Top 38 Best Disney Princess Movies Of All Time

 

This article barely needs an introduction. These are Disney princesses we're writing about, and nearly everyone and their grandmothers are aware to some extent about the nature and legacy of these iconic characters.

 

In this list, we're going to cover animated and live-action Disney Princess movies. To avoid confusion, this writer decided to detail any given animated Princess movie from the House of Mouse followed immediately by its live-action version – those that have been released and those on the way. 

 

We have also chosen to divide this post into two key categories: Official Disney Princesses and Unofficial Disney Princesses. The former contains (till position 22) bonafide and verified Disney Princesses.

 

The latter (from position 21) has 'leading ladies' who are indeed part of Disney's lexicon of empowered greatness but who, for various reasons, did not make it into Disney's 'blue tick' version.

 

So perform a bow, a curtsey, or a diabolical laugh, and let's delve into an enchanting world of trials, tribulations, villains, and the princesses who overcame them all. If you don't spot your favorite Disney title on this list, that's probably because it didn't have a Disney Princess (official or otherwise) at the heart of it.

 

 

38. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Animated (1937)

 

 

The classic story that got the whole train rolling, this was the first movie from the legendary studio to feature a full-fledged Disney Princess.

 

Technically, the first was Persephone, the protagonist in a 1937 Silly Symphonies short. But that small production was a test run for Snow White, anyway.

 

Outstanding voiceovers from Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne, Pinto Colvig, Eddie Collins, Otis Harlan, and Moroni Olsen all delivered excellence in this heartwarming and simultaneously scary story filled with magic (particularly magic mirrors), cruel queenly desires, and innocence laced with hope.

 

 

37. Snow White– Live-Action (2023)

 

 

This highly anticipated live-action of the original "Snow White" animated movie has been announced for 2023. Fans are already expecting excellence from confirmed stars like Rachel Zegler, Andrew Burnap, and Gal Gadot.

 

We are as yet unsure of any major plot differences, but chances are they are going to stay true to the original.

 

Musical flourishes and spot-on performances will ensure this movie's success. Only time will tell. Or should we perhaps ask for a certain mirror on the wall?

 

 

 

36. Aladdin – Animated (1992)

 

 

Political power-plays, a manipulative sorcerer, an unforgettable genie, and an impoverished orphan boy who went the distance, this movie has all the elements of a beautiful Disney story.

 

Princess Jasmine is a class apart, and a wonderfully empowered character. Superb voiceovers from Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, Gilbert Gottfried, Jonathan Freeman, and Robin Williams rendered this movie meaningful and memorable from start to finish.

 

 

 

35. Aladdin – Live-Action (2019)

 

 

Not as great as the original but entertaining regardless, this live-action version of "Aladdin" brought to life all the major characters.

 

It also did great justice to the character of Princess Jasmine, who was already an empowered woman in the original.

 

They played to that strength well in this title, which starred amazing artists like Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Billy Magnussen, and Marwan Kenzari.

 

Outstanding CGI and costume design added to the movie's credibility. This writer personally felt they could have cast a better Jafar but, hey, we're talking only Princesses here.

 

 

 

34. Frozen – Animated (2013)

 

 

Outstanding music and a heartwarming message made this title a rousing testament to Disney's storytelling prowess.

 

Classic princess tropes, great music, and an empowering story that did not have any Prince saving Elsa but her own sister doing so all added up to a modern plotline given life by voice artists like Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, and Idina Menzel.

 

This remarkable tale was inspired by "The Snow Queen" written by Hans Christian Andersen.

 

 

 

33. Beauty and the Beast – Animated (1991)

 

 

One of the most elegant and sincere Disney Princess stories ever written, this title brought an abundance of wonderful elements to the genre.

 

A prince transformed into a monster, an ordinary girl who has what it takes to rescue him, and a message that reveals the need to see the good inside people all created a tale as old as time.

 

Superb voiceovers by Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Angela Lansbury, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, and Richard White made this title a veritable treat to watch.

