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13 Best Disney Princess Movies, Ranked

13 Best Disney Princess Movies, Ranked

disney princess franchise

From Cinderella (1950) to Frozen (2013), these are our favorite Disney princess movies.

Walt Disney classics like Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty have captivated generations of viewers with their astounding animation and timeless stories. But these films aren’t just about happy endings — they offer lessons in courage, confidence, resilience and the power of true love. Whether you’re looking for something to watch with your little ones or want a good dose of nostalgia, Disney movies always have your back. And if you’re in need of some magical Disney fun, look no further than Disney princess movies.

Of course, Disney’s princess movies aren’t just about the classics. From Rapunzel to Moana, the studio has created a range of unique and diverse princesses whose characters speak to all kinds of viewers. Whether you prefer the classic tales or more modern stories, there’s something for everyone. So go ahead and lose yourself in the enchanting world of Disney princesses.

 

The Best Disney Princess Movies

13. Sleeping Beauty (1959)

Image Source: Letterboxd

Who can resist a cozy night in with Sleeping Beauty? One of Disney’s most iconic Disney princess movies, this classic tale follows Princess Aurora, who is cursed to fall into an everlasting sleep until she is awoken by true love’s kiss. It stars the voices of Mary Costa as Sleeping Beauty and Bill Shirley as Prince Phillip, with a supporting cast including Eleanor Audley as the evil fairy Maleficent. The movie was loved upon its release and continues to be today – it was even inducted into the National Film Registry in 2019.

eauty and Bill Shirley as Prince Phillip, with a supporting cast including Eleanor Audley as Maleficent. The movie was loved upon its release and continues to be today – it was even inducted into the National Film Registry in 2019.

What works is its timeless charm and remarkable message about love conquering all obstacles. With its beautiful visuals, memorable characters, and iconic songs, Sleeping Beauty will remain a piece of Disney history forever. If you’re a fan of Disney princess movies, be sure to watch this timeless classic!

Related: 12 Best Movies To Watch With Your Friends

 

12. Brave (2012)

Image Source: Disney

Disney’s enchanting tale about a daring princess ready to take on the world was its foray into a more modern Disney Princess movie. Brave trails Princess Merida on her journey, as she struggles to find her place in the world. The feisty Scottish princess is not one to be cowed by tradition and instead chooses her own path. Allowing her to take charge of her own destiny and make mistakes along the way only makes Princess Merida more relatable.

Disney movies are believed to be made for kids, but this is Disney at its best with a story and characters that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. From the thrilling archery scenes to magnificent landscapes, Brave will leave you spellbound. Brave is a classic and definitely worth a watch if you’re looking for a Disney princess movie with an extra kick!

WATCH: The Best Films of 2023

 

11. The Princess and the Frog (2009)

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Image Source: Mubi

This was the first and only African-American Walt Disney princess movie. It featured Disney’s first ever black princess. When a young girl named Tiana falls in love with a charming prince who has been turned into an amphibian by an evil voodoo magician, she embarks on an exciting journey full of adventure, self-discovery, and magical moments. The Princess and the Frog was adapted from E.D. Baker’s novel The Frog Princess.

After Home on the Range in 2004, Walt Disney returned to hand-drawn animation with this one.

Disney captures the essence of New Orleans with vibrant animation and captivating music. The Princess and the Frog is sure to delight children and adults alike with its heartwarming story, witty humor, and delightful characters. Hop in your seat and take the ride. You won’t regret it!

 

10. Cinderella (1950)

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Cinderella is the 12th Disney animated feature and the studios’ greatest hit since its first feature-length animation movie Snow White (1937). The iconic tale has been loved by generations of viewers. From Cinderella‘s iconic glass slipper to her animal friends’ support in helping her to the ball, this Disney movie will forever be remembered as a timeless classic. With its captivating visuals and storybook-like charm, Cinderella is sure to have you believing in happily ever after. And despite being over 70 years old, its message still holds true for modern audiences: never give up on your dreams!

