Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering people of all ages to dream of better futures for themselves and others. While some past portrayals have included problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney has continuously worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their cultures to shine brightly.

Disney Princesses showcase a diverse array of personalities, each influencing their approach to challenges and their interactions with others. Yet, each one serves as an inspiration, captivating fans young and old, which makes ranking them a challenging task.

At IGN, we've carefully selected our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official list of 13 characters. We apologize to the three magical Princesses who didn't make our list; the decision was tough!

Without further ado, here is IGN's ranking 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 forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse would cause her to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel's spindle on her 16th birthday. Despite the fairies' protective efforts, Maleficent's spell takes effect when Aurora returns to her castle, leading her to fall into a deep sleep until awakened by true love's kiss, thanks to Merryweather's blessing. Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, but her true strength lies in her vivid imagination and dreams, which she shares even with her woodland friends. However, her story's reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has sparked modern critique.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyMoana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, breaks the mold by focusing on a quest rather than romance. Chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, Moana embarks on a mission to save her island from a blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, she discovers that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form and restores balance by returning the heart. Moana's independence, bravery, and determination make her a powerful symbol of empowerment, inspiring all, as noted by her voice actor Auli‘i Cravalho. We look forward to seeing how Catherine Laga'aia embodies Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action film.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyCinderella's life of servitude under her cruel stepmother and stepsisters doesn't dim her kindness and humility. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, she's transformed by her Fairy Godmother into a vision in a ballgown and glass slippers. Though initially seen as passive, Cinderella shows resourcefulness by enlisting her animal friends to help her escape confinement. Her iconic style and resilience have made her a beloved figure, with Disney even altering her dress color to baby blue for younger audiences to avoid wedding connotations.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel epitomizes teenage curiosity and rebellion, yearning for life on land despite her father King Triton's prohibitions. Her collection of human artifacts and rescue of Prince Eric showcase her adventurous spirit. Ariel's determination to be with Eric leads her to make a deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. Her journey, culminating in defeating Ursula and marrying Eric, highlights her courage and resourcefulness. Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother in the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneyTiana, from Jazz Age New Orleans, embodies hard work and determination. Her goal to open a restaurant in honor of her late father drives her to hold multiple jobs. Her life takes a turn when she's transformed into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen. Throughout their journey to break the spell, Tiana teaches Naveen responsibility, rejecting shortcuts offered by Dr. Facilier. Tiana's story in The Princess and the Frog marks her as the first African American Disney Princess and a symbol of perseverance and feminist ideals.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle, an avid reader and thinker, seeks more than her provincial life offers. Her journey begins when she trades her freedom for her father's, who's imprisoned by the Beast. As she learns about the curse that transformed the Beast, Belle grows to love him beyond his appearance, ultimately breaking the spell. Belle challenges traditional princess stereotypes with her pursuit of knowledge and independence, making her a feminist icon, as emphasized by screenwriter Linda Woolverton.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRapunzel, hidden away in a tower by Mother Gothel, uses her 70 feet of magical hair to maintain Gothel's youth. Her longing to see the floating lanterns on her birthday leads her to strike a deal with Flynn Rider. Rapunzel's journey to self-discovery and freedom showcases her resourcefulness and creativity, using her hair for various purposes beyond healing. Her story in Tangled has made her a beloved character for her intelligence and bravery.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine, with her progressive views on marriage, refuses to be a mere trophy. She rejects suitors based on their character rather than status, leading to her eventual partnership with Aladdin. Her defiance against traditional roles and her role in changing marriage laws in Agrabah highlight her as a feminist symbol. Jasmine also stands out as the first West Asian princess, adding diversity to Disney's lineup.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's story in Brave is about choosing her own path, rejecting arranged marriages to assert her independence. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over her refusal to marry culminates in a spell gone awry, turning Elinor into a bear. Merida's journey to reverse the spell and her archery skills showcase her strength and determination. As the first single Disney Princess from Pixar, Merida breaks the mold of needing rescue, emphasizing female autonomy.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan, inspired by a Chinese folk tale, defies gender norms by joining the Imperial Chinese Army in her father's stead. Her strategic mind and bravery lead to the defeat of the Hun army, saving China. Despite her deception being revealed, Mulan's heroism earns her the title of princess, not through birth or marriage but through her actions. Her story in Mulan teaches the values of persistence, family, and honor, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring audiences with her defiance of the patriarchy.