Crowning the Greatest: The Official Top 10 Best Disney Princesses of All Time
For generations, they’ve been the heart of the Disney universe. They’ve taught us to dream, to be brave, to follow our hearts, and to see the good in others. But let’s be honest, we all have our favorites. The question of “Who is the best Disney Princess?” has sparked debates on playgrounds and at dinner tables for decades. It’s a magical, contentious, and deeply personal question.
So today, we’re doing the impossible. We’re putting on our royal judge’s robes and officially ranking the top 10 best Disney Princesses. This isn’t just about who has the best song or the prettiest dress. We’re diving deep into their stories, their impact, and their legacy to create a definitive list. Prepare for some controversy, some celebration, and a whole lot of fairytale magic!
Our Royal Ranking Criteria
To make this list as fair and authoritative as possible, I judged each princess based on five key criteria. My experience as a pop culture analyst has shown that a great character needs more than just a crown.
- Character Arc & Agency: Does the princess grow and change throughout her story? How much control does she have over her own destiny? We’re looking for active heroines, not passive damsels.
- Cultural Impact & Legacy: How has the princess resonated with audiences over the years? Does she represent a shift in storytelling or animation? Is she still a beloved icon today?
- Iconic Music: A great princess needs a great theme song. We’re judging the power, memorability, and emotional weight of their signature “I Want” song or ballad.
- Relatability & Theme: Do her struggles and dreams feel real and relatable? What universal themes does her story explore (e.g., freedom, identity, family, duty)?
- Bravery & Resourcefulness: How does she face adversity? We value cleverness, courage, and inner strength over simply waiting for a prince to solve things.
Snow White
Placing the original princess at number ten might seem controversial, but it’s a testament to how much the archetype has evolved. Snow White is the foundation upon which the entire Disney Princess legacy is built. Her film was a monumental risk for Walt Disney and its success changed cinematic history forever. Her unwavering optimism, kindness to all creatures, and gentle spirit are her superpowers. While she is more of a reactive character than a proactive one, her importance cannot be overstated.
“Remember, you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.”
Her legacy is one of gentle resilience. In a world of cynicism, Snow White’s simple, unyielding belief in goodness is a powerful, if old-fashioned, message. She represents the dawn of a new era in storytelling.
Bring Home the Original: Disney Princess My Friend Snow White Doll
This classic doll captures Snow White’s iconic look perfectly. It’s a fantastic toy for inspiring imaginative play, where kids can recreate the story or invent new adventures with the seven dwarfs. Setting up a little cottage for her is a wonderful activity, perhaps using some of the best dollhouse furniture to create a cozy scene.
Check Price on AmazonAurora
Princess Aurora is arguably the most aesthetically perfect princess. Her film is a masterpiece of animation, with a distinct medieval art style that remains breathtaking. Aurora herself is the epitome of grace and elegance. Though she has the least amount of screen time of any titular princess (around 18 minutes!), her presence is unforgettable. Her romance with Prince Phillip is also a step up from Snow White’s, as they meet and fall in love *before* the magical kiss.
Her story is a lesson in fate and the power of true love. “Once Upon a Dream” is one of Disney’s most iconic and beautiful musical numbers. While she lacks agency for much of her film, her role as the serene, dreamy heart of the story earns her a spot on this list.
Recreate the Magic: Disney Princess Comfy Squad Comfy Castle
While not her specific castle, this Comfy Castle is a dream home for any princess doll, including Aurora. It’s the perfect setting for imagining her life before and after her slumber. Children can spend hours decorating, drawing inspiration from beautiful dollhouse bedroom ideas to design a royal suite fit for Sleeping Beauty herself.
Check Price on AmazonCinderella
Cinderella is perhaps the most archetypal fairytale princess. Her story is the ultimate tale of hope, perseverance, and kindness in the face of cruelty. What I’ve always appreciated about Cinderella is that she isn’t just a passive victim; she has a quiet strength and an unshakeable belief that her dreams will come true. She endures immense hardship without ever becoming bitter or cruel herself, which is a form of bravery all its own.
Her transformation scene is one of the most magical moments in all of cinema, and her story has become a cultural shorthand for any “rags-to-riches” journey. She represents the idea that if you “have courage and be kind,” good things will eventually come your way.
