Disney reigns supreme when it comes to creating characters that enchant generations. All Disney princesses have unique characteristics and inspiring messages, winning the hearts of children and adults with stories of overcoming and self-discovery. It's no wonder that these characters have become icons in the world of entertainment and pillars of pop culture.
Disney princess movies were so successful that they created their own subgenre, making their mark in an unforgettable way. In today's article, you will get to know all these princesses in chronological order, from the classics that started the legacy to the most modern ones. Are you ready for this enchanted journey? Let's discover the stories behind these characters who make up royalty together!
Snow White – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Snow White was the first main character in an animated feature film by the company and, therefore, holds a special place among all Disney princesses. In the 1937 classic, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, the 14-year-old girl runs away from the Evil Queen, who, in addition to being her stepmother, wants to eliminate her after being surpassed in beauty. Kind and full of joy, Snow White takes shelter in the forest with dwarves who become her new family, until the spell of a poisoned apple puts her life in danger.
Recognized for her sweetness and kindness, Snow White has marked generations with her resilience and optimism. In addition to being an icon with her blue and yellow costume, the princess has appeared in productions such as Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) and Sofia the First (2012). Her relevance in the Disney universe remains strong, and actress Rachel Zegler will bring the character to the screen again in a live-action adaptation scheduled for 2025.
Cinderella – Cinderella (1950)
Cinderella, the second of all Disney princesses, is the protagonist of the 1950 classic of the same name. After losing her father, she is forced to work as a maid in her stepmother's house, but she maintains her kindness. Her story gains a magical touch from the Fairy Godmother and some animals who help her go to the ball where she meets Prince Charming. The unforgettable moment of the glass slipper marks the beginning of her future new life.
With her iconic silver-blue dress, Cinderella became a symbol of overcoming obstacles and the power of dreams. In addition to starring in two sequels and other Disney productions, she was played by Lily James in the 2015 live-action version. Her presence continues to be strong in films such as Ralph Breaks the Internet and other specials, reinforcing her legacy in pop culture.
Aurora – Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Aurora can be considered the third among all Disney princesses, she is the protagonist of the classic Sleeping Beauty (1959). Her story is marked by Maleficent's curse, which says that the girl will fall into a deep sleep on her 16th birthday. The princess is then hidden by three fairies in the depths of the forest to protect her, but the curse is fulfilled, and Aurora can only be awakened by true love's kiss.
Despite being the last Disney princess for 30 years, Aurora left an important legacy in animation. She is notable for having few lines in her film, making her one of the quietest Disney princesses. With her iconic dress, Aurora is often portrayed in the pink model, chosen to differentiate her from Cinderella. Her story was also adapted into a live-action version, with actress Elle Fanning playing the princess, rescuing her figure for a new generation.
Ariel – The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ariel is the protagonist of this film and the pioneer among all the “non-human” Disney princesses. She is a mermaid who wants to explore the human world. After saving Prince Eric from a sinking ship and falling in love with him, Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch to gain legs in exchange for her voice. This decision leads her to face great challenges and, in the end, fight for her love and freedom.
Unlike previous princesses, Ariel reflects the rebelliousness and curiosity of a teenager in the 80s. She stands out as the first of the group of princesses to have a child, with the arrival of Melody in The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. Her mermaid look with seashells and a green tail became iconic, but in the franchise's material, Ariel is often portrayed wearing pink or green when she is in her human form. The character also gained a human version with Halle Bailey playing the lead role in the live-action version.
Belle – Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Belle is intelligent and passionate about books, and longs to escape the monotony of her village. When her father is imprisoned by the Beast, Belle volunteers to take his place, finding herself in a magical and mysterious castle. There, she discovers that the Beast is actually a prince under a curse, and slowly learns to see beyond his appearance.
In addition to her intelligence, Belle is admired for her courage and for being a heroine who, instead of fearing the Beast, seeks to understand him. Her yellow dress, along with Cinderella's, is one of the most striking for the public. Among all the Disney princesses, Belle stands out for her strong and unique personality. In 2017, this princess was played by Emma Watson in live-action version of the movie.
Jasmine – Aladdin (1992)
Jasmine, one of the most striking figures among all the Disney princesses, stands out for her strong and independent personality. She is the daughter of the Sultan and, unlike the previous princesses, does not submit to the standards of royalty. In Aladdin, she falls in love with a young man who lives on the streets, defying conventions and seeking more than the destiny planned for her.
Aladdin's princess breaks barriers, being the studio's first non-European and first non-white princess. Although she has a supporting role, her story and appearance have become powerful symbols in the Disney universe. In the 2019 live-action film, Naomi Scott played her, bringing even more prominence to the character, who won fans around the world and established her as a landmark among all Disney princesses.
