Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Disney Princesses have long been celebrated for their empowering influence, inspiring individuals to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While the franchise has faced criticism for past portrayals and stereotypes, Disney has made significant efforts to enhance the representation and messaging of these iconic characters, celebrating their diverse cultures and stories.

Each Disney Princess brings a unique personality to the table, influencing how they navigate challenges and support those around them. Their stories resonate with fans of all ages, making it challenging to pinpoint the very best among them. However, we at IGN have taken on the task of ranking the top 10 from the official list of 13 Disney Princesses. We acknowledge the difficulty in leaving out three beloved characters, and we apologize for their absence from our list.

Without further ado, here are IGN's top 10 Disney Princesses:

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images

10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

In *Sleeping Beauty*, Princess Aurora, also known as Briar Rose, is raised in a secluded forest cottage by the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Despite their efforts, Aurora falls victim to the curse on her 16th birthday, entering a deep sleep that can only be broken by true love's kiss. While Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, her vivid imagination and dreams of the future highlight her enduring appeal. Critics have, however, questioned the narrative that relies on true love's kiss to resolve her story.

9. Moana

Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, breaks the traditional princess mold by embarking on a quest to restore the heart of Te Fiti, the Polynesian goddess of nature. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, Moana's journey to save her island from a blight caused by Te Kā's darkness is a testament to her independence, bravery, and determination. Her partnership with the demi-god Maui to return the heart showcases her leadership and problem-solving skills. Moana's inspiring journey continues to resonate, with her voice actor Auli‘i Cravalho noting her role model status for everyone. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal of Moana in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

After her father's death, Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, yet she remains humble and kind. When forbidden from attending the royal ball, Cinderella receives a magical transformation from her Fairy Godmother, including a stunning ballgown and glass slippers. Despite initial criticisms of being passive, Cinderella demonstrates agency by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape from confinement. Her iconic style, particularly her glass slippers, has made her a fashion icon. Interestingly, Disney altered her dress color to baby blue for costumes to avoid resembling child brides.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel, a symbol of teenage rebellion, dreams of exploring the human world. Her fascination leads her to collect human artifacts and rescue Prince Eric, sparking a deep love. Her quest to become human involves a risky deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. Ariel's journey to defeat Ursula and marry Eric showcases her courage and determination. In *The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea*, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, with her daughter Melody yearning for a life under the sea.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies hard work and determination. Her dream of opening a restaurant in honor of her late father leads her to work tirelessly, until a kiss turns her into a frog alongside Prince Naveen. Their journey to break the curse teaches Naveen responsibility and Tiana the importance of balance. Tiana's refusal to compromise her values, even when offered a shortcut by Dr. Facilier, highlights her integrity. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana stands out as a feminist icon and a business-minded heroine.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle, an intellectual and independent woman, yearns for more than her provincial life offers. Her journey begins when she offers herself in exchange for her father's freedom from the Beast's castle. As she learns of the curse and the Beast's true nature, Belle's love transforms him back into a prince. Her preference for knowledge over romance challenges traditional princess stereotypes, making her a feminist icon. Belle's screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, aimed to portray a princess who valued self-discovery and learning.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel, confined by Mother Gothel in a tower for 18 years, uses her magical hair to keep Gothel youthful. Her longing to see the floating lanterns on her birthday leads her to strike a deal with Flynn Rider (Eugene) to escape. Rapunzel's journey to discover her true identity and reclaim her crown showcases her ingenuity and bravery. Her ability to use her hair creatively, beyond its healing powers, underscores her resourcefulness, making her a beloved and modern Disney Princess.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine challenges traditional marriage norms by seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Her defiance against arranged marriages and her famous declaration, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!" marks her as a feminist icon. After Aladdin frees the Genie and changes the law, Jasmine marries him for his true self. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine brings much-needed diversity to the franchise.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's story in *Brave* centers on her desire to control her own destiny, rejecting arranged marriages. Her conflict with Queen Elinor, who expects her to marry and become a proper lady, leads to a magical mishap turning Elinor into a bear. Merida's journey to reverse the spell and unite the clans underscores her independence and leadership. As the first single Disney Princess and the first from Pixar, Merida breaks the mold of the damsel in distress, excelling in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding.

1. Mulan

Mulan, inspired by a Chinese folk tale, disguises herself as a man to spare her ailing father from conscription. Her bravery and strategic thinking lead to the defeat of the Hun army. Even after her identity is revealed, Mulan saves the Emperor, earning honor for her family and China. Though not born into royalty, Mulan's designation as a Disney Princess reflects her embodiment of persistence, family values, and the rejection of traditional gender roles. Her story in *Mulan* powerfully challenges patriarchal norms.

There you have it! We regret not including three Disney Princesses in 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 below.