 

This story also portrayed a girl who later became a princess. It did not shy from showcasing Belle's love of reading, an element that lent her character profound meaning.

 

 

 

32. Beauty and the Beast – Live-Action (2017)

 

 

The live-action version of the original Disney title, this movie was rife with captivating thrills and movie-making magic that ensured its success.

 

Amazing artists like Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, and Stanley Tucci all lent their talents to this stand-out production.

 

They not only managed to capture the original feel and flair of the 1991 animated feature, they also gave it a few neat twists. This 2017 live-action remake was a magic-made manifest.

 

 

 

31. Tangled – Animated (2010)

 

 

A curious and captivating twist on the classic 'Rapunzel' storyline by the Grimm brothers, this movie saw the selfsame character experiencing familiar as well as fresh moments.

 

Funny characterization, great music, and superb animation all made this title one worth watching.

 

Memorable voiceovers from Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Ron Perlman, Brad Garrett, and Jeffrey Tambor struck high notes in this Disney Princess movie.

 

 

 

30. Sleeping Beauty – Animated (1959)

 

 

A dark and unforgettable tale about the loss of innocence and the power of love melded beautifully with themes of jealousy, pride, fury, and magic in this classic Disney Princess movie.

 

Featuring good fairies, a determined prince, a hopeful princess, and a rather draconian sorceress, there is plenty worth appreciating in this title.

 

Yesteryear voiceovers from Mary Costa, Eleanor Audley, Bill Shirley, and Verna Felton made this movie amazing. The 2014 "Maleficent" movie focused more on the villain, so we decided to leave that one off this particular list.

 

 

 

29. The Little Mermaid – Animated (1989)

 

 

Unforgettable songs and meaningful storylines defined this timeless movie that featured a lovelorn mermaid who found a way to become human so she could be with the man of her dreams.

 

Subtext, humor, and power-play all featured strongly in this title and balanced its more romantic elements.

 

Voice talents like Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Buddy Hackett, Paddi Edwards, and the late-great Pat Carroll lent this production all the 'oomph' it needed to become an evergreen Disney Princess classic.

 

 

 

28. The Little Mermaid – Live-Action (2023)

 

 

Inspired both by the original Hans Christian Andersen tale and the 1989 Disney "Little Mermaid" movie, this upcoming live-action version of the beloved classic will feature Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King Javier Bardem, Jacob Tremblay, Awkwafina, Lin-Manuel Miranda (rumored), and Melissa McCarthy in roles fans have come to love from the original animated title.

 

This highly anticipated remake has major production updates and casting confirmations still on the way.

 

 

 

27. Pocahontas – Animated (1995)

 

 

An endearing story of love, sacrifice, duty, honor, and tradition, this powerful Disney Princess movie did not technically feature a princess.

 

Regardless, the character Pocahontas made it into this gilded category for all the right reasons.

 

Voiceovers from Mel Gibson, Linda Hunt, Christian Bale Irene Bedard, Judy Kuhn, and David Ogden Stiers made this title a superb addition to Disney's classic roster.

 

 

26. Mulan – Animated (1998)

 

 

An important story for numerous reasons, this classic is relatable, unifying, inspiring, and worthy. It sees a young woman doing whatever it takes for her family while striving to hold on to her own identity in the process.

 

Superb voiceovers from Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer, James Hong, Pat Morita, June Foray, Miriam Margolyes, and Freda Foh Shen made this title one to remember.

 

 

25. Mulan – Live-Action (2020)

 

 

Unforgettable as movies go, this 'loyal and true' adaptation captured the heart and soul of the original "Mulan" movie.

 

It featured outstanding performances from artists like Liu Yifei, Gong Li, Donnie Yen, Jet Li, and Yoson An.

 

Representation aside, this all-Asian feature set quite the benchmark for Disney, and gave its titular character an even more empowered flourish.

 

 

24. Brave – Animated (2012)

 

 

This captivating story saw a young Scottish princess conflicted between what she believed was right for her and what her clan thought she needed to do.

 

It truly lived up to its title and captured a relevant message. Great voiceovers from Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, Kevin McKidd, and Craig Ferguson lent this title all the credibility and wonder it deserved.