Pocahontas – Pocahontas (1995)
Pocahontas is the first Disney princess to be inspired by a real figure from American history. Daughter of the most important figure of her people, the Powhatan, she is an adventurous and independent young woman who does not conform to the destiny that her culture desires for her. Throughout her journey, Pocahontas becomes one of the most remarkable princesses for her courage and wisdom.
Pocahontas' story brings her close to John Smith, an English colonist with whom she shares her knowledge of nature and teaches the importance of peace between people. Her appearance is quite different compared to the other princesses, with a design that reflects Native American culture, including a green necklace and a tattoo.
Mulan – Mulan (1998)
Fa Mulan is the main character in the film that bears her name. Inspired by a Chinese legend, Mulan breaks tradition by disguising herself as a man and enlisting in the army to protect her father, who is ill and has been drafted into the war. Her courage and determination to protect her country against the leader Shan Yu make her a remarkable character, who shows that heroism has no gender.
The first East Asian princess and the first to not be or become a member of a royal family, Mulan stands out for her independence and willpower. The character won over audiences for representing overcoming obstacles and for showing that it is possible to break away from imposed standards. Mulan also appears in several other productions, including the 2020 live-action film starring actress Yifei Liu, solidifying her importance among all Disney princesses.
Tiana – The Princess and the Frog (2009)
In The Princess and the Frog we follow Tiana, one of the most striking of all Disney princesses. She is the company's first truly black princess, an important milestone for representation. In the plot, Tiana lives in the city of New Orleans and dreams of opening her own restaurant, but after kissing a prince cursed in the form of a frog, she is also cursed and becomes a frog.
Determined, intelligent and talented, Tiana is an example of strength and perseverance, which makes her one of the most admired princesses. As one of Disney's black princesses, she defies stereotypes with her strong personality and values. Her commitment to the franchise has been widely praised, with critics highlighting her hard work and independence.
Rapunzel – Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel is the next Princess on this list and one of the newest figures within all the Disney princesses. She is the first character in the set of princesses to be created using computer graphics and not just 2D drawings. In the plot, Rapunzel is kept in an isolated tower-shaped building, where she grows up under the care of Gothel, a woman who uses the magical power of her hair to stay young.
The young girl doesn't know that she is a kidnapped princess, the daughter of a king and queen who have never stopped searching for her. Despite her isolated upbringing, Rapunzel is smart, curious and has a great thirst for adventure, qualities that make her one of the most admired characters. Her hair, which has magical powers, is one of the central points of the story and represented a great challenge for the animation professionals, being one of the most difficult elements to create in the production of Tangled.
Merida – Brave (2012)
Merida can be considered Disney's eleventh princess, even though her film actually originated from Pixar. Unlike other princesses, she does not follow the standards of arranged marriage and seeks the freedom to live her own way, which generates a conflict with her mother, Queen Elinor. Throughout her journey, Merida demonstrates a unique determination, reflecting the changes that have marked all Disney princesses in recent decades.
In Brave, Merida is a princess who doesn’t depend on a prince to complete her story, making her one of the most inspiring figures on this list. Her courage in defying the expectations of her kingdom, combined with her lack of a romantic interest, makes her an icon of empowerment. Thus, Merida stands out among all Disney princesses as a symbol of independence and strength.
Moana – Moana (2016)
Moana is the most recent of all the Disney princesses. In her story, she embarks on an epic adventure to save her island from a curse, guided by the demigod Maui, with whom she crosses the oceans. Moana stands out from the other princesses for her courage, intelligence and determination, in addition to being the second princess not to get romantically involved with anyone throughout her story.
The character is Disney's fifth non-white princess and has been widely praised for representing a strong and independent figure. Her look, inspired by Polynesian culture, is made up of items that symbolize her connection to her people's roots. Moana is one of Disney's most unique princesses, as her focus is on saving her culture rather than romance.
Conclusion
So far, these characters make up the cast of all Disney princesses recognized by the company as such, but this number is expected to increase, since stories like these win over the public. And you, who is your favorite princess and what makes her special to you? Share your opinion in the comments! Also check out our article about the 11 oldest cartoons on Cartoon Network and the video we prepared for you below!
Questions that might interest you
What are the common characteristics of Disney Princesses?
Disney princesses tend to be very different from each other, the only characteristic they have in common is the affection that the public has for them.
Are there princesses inspired by real stories?
Pocahontas and Mulan are Disney princesses based on figures from history.
