Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring girls and women—and everyone, really—to dream of better futures for themselves and others. While Disney has faced criticism in the past for some problematic messages and stereotypes, the company has made significant efforts to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to shine more brightly.

Disney Princesses showcase a broad spectrum of personalities, each handling life's challenges and supporting others in distinct ways. Yet, all Disney Princesses serve as powerful inspirations for fans of all ages, making it challenging to pinpoint the very best among them.

However, we've managed to compile a list. Here at IGN, we've selected our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official lineup of 13 characters. We apologize to the three magical princesses who didn't make our list; the decision was 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 most of her life hidden away 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 would cause her to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel's spindle on her 16th birthday. Despite the fairies' efforts, Maleficent manages to enchant Aurora, leading her to fulfill the curse and fall into a deep sleep, only to be awakened by true love's kiss, thanks to Merryweather's intervention.

Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, but her vivid imagination and dreams of a hopeful future shared with her woodland friends set her apart. Critics have questioned her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse, but her enduring charm remains undeniable.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyMoana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, never fantasized about romantic rescues. Chosen by the ocean as a baby to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, Moana embarks on a daring quest as a teenager to save her island from a blight caused by the darkness of Te Kā. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, she discovers that Te Kā is the corrupted form of Te Fiti. By returning the heart, she restores Te Fiti, saving both the ocean and her island.

Moana's independence, bravery, and determination are celebrated traits of an empowered young woman, inspiring audiences in both the original film and Moana 2. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, describes Moana as a role model for everyone. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia embody Moana's essence in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyAfter her father's untimely death, Cinderella endures mistreatment from her stepmother and stepsisters, yet remains humble and kind. She forms bonds with the animals in her château, especially the mice Jaq and Gus, whom she protects from the cat Lucifer. When her stepsisters destroy her dress, preventing her from attending the prince's ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her, granting her a stunning ballgown and glass slippers. Despite the midnight curfew, Cinderella's resourcefulness shines when she uses the remaining glass slipper to prove her identity to the prince.

Initially criticized for passivity, Cinderella shows agency by enlisting her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic ball gown and glass slippers have made her a fashion icon, and Disney's decision to change her dress color 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 rather than remain under the sea. Despite her father King Triton's rules, she collects human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric, falling in love. Her quest to become human leads her to trade her voice to Ursula for legs, with the condition of winning Eric's kiss within three days. Discovering Ursula's true intentions to seize Triton's trident, Ariel, with Eric's help, defeats the sea witch and marries her beloved.

In The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to have a child, highlighting her journey from daughter to mother.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneyTiana, set in Jazz Age New Orleans, is defined by her hard work and determination to fulfill her father's dream of owning a restaurant. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. Together, they navigate challenges, teaching Naveen responsibility. Tiana's integrity shines when she rejects Dr. Facilier's tempting offer, staying true to her values.

The Princess and the Frog marks Tiana as the first African American Disney Princess, celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and feminist values.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle, an intellectual and independent young woman, yearns for more than her provincial life. When her father Maurice is imprisoned by the Beast, she offers herself in his place. Discovering the curse on the Beast and his servants, Belle learns to see beyond appearances, ultimately saving him with her love.

Belle breaks the mold of traditional princesses by prioritizing knowledge and self-discovery over romance. Her screenwriter Linda Woolverton crafted her as a feminist icon, rejecting Gaston's shallow advances and embracing her own worth.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRapunzel, confined in a tower by Mother Gothel who used her magical hair for eternal youth, yearns for freedom. Her chance comes when Flynn Rider intrudes, and she negotiates his help to see the lanterns released on her birthday. Discovering her true heritage, Rapunzel uses her resourcefulness and creativity to overcome challenges.

Tangled's Rapunzel has become a beloved princess for her ingenuity and strength, proving herself as more than just a damsel in distress.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine challenges traditional marriage norms, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Rejecting suitors, she asserts her autonomy with the iconic line, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!" After Aladdin reveals his true self, the Sultan changes the law, allowing Jasmine to marry for love.

As a symbol of female empowerment, Jasmine introduces racial diversity as the first West Asian princess, challenging patriarchal norms.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida, from Brave, defies expectations by refusing to marry for political alliances, desiring to control her destiny. Her conflict with Queen Elinor over traditional roles leads to a spell that transforms Elinor into a bear. Through this ordeal, Merida learns the importance of understanding and compromise, advocating for personal choice in marriage.

As the first single Disney Princess from a Pixar film, Merida stands out for her archery, sword fighting, and horseback riding skills, breaking the mold of damsels in distress.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan, inspired by a Chinese folk tale, takes her father's place in the Imperial Chinese Army to fight the Huns. Her ingenuity and bravery lead to a victory over the enemy, saving the Emperor. Despite her deception being uncovered, Mulan's actions bring honor to her family and challenge gender norms.

Although not born into royalty, Disney honors Mulan as a princess for her embodiment of persistence, family values, and the defiance of traditional gender roles.

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

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

AnswerSee ResultsWe hope you enjoyed our list! We apologize to the three Disney Princesses who didn't make the cut, but our focus was on the princesses' overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our selections and rankings? Share your opinions in the comments section.