Build the Dream: LEGO Disney Cinderella’s Royal Carriage
This LEGO set lets kids build the iconic pumpkin carriage. It’s a wonderful, hands-on toy that combines construction with imaginative play. Of course, no Cinderella is complete without her iconic look. We’ve actually put together a complete guide on finding the best cinderella dress for aspiring royalty.
Check Price on AmazonPocahontas
Pocahontas brought a new level of maturity and spiritual depth to the Disney Princess lineup. She is a free-spirited, noble, and wise woman deeply connected to nature and her heritage. Her story is a powerful (if heavily fictionalized) plea for understanding and peace between different cultures. She actively prevents a war through her courage and empathy, choosing her own path rather than the one her father sets for her.
“Colors of the Wind” is an Oscar-winning masterpiece and one of the most profound songs in the Disney canon, teaching us to respect the earth and see the value in every rock, and tree, and creature. Pocahontas stands out for her wisdom, her agency, and her solemn, dignified grace.
Listen With Your Heart: Disney Princess Pocahontas Doll
This beautiful doll captures the spirit of Pocahontas. She’s perfect for adventures through the “forests” of the backyard. Kids can imagine her life in her village, setting up her home with unique and natural-looking items. They might find some great ideas among the best dollhouse accessories to create a scene that feels authentic to her story.
Check Price on AmazonAriel
Ariel swam onto the screen and single-handedly launched the Disney Renaissance. She was a completely different type of princess: curious, headstrong, rebellious, and fiercely independent. Her desire to explore the human world is a powerful metaphor for any teenager wanting to break free and discover their own identity. Yes, she gives up her voice for a boy, but Prince Eric is a symbol of the world she desperately wants to be a part of. Her fascination with human culture is palpable and relatable.
“I want to be where the people are…”
“Part of Your World” is the ultimate “I Want” song, a passionate ballad that has resonated with dreamers for over 30 years. Ariel’s bravery and determination to chase her dreams, no matter the cost, make her an unforgettable icon.
Explore Under the Sea: LEGO Disney Ariel’s Underwater Palace
This playset lets kids explore Ariel’s grotto and the royal palace of Atlantica. It’s filled with fun details, including her collection of “thingamabobs.” Imagining her life on land in a grand castle is just as fun. You could light up her new home with the best dollhouse lighting kit to give it a truly magical glow.
Check Price on AmazonTiana
Tiana shattered the princess mold in the best way possible. She isn’t a princess by birth and doesn’t spend her time wishing on stars; she works for her dreams. As a determined, ambitious, and incredibly talented chef in 1920s New Orleans, Tiana’s goal isn’t a prince—it’s opening her own restaurant. Her journey teaches her that while hard work is essential, it’s also important to make room for love and fun.
She is arguably the most grounded and practical princess, making her an incredible role model for modern audiences. “Almost There” is a jazzy, uplifting anthem to ambition and perseverance. Tiana proves that the most important magic comes from digging a little deeper and finding your own strength.
Cook Up Some Fun: The Princess and the Frog: Tiana’s Cookbook
Instead of a doll, why not an experience? This cookbook lets kids make Tiana’s famous beignets and other New Orleans-inspired recipes. It’s a wonderful way to connect with her story. For playtime, kids can design their own “Tiana’s Palace” in a dollhouse, using creative dollhouse kitchen ideas to build the restaurant of her dreams.
Check Price on AmazonRapunzel
Rapunzel is a vibrant, creative, and endlessly optimistic force of nature. Despite being locked in a tower for 18 years, she is anything but a damsel in distress. She’s resourceful (using her hair in countless clever ways), brave (whacking an intruder with a frying pan), and has a deep yearning for connection and experience. Her journey of self-discovery is one of the most emotionally resonant in the Disney canon.
The “I See the Light” sequence is one of the most visually stunning and romantic moments in animation history. Rapunzel’s character arc is fantastic; she grows from a naive girl into a confident leader. Her bubbly personality and artistic soul make her incredibly lovable.
Let Down Your Hair: Disney Princess Rapunzel’s Tower Playset
This tower playset is the perfect centerpiece for recreating the story of Tangled. Many fans love to imagine Rapunzel’s life in a larger castle. A great option for this is the best barbie dollhouse, which can be repurposed as a magnificent royal palace for any Disney princess doll, offering endless rooms to explore.
