Top 12 Most Popular Disney Princesses

Belle is a fictional character from Walt Disney Pictures' 30th animated feature, Beauty and the Beast (1991). She also appeared in the film's midquels: Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997), Belle's Magical World (1998), and Belle's Tales of Friendship (1999). Initially voiced by Paige O'Hara from 1991 to 2011, Belle was later voiced by Julie Nathanson starting in 2011. Created by screenwriter Linda Woolverton, Belle was animated by artists James Baxter and Mark Henn. She lives with her father Maurice, an inventor, in a small French town. While considered the most beautiful girl in the village, Belle is often mocked for her love of books and her unconventional lifestyle. She is pursued by the handsome yet arrogant hunter Gaston, but she shows no interest in him, instead dreaming of adventure beyond her provincial life. When her father is imprisoned by the Beast, Belle bravely sacrifices her freedom to save him. Over time, she learns to love the Beast, breaking the curse that has kept him in monstrous form. Based on the character from Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont's fairy tale, Woolverton's version of Belle is a stronger, more independent character, drawing inspiration from Katharine Hepburn’s portrayal of Jo March in the 1933 film Little Women. The success of Beauty and the Beast led to a Broadway musical, with Susan Egan originating the role of Belle. Belle is the fifth official Disney Princess.

Belle has received widespread acclaim from critics for her intelligence, modernity, and bravery, with comparisons to Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989). Feminist critics have praised her independence, self-sufficiency, and non-romantic life goals, distinguishing her from previous Disney princesses. Belle is the only animated character to receive a nomination from the American Film Institute's list of 100 Heroes and Villains.

Jasmine is a fictional character from Walt Disney Pictures' 31st animated film, Aladdin (1992). Voiced by Linda Larkin, with singing provided by Lea Salonga, Jasmine is the spirited daughter of the Sultan, who becomes increasingly disillusioned with her life confined within the palace walls. Despite an ancient law that requires her to marry a prince by her upcoming birthday, Jasmine is determined to marry for love, valuing a person for who they are, not their wealth or status. Created by screenwriters and directors Ron Clements and John Musker, alongside co-writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, Jasmine is inspired by Badroulbadour, a princess from the One Thousand and One Nights tale 'Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.'

Originally conceived as a spoiled, materialistic princess, the character was reimagined into a stronger, more independent heroine after the decision to remove Aladdin's mother from the script, and the influence of the 1953 romantic comedy film Roman Holiday. After securing the role, Larkin almost lost the part due to Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg's initial disapproval of her voice, but directors Clements and Musker persuaded him otherwise. Discovered by casting director Albert Tavares, Lea Salonga was chosen to provide Jasmine's singing voice based on her performance in the musical Miss Saigon. This casting choice marked Jasmine as the first Disney princess to have two different actresses portraying her voice and singing. Animated by Mark Henn, Jasmine's design is an eclectic mix of various influences, including an anonymous theme park guest, Henn’s sister, and actress Jennifer Connelly.

The character has received mostly positive to mixed reviews, with some comparisons to previous princesses like Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989) and Belle from Beauty and the Beast (1991). However, Jasmine’s strong personality and her chemistry with Aladdin have been praised. She is the sixth Disney Princess and the first non-European princess in the franchise, making her the first character of South Asian descent in the series.

Jasmine is credited with introducing racial diversity into the Disney princess lineup. Unlike most Disney princesses, she plays a supporting role in her own film, serving as the love interest. Jasmine later appeared in sequels like The Return of Jafar (1994) and Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996), as well as a TV series and the Broadway musical adaptation. Both Larkin and Salonga were honored with Disney Legends awards for their contributions to the role. In the 2019 live-action remake of Aladdin, Naomi Scott portrayed Jasmine.

Pocahontas is the seventh Disney princess, first introduced in Disney's animated film Pocahontas (1995). Her character is inspired by the historical Native American woman, Pocahontas (1595–1617), and the events surrounding the Jamestown settlement in Virginia in 1607.

She is portrayed as a young, noble woman with a free spirit and a deep connection to nature. Pocahontas is wise beyond her years, gentle-hearted, and always willing to help others. She has an adventurous soul and a profound love for the natural world. In the movie, Pocahontas possesses supernatural abilities, including communicating with nature, conversing with spirits, understanding animals, and even speaking languages she’s never learned. As the story progresses, she matures, especially after hearing the false news of John Smith’s death. In the sequel, she appears more independent and self-reliant, yet still maintains her playful and free-spirited nature.

While in England, Pocahontas nearly loses herself in the chaos of her new life, almost becoming someone entirely different. However, she bravely chooses to return to her homeland, sacrificing her own desires for the safety and well-being of others. Through this journey, she reconnects with her true self and finds love once again. Her long, black hair, flowing in the wind, symbolizes her connection to the natural world. Guided by intuition and a strong sense of purpose, Pocahontas lets her dreams lead her forward. The character of Pocahontas is voiced by Irene Bedard, with her singing voice provided by Judy Kuhn.

