Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering individuals to dream of brighter futures for themselves and those around them. While Disney has faced criticism in the past for problematic messages and stereotypes associated with their princesses, the company has made significant efforts to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters and their diverse cultures to shine more vibrantly.

Each Disney Princess boasts a distinct personality that influences how they navigate challenges and support others. These iconic figures continue to inspire fans of all ages, making the task of selecting the top princesses a challenging yet exciting endeavor. Here at IGN, we've curated a list of our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13. We apologize to the three enchanting princesses who did not make our list, as the decision was not taken lightly.

So, let's dive into 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 secluded forest cottage, under the protection of the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, who call her Briar Rose to shield her from Maleficent's curse. Despite their efforts, Aurora is drawn back to her castle and falls under Maleficent's spell, pricking her finger and falling into a deep sleep. However, thanks to Merryweather's blessing, she awakens with true love's kiss.

Aurora is celebrated for her grace and beauty, but it's her imaginative spirit and dreams of a future shared with woodland friends that truly define her. However, her reliance on true love's kiss to break the curse has sparked modern critique.

9. Moana

Moana, the daughter of Motunui's chief, never aspires to traditional romance or rescue. Chosen by the ocean as a baby, she embarks on a quest as a teenager to restore the heart of the Polynesian goddess Te Fiti, seeking to lift a blight caused by Te Kā's darkness. With the help of the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, Moana discovers that Te Kā is actually a corrupted form of Te Fiti, and by returning the heart, she restores balance to the ocean and her island.

Moana's independence, courage, and determination showcase her as a symbol of empowerment. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, emphasizes Moana's universal role model status. We're eager to see how Catherine Laga'aia brings Moana to life in the upcoming live-action adaptation.

8. Cinderella

After losing her father, Cinderella endures mistreatment by her stepmother and stepsisters, yet she remains kind and compassionate, caring for the animals in her château, including her beloved mice, Jaq and Gus. When forbidden from attending the royal ball, Cinderella receives a magical transformation from her Fairy Godmother, dazzling all in her glass slippers and ballgown.

While initially perceived as passive, Cinderella demonstrates resourcefulness by rallying her animal friends to aid her escape. Her iconic style has made her a fashion icon, and Disney's thoughtful change of her dress color to baby blue reflects their commitment to positive representation.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ariel, the epitome of youthful rebellion, yearns to explore the human world. Disregarding her father King Triton's rules, she collects human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric, falling in love with him. To pursue her dream, Ariel makes a perilous deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs, only to confront Ursula's deceitful plan to seize Triton's trident.

Ariel's journey continues in The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, where she becomes a mother to Melody, marking her as the first Disney Princess to embrace motherhood. Her story celebrates the pursuit of dreams and the power of love.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Set in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies determination and hard work, striving to fulfill her late father's dream of owning a restaurant. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning them both into frogs. Together, they navigate a journey of self-discovery and responsibility, ultimately rejecting shortcuts to achieve their dreams.

The Princess and the Frog introduces Tiana as the first African American Disney Princess and a feminist icon, showcasing her unwavering commitment to her goals.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Belle, a curious and independent young woman, yearns for more than her provincial life offers. When her father Maurice is imprisoned by the Beast, Belle bravely offers herself in exchange for his freedom. Through her interactions with the Beast, she learns of his curse and helps him discover love, breaking the spell at the last moment.

Belle challenges traditional princess stereotypes by valuing knowledge and independence over romance. Her screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, crafted Belle as a feminist icon who rejects Gaston's superficial advances, emphasizing inner beauty and strength.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Rapunzel, confined to a tower by Mother Gothel to exploit her magical hair, seizes her chance for freedom when Flynn Rider stumbles into her life. Her journey to see the floating lanterns of Corona reveals her true identity and royal heritage.

Rapunzel's ingenuity and resourcefulness, using her hair for more than just healing, have made her a beloved modern princess. Her story in Tangled underscores themes of self-discovery and empowerment.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Jasmine challenges traditional marriage norms, seeking a partner based on character rather than status. Frustrated with the law mandating her to marry a prince, she asserts her independence, famously declaring, "How dare you? All of you, standing around deciding my future? I am not a prize to be won!"

As the first West Asian princess, Jasmine's role in Aladdin promotes female empowerment and diversity. Her story encourages viewers to value authenticity and personal choice.

2. Merida (Brave)

Merida's story in Brave is a testament to her desire for autonomy. Refusing to marry for political alliances, she clashes with her mother, Queen Elinor, over her future. Her quest leads her to a witch who transforms Elinor into a bear, prompting Merida to find a way to reverse the spell and unite the clans under her terms.

As the first Pixar Disney Princess and the first to remain single, Merida breaks the mold of the damsel in distress. Her skills in archery, swordsmanship, and horseback riding make her a symbol of strength and independence.

1. Mulan

Mulan's tale, rooted in Chinese folklore, showcases her bravery as she disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the Imperial Chinese Army. Her strategic mind and combat skills lead to victory against the Hun army, and despite her deception being uncovered, she ultimately saves the Emperor and brings honor to her family.

Although not born into royalty, Mulan's crowning as a Disney Princess highlights her embodiment of persistence, family values, and the breaking of gender norms. Her story in Mulan is a powerful narrative of challenging and overcoming patriarchal constraints.

There you have it! We regret that three Disney Princesses didn't make our list, but our focus was on their overall personalities and abilities. What are your thoughts on our selections and rankings? Share your opinions in the comments section below.