating Ursula with the help of her friends, leading to her marriage to Eric. In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, she becomes the first Disney Princess to have a child, reflecting her journey into motherhood.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Tiana, set in Jazz Age New Orleans, is defined by her relentless work ethic and dreams of opening her own restaurant. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she is transformed into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen, who is under a curse.

Throughout their journey to break the spell, Tiana teaches Naveen responsibility and rejects shortcuts to her dreams, showcasing her integrity. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana is celebrated as a feminist icon and a determined businesswoman in The Princess and the Frog.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle stands out for her intellect and independence. Unsatisfied with life in her provincial village, she seeks adventure and knowledge. Her journey begins when she offers herself in exchange for her father's freedom from the Beast.

Belle's love for the Beast transcends his appearance, breaking the curse and restoring his humanity. Her preference for books over suitors and her rejection of Gaston's advances highlight her as a feminist icon in Beauty and the Beast.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel's life in a secluded tower under Mother Gothel's control changes when she meets Flynn Rider. Her desire to see the floating lanterns on her birthday propels her into a world of adventure and self-discovery.

Rapunzel's ingenuity and resourcefulness, using her magical hair in creative ways, have cemented her popularity. Her journey in Tangled showcases her ability to overcome manipulation and embrace her true self.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine challenges traditional norms with her progressive views on marriage. Her refusal to marry for status and her assertion of her autonomy resonate strongly. Her relationship with Aladdin, built on genuine affection, reflects her values.

As the first West Asian Disney Princess in Aladdin, Jasmine symbolizes female empowerment and introduces racial diversity to Disney's lineup.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's story in Brave is one of self-determination. She resists her mother's expectations to marry for political alliances, choosing instead to chart her own course. Her archery skills and quest to break a spell on her mother highlight her strength and independence.

As the first Disney Princess from a Pixar film and the first to remain single, Merida breaks the mold of traditional princess narratives.

1. Mulan

Mulan's tale, rooted in Chinese folklore, showcases her courage and ingenuity. To protect her father, she disguises herself as a man and joins the Imperial Chinese Army, ultimately saving China from the Hun army.

Despite not being born into royalty, Mulan's actions earn her the title of princess from Disney. Her story in Mulan teaches the importance of persistence, family, and honor, challenging gender norms and celebrating individual strength.

There you have it! We apologize to the three Disney Princesses who didn't make our list, but our focus was on their overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our selections and rankings? Share your opinions in the comments section below.