Top 10 Disney Princesses Ranked

Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring girls and women—and really, everyone—to envision better futures for themselves and those around them. While some past portrayals of Disney Princesses have included problematic messages and stereotypes, Disney 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 variety of distinct personalities, which influence how they navigate challenges and support others. Each Disney Princess, from the youngest to the oldest fan, serves as a beacon of inspiration, making it challenging to narrow down the absolute best.

However, we've managed to do just that. Here at IGN, we've selected our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official list of 13 characters. We apologize to the three magical princesses who didn't make the cut; it was an incredibly tough decision!

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 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 would cause her to die after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel's spindle on her 16th birthday. Despite the fairies' efforts, Maleficent's spell takes effect when Aurora returns to her castle, but instead of death, she falls into a deep sleep, awakened only by true love's kiss, thanks to Merryweather's blessing.

Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, yet her true strength lies in her vivid imagination and dreams of the future, which she shares with her woodland friends. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has been critiqued in recent years.

9. Moana

Image: DisneyAs the daughter of Motunui's chief, Moana never aspired to romance or rescue. Chosen by the ocean as an infant, she embarks on a quest as a teenager to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, which was stolen by the demi-god Maui. Moana's journey leads her to realize that Te Kā, the source of the blight affecting her island, is actually Te Fiti in a corrupted form. By returning the heart, Moana restores Te Fiti and saves her island.

Moana's independence, bravery, and determination make her a powerful symbol of empowerment. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, has praised Moana as a role model for all. We look forward to seeing Catherine Laga'aia bring Moana's spirit to life in the upcoming live-action film.

8. Cinderella

Image: DisneyAfter her father's death, Cinderella is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, yet she remains kind and humble. When forbidden from attending the royal ball, the Fairy Godmother transforms her, providing a stunning gown and glass slippers. Despite initial perceptions of passivity, Cinderella actively seeks help from her animal friends to escape her confinement, showcasing her resourcefulness. 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 for the human world. She defies her father, King Triton, by collecting human artifacts and rescuing Prince Eric. Her quest to become human leads her to make a deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs. Ariel's journey teaches her about responsibility and love, culminating in her marriage to Eric after defeating Ursula. In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes the first Disney Princess to become a mother.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies hard work and determination. Her goal to open a restaurant drives her to hold down two jobs, but her life changes when she turns into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen. Their journey to reverse the curse teaches Naveen responsibility and leads Tiana to reject Dr. Facilier's tempting offer. The Princess and the Frog marks Tiana as the first African American Disney Princess, celebrated for her feminist spirit and business acumen.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle, an intellectual and independent young woman, seeks more than her provincial life offers. She trades her freedom for her father's when he's imprisoned by the Beast. As she learns about the curse, Belle grows to love the Beast, breaking the spell with her declaration of love. Belle's preference for knowledge over romance challenges traditional princess stereotypes, making her a feminist icon.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRaised in isolation by Mother Gothel, who uses her magical hair to stay young, Rapunzel seizes her chance for freedom when Flynn Rider enters her tower. Her journey to see the floating lanterns leads to self-discovery and empowerment. Rapunzel's resourcefulness and creativity have made her a beloved Disney Princess, celebrated for her ability to overcome adversity.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine challenges traditional marriage norms, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Her defiance against arranged marriage 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. Jasmine's role in Aladdin highlights her as a symbol of female empowerment and introduces racial diversity to Disney's princess lineup.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's refusal to marry and her desire to control her destiny set her apart. Her conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor, over traditional roles leads to a transformative journey involving a spell that turns Elinor into a bear. Merida's archery skills and leadership in Brave make her a groundbreaking Disney Princess, the first from Pixar and the first to remain single.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyMulan, inspired by a Chinese folk tale, defies gender norms by joining the Imperial Chinese Army in her father's place. Her bravery and strategic mind lead to victory against the Huns, and she saves the Emperor from assassination. Mulan's story in Mulan emphasizes persistence, family, and honor, challenging traditional gender roles and earning her a place as a Disney Princess.