Check Price on AmazonJasmine
Princess Jasmine is a firecracker. In a time when princesses were still largely defined by their pursuit of a prince, Jasmine’s primary goal was freedom. She is intelligent, fiercely independent, and refuses to be a “prize to be won.” She challenges the patriarchal laws of her kingdom and isn’t afraid to speak her mind to anyone, including her father the Sultan and the villainous Jafar. She sees through Aladdin’s “Prince Ali” disguise, valuing honesty and inner worth over titles and riches.
While “A Whole New World” is technically a duet, it captures her yearning for a life beyond the palace walls. Jasmine is not the protagonist of her film, but she is a fully realized character with clear motivations and immense strength. She set a new standard for what a princess could be: bold, outspoken, and in control of her own choices.
A Whole New World: Jasmine and Rajah Fashion Doll Set
This beautiful doll set includes Jasmine in her iconic outfit along with her loyal tiger, Rajah. It’s perfect for kids who admire her strength and spirit. They can create their own adventures, proving that Jasmine is more than capable of saving herself and others.
Check Price on AmazonBelle
Belle redefined what it meant to be a Disney Princess. She was intelligent, compassionate, and valued knowledge over appearance. She was seen as an outsider in her own village for her love of books, but she never changed to fit in. Her defining characteristic is her ability to see beyond the surface, to find the good in someone that the rest of the world has dismissed as a monster. She actively sacrifices her freedom for her father’s and falls in love with the Beast for who he is, not what he looks like.
“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere! I want it more than I can tell!”
Belle was the first princess to be an active intellectual, giving bookish kids everywhere a hero to look up to. Her bravery, empathy, and agency throughout the film are remarkable, and her story is a timeless lesson in looking past appearances to find the beauty within.
Be Our Guest: Disney Princess Belle’s Tea Cart Playset
This charming playset, featuring Mrs. Potts and Chip, lets kids host their own enchanted tea party. It’s a wonderful toy for social and imaginative play, perfectly capturing the hospitality and warmth of the Beast’s castle and its beloved residents.
Check Price on AmazonMulan
In my expert opinion, there is no contest. Mulan is the best Disney Princess (and yes, she’s officially in the lineup!). She breaks every convention and exceeds every expectation. Her journey is not about finding love or a crown; it’s about saving her father’s life and, in the process, discovering her own inner strength and worth. She is clumsy, awkward, and struggles to fit into the traditional roles expected of her, making her intensely relatable.
Mulan’s heroism is entirely her own. She uses her intelligence and creativity to defeat the Hun army, not brute force. The moment she decides to take her father’s place is one of the most powerful character decisions in Disney history. “Reflection” is a heartbreakingly beautiful song about identity and self-acceptance. Mulan saves an entire nation, earns the respect of the Emperor and her fellow soldiers, and returns home a hero. She is brave, resourceful, selfless, and the ultimate embodiment of honor. She didn’t just save China; she saved the Disney Princess archetype from itself.
Bring Honor to Us All: Disney Princess Mulan Warrior Doll
This doll showcases Mulan in her warrior armor, complete with a sword. It’s a powerful toy that celebrates her strength and courage. It reminds kids that heroism comes in many forms and that you don’t need a crown to be royalty or a ballgown to be a hero.
Check Price on AmazonYour Royal Questions Answered
Q: Are Anna and Elsa from Frozen official Disney Princesses?
A: This is a great question! Officially, no. While they are royalty and immensely popular, Anna and Elsa belong to their own multi-billion dollar “Frozen” franchise. Disney markets them separately from the official Disney Princess lineup to avoid diluting either brand. They are in a class of their own!
Q: Who is the newest official Disney Princess?
A: The newest princess to be officially added to the lineup is Raya from the 2021 film “Raya and the Last Dragon.” She was officially inducted in August 2022.
Q: Why aren’t characters like Megara, Esmeralda, or Kida on this list?
A: While these are incredible, strong female characters from Disney films, they are not part of the official Disney Princess franchise for various reasons. Sometimes it’s because their film wasn’t a big enough box-office success (Kida from *Atlantis*), or their character is deemed too mature or morally complex for the brand (Esmeralda from *Hunchback of Notre Dame*). They are fantastic heroines, but they don’t hold the official “Princess” title.
About the Author: Michael Chen
Michael is a pop culture writer and self-proclaimed Disney historian with over 15 years of experience analyzing film and animation. He has visited every Disney park in the world and believes that the stories they tell are a powerful force in our culture. His expertise comes from a lifelong passion combined with academic study of storytelling and character development. He’s seen “The Lion King” on Broadway five times and can probably quote the entirety of “Aladdin” from memory.
