Walt Disney’s billion-dollar industry is among one of the most beloved animation companies in the world. From Fantasia to Frozen, Disney has created lovable characters and whimsical plots that people have enjoyed for years. On February 4th, 1938, Walt Disney’s film Snow White was first released to the public, marking the beginning of one of Disney’s most well-known concepts: Disney princesses. In honor of the 83rd anniversary, I decided to rank all of the official Disney princesses. Regardless of the ranking, I love all the Disney princesses and think they are each amazing in their own ways. 

NOTES: 

• Although Anna and Elsa are technically considered queens, I included them in the ranking 
• Rankings are based on the original movie (no sequels)
• Rankings are influenced by these categories:

Motivations

Romance (or lack thereof)

Bravery

Personality

Message

14. Aurora

Although she may be one of the classics, Aurora stands last on my list. She sleeps for more than half of the movie, and the tiny glimpse of her personality that you get to see is kind of basic. She is naïve, like many of the princesses, but is never given the chance to fix her mistakes because a man swoops in and saves her. Aurora is pretty much only motivated by an uninteresting romance with Prince Phillip and exhibits no ambition or courage throughout the film.  

13. Snow White

Another one of the classics at the bottom. Snow White helped give rise to Disney’s empire, but the character herself is bland and generic. Like Aurora, she is motivated by a man and never gets to confront her naivety. The most loveable part of the movie is the dwarves, and Snow White’s lack of character depth certainly contributes to that.

12. Jasmine

Jasmine has a snarky, opinionated personality that sets her apart from her predecessors. She stands up for what she believes in and hates being controlled, particularly when it comes to being forced to marry. She also has a pet tiger which is pretty cool. Compared to other princesses, however, both her personality and motivations lack the complexity that form more dynamic characters. But that magic carpet ride was pretty romantic. 

11. Ariel

This red-headed mermaid has conflicting motivations that leave her trailing towards the end of this list. She wants to know what it is like to be on land, but this is mainly a result of wanting to be with Prince Eric, a guy she saw once and instantly proclaimed her love and devotion to. Ariel has definitive characteristics and dreams, but her fight against Ursula is far from the depiction of bravery.

10. Elsa

Before anyone yells at me, hear me out. Frozen was a fantastic movie, but Elsa kind of bothers me. She locks herself away and builds the ice palace to protect her family, but this goal is overlooked by the lack of bravery Elsa has to face her powers. Elsa does not have a love interest and instead embraces the power of familial relationships, something I admire, but her overwhelming fear and serious attitude leave her towards the bottom for me. She definitely gets better in Frozen II. “Show Yourself?” Incredible song. Better than “Let it Go,” fight me. 

9. Cinderella

The dictionary image of a Disney princess, Cinderella is the icon we should all appreciate. She has that romance with Prince Charming and a fairy godmother that makes us all jealous of her, and she is a caring, generous individual. Cinderella is neglected by her family but fights through it by having hope in her dreams. She is not as developed as other princesses, but Cinderella is still an admirable character with an intense background and positive outlook on life. 

8. Pocahontas

Pocahontas’ connection with nature and desire for more in life forms her into one of the more complex earlier princesses. She is a selfless, brave, and spiritual individual who wants to follow her own path. I think that Pocahontas’ romance with John Smith was forced and unnecessary, but her emphasis on revering nature and maintaining peace speaks volumes about her character and the overall message of the movie. 

7. Merida

I know that Disney and Pixar are kind of synonymous with each other, but I still think Merida should not be considered a Disney princess. Nevertheless, I did not let my grudge influence my ranking. She has aspirations of getting out in the world and does not want to be tied down by marriage or status. Sometimes she feels like an annoying teenager enraged with her mother, but she is unlike any of the other princesses in the lineup and learns a valid lesson in appreciating those you love. 

6. Moana

The latest addition to the group, Moana has an independence and bravery factor that no other princess has. She travels into the middle of the ocean BY HERSELF and restores the heart of Te Fiti with limited help from Maui. Moana is motivated by a desire to go beyond the reef and help her people, a selfless act that adds to her character, but I feel she lacks some interesting qualities that would make her feel more complex. 

5. Belle

Belle stands out from the crowd but never lets that bother her. She is an independent, smart bibliophile who cares deeply about her family. She is selflessly motivated to take her father’s spot in the Beast’s castle and is immensely brave in staying there. Belle does not let people manipulate her, and she stands up for what she believes in. The romance between her and the Beast feels inorganic, but the message of not judging people based on their appearances remains strong. 

4. Tiana

Tiana is the most humble, hardworking, and strong-willed princess. She grew up poor with big dreams, and she does everything she can to achieve her goals. Tiana is motivated by her deceased father and her desire to make him proud by opening her own restaurant. During their time as frogs, both Tiana and Naveen experience character growth and learn to appreciate each other for who they are. Tiana feels like an authentic individual that many can relate to, putting her near the top of the list. 

3. Mulan

Mulan feels like an outcast who does not belong, but she finds herself on the battlefield. She admirably enters the war so that her weakening father does not have to fight, despite the risk of being female. She displays her masterful skills and proves that women can do anything men can do. Her bravery in concealing her identity and fighting in general emphasizes her strength and determination. She did save all of China. That is pretty noteworthy.

2. Anna

Anna is that lovable quirky princess that so many people have come to adore, including me. She is not afraid to express her unique self and is deeply caring. Anna has a distinct personality that is prevalent throughout the film. Although she aspires to find love, her main motivation is to help her sister and the people of Arendelle. She faces the eternal winter and fights through a frozen heart to protect Elsa. Her eagerness in wanting to marry Hans was not her best decision, but she learned from the mistake and found Kristoff, someone who truly loved her. 

1. Rapunzel

The number one spot belongs to my girl Raps. Rapunzel was locked in a tower for the first eighteen years of her life and was lied to about her true family and the world. She grows from this naivety and takes action against her captor. She is motivated by her dream of seeing the floating lights and, despite all the dangerous aspects Mother Gothel warned her about, ventured into the world to see them. Rapunzel really only uses Flynn as a guide and fights her own battles with her trusty frying pan. She is an optimistic dreamer who sees the best in everyone, and she is multi-talented with several affinities that shape her unmistakable personality. She also has 70 feet of magical hair on her head. That is pretty unique. Her relationship with Eugene is one of the better romances, especially since the lantern scene is adorable, but mainly because of their influence on each other. Eugene helped Rapunzel see the physical world, while Rapunzel helped Eugene see the world through a different lens. So, did Eugene really save Rapunzel, or did she save him? Needless to say, Rapunzel is, in my opinion, the most complex Disney princess and worthy of being at the top.