Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Disney Princesses have long inspired audiences with their unique personalities and empowering stories, encouraging everyone to envision brighter futures for themselves and those around them. While Disney's portrayal of princesses has faced criticism for past stereotypes, the company has continually worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their rich cultural backgrounds to shine more vibrantly than ever.

Each Disney Princess brings something special to the table, navigating challenges with grace and inspiring both young and old. Choosing the top Disney Princesses is no small feat, yet here at IGN, we've curated a list of the 10 best from the official roster of 13. We extend our apologies to the three princesses who didn't make the cut; they are no less magical and amazing.

So, let's dive into our selection of the 10 best Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Princess Aurora, known as Briar Rose, lives a sheltered life in a forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Despite their efforts, Maleficent's spell leads Aurora to prick her finger and fall into a deep sleep, only to be awakened by true love's kiss. While Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, her vivid imagination and connection with nature highlight her as more than just a damsel in distress. Critics have noted, however, the reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse as a point of contention.

9. Moana

Moana, daughter of the chief of Motunui, is driven by a mission rather than romance. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a quest to restore the heart of Te Fiti and save her island from blight. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, she discovers that Te Kā is actually the corrupted form of Te Fiti. Moana's journey is a testament to her independence, bravery, and determination—qualities that make her a powerful role model for all. Auli‘i Cravalho, Moana's voice actor, underscores her universal appeal. We eagerly anticipate how Catherine Laga'aia will embody Moana in the upcoming live-action film.

8. Cinderella

Despite enduring hardship at the hands of her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella maintains her kindness and humility. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, she receives a magical transformation from her Fairy Godmother, leaving a glass slipper behind. While initially criticized for passivity, Cinderella's proactive efforts to escape her situation, such as enlisting her animal friends' help, showcase her resilience. Her iconic ballgown and glass slippers have cemented her status as a fashion icon, and Disney's thoughtful decision to alter her dress color to baby blue for children's costumes reflects a conscious effort to avoid inappropriate associations.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel's yearning to explore the human world epitomizes teenage rebellion. Defying her father King Triton's rules, she collects human artifacts and falls in love with Prince Eric after saving him from a shipwreck. Her deal with Ursula to gain legs and a chance at love nearly costs her everything, but Ariel's determination and the support of her friends ultimately triumph. Ariel's journey continues as a mother in The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, making her the first Disney Princess to embrace motherhood.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Tiana's ambition and hard work define her character. Working tirelessly in Jazz Age New Orleans to fulfill her late father's dream of opening a restaurant, her life takes a magical twist when she turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen. Throughout their journey to reverse the curse, Tiana imparts lessons of responsibility to Naveen. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana embodies feminist values and entrepreneurial spirit, refusing to compromise her dreams.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's love for learning and desire for adventure set her apart. Her journey begins when she trades her freedom to save her father from the Beast's castle. Over time, Belle's compassion and intelligence help her see beyond the Beast's appearance, ultimately breaking the curse with her love. As one of the first modern Disney Princesses to challenge traditional roles, Belle's rejection of Gaston's superficial advances and pursuit of knowledge make her a feminist icon.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Trapped in a tower by Mother Gothel, who seeks to harness the magic in Rapunzel's hair, Rapunzel longs to see the floating lanterns released on her birthday. Her chance comes when Flynn Rider stumbles into her tower. Rapunzel's cleverness and resourcefulness shine as she navigates the world beyond her confinement, using her hair in innovative ways. Her popularity has soared, thanks to her empowered and creative spirit, which directly challenges the negative views instilled by Mother Gothel.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine's progressive views on marriage set her apart. Frustrated by the law that forces her to marry a prince, she asserts her right to choose her partner based on character, not status. Her relationship with Aladdin, who learns to value authenticity, culminates in the Sultan's change of law, allowing Jasmine to marry for love. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine brings diversity to the Disney Princess lineup and stands as a beacon of female empowerment.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's fierce independence and desire to control her own destiny make her a trailblazer. Rejecting traditional expectations of marriage, she competes in the Highland games to claim her own hand. Her journey to reverse a spell that turns her mother into a bear teaches her the value of family and personal choice. As the first single Disney Princess from a Pixar film, Merida's skills in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding further cement her as a non-traditional heroine.

1. Mulan

Mulan's bravery and sacrifice redefine what it means to be a princess. Disguising herself as a man to take her father's place in the army, she uses her intelligence and courage to defeat the Hun army. Despite her deception being uncovered, Mulan saves the Emperor and brings honor to her family. As the first Chinese Disney Princess, Mulan's story breaks gender norms and teaches the importance of persistence, family, and honor, making her a powerful symbol of breaking the patriarchy.

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 views in the comments section below.