Disney has evolved from a humble animation studio to a colossal entertainment empire worth billions. However, it all started with their first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in December 1937. Despite being initially criticized as “Disney’s Folly,” the film went on to gross $6.5 million by the end of the following year. Disney continued to create remarkable animated content, but it was their Disney Princess stories that really stood out.
Following Snow White, Disney released more movies based on classic fairy tales, particularly those featuring royalty. These early Disney Princess titles resonated with audiences then and continue to do so today. While other studios have also reimagined fairy tales, Disney’s versions remain the most beloved.
Interestingly, many people think there are numerous Disney Princesses, but there are actually only 13 official ones. Each princess has some connection to royalty, although the requirements are not overly strict. Let’s take a look at each one, ranked by the order of their first appearance.
1. Snow White
Snow White, the first Disney Princess, made her debut in 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Snow White is a kind-hearted princess who befriends forest animals. She becomes the target of her jealous stepmother, the queen, who plots her demise. Through a love’s first kiss, Snow White awakens from a poisoned apple-induced slumber. At only 14, Snow White is not only the first princess but also the youngest.
2. Cinderella
Cinderella, the second Disney Princess, appeared in the 1950 film of the same name. Orphaned and mistreated by her stepfamily, Cinderella remains kind and dreams of a better life. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she attends a royal ball where she captures the heart of Prince Charming. However, she must leave before midnight, leaving only a glass slipper behind. Based on a fairy tale by French author Charles Perrault, Cinderella is believed to be 19 years old.
3. Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)
Aurora, also known as Sleeping Beauty, is based on another Charles Perrault fairy tale. Introduced in the 1959 film, Aurora faces a tragic curse placed upon her on the day of her christening. The curse predicts her falling into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday by pricking her finger on a spindle. Fortunately, true love’s kiss awakens her, leading to a happy ending. Despite the efforts of three good fairies, Aurora couldn’t escape her fate.
4. Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
Ariel, the first Disney Princess in 30 years, made her splash in 1989’s The Little Mermaid. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, Ariel is a headstrong and curious mermaid princess who longs to explore the human world. She trades her voice for legs to be with Prince Eric, ultimately regaining her voice and living happily ever after. Ariel is 16 years old in the film and is the only Disney Princess confirmed to have children.
5. Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
Belle, originating from the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast, is based on a fairy tale by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve. She is an independent and inquisitive bookworm longing for adventure. When her father goes missing, Belle finds herself in the Beast’s castle, where they eventually fall in love. Controversially, her age is debated, with some believing her to be 17 and others suggesting she is in her 20s.
6. Jasmine (Aladdin)
Jasmine takes the spotlight as the titular character in the 1992 film Aladdin, which draws inspiration from Arabian Nights. She is the spirited daughter of the Sultan of Agrabah with a pet tiger named Raja. Jasmine disguises herself to explore life beyond the palace, where she meets and falls in love with Aladdin, who is initially pretending to be a prince. After defeating the villainous Jafar, Jasmine and Aladdin live happily ever after.
7. Pocahontas
Released in 1995, Pocahontas is the first Disney Princess loosely based on a real person. Although not a princess by title, Pocahontas is the daughter of Chief Powhatan and possesses qualities befitting a princess. She is portrayed as kind, confident, and intelligent. Unlike previous princesses, her story does not follow the traditional love interest narrative.
8. Mulan
In the 1998 film Mulan, Disney ventures outside of royal bloodlines with the story of a heroic young woman who takes her father’s place in the Imperial Chinese Army. Mulan disguises herself as a man and showcases strength, care, and hard work. Despite not being a princess, Mulan achieves great success and earns the title of Imperial Consul.
9. Tiana (The Princess and the Frog)
Tiana makes her appearance in the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog, drawing inspiration from various fairy tales. She is an ambitious and hardworking young woman who dreams of owning her own restaurant. Through a series of magical mishaps, Tiana turns into a frog but eventually becomes a princess when she marries Prince Naveen.
10. Rapunzel (Tangled)
Rapunzel shines in the 2010 film Tangled, a modern twist on the classic fairy tale. As a young woman with incredibly long hair, Rapunzel has spent her entire life locked in a tower. With her adventurous spirit and the help of a charming rogue named Flynn Rider, she escapes and discovers her true identity as a princess.
These are just ten out of the thirteen official Disney Princesses. Each princess brings her unique story and characteristics to the Disney universe, captivating audiences worldwide for generations to come.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