Mulan is Disney’s eighth princess, introduced in the animated film Mulan (1998). The movie is based on the legend of Hua Mulan (386–534). Known as one of Disney's most powerful female characters, Mulan isn’t a typical princess. Although not a royal by birth, she marries a young general in the military.

Unlike many previous Disney female characters, Mulan is bold and masculine, believing in equality and solving problems with her own strength. She doesn’t fit the traditional expectations of a Chinese girl of her time. Despite her natural beauty, literacy, and archery skills, she is clumsy, outspoken, and independent, not graceful, quiet, or demure. Her awkward encounter with a matchmaker, assisted by a helpful cricket, ends in chaos, with the matchmaker doubting Mulan will ever find a husband.

However, Mulan’s courage, intelligence, and determination help her overcome all obstacles. Her petite figure, neat hair, cute monolid eyes, and lively personality win the heart of Li Shang, a proud, stoic man who initially believes she’s a man. At first, Li Shang is frustrated with his “new recruit” because of her weak constitution, which slows down their army. However, he later begins to admire Ping (Mulan’s male alter ego). Though not explicitly stated, it is implied that Li Shang is bisexual, attracted to both men and women. Mulan is voiced by Ming-Na Wen, with Lea Salonga providing her singing voice.

Tiana, voiced by Anika Noni Rose, is Disney’s ninth princess, introduced in the 49th animated film The Princess and the Frog (2009). The film is based on E. D. Baker’s novel The Frog Princess, which itself is inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale The Frog Prince. Tiana, the first African-American Disney princess, is a hardworking, ambitious young woman with incredible beauty, grace, and determination, though at the start of the story, she is not in love with anyone.

She is the perfect role model for young girls. Living in 1920s New Orleans, Louisiana, Tiana is focused on achieving her dream of owning her own restaurant. However, her life takes a turn when she is transformed into a cold, green frog while trying to break a witch’s curse alongside the charming, musical Prince Naveen. Naveen, once handsome and carefree, is also cursed into the form of an ugly, warty frog. Together, Tiana and Naveen must work to lift the curse and find happiness throughout the film.

Merida, voiced by Kelly Macdonald, is Disney's eleventh princess, first introduced in Pixar's animated film Brave (2012), created by director and screenwriter Brenda Chapman.

Merida is the 16-year-old daughter of Queen Elinor, who rules the kingdom alongside King Fergus. The expectations that Queen Elinor has for her daughter often create distance and tension between them, as Merida's rebellious nature clashes with her mother's royal aspirations. While Elinor hopes to see her daughter become a true princess, Merida desires to chart her own path and make her own decisions.

Merida is an exceptional archer, among the finest in her kingdom, and is also skilled in sword fighting. She enjoys riding her horse, Angus, across the kingdom, demonstrating her courage and independence every step of the way.

Rapunzel is Disney's tenth princess, first appearing in the 50th animated film by Walt Disney Pictures, Tangled (2010). Based on the character from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Rapunzel was created by screenwriter Dan Fogelman, initially designed by artist Glen Keane, and voiced by singer Mandy Moore. She was officially inducted into the Disney Princess franchise on October 2, 2011, at Kensington Palace in London, England.

Rapunzel, a stunningly beautiful princess with impossibly long, magical golden hair, was stolen from her parents as a child and raised by the vain Mother Gothel, who used Rapunzel's hair to maintain her eternal youth. Locked away in a secluded tower for 18 years, Rapunzel's life changes when she seeks the help of a charming, sly, and wanted thief named Flynn Rider to see the floating lanterns on her 18th birthday. Though she is naïve and shy, Rapunzel is clever and able to inspire others around her.

Notably, Rapunzel is the first Disney princess to appear in a computer-animated (CGI) film, though she is typically redesigned in traditional animation for appearances alongside other princesses in the franchise. Rapunzel received widespread praise from critics, who admired her strong and modern character. The Los Angeles Times described her as "a very modern young woman," while The New Yorker called her witty and intelligent, and USA Today noted that she felt more authentic as a teenager compared to previous Disney heroines. However, some critics, like those from Time Out, found her somewhat "one-dimensional" and "less believable."

Aurora, also known as Sleeping Beauty or Briar Rose, is a fictional character from Walt Disney Productions' 16th animated film, Sleeping Beauty (1959). Originally voiced by singer Mary Costa, Aurora is the only child of King Stefan and Queen Leah. A wicked fairy named Maleficent seeks revenge for not being invited to Aurora's christening, cursing the newborn princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die before sunset on her sixteenth birthday. However, one of the good fairies, Merryweather, softens the curse, causing Aurora to fall into a deep sleep instead. To protect her, the three good fairies raise her in hiding as a peasant, waiting for the day when true love's kiss, from Prince Phillip, can break the curse.

