Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

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

Disney Princesses showcase a diverse range of personalities, which influences their approach to overcoming challenges and supporting others. Each princess serves as an inspiration to fans of all ages, making the selection of the top Disney Princesses a challenging task. Here at IGN, we've curated a list of the top 10 Disney Princesses from the official lineup of 13 characters. We regret leaving out three incredible Princesses, but the task was far from easy.

Without further delay, here's IGN's selection 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 with the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to protect her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, which would have led to her death upon pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, was altered by Merryweather to a deep sleep from which she could be awakened by true love's kiss. Aurora's charm lies in her grace and beauty, but she is also admired for her vivid imagination and dreams of the future, which she shares with her woodland friends. However, her story has faced scrutiny due to its reliance on the traditional trope of true love's kiss.

9. Moana

Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, breaks the mold by never aspiring to marry a prince or be rescued. Chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, she embarks on a quest as a teenager to heal her blighted island. Accompanied by the demi-god Maui, whom she convinces to help return the heart stolen by him centuries ago, Moana discovers that the dark entity Te Kā is actually Te Fiti in a corrupted form. By returning the heart, she restores Te Fiti and saves her island and the ocean. Moana's journey highlights her independence, bravery, and determination, making her an empowering figure for all, as echoed by her voice actor Auli‘i Cravalho. We eagerly anticipate seeing Catherine Laga'aia bring Moana's essence to life in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Despite enduring mistreatment by her stepmother and stepsisters, Cinderella remains a beacon of humility and kindness. After her father's death, she is relegated to a servant in her own home, yet she finds solace and companionship with the château's mice and birds. When forbidden from attending the royal ball, Cinderella's transformation by her Fairy Godmother into a radiant ballgown and glass slippers allows her to capture the Prince's heart. Despite initial criticisms of passivity, Cinderella demonstrates agency by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic style, particularly her baby-blue dress (changed from silver to avoid resembling a child bride), has cemented her as a fashion icon.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel embodies youthful rebellion with her longing to explore the human world. Defying her father King Triton's prohibitions, she collects human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric, falling in love with him. Her pursuit of humanity leads her to make a perilous deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. With the help of Eric, Sebastian, and Flounder, Ariel overcomes Ursula's schemes and marries her beloved. In the sequel, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother, further enriching her character arc.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana's unwavering dedication to hard work defines her. Balancing two jobs to realize her dream of owning a restaurant, her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning them both into frogs. Their journey to break the spell teaches Naveen responsibility and Tiana resilience. She refuses a shortcut offered by the voodoo witch doctor Dr. Facilier, showcasing her integrity. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana stands out as a feminist icon and a symbol of entrepreneurial spirit.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle's quest for more than her provincial life leads her to the Beast's enchanted castle. Trading her freedom for her father's, she discovers the curse that can only be broken by love. Belle's journey from fear to love for the Beast highlights her intelligence and independence, challenging the traditional princess narrative. Her rejection of Gaston's advances underscores her value of inner qualities over superficial beauty, making her a feminist icon in Disney's pantheon.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel's life in a secluded tower, manipulated by Mother Gothel for her magical hair, takes a turn when Flynn Rider stumbles into her world. Seizing the opportunity to see the floating lanterns on her birthday, Rapunzel embarks on an adventure that leads her to discover her true identity and the kingdom of Corona. Her resourcefulness and creativity, using her hair for more than just healing, have made her a beloved figure in recent Disney lore.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine's progressive views on marriage challenge the traditions of Agrabah. Rejecting suitors based on status alone, she seeks a partner who values her as an individual. Her relationship with Aladdin, who learns to be true to himself, underscores her advocacy for personal choice. As the first West Asian Disney Princess, Jasmine adds vital diversity to the franchise and embodies female empowerment.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's defiance of arranged marriage and her desire to control her own destiny make her a groundbreaking Disney Princess. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over traditional roles culminates in a spell that transforms Elinor into a bear. Through this ordeal, Merida learns the importance of family and convinces the clans to allow their children to marry for love. As the first Pixar and single Disney Princess, Merida breaks the mold of the damsel in distress, showcasing her skills in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding.

1. Mulan

Mulan's decision to take her father's place in the Imperial Chinese Army marks her as a trailblazer. Disguising herself as Ping, she uses her intelligence and combat skills to defeat the Hun army, saving China. Despite her non-royal origins, Disney honors her as a princess for her courage and defiance of gender norms. Mulan's story is a testament to perseverance, family honor, and breaking free from societal constraints, making her a powerful symbol of empowerment.

Who is the best Disney Princess? --------------------------------

AuroraBelleJasmineArielSnow WhiteCinderellaPocahontasMulanTianaRapunzelMeridaMoanaRayaA non-official princess (let us know who in the comments)

AnswerSee ResultsThere you have it! We apologize to the three Disney Princesses who didn't make our list, but our focus was primarily on their overall personalities and abilities. What do you think of our picks and ranking? Let us know in the comments.