Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of empowering audiences to dream of better futures for themselves and those around them. While Disney Princesses have faced criticism in the past for problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney has made significant efforts to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their cultures to shine through more authentically.

Disney Princesses exhibit a diverse range of personalities that influence how they overcome challenges and support others. Each princess, in her own way, serves as an inspiration to fans of all ages, making it challenging to rank them definitively. Nonetheless, we at IGN have carefully selected our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official list of 13. We apologize to the three incredible princesses who did not make our list; it was a tough decision.

So, 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. Despite the fairies' efforts, Maleficent hypnotizes Aurora to fulfill the curse, leading to her falling into a deep sleep until awakened by true love's kiss. Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, but also for her vivid imagination, dreaming of a future she shares with her woodland friends. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has drawn scrutiny in recent critiques.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyMoana, the daughter of the chief of Motunui, embarks on a mission chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti. She confronts the blight caused by Te Kā’s darkness and enlists the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui to return the stolen heart. Moana's realization that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form leads to the goddess's restoration and the salvation of the ocean and her island. Moana's independence, bravery, and determination highlight her as an empowered young woman, inspiring audiences in both the original film and the sequel, Moana 2. Auli‘i Cravalho, her voice actor, emphasizes Moana's role as a universal role model. We look forward to seeing how Catherine Laga'aia will embody Moana in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella faces mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains humble and kind. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her into a vision of beauty with a dazzling gown and glass slippers. Cinderella's resourcefulness shines through as she directs her animal friends to free her from confinement, rather than waiting for a prince to rescue her. Her iconic ballroom outfit and glass slippers have cemented her status as a fashion icon. Disney also thoughtfully changed her dress color from silver to baby blue for children's costumes to avoid resembling a child bride.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning for the human world and collecting human artifacts in her grotto. Her defiance of King Triton's rules leads her to rescue Prince Eric and fall in love. Ariel's quest to become human involves trading her voice to Ursula, facing trials before ultimately defeating the sea witch with help from Eric, Sebastian, and Flounder. In The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, showcasing her nurturing side with her daughter Melody.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's dedication to hard work drives her to save for her dream restaurant. Her life takes a turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. Together, they navigate challenges, with Tiana teaching Naveen responsibility. She rejects Dr. Facilier's tempting offer to magically achieve her dreams, staying true to her values. Tiana, the first African American Disney Princess, is celebrated as a feminist icon and a determined businesswoman.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle's intellectual curiosity and independence set her apart. She trades her freedom for her father's, living with the Beast in his enchanted castle. As she learns about the curse and the Beast's true nature, Belle's compassion and love break the spell, transforming him back into a prince. Belle challenges traditional princess stereotypes by prioritizing knowledge over romance, earning her the status of a feminist icon, as envisioned by her screenwriter Linda Woolverton.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRapunzel, raised in isolation by Mother Gothel, yearns for freedom. Her opportunity comes when Flynn Rider enters her tower, leading to a deal where she leaves to see the floating lanterns on her birthday. Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity shine as she uses her magical hair for various purposes beyond healing. Her journey and growth in Tangled make her a beloved Disney Princess, admired for her intelligence and resilience.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine's progressive views on marriage challenge the traditions of her time. She rejects suitors based on their character rather than status, famously declaring, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!" After Aladdin frees the Genie, the Sultan changes the law, allowing Jasmine to marry for love. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine symbolizes female empowerment and diversity in Disney's lineup.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's refusal to marry and her desire to control her destiny clash with her mother Queen Elinor's expectations. Her actions at the Highland games and the subsequent spell that transforms her mother into a bear lead to a journey of reconciliation and empowerment. Merida, the first Disney Princess from Pixar, breaks from the damsel-in-distress trope, showcasing her archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding skills.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan's story, rooted in Chinese folklore, sees her defying gender norms by joining the Imperial Chinese Army in her father's place. Her ingenuity and combat skills lead to the defeat of the Hun army and the rescue of the Emperor. Mulan's journey emphasizes persistence, family honor, and the rejection of traditional gender roles, earning her a place as a princess who smashes the patriarchy.