Aurora's character is based on the princess in Charles Perrault's fairy tale 'Sleeping Beauty,' as well as the heroine from the Grimm Brothers' version, 'Little Briar Rose.' Disney struggled for years to find the right voice actress for the role and nearly abandoned the project until Costa was discovered by composer Walter Schumann. However, Costa's Southern accent nearly cost her the role until she proved she could maintain an English accent throughout the film. To match the film's unprecedented attention to detail, the character design of Aurora required more effort than any previous animated character, drawing inspiration from Art Nouveau. Animated by Marc Davis, Aurora's delicate figure was modeled after actress Audrey Hepburn. With only 18 lines of dialogue and limited screen time, Aurora speaks less than any other main character in a full-length Disney animated film.

Moana challenges the traditional princess mold, with Disney embracing her unique charm. Unlike other Disney princesses, Moana is the daughter of a Hawaiian chief and a hero in her own right. Auli'i Cravalho, the voice of Moana, believes that heroism isn't limited to men in this day and age.

Moreover, the demigod Maui jokingly recognizes her as a princess, saying: "If you wear a dress and have an animal sidekick, you're a princess." Following the success of *Frozen*, Disney seems unconcerned with giving female characters a "Prince Charming". This trend continued with Elena from *Elena of Avalor*, who doesn’t have a romantic interest. Similarly, Moana doesn’t need a benefactor or a fairy tale ending.

Much like Elsa, who controls ice and snow in *Frozen*, or Rapunzel, who uses her magical hair for healing, Moana also possesses a special power. Auli'i Cravalho explains: "Moana is a heroine with her own story. She has a unique gift, too. Moana shares an extraordinary connection with the ocean, which in our film, is a character in itself. The ocean is her closest companion, and together with Maui, they form an unstoppable force."

Snow White was Disney's very first princess, debuting in February 1938 in the United States. With a storyline familiar to both children and adults, the idea of adapting Snow White into an animated film seemed challenging at first. The producers worried if anyone would pay to watch something they already knew. However, thanks to the artistic brilliance of the Walt Disney team, they created a charming film with vibrant colors, lively characters, captivating details, and a deep sense of atmosphere.

Disney presented Snow White as the epitome of beauty: "skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, hair as black as ebony". She is not only beautiful but also gentle, sweet, and graceful, with a soft, crystal-clear voice that shines like silver and sings like a nightingale.

Snow White is often depicted as the embodiment of kindness, innocence, and optimism, always seeing the good in everyone. Her short hair, simple yet elegant, adds a touch of sophistication and grace to this youthful and spirited princess.

Cinderella is the second Disney princess, featured in the animated film ‘Cinderella’ released in 1950. She is a poor but exceptionally beautiful girl, living with her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. Despite her hardships, Cinderella dreams of attending the royal ball in a beautiful gown. However, her cruel stepmother constantly finds ways to prevent her from going. But then, a fairy godmother appears and grants her wish, enabling Cinderella to meet and fall in love with the prince. After facing many challenges, Cinderella and the prince are finally united.

Cinderella represents the Disney princess who, despite growing up in poverty, retains her kind-hearted nature and her ability to overcome life's hardships.

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid princess and the daughter of King Triton, dreams of a life on land, far away from the ocean. Along with her fish friend Flounder, Ariel collects human artifacts and shares them with Scuttle, a seagull who offers amusing and misguided explanations of human culture. Despite warnings from her father and the royal court composer Sebastian the crab, who advises her against interacting with humans, Ariel longs to be part of the world above the sea. She hides her collection of human items in a secret cave.

One night, Ariel attends a royal birthday celebration for Prince Eric, where she falls in love with him at first sight. A storm strikes, and while the guests abandon ship, Eric stays behind to find his dog Max. He is nearly drowned, but Ariel saves him and brings him to shore. Ariel sings to him, and though Eric hears only a vague memory of her voice, he is enchanted. Determined to find the voice he heard, Eric vows to search for her. Ariel, in turn, makes a pact with the sea witch Ursula to exchange her voice for a pair of human legs. However, she must receive a true love's kiss from Eric within three days, or she will belong to Ursula forever. Ariel is unaware that Ursula has a deeper, more sinister plot that involves King Triton.

After gaining human legs, Ariel seeks out Eric. Without her voice, he mistakes her for a mere friend. As time passes, they grow closer, and their bond deepens. Just as they are about to kiss, Ursula, disguised as a beautiful woman and using Ariel's voice, interrupts their moment. Eric, under Ursula's spell, believes her to be the real Ariel, and they prepare for a wedding. With the help of her friends, Ariel stops the ceremony, and the true Ariel regains her voice. However, she has run out of time. Ursula takes Ariel back to the sea, where she is confronted by King Triton. Since Ariel made a deal with the witch, only Triton can break it. To save his daughter, Triton sacrifices himself, becoming Ursula's prisoner. With the trident in Ursula's grasp, she grows more powerful. Eric, witnessing this, bravely steers a ship's bow directly into Ursula, ending her reign of terror.

Seeing Ariel's true love for Eric, and how the prince saved him, King Triton uses his trident to turn Ariel into a human. At last, Ariel and Eric share a kiss, and they celebrate their love with a wedding, uniting both the human and underwater worlds.