Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Disney Princesses have long been cherished for their ability to inspire and empower audiences of all ages, encouraging dreams of brighter futures for themselves and those around them. While Disney has faced criticism in the past for certain problematic messages and stereotypes, the company has made significant efforts to enhance the representation and messaging of these beloved characters, allowing their unique cultures and stories to shine through more vibrantly.

Each Disney Princess brings her own distinct personality to the table, influencing how they tackle challenges and support others. This diversity makes every Princess an inspiration, yet selecting the top 10 from the official list of 13 was no small task. Here at IGN, we've carefully curated our list, and we apologize to the three amazing Princesses who didn't make the cut.

So, let's dive into IGN's selection of the top 10 Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

In "Sleeping Beauty," Princess Aurora spends much of her life hidden in a forest cottage with the Three Good Fairies—Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather—who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, which would cause her death upon pricking her finger on a spinning wheel at age 16, is ultimately altered by Merryweather to a deep sleep that only true love's kiss can break. Aurora's grace and beauty are iconic, yet it's her vivid imagination and dreams of the future that truly define her, even if shared with woodland creatures. However, the narrative of a curse needing true love's kiss to be broken has drawn modern critique.

9. Moana

Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, breaks the traditional mold by never aspiring to marry a prince or be rescued. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a quest as a teenager to restore the heart of Te Fiti, the Polynesian goddess of nature, to counteract the blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, whom she enlists to return the heart he stole centuries ago, Moana discovers Te Kā's true identity as the corrupted form of Te Fiti. Her journey culminates in restoring Te Fiti, thus saving her island and the ocean. Moana's independence, bravery, and determination embody empowerment, inspiring all, as her voice actor Auli‘i Cravalho has noted. We eagerly anticipate Catherine Laga'aia's portrayal in the upcoming live-action film.

8. Cinderella

After her father's death, Cinderella faces mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet she remains kind-hearted and compassionate. Her bond with the animals, particularly Jaq and Gus, whom she protects from the cat Lucifer, showcases her nurturing nature. When barred from attending the royal ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her, but Cinderella's resourcefulness shines when she uses her animal friends to escape confinement and secures her future with the Prince using her remaining glass slipper. While initially seen as passive, Cinderella's proactive spirit and iconic style have made her a beloved figure. Notably, Disney altered her dress color to baby blue for costumes to avoid resembling child brides.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel epitomizes youthful rebellion with her fascination with the human world, amassing a collection of human artifacts and defying her father King Triton's rules. Her love for Prince Eric, whom she rescues from a shipwreck, drives her to make a dangerous deal with Ursula to gain legs and a chance at human life. Ariel's journey to defeat Ursula with Eric's help not only secures her place with her beloved but also marks her as the first Disney Princess to become a mother in "The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea," giving birth to Melody.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's relentless work ethic to fulfill her father's dream of opening a restaurant embodies her no-nonsense approach to life. Her transformation into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen leads to an enlightening journey where she teaches him responsibility. Tiana's refusal of Dr. Facilier's tempting offer to magically achieve her dreams in exchange for a talisman showcases her integrity. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana stands as a feminist icon and a testament to the power of hard work and determination.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's thirst for knowledge and desire for a life beyond her provincial village set her apart. Her self-sacrifice to save her father by taking his place in the Beast's castle leads to a transformative journey where she learns to see beyond appearances. Belle's love for the Beast breaks the curse, showcasing her as a modern princess who values intellect over traditional roles. Her rejection of Gaston's advances and pursuit of personal growth make her a feminist icon, as envisioned by screenwriter Linda Woolverton.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel's 18 years in a tower, orchestrated by Mother Gothel to exploit her magical hair, come to an end when Flynn Rider enters her life. Her quest to see the floating lanterns on her birthday leads to adventures that highlight her resourcefulness and creativity. Using her hair not just for healing but also for climbing and lighting, Rapunzel defies Gothel's manipulative control, cementing her status as a clever and empowered princess.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine challenges traditional marriage norms by seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Her defiance against being treated as a prize and her eventual choice to marry Aladdin for his true self underscore her progressive stance. As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine adds diversity to the Disney Princess lineup and stands as a symbol of female empowerment.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's refusal to marry and her desire to control her destiny clash with her mother's expectations in "Brave." Her archery skills and determination to change her mother's mind lead to unexpected challenges, but ultimately, she helps forge a new path for her clan. As Pixar's first Disney Princess and the first to remain single, Merida breaks the mold of damsels in distress, offering a powerful message of self-determination.

1. Mulan

Mulan's story, rooted in Chinese folklore, showcases her bravery and ingenuity as she disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. Her tactical prowess leads to victory against the Huns, and despite her deception being uncovered, she saves the Emperor and brings honor to her family. Mulan's journey challenges gender norms and emphasizes persistence, family, and honor, making her a trailblazer in Disney's princess lineup.

There you have it! Our apologies to the three Disney Princesses who didn't make our list, but we focused primarily on their overall personalities and abilities. What do you think of our picks and ranking? Let us know in the comments.