It’s time to dust off those glass slippers and relive the magic of the original Disney Princess movie. From Cinderella to Moana, these are the best Disney movies for your toddlers.

 

9. The Little Mermaid (1989)

Image Source: IMDb

The Little Mermaid is full of lighthearted moments that will make you laugh, touching moments that will bring tears to your eyes, and exciting moments with plenty of action. This classic Disney princess movie is about a mermaid Ariel who dreams of living above the sea and falls in love with a human prince. Disney fans of all ages will enjoy this retelling of the classic fairy-tale as they follow Ariel’s journey to find her true love and happiness.

From Sebastian’s memorable musical number Under The Sea to the suspenseful final act that culminates in an epic battle between good and evil, The Little Mermaid is an unforgettable experience that will still put a smile on your face even 30 years later. It may not be Disney’s most sophisticated film, but is certainly one of their most beloved.

 

8. Enchanted (2007)

Image Source: Hollywood Reporter

Enchanted follows the story of Giselle (Amy Adams), a traditional Disney Princess who is thrust into modern-day New York City by an evil queen from her animated world with very little knowledge about how life works in the real world. With the help of lawyer Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and some new friends, she learns to navigate her newfound reality and captures the hearts of everyone she meets along the way.

Enchanted is a fascinating Disney tale. The animation is impressive and creative transitions between live action and cartoon scenes make for some truly enchanting visuals. If you’re looking for some Disney magic and laughs, this one should be at the top of your list. Its sequel Disenchanted (2022), out last month, didn’t quite live up to the original.

 

7. Aladdin (1992)

Image Source: Variety

Aladdin’s got all of Disney’s classic ingredients — an iconic Disney Princess in Jasmine, catchy songs and music, hilarious side-kicks like Genie and Abu, and of course the handsome Prince Ali. The animation is vibrant, the colors pop off the screen and you’ll find yourself right in Agrabah — the magical city where Aladdin lives. Get ready to be transported to a whole new world!

The film follows Aladdin, an orphan living on the streets of Agrabah who falls in love with Princess Jasmine. But alas, she only accepts proposals from princes — so when he’s tricked into entering the Cave of Wonders, Aladdin stumbles upon Genie (voiced by Robin Williams), who promises to make him a prince if he sets him free. With Genie’s help, Aladdin becomes Prince Ali and woos Jasmine — all while staying one step ahead of the villainous Jafar.

In true Disney fashion there are lots of laughs, plenty of singing and dancing, and even some heartwarming moments between Aladdin and his trusty sidekick Abu. Aladdin is a great Disney movie to watch with the family or just by yourself. Treat yourself and take a magical carpet ride through Agrabah with Aladdin and Jasmine!

Who knows — you might just find yourself singing ‘A Whole New World’ for days!

 

6. Mulan (1998)

Image Source: Zannaland

When Disney released Mulan in 1998, it was an instant hit. Not only is it the first Disney princess movie to feature an Asian main character, but is also full of witty and entertaining dialogue, thrilling action sequences, and great music. The story trails Mulan, a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man in order to take her father’s place in the Imperial Army and save her people from the invading Huns. With its catchy soundtrack, dazzling visuals, and memorable characters, Mulan has earned its place as a Disney favorite that remains popular two decades later.

While there may be no way to top Disney’s original animated masterpiece (the 2020 version was a massive misfire), fans can relive its glory with Disney+, where it can be streamed anytime. Get cozy and queue up Mulan.

 

5. Snow White and The Seven Dwarves (1937)

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Image Source: Britannica

This 1937 classic remains as entertaining as it was when it first released 85 years ago. The film tells the story of Snow White, a beautiful maiden pursued by the wicked Queen who, using her magical mirror, discovers that Snow White is “the fairest in the land”. To save herself from the Queen’s wrath, Snow White runs away into the forest and meets seven lovable dwarves. They all work together to outwit the Queen and live happily ever after!