 

 

23. The Princess and the Frog – Animated (2009)

 

 

A bold and relevant Disney Princess story that captured the values of dreaming big and working hard, this title conveyed several important messages.

 

Diversity and cultural distinction helped define the movie's plot and music. Great voice-overs from Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Wooley, John Goodman, Jennifer Cody, Terrence Howard, and Oprah Winfrey (the one and only) added to the wonder of this unique Disney Princess feature.

 

 

22. Moana – Animated (2016)

 

 

Yet another empowered Princess graces this already illustrious list of inspiring Princesses. With this movie, Disney established its aim to grant young women a relevant and modern voice.

 

They captured inspiring story arcs and balanced it with a good dose of fantasy and action. Amazing voice overs from Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alan Tudyk made this title a worthy addition to Disney's House of Mouse.

 

 

21. Minnie Mouse – Animated

 

 

Not all Princesses from Disney Studios made it into the classic canon. However, they each hold a special place in the Mouse House, not to forget the hearts of millions of fans.

 

Let's explore the next portion of this list. We're now going to share all the unofficial Princesses from the legendary movie studio Disney, including humanoid and non-human characters.

 

But for the first two entries, we felt it proper and ideal to include two of the oldest and most iconic Princesses to grace the House of Mouse.

 

Partner to the one and only Mickey Mouse, this character can veritably be considered a queen among princesses. Voiced by the late Russi Taylor, Minnie Mouse created her own niche in the realm of Disney Princesses.

 

Her songs and outfits aside, Minnie has proven time and again to make a positive difference in Mickey's life.

 

She does not necessarily define him, but rather they both define each other. In this rests one of the most powerful character designs to come from the House of Mouse.

 

 

20. Daisy Duck – Animated

 

 

Since we are on the topic of female versions of popular Disney characters, we present Donald Duck's counterpart Daisy Duck.

 

Elegant and funny, which is a complete about-turn from Donald, Daisy brought a fresh element of charm and grace to Disney.

 

She checked all the right boxes when it comes to being Princess material.

 

 

19. Toy Story 2 – Animated (1999)

 

 

This movie contains two under-estimated and unofficial Disney Princesses. We're talking about Bo Peep and Jessie. A great sequel to the original, with plenty of captivating story arcs, this title did more than simply 'toy' around.

 

It gave fans memorable characters with deep emotional angles. Great voiceovers from artists like Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Annie Potts, Wayne Knight, and Wallace Shawn added to the movie's excellence.

 

 

18. Robin Hood – Animated (1973)

 

 

A classic adaptation inspired by the work of Howard Pyle, this remarkable title added yet more storytelling goodness to Disney's roster of brilliance.

 

The unofficial princess at the heart of this tale is none other than Maid Marian. Anthropomorphic or humanized animals are not new to Disney.

 

This title lent its characters plenty of humanity, making this movie worth watching for all the right reasons. It was further enriched by a great voice cast, which included Brian Bedford, Phil Harris, Roger Miller, Peter Ustinov, Monica Evans, Andy Devine, and Pat Buttram.

 

 

17. A Bug's Life – Animated (1998)

 

 

Two buggy ladies feature in this title. Atta, who was a full-fledged princess in the story, and her sister Dot.

 

Both of them fit the criteria for unofficial Disney Princesses. Where Dot was at first seen as naïve and childlike, she grew to attain princess-level respect.

 

Her older sister Atta, on the other hand, played a key role in the story and later became queen. Aside from being an underrated movie in several regards, this title held profound meaning and captured the essence of what it means to be united.

 

Notable voiceovers from artists like Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Foley, Phyllis Diller, Richard Kind, David Hyde Pierce, Brad Garrett, Denis Leary, and Hayden Panettiere added to the movie's entertainment value.

 

 

16. Wreck-It Ralph – Animated (2012)

 

 

Few people can deny that Vanellope von Schweetz is an absolute princess. Not only did she rub shoulders with all the official Disney Princesses in this story, but she also made a solid case for being an unofficial one in her own right.

