Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of empowering girls and women — and everyone, really — to envision brighter futures for themselves and those around them. While Disney Princesses have historically conveyed some problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney has actively worked to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their cultural backgrounds to truly shine.

These princesses boast a diverse array of personalities, which influences how they tackle challenges and support others. Yet, each Disney Princess serves as a beacon of inspiration for fans of all ages, making it challenging to pinpoint the ultimate favorite.

Nevertheless, we've managed to compile our list. Here at IGN, we've selected our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official lineup of 13 characters. We regret having to omit three enchanting (yet equally remarkable) Princesses from our list, as this was no easy task!

Without further delay, here are IGN's picks for 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 under the care of the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. This curse, intended to cause her death upon pricking her finger on a spinning wheel, is altered by Merryweather to a deep sleep from which true love's kiss can awaken her. Aurora's grace and beauty are iconic, yet it's her vivid imagination and dreams shared with woodland creatures that truly define her. However, her narrative, reliant on true love's kiss to break the curse, has faced criticism in recent times.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyMoana, daughter of Motunui's chief, diverges from the traditional princess narrative. Chosen by the ocean as an infant to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, she embarks on this mission as a teenager to combat a blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, who originally stole the heart, Moana discovers Te Kā's true identity as the corrupted Te Fiti. By returning the heart, she restores Te Fiti and saves her island. Moana's independence, bravery, and determination make her a symbol of empowerment, inspiring all audiences. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, has highlighted Moana as a universal role model. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia embody Moana's spirit in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella endures mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet she remains kind-hearted and humble. Despite being forbidden to attend the royal ball, Cinderella receives magical assistance from her Fairy Godmother, transforming into a dazzling vision in a ballgown and glass slippers. Her story, while initially criticized for passivity, showcases her initiative as she enlists her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic style has made her a fashion icon, and Disney's decision to change her dress from silver to baby blue for costumes reflects a thoughtful approach to young audiences.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel 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 mark her defiance. Trading her voice to Ursula for human legs, Ariel navigates challenges to win Eric's love and defeat Ursula's schemes. Her journey continues in The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, where she becomes a mother to Melody, solidifying her unique place among Disney Princesses.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneyTiana, from Jazz Age New Orleans, embodies the spirit of hard work, striving to fulfill her father's dream of owning a restaurant. Her life takes a magical turn when she becomes a frog after kissing Prince Naveen, cursed by Dr. Facilier. Their journey back to humanity teaches Naveen responsibility, while Tiana's integrity shines as she rejects Facilier's corrupt offer. As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana also stands as a feminist business icon, relentlessly pursuing her goals.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle, an intellectual and independent thinker, seeks more than her provincial life offers. Her journey begins when she trades her freedom for her father's, imprisoned by the Beast. As she uncovers the curse and learns to love the Beast despite his appearance, Belle breaks traditional princess stereotypes. Her preference for knowledge over romance and rejection of Gaston's superficial advances cement her status as a feminist icon, as envisioned by screenwriter Linda Woolverton during Beauty and the Beast's creation.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRapunzel, confined to a tower by Mother Gothel to exploit her magical hair, yearns for freedom. Her escape comes with Flynn Rider's unwitting intrusion, leading to a deal that takes her to see the lanterns on her birthday. Rapunzel's ingenuity and resourcefulness, using her hair for more than healing, have made her a beloved Disney Princess. Her story in Tangled showcases her as a clever and educated heroine, defying Gothel's oppressive narrative.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine challenges the traditional view of marriage, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Her defiance against arranged marriages and declaration of autonomy, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!", resonate deeply. After Aladdin frees Genie and changes the marriage law, Jasmine marries him for his true self. As the first West Asian princess, she introduces racial diversity and symbolizes female empowerment within the Disney franchise.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's story in Brave revolves around her desire to control her own destiny, rejecting marriage to strengthen clan alliances. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over traditional roles culminates in a spell that transforms Elinor into a bear. Merida's journey to reverse the spell and her advocacy for personal choice in marriage highlight her as the first single Disney Princess from a Pixar film, emphasizing her skills in archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan, the first Chinese Disney Princess, defies gender norms by joining the Imperial Chinese Army in her father's place. Her strategic mind and combat skills lead to the defeat of the Hun army and ultimately save the Emperor. Despite not being royalty, Mulan's story in Mulan teaches the values of persistence, family, and honor, challenging restrictive gender roles and promoting female empowerment.