Every Disney Princess has a unique way of inspiring and empowering individuals, particularly girls and women, to envision brighter futures for themselves and their communities. While some earlier portrayals of Disney Princesses have been critiqued for perpetuating problematic stereotypes, Disney has made significant efforts to enhance Disney Princess representation and messaging, allowing these characters to authentically reflect their cultures and personal journeys.

Disney Princesses exhibit a diverse array of personalities, which influences their approach to overcoming challenges and supporting others. Each princess serves as a beacon of inspiration for audiences of all ages, making it challenging to select the very best among them.

Here at IGN, we've narrowed down our top 10 Disney Princesses from the official roster of 13 characters. We apologize to the three remarkable princesses who didn't make the cut; the decision was incredibly tough!

Without further delay, here's IGN's selection of the 10 best Disney Princesses.

Best Disney Princesses

11 Images10. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Image: DisneyFor most of Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora resides in a secluded 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' protective measures, Aurora falls under Maleficent's spell upon returning to her castle, yet instead of death, she falls into a deep sleep, eventually awakened by true love's kiss, thanks to Merryweather's blessing.

Aurora is renowned for her grace and beauty, but her true charm lies in her vivid imagination and dreams of the future, which she shares with her woodland companions. However, her narrative, centered around being saved by true love's kiss, has faced scrutiny from modern critics.

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 Te Fiti, the Polynesian goddess of nature, after a blight threatens her island. Partnering with the shapeshifting demi-god Maui, who originally stole the heart, Moana discovers that the dark force, Te Kā, is actually Te Fiti's corrupted form. By returning the heart, Moana restores Te Fiti and saves her island and the ocean.

Moana's journey highlights her independence, bravery, and determination, making her an empowering figure and a role model for everyone. Her voice actor, Auli‘i Cravalho, praised Moana's universal appeal. We look forward to seeing how Catherine Laga'aia embodies 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 humble and compassionate, caring for the château's animals, especially Jaq and Gus. When her stepmother denies her attendance at the royal ball, and her dress is destroyed by her stepsisters, the Fairy Godmother transforms her appearance, providing a stunning gown and glass slippers that vanish at midnight. However, Cinderella retains one slipper, which proves crucial when the Duke arrives to find the mystery maiden.

While initially perceived as passive, Cinderella demonstrates agency by enlisting her animal friends to free her from confinement. Her iconic ball gown and glass slippers have cemented her status as a fashion icon. Interestingly, Disney altered her dress from silver to baby blue for children's costumes to avoid bridal connotations.

7. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Image: DisneyAriel embodies teenage rebellion, yearning to explore the human world. Despite King Triton's prohibitions, she collects human artifacts and rescues Prince Eric from a shipwreck, falling in love. To pursue her dreams, Ariel makes a deal with Ursula, trading her voice for legs, with the stipulation of winning Eric's kiss within three days. Discovering Ursula's plot to usurp Triton's trident, Ariel, with Eric's help, defeats the sea witch and marries her beloved.

In the sequel, The Little Mermaid: Return to the Sea, Ariel becomes a mother to Melody, marking her as the first Disney Princess to embrace motherhood.

6. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)

Image: DisneySet in Jazz Age New Orleans, Tiana embodies diligence and ambition, working tirelessly to open her own restaurant, a dream inherited from her late father. Her life takes a magical turn when she kisses Prince Naveen, turning into a frog. On their quest to reverse the spell, Tiana teaches Naveen responsibility, rejecting Dr. Facilier's tempting offer to magically achieve her goals.

As the first African American Disney Princess, Tiana's story in The Princess and the Frog celebrates her as a feminist and entrepreneurial icon, relentless in pursuing her dreams.

5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Image: DisneyBelle, a lover of books and knowledge, yearns for more than her provincial life offers. She trades her freedom for her father's, imprisoned by the Beast. As she uncovers the enchantment behind the Beast and his castle, Belle learns to love him beyond his appearance, ultimately breaking the curse with her declaration of love.

Belle challenges traditional princess stereotypes, prioritizing intellect over romance. Her screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, crafted Belle as a feminist icon, notably through her consistent rejection of Gaston's superficial advances.

4. Rapunzel (Tangled)

Image: DisneyRaised in isolation by Mother Gothel, who uses Rapunzel's magical hair to maintain her youth, Rapunzel seizes her chance for freedom when Flynn Rider stumbles into her tower. Striking a deal with Flynn, she ventures out to see the floating lanterns of Corona, discovering her royal heritage along the way.

Rapunzel's popularity has soared due to her resourcefulness and creativity, using her hair not only for healing but also as a tool for escape and exploration. Her journey in Tangled highlights her intelligence and resilience, countering Gothel's manipulative narratives.

3. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Image: DisneyJasmine's progressive views on marriage set her apart, as she seeks a partner based on character rather than status. Defying the law that mandates her marriage to a prince, she famously declares her autonomy. Her relationship with Aladdin, who learns to value authenticity, leads the Sultan to amend the law, allowing Jasmine to marry for love.

As the first West Asian Disney Princess, Jasmine's role in Aladdin symbolizes female empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles and promoting diversity in Disney's storytelling.

2. Merida (Brave)

Image: DisneyMerida's story in Brave revolves around her refusal to marry and her desire to control her own destiny, clashing with her mother's expectations. Her archery skills and quest to reverse a spell that turns her mother into a bear highlight her independence and leadership.

As Pixar's first Disney Princess and the franchise's first single princess, Merida breaks from the damsel-in-distress trope, offering a fresh perspective on female agency and strength.

1. Mulan

Image: DisneyInspired by a Chinese folk tale, Mulan joins the Imperial Army in her father's place, defying gender norms. Her bravery and strategic mind lead to the defeat of the Hun army, and despite her deception being uncovered, she ultimately saves the Emperor, earning honor for her family and country.

Though not born into royalty, Mulan's inclusion as a Disney Princess underscores her lessons in perseverance, family, and challenging patriarchal constraints. Her story in Mulan celebrates breaking free from traditional gender roles.