Reflecting on my childhood, I realized there were a number of movies that impacted me growing up. Out of nostalgia and a desire to return to simpler times, I decided to rank all of the Disney Princess movies, from best to worst, so without further adieu, here is my ranking of Disney’s animated princess movies.
1. Frozen
- This animated Disney princess movie follows the two princesses of Arendelle, Anna and Elsa. Elsa was born with magical ice powers, which leads to later conflict as the sisters must work together to stop Elsa’s eternal winter.
- Frozen earned the number one spot on this list because of how it beautifully and accurately deviates from the classic prince-saves-the-princess storyline to demonstrate sisterly love. This film’s sweet storyline, popular songs, and entertaining and likable characters further convinced me to award Frozen with the number one spot on this list.
2. Tangled
- Corona’s princess, Rapunzel, was kidnapped as a baby by Mother Gothel — who used her for her magical, youth-giving hair — and forced her to spend her whole life in a tower. She was secluded from society until she was found by the criminal, Flynn Ryder. Curious about the outside world, Rapunzel leaves her tower to achieve her dream of seeing the floating lanterns; however, seeing the lanterns turns out to be only one of the great adventures she experiences once she leaves the tower.
- I ranked Tangled second because of the film’s beautiful animation, unique and sweet storyline, and fantastic songs. The uplifting, warm-hearted story is perfect to watch anytime.
3. Beauty and the Beast
- After her father is captured and taken prisoner by the former prince (now beast) Belle takes his place as the beast’s prisoner in his cursed castle. Belle discovers that there is more behind the beast’s angry, monstrous exterior, while the townspeople rally against the cursed prince. Ultimately, true love’s kiss is the only thing that can break the curse before the last petal on the enchantress’s cursed rose falls and the members of the castle are forever stuck as inanimate objects.
- I ranked Beauty and the Beast third because of its classic songs, timeless storyline, and beautiful setting.
4. Cinderella
- After Cinderella’s father dies, she is left in the care of her abusive, evil stepmother and stepsisters. That is, until the kingdom’s prince throws a ball to find a suitable future queen. The Fairy Godmother helps Cinderella get ready for the ball where she meets the prince; however, Cinderella is forced to leave the ball without telling the prince her name as midnight quickly approaches. Luckily, she accidentally leaves her glass slipper behind, which the prince can then use to discover which fair maiden he fell in love with.
- Cinderella is ranked fourth on this list because of the film’s beautiful animation style and classic storyline.
5. Mulan
- The Huns are invading China, so one man from each family is drafted to fight in the Chinese army. Mulan takes her injured father’s place as a soldier in the army, but women were not allowed in the army during this time period, so Mulan must disguise herself as a boy to protect her father, herself, and her family’s honor. Ultimately, Mulan defeats the Huns to save China.
- Mulan earned a spot in the top five because of the film’s versatility when it comes to times to watch it. This movie is a great go-to to watch at any time and teaches children that there are no limits to what they can achieve, so it earned the fifth spot on this list.
6. The Little Mermaid
- Ariel, a mermaid who has always been fascinated with the land world, falls in love with Eric, a human prince, and makes a deal with the evil sea witch to have a chance at love.
- The Little Mermaid is ranked sixth because of the film’s classic songs and entertaining characters.
7. Aladdin
- This film follows the “street rat,” Aladdin, as he meets Princess Jasmine. Jasmine, who was not allowed to leave the castle grounds, warms up to Aladdin as he “shows her the world” and attempts to win her heart with the help of a genie he finds. However, the love story is not the only plot in the novel, as the pair must also prevent the evil sorcerer Jafar from overthrowing Jasmine’s kingdom.
- I ranked Aladdin seventh because of the film’s upbeat songs and unique storyline.
8. The Princess and the Frog
- Spoiled Prince Naveen and hard-working Tiana are transformed into frogs by the evil Dr. Facilier and must embark on an adventure together through the bayou to find a way to be changed back to human form.
- Due to its exciting songs, heart-racing scenes, and sweet romance, The Princess and the Frog is ranked eighth on this list.
9. Sleeping Beauty
- Princess Aurora was cursed at birth by the evil sorceress Maleficent to prick her finger on a spindle on her 16th birthday causing her to fall into an eternal sleep until true love’s kiss wakes her up. When her 16th birthday comes, Aurora’s prophecy comes true and Prince Philip must awaken the sleeping beauty from her slumber.
- I ranked Sleeping Beauty ninth because of the film’s beautiful animation style and classic romance; however, the storyline is somewhat boring.
10. Moana
- Moana’s island is dying, so she embarks on a daring adventure to get the demigod Maui to return the Heart of Tefiti and save her people. Throughout her journey, Moana discovers more about her ancestors and herself as she learns how to be a master wayfinder.
- Moana is ranked tenth because of its funny characters and entertaining plot.
11. Pocahontas
- The British — specifically John Smith — arrive in America and meet Native Americans for the first time. John soon falls in love with the daughter of the Native American tribe leader, Pocahontas, despite the conflict between their people.
- I ranked Pocahontas eleventh because the movie has great songs and a good storyline, but it is also completely and offensively historically inaccurate.
12. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Snow White is forced to run away from her castle after she discovers that the Evil Queen attempted to murder her, out of jealousy for her beauty. Eventually, Snow White discovers the seven dwarfs’ house in the woods, where she lives until the Evil Queen, disguised as an old hag, gives her a poisoned apple, and curses her to sleep until a prince wakes her with true love’s kiss.
- I ranked this movie 12th because the film has classic songs, but the plot was rather boring and the character’s roles could be considered offensive to women and those with dwarfism.
13. Brave
- Merida, the eldest child in the royal family and heir to the throne, must marry a prince before her next birthday, despite her disdain towards the idea of marriage. Merida seeks freedom from her situation with the help of a witch who curses Merida’s mother to become a bear. Merida must then embark on an adventure to save her mother, discovering more about herself and gaining an understanding of her mother along the way.
- Brave comes in last on this list because it seemed as though the directors were trying to create a film in which the girl proves that she doesn’t need a man, which was a valiant idea, but it seemed to rather fall short in the follow-through. Overall, the movie was rather disappointing compared to other Disney Princess films. However, despite these criticisms, the film was a cool look into Scottish culture.
If you managed to read this far into my article, I would like to express my dearest thanks to you for taking an interest in my opinions. I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any disagreements with my rankings, feel free to comment down below.
