Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring girls, women, and people of all ages to dream of brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While Disney Princesses have faced criticism for past stereotypes, the company has made significant strides in enhancing Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to shine more vibrantly than ever.

Disney Princesses showcase a wide array of personalities, each handling challenges and supporting others in distinctive ways. Their stories resonate deeply with fans of all ages, making the task of ranking them incredibly challenging. Nevertheless, we at IGN have curated our top 10 from the official list of 13 Disney Princesses. We regret not including three beloved Princesses in our ranking, but selecting the top 10 was no small feat.

Without further ado, here is IGN's list of the 10 best Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

In Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora spends most of her life in a forest cottage, protected by the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Despite their efforts, Maleficent's spell is fulfilled when Aurora pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, though she falls into a deep sleep rather than dying, thanks to Merryweather's blessing. Aurora is renowned for her grace and beauty, but her vivid imagination and dreams of the future shared with woodland friends highlight her deeper qualities. However, the narrative of her curse requiring true love's kiss to be broken has sparked modern critique.

9. Moana

As the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana embarks on a quest to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, chosen by the ocean itself. Her journey to save her island from the blight caused by Te Kā's darkness leads her to the shapeshifting demi-god Maui. Moana's realization that Te Kā is Te Fiti's corrupted form and her successful restoration of the heart showcases her independence, bravery, and determination. Auli‘i Cravalho, Moana's voice actor, praised her as a universal role model. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal in the upcoming live-action Moana film, hoping she captures the essence of this empowering character.

8. Cinderella

After her father's death, Cinderella endures mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains kind and humble. When denied the chance to attend the royal ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her, enabling her to meet the Prince. Despite initial perceptions of passivity, Cinderella actively seeks help from her animal friends to escape confinement, showcasing her resourcefulness. Her iconic ballgown and glass slippers have made her a fashion icon, and Disney's decision to change her dress color to baby blue for costumes reflects thoughtful consideration for young audiences.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning to explore the human world despite her father King Triton's prohibitions. Her collection of human artifacts and her rescue of Prince Eric from a shipwreck lead her to make a deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. Ariel's journey to defeat Ursula and marry Eric showcases her determination and courage. In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, further enriching her character.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's relentless work ethic drives her to fulfill her dream of opening a restaurant, a promise to her late father. Her transformation into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen leads to a journey that teaches Naveen responsibility and Tiana the value of love and partnership. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana's story in The Princess and the Frog celebrates her as a feminist businesswoman who never compromises on her dreams.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's thirst for knowledge and desire for a life beyond her provincial village lead her to the Beast's enchanted castle. Her willingness to trade her freedom for her father's safety and her eventual love for the Beast, despite his appearance, break the curse. Belle's preference for books over suitors and her rejection of Gaston's advances make her a feminist icon, challenging traditional princess stereotypes as envisioned by screenwriter Linda Woolverton in Beauty and the Beast.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Locked away by Mother Gothel, Rapunzel's desire to see the floating lanterns on her birthday leads her to strike a deal with Flynn Rider. Her journey in Tangled showcases her resourcefulness, creativity, and strength, using her magical hair for more than just healing. Rapunzel's popularity stems from her ability to overcome adversity and her cleverness, defying the negative narratives imposed by Gothel.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine's progressive views on marriage challenge the traditions of Agrabah. Her refusal to marry for status and her declaration of autonomy, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!" in Aladdin, cement her as a feminist icon. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine brings racial diversity to Disney's princess lineup, empowering audiences with her defiance against patriarchal norms.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's refusal to marry and her desire to control her destiny in Brave set her apart. Her conflict with Queen Elinor over traditional expectations leads to a transformative journey involving a witch's spell and a battle against the bear Mor’du. As the first single Disney Princess from a Pixar film, Merida's archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding skills inspire audiences to embrace independence and challenge gender norms.

1. Mulan

Mulan's story, rooted in Chinese folklore, showcases her courage and ingenuity as she disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. Her strategic mind and bravery lead to the defeat of the Hun army and the rescue of the Emperor. Despite not being born into royalty, Mulan's actions earn her the title of Disney Princess, symbolizing persistence, family honor, and the breaking of gender stereotypes. Her tale in Mulan powerfully challenges patriarchal norms.

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 opinions in the comments section below.