Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering girls, women, and everyone to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While Disney Princesses have occasionally perpetuated problematic messages and stereotypes in the past, the company has made significant strides to enhance Disney Princess representation and promote more positive and inclusive messaging, allowing these characters and their cultures to shine.

Disney Princesses boast a diverse array of personalities, which influences how they navigate challenges and support others. Each princess serves as a beacon of inspiration for fans of all ages, making the task of selecting the top Disney Princesses quite challenging. However, we at IGN have managed to compile our list of the top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13 characters. We regret omitting three enchanting princesses from our list, as it was a difficult decision.

So, without further delay, here is IGN's selection 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 secluded forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. The curse foretold that Aurora would die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel on her 16th birthday. Despite the fairies' efforts, Maleficent's hypnotic spell leads Aurora to fulfill the curse, but instead of death, she falls into a deep sleep, awakened only by true love's kiss, thanks to Merryweather's blessing.

Aurora is celebrated as an iconic Disney Princess, renowned for her grace and beauty, but also for her vibrant imagination. She dreams of her future and shares these dreams with her woodland friends. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break her curse has drawn criticism in recent years.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyAs the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana never aspires to marry a prince or be rescued by one. 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 had been stolen by the demi-god Maui, causing a blight on her island. Moana recruits Maui to return the heart, discovering that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form. By returning the heart, Moana restores Te Fiti and saves both the ocean and Motunui.

Moana is admired for her independence, bravery, and determination, embodying the qualities of an empowered young woman. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, has described Moana as a role model for everyone. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia embody Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, forced into servitude in her own home. Despite this, she remains kind-hearted, caring for the animals around her, especially Jaq and Gus. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, Cinderella's Fairy Godmother transforms her with a stunning ballgown and glass slippers. Although the magic fades at midnight, Cinderella retains one slipper, which she uses to prove her identity to the Duke and win the Prince's heart.

Initially criticized for passivity, Cinderella shows resourcefulness by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic ballgown and glass slippers have made her a fashion icon. Interestingly, Disney altered her dress color from silver to baby blue for children's costumes to avoid the appearance of child brides.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel epitomizes teenage rebellion, longing to explore the human world despite her father King Triton's prohibitions. Her curiosity leads her to collect human artifacts and save Prince Eric from drowning, sparking her love for him. To pursue this love, Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs, with the condition that she must win Eric's kiss within three days or face dire consequences. With help from Eric, Sebastian, and Flounder, Ariel defeats Ursula and marries her prince.

In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes a mother to Melody, marking her as the first Disney Princess to have a child, highlighting her journey from youthful dreamer to nurturing parent.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's relentless work ethic drives her to save for her dream of opening a restaurant, honoring her late father's memory. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog alongside him due to a curse by Dr. Facilier. Their journey to break the spell teaches Naveen responsibility and Tiana the value of balance. She rejects Facilier's tempting offer to fulfill her dreams unethically, ultimately achieving her goals through hard work.

As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana is celebrated as a feminist icon and a symbol of perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle's thirst for knowledge sets her apart in her provincial French village. When her father Maurice is imprisoned by the Beast, Belle trades her freedom for his. As she learns about the curse that transformed the Beast and his servants, Belle grows to love him beyond his appearance, breaking the spell with her declaration of love.

Belle challenges traditional princess stereotypes with her focus on education and independence, rejecting Gaston's superficial advances. Her character, crafted by screenwriter Linda Woolverton, has made her a feminist icon.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyFor 18 years, Rapunzel is confined to a tower by Mother Gothel, who uses the magic in Rapunzel's hair to stay youthful. Rapunzel's chance to escape comes when Flynn Rider, aka Eugene, enters her tower. She convinces him to take her to see the floating lanterns released on her birthday, uncovering her true identity as the lost princess of Corona.

Rapunzel's popularity stems from her resourcefulness and creativity, using her hair for more than just healing. Her journey from captivity to empowerment makes her a beloved modern princess.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine challenges traditional marriage norms by seeking a partner based on character rather than royal status. She rejects suitors until Aladdin, disguised as Prince Ali, captures her heart. Her defiance against arranged marriage and her insistence on autonomy make her a feminist icon. Jasmine's role as the first West Asian Disney Princess brings much-needed diversity to the franchise.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida refuses to marry for political gain, sparking tension with her mother, Queen Elinor, who wants her to uphold tradition. Merida's participation in the Highland games and her quest to reverse a spell that turns Elinor into a bear highlight her determination to control her destiny. Merida's archery and combat skills, combined with her refusal to conform, make her a groundbreaking Disney Princess.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyInspired by a Chinese folk tale, Mulan joins the Imperial Army in her father's place, defying gender norms. Her strategic mind and bravery lead to the defeat of the Hun army, earning her honor and recognition. Despite not being born into royalty, Mulan's story of courage and family loyalty has earned her a place among Disney Princesses, teaching audiences about breaking gender stereotypes.