Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of empowering girls, women, and everyone to envision better futures for themselves and their communities. While Disney has faced criticism for some past portrayals and stereotypes, the company has made significant efforts to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to shine more vibrantly.

Each Disney Princess brings a distinctive personality to the table, influencing how they navigate challenges and support others. These iconic figures inspire both young and old fans, making the task of selecting the top princesses a challenging yet rewarding endeavor.

At IGN, we've carefully curated our list of the top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We regretfully had to omit three remarkable princesses, but the decision was far from easy.

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

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends much of her life in a secluded forest cottage under the care of the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Despite their efforts, Aurora is hypnotized into fulfilling the curse on her 16th birthday, falling into a deep sleep that can only be broken by true love's kiss, a plot point that has sparked contemporary debate.

Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, but her vivid imagination and dreams of a future shared with woodland friends also highlight her charm. Her story, while traditional, remains a cornerstone of Disney's princess legacy.

9. Moana

Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, embodies independence and courage. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a mission as a teenager to restore the heart of Te Fiti, a Polynesian goddess, after a blight threatens her island. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, Moana discovers that Te Kā, the source of the blight, is the corrupted form of Te Fiti. Her journey restores balance to the ocean and her island, showcasing her determination and leadership.

Moana's story is a testament to empowerment, with her voice actress Auli‘i Cravalho emphasizing her universal appeal as a role model. We eagerly anticipate how Catherine Laga'aia will embody Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Despite the hardships imposed by her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella remains a beacon of kindness and resilience. After being forbidden from attending the royal ball, she receives a magical transformation from her Fairy Godmother, capturing the Prince's heart with her grace and charm.

While initially seen as passive, Cinderella's resourcefulness shines through as she enlists her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic ballgown and glass slippers have made her a fashion icon, and Disney's thoughtful change of her dress color from silver to baby blue for merchandise reflects a sensitivity to cultural perceptions.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel's curiosity about the human world drives her to defy her father, King Triton's, rules, amassing a collection of human artifacts. Her love for Prince Eric leads her to make a risky deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. Ariel's journey culminates in her helping Eric defeat Ursula and achieving her dream of living on land.

Ariel's story continues in The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, where she becomes the first Disney Princess to be a mother, further expanding her character's narrative arc.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies determination and hard work as she strives to open her own restaurant. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. Together, they embark on a journey that teaches them about responsibility and the value of hard work.

Tiana's story in The Princess and the Frog marks her as the first African American Disney Princess and a symbol of feminist empowerment, achieving her dreams through perseverance.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's love for learning and desire for adventure set her apart in her provincial village. Her journey begins when she offers herself in place of her father, Maurice, to the Beast. As she learns about the curse and the Beast's true nature, Belle's compassion and intelligence break the spell, transforming him back into a prince.

Belle's character challenges traditional princess stereotypes, focusing on knowledge and self-discovery over romance, making her a feminist icon.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel, confined to a tower by Mother Gothel, yearns to see the floating lanterns released on her birthday. Her encounter with Flynn Rider leads to an adventure that reveals her true identity and the magic of her hair. Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity make her a beloved and empowering figure.

Her story in Tangled showcases her as a modern princess who defies the limitations imposed upon her, using her hair for more than just its magical properties.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine challenges the traditional expectations of marriage, refusing to be a mere prize. Her encounter with Aladdin, disguised as a prince, teaches her about true character and love. Her defiance against patriarchal norms and her role in changing the law to marry for love make her a symbol of empowerment.

Jasmine's introduction as the first West Asian princess adds significant diversity to Disney's princess lineup.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's refusal to marry and her desire to control her own destiny set her apart. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over these issues leads to a transformative journey involving a witch's spell and a battle against the ferocious Mor’du. Merida's story in Brave emphasizes self-determination and strength.

As the first Pixar princess and the first to remain single, Merida breaks the mold of traditional princess narratives, inspiring audiences with her archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding skills.

1. Mulan

Mulan's bravery and ingenuity are legendary. Disguised as a man to take her father's place in the army, she saves China from the Huns and earns honor for her family. Her story, rooted in a Chinese folk tale, challenges gender norms and celebrates courage and loyalty.

Mulan's inclusion as a Disney Princess, despite not being royalty, underscores her role as a symbol of empowerment and a breaker of patriarchal constraints.

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

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

AnswerSee ResultsThere you have it! We apologize to the three Disney Princesses not included in our list, but our focus was on their overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our selections and rankings? Please share in the comments.