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 some past portrayals of Disney Princesses have included problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney has made significant strides to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to truly shine.

Disney Princesses exhibit a broad spectrum of distinctive personalities, which influences their approach to overcoming challenges and supporting others. Each Disney Princess, whether young or old, serves as a beacon of inspiration, making it a challenging task to pinpoint the very best among them.

Nevertheless, we've managed to compile a list. Here at IGN, we've carefully 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; it was a tough decision!

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 most of her life in a forest cottage under the protection of the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Despite the fairies' efforts, Aurora is eventually hypnotized by Maleficent to fulfill the curse, falling asleep instead of dying due to Merryweather's blessing, only to be awakened by true love's kiss.

Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, yet her imaginative spirit and dreams of a future shared with woodland friends highlight her deeper qualities. However, the narrative of her curse being broken by true love's kiss has sparked debate among modern audiences.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyAs the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana never aspired to marry a prince or be rescued. 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. Moana's journey, supported by Maui, leads to the restoration of Te Fiti, saving her island from darkness.

Moana's independence, bravery, and determination embody empowerment, inspiring audiences across genders. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, emphasizes Moana's universal role model status. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal in the upcoming live-action Moana film.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyDespite enduring mistreatment by her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella remains humble and kind. When denied attendance at the royal ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her, allowing her to capture the Prince's heart. Cinderella's resourcefulness is evident when she enlists her animal friends to aid her escape, challenging the notion of passivity.

Her iconic ballgown and glass slippers have cemented her status as a fashion icon. Disney's decision to change her dress from silver to baby blue for costumes underscores their commitment to thoughtful representation.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning to explore the human world. Her collection of human artifacts and rescue of Prince Eric lead her to make a daring deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. Despite the risks, Ariel's journey culminates in defeating Ursula with the help of Eric, Sebastian, and Flounder, and marrying her true love.

In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, further enriching her character's journey.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies the values of hard work and perseverance. Her journey to open a restaurant is disrupted when she turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen. Through their adventures, Tiana instills responsibility in Naveen, rejecting shortcuts and staying true to her dreams.

As the first African American Disney Princess in The Princess and the Frog, Tiana is celebrated for her feminist values and business acumen, inspiring audiences with her determination.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle's intellectual curiosity and desire for more than her provincial life set her apart. Her decision to take her father's place in the Beast's castle leads to a transformative journey of love and understanding. Belle's rejection of Gaston's superficial advances underscores her feminist stance.

As one of the first modern Disney Princesses to break stereotypes, Belle's love for knowledge and independence, as crafted by screenwriter Linda Woolverton, make her a timeless icon.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRaised in isolation by Mother Gothel, Rapunzel's life changes when Flynn Rider stumbles into her tower. Her quest to see the floating lanterns leads to self-discovery and empowerment. Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, showcased through her use of her magical hair, have made her a beloved character.

Her journey in Tangled highlights her resilience and intelligence, challenging the negative perceptions instilled by Mother Gothel.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine's progressive views on marriage challenge the traditions of Agrabah. Her insistence on marrying for love rather than status, and her famous declaration against being treated as a prize, mark her as a feminist icon. Jasmine's relationship with Aladdin, based on mutual respect and authenticity, further solidifies her empowering message.

As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine brings racial diversity to the Disney Princess lineup, enhancing the franchise's inclusivity.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's determination to control her destiny and reject arranged marriage in Brave sets her apart. Her conflict with Queen Elinor and subsequent adventures, including transforming her mother into a bear, highlight her strength and independence.

As the first Disney Princess from a Pixar film and the first to remain single, Merida's archery, swordsmanship, and horseback riding skills celebrate female autonomy and strength.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan's story, rooted in Chinese folklore, showcases her courage and ingenuity as she disguises herself to join the Imperial Chinese Army in her father's place. Her tactical prowess and bravery in battle, culminating in saving the Emperor, earn her the title of a Disney Princess.

Mulan's journey in Mulan challenges gender norms, emphasizing persistence, family, and honor, making her a powerful symbol of breaking traditional roles and smashing the patriarchy.

Who is the best Disney Princess? --------------------------------

AuroraBelleJasmineArielSnow WhiteCinderellaPocahontasMulanTianaRapunzelMeridaMoanaRayaA non-official princess (let us know who in the comments)

AnswerSee ResultsThere you have it! We extend our apologies to the three Disney Princesses not featured on our list, but our focus was primarily on their overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our selections and rankings? Share your opinions in the comments section.