Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Disney Princesses have long been iconic figures in popular culture, inspiring fans of all ages to dream of better futures and embrace their own unique strengths. Over the years, Disney has worked diligently to evolve the representation and messaging of these beloved characters, ensuring they reflect a diverse range of cultures and personalities while promoting empowerment and breaking away from outdated stereotypes.

Each Disney Princess brings something special to the table, influencing how they face challenges and support those around them. While it's a tough call, we at IGN have carefully selected our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official list of 13. We regret not including three enchanting princesses on this list, but the decision was no small feat.

So, without further ado, here are IGN's top 10 best Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

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10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

In "Sleeping Beauty," Princess Aurora, also known as Briar Rose, is sheltered by the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—in a forest cottage to protect her from Maleficent's curse. Despite the fairies' efforts, Aurora falls victim to the curse on her 16th birthday, but instead of death, she falls into a deep sleep, which is broken by true love's kiss. Known for her grace and beauty, Aurora's imagination and dreams of the future also make her an iconic Disney Princess. However, her reliance on true love's kiss has sparked some modern critique.

9. Moana

Moana, daughter of Motunui's chief, embarks on a quest to restore the heart of Te Fiti, a Polynesian goddess of nature. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, Moana's journey begins in earnest when a blight threatens her island due to the darkness of Te Kā. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, Moana discovers that Te Kā is actually the corrupted form of Te Fiti and successfully restores balance to the ocean and her island. Praised for her independence and determination, Moana is an empowering figure for all, as highlighted by her voice actress Auli‘i Cravalho. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal of Moana in the upcoming live-action film.

8. Cinderella

After her father's passing, Cinderella endures mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains humble and kind. Despite being forbidden from attending the royal ball, Cinderella receives help from her Fairy Godmother, transforming into a vision in a dazzling ballgown and glass slippers. Although initially seen as passive, Cinderella demonstrates resourcefulness by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape from confinement. Her iconic style and resilience make her a beloved Disney Princess. Interestingly, Disney altered her dress color from silver to baby blue to avoid resembling child brides in merchandise.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning for the human world over her life under the sea. Despite her father King Triton's prohibitions, Ariel's curiosity leads her to collect human artifacts and rescue Prince Eric. Her pursuit of love drives her to make a deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. With Eric's help, Ariel overcomes Ursula's schemes and marries her prince. In the sequel, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, giving birth to Melody.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's dedication to hard work drives her ambition to open a restaurant in honor of her late father. Her life takes a magical turn when she is transformed into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen, who was cursed by Dr. Facilier. Throughout their journey to break the curse, Tiana teaches Naveen the value of responsibility. Her determination and integrity make her the first African American Disney Princess and a feminist business icon.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's thirst for knowledge and independence sets her apart in her French provincial village. Her journey begins when she trades her freedom for her father's, who was imprisoned by the Beast. As she learns about the curse on the Beast and his castle, Belle's compassion and love break the spell, restoring the prince to his human form. Her rejection of Gaston's advances and pursuit of personal growth make Belle a pioneering feminist icon in Disney's princess lineup.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel, raised in isolation by Mother Gothel, who used her magical hair to maintain her youth, yearns to explore the world beyond her tower. Her chance comes when Flynn Rider stumbles into her life. Rapunzel's journey to see the floating lanterns on her birthday reveals her royal heritage and leads to her liberation. Her resourcefulness, creativity, and strength have made Rapunzel a beloved and popular Disney Princess in recent years.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine challenges traditional expectations of marriage, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Her defiance against arranged marriages and her declaration of autonomy resonate strongly with audiences. Jasmine's relationship with Aladdin, who learns to value authenticity, leads to a change in the law, allowing her to marry for love. As the first West Asian Disney Princess, Jasmine adds significant diversity to the franchise and stands as a symbol of female empowerment.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's story in "Brave" centers on her resistance to traditional marriage and her desire to forge her own path. Her conflict with Queen Elinor over these expectations leads to a spell that transforms her mother into a bear. Through her journey to reverse the spell, Merida promotes the freedom of choice in marriage for her clan's firstborns. As the first Disney Princess from Pixar and the first to remain single, Merida's archery skills and independence make her a unique and empowering figure.

1. Mulan

Mulan's tale is rooted in Chinese folklore, where she disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the Imperial Army against the Huns. Her bravery and strategic thinking lead to a pivotal victory, saving China. Despite not being born into royalty or marrying a royal, Mulan's story of honor, family, and defying gender norms earned her the title of Disney Princess. Her legacy is one of breaking barriers and challenging patriarchal norms.

There you have it! We apologize to the three Disney Princesses who didn't make our list, but our focus was primarily on their overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our picks and rankings? We'd love to hear from you in the comments.