Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering girls and women, as well as everyone else, to envision brighter futures for themselves and those around them. While Disney has faced criticism for certain stereotypes and messages in the past, they have actively worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to shine through more positively.

Disney Princesses showcase a variety of personalities, each handling challenges and supporting others in their own way. These iconic figures continue to inspire fans of all ages, making it challenging yet rewarding to select the top 10 from the official list of 13 characters. Here at IGN, we've managed to rank our top 10 Disney Princesses, and we apologize to the three magical Princesses who did not make the cut, as the decision was incredibly tough.

So, 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 much of her life in a forest cottage under the care of the Three Good Fairies, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, which would have resulted in her death upon pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, is altered by Merryweather to a deep sleep that can be broken by true love's kiss. Despite the fairies' efforts, Maleficent's hypnotic influence leads Aurora to fulfill the curse. Known for her grace and beauty, Aurora's vivid imagination and dreams shared with woodland creatures highlight her enchanting personality, though her reliance on true love's kiss has sparked some modern critique.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyMoana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, embodies independence and courage. Chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, Moana takes it upon herself as a teenager to save her island from the blight caused by Te Kā’s darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, she successfully returns the heart, transforming Te Kā back into Te Fiti. Moana's journey underscores her autonomy and determination, making her a role model for all, as noted by her voice actress Auli‘i Cravalho. We eagerly await Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal of Moana in the upcoming live-action film.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyDespite the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella remains kind and humble. Her transformation by the Fairy Godmother allows her to attend the royal ball, leaving behind a glass slipper that ultimately leads to her marriage to the Prince. Though initially perceived as passive, Cinderella's proactive request for her animal friends to help her escape confinement shows her resourcefulness. Her iconic ball gown and glass slippers have made her a fashion icon, and Disney's decision to change her dress color from silver to baby blue for costumes reflects their consideration for young audiences.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel's curiosity and rebellious spirit drive her to explore the human world, leading her to collect human artifacts and rescue Prince Eric. Her determination to be with him prompts her to trade her voice to Ursula for legs, only to discover Ursula's sinister plan. With the help of her friends, Ariel defeats Ursula and marries Eric. In the sequel, she becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, further enriching her character.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneyTiana's dedication to her dream of opening a restaurant in Jazz Age New Orleans showcases her strong work ethic. Her journey takes a magical turn when she turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen. Together, they learn valuable lessons about responsibility and hard work, ultimately rejecting shortcuts offered by the villain Dr. Facilier. Tiana's story marks her as the first African American Disney Princess and a symbol of perseverance and entrepreneurship.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle's thirst for knowledge and adventure sets her apart in her provincial village. Her willingness to trade her freedom for her father's leads her to the Beast's castle, where she learns to see beyond appearances. Her love for the Beast breaks the curse, transforming him back into a prince. Belle's preference for books and her rejection of Gaston's superficial advances make her a feminist icon and a trailblazer among Disney Princesses.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRapunzel, kept in a tower by Mother Gothel for her magical hair, yearns to see the floating lanterns released on her birthday. Her encounter with Flynn Rider provides the opportunity to venture out, leading to self-discovery and the revelation of her royal heritage. Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity, using her hair for various purposes, make her a beloved character and a symbol of resilience.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine's progressive views on marriage challenge the traditions of Agrabah. Her refusal to marry for royal 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!" resonate strongly. Her eventual marriage to Aladdin, after he learns to value authenticity, underscores her empowerment. Jasmine's role as the first West Asian princess adds significant diversity to Disney's lineup.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's fierce independence and refusal to marry for political alliances set her apart. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over her future, leads to a transformative journey involving a witch's spell and a battle against the bear Mor’du. Merida's advocacy for personal choice and her skills in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding make her a groundbreaking character as the first single Disney Princess.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan's courage and ingenuity in disguising herself as a man to fight in her father's place in the Imperial Chinese Army are legendary. Her actions not only save her father but also bring honor to her family and all of China. Mulan's story, rooted in a folk tale, breaks traditional gender roles, earning her the title of Disney Princess despite not being of royal blood. Her tale is a powerful lesson in persistence, family honor, and defying societal norms.