With its adorable characters and spirited songs, Disney’s Snow White and The Seven Dwarves (1937) will always have a special place in our hearts. Its charming animation and delightful story make it an ideal family film. Disney’s animation style was iconic in its time, creating memorable characters like Grumpy and Happy whose playful banter still brings smiles today.

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The film also features a wonderful soundtrack composed by Frank Churchill, Paul J Smith, and Leigh Harline. Who can forget those iconic lines: “Mirror Mirror on the wall? Who’s the fairest of them all?” and “Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, it’s off to work we go!” Disney’s Snow White and The Seven Dwarves is proof that some stories are simply timeless.

 

4. Tangled (2010)

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Tangled tells the story of Rapunzel, a young girl who is locked in a tower by Mother Gothel and kept hidden from the world until her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Flynn Rider, a handsome thief. Tangled packs in plenty of action, adventure, romance, and humor to keep audiences entertained as they follow along Rapunzel‘s journey to freedom.

Fans love how Tangled celebrates Disney classics while also venturing into new territory with its modern spin on classic Disney stories. It’s a delightful Disney princess movie with plenty of laughs and heart. Featuring the voices of Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, and Ron Perlman in an incredibly talented cast, this Disney feature is sure to captivate children and adults alike. From the lively animation style to the catchy songs to the witty dialogue, Tangled has something for everyone. Not only does it have great characters that you can root for (Rapunzel and Flynn Rider are our favorite Disney couple!), but also features beautiful scenery and fun action scenes throughout its runtime.

For those who haven’t seen Tangled, you can be sure it’ll leave you singing “I See The Light” for days!

 

3. Frozen (2013)

Image Source: IMDb

The most successful Disney princess movie of all time, Frozen follows Anna, a fearless optimist as she sets off on an epic journey to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped their kingdom in eternal winter. With help from a goofy snowman named Olaf and a reindeer named Sven, Anna faces danger and discovers true love along the way.

Disney’s clever use of song and dance help drive this beautiful story forward. The gorgeous animation style employs signature vibrant colors of Walt Disney to bring the kingdom of Arendelle to life. An instant hit with audiences everywhere, Frozen is one Disney movie you won’t want to miss.

Get ready for some heartwarming family fun with Frozen, the perfect Disney movie for all ages. Ride along on an unforgettable journey with Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Sven that promises plenty of joyous moments filled with adventure and romance.

 

2. Moana (2016)

Image Source: The New York Times

Among the more modern Disney princess movies, Moana follows a young Polynesian navigator who embarks on an incredible journey across the sea with her demigod companion Maui. Along their way, they face dangers and find themselves challenged by tough decisions. The Disney soundtrack really brings this movie to life as it captures the epic adventure in all its glory. The makers sprinkle in some humor and heartening moments to round out this amazing Disney movie experience.

The animation is stunning and boasts vivid colors that will make even the most jaded Disney fans swoon. We can’t talk about Moana without mentioning its star-studded voice cast. Disney tapped Auli’i Cravalho to bring the titular character to life among others including Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk. All this talent combined with Disney’s animation and storytelling prowess makes Moana an absolute must watch.

Grab your popcorn, get ready to sing along, and don’t forget your tissues — you’re going to need them.

 

1. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Image Source: Disney

Beauty And The Beast tells the story of Belle, a smart and adventurous young woman who is taken prisoner by an enchanted beast in his castle. With the help of the castle’s enchanted objects, Belle begins to see the kind heart and soul of the Beast and learns that true beauty comes from within. This Disney animated film has become one of Disney’s most beloved movies for its beautiful animation, inspiring music, witty dialogue and characters like Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs Potts who’ll have you laughing out loud!

If you’re looking for a film that’ll have you both nostalgic and warm inside, this is your film. Whether you grew up watching Disney movies or are just now discovering them, Beauty And The Beast will enchant you with its music and riveting storytelling.

Disney’s signature animation style and musical score bring the story to life, making it a beloved Disney movie that has stood the test of time. One of the early Disney princess movies, Beauty And The Beast paved the way for their subsequent success in creating magical stories with strong female leads.

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