 

Bold, outgoing, outspoken, and open-minded, Vanellope proved to be one of the most empowered female characters from Disney.

 

Adding to the movie's worth were notable voiceovers from artists like John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Alan Tudyk, Mindy Kaling, and Sarah Silverman.

 

 

15. The Black Cauldron – Animated (1985)

 

 

Classic quest-driven story arcs and memorable characters immersed in dark and ominous settings endeared this movie to Disney fans of all ages.

 

Great voiceover work from Grant Bardsley, Freddie Jones, Nigel Hawthorne, Arthur Malet, John Byner, and Susan Sheridan added to its value.

 

Eilonwy is the unofficial Disney Princess at the heart of this regaling tale. Princess Aurora vibes aside, Eilonwy held her own in this remarkable adventure. She did more than simply be a damsel in distress.

 

 

14. Encanto – Animated (2021)

 

 

Great music and emotional story arcs aside, the characters in this movie made it one of the most memorable Disney productions in recent years.

 

Suffice to say, its lead Mirabel well and truly earned her place on this list, albeit as an unofficial Disney Princess. She won hearts without really using any magic or relying on a male figure to help her accomplish her goals.

 

In addition to being empowered, Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz) also became a benchmark for future Disney Princesses. This in itself earned her a place on this list and in our hearts.

 

Other notable voiceovers in this movie included María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Maluma, Diane Guerrero, Carolina Gaitan, Angie Cepeda, and Jessica Darrow.

 

 

13. Wish – Animated (2023)

 

 

As of this writing, we have another unofficial Disney Princess on the way. This distinct Disney production is set to release sometime in 2023.

 

Ariana DeBose and Alan Tudyk will be two of the main voiceovers to grace this title. The protagonist reportedly follows a star and ends up going on quite the adventure.

 

At the soul of this story is Princess Asha whose goal in pursuing that star is to save her people. Noble, empowered, and intriguing, this is one unofficial Disney Princess everyone is eager to see.

 

 

12. Mulan II – Animated (2004)

 

 

Three literal princesses are featured at the heart of this wonderful tale. The emperor's own daughters Ting-Ting, Su, and Mei deserve to be unofficial Disney Princesses.

 

Unlike cruel step-sisters or ruthless witches, these three young ladies brought their own positive character arcs to Mulan's extended adventures.

 

The women who voiced each of these characters are themselves admirable and inspiring. Ting-Ting, Su, and Mei came alive thanks to the voice talents of Sandra Oh, Lauren Tom, and Lucy Liu respectively.

 

Other notable voice artists who enlivened this title were Pat Morita, Frank Welker, Harvey Fierstein, Mark Moseley, BD Wong, and Ming-Na Wen.

 

 

11. The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea – Animated (2000)

 

 

Melody proved to hold her own as the daughter of Princess Ariel. Voiced by the talented Tara Strong, this character can justly be considered an unofficial Disney Princess for her role in this endearing sequel.

 

It was interesting to note that the original movie's villain Ursula and this title's baddie, who was Ursula's sister, were both voiced by the late-great Pat Carroll.

 

Other notable voiceovers in this movie included Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright, Buddy Hackett, Clancy Brown, and Edie McClurg.

 

This tale gave fans an interesting twist: Ariel was born on land as a human and yearned to return to the sea, a plot that directly contrasted events in the original classic.

 

 

10. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride – Animated (1998)

 

 

This beloved franchise is known for a lot of things, its characters being one of them. As an unofficial Disney Princess, Kiara brought her own unique touch to the movie.

 

While Nala is still one of the most memorable lionesses from this franchise, this sequel gave fans her and Simba's daughter.

 

Now that's princess material if ever there was one. Kiara was voiced by the amazing Neve Campbell, and her cub version was voiced by Michelle Horn.

 

Other outstanding voiceovers in this movie included Matthew Broderick, Robert Guillaume, James Earl Jones, Nathan Lane, Moira Kelly, Ernie Sabella, and Cam Clarke.

 

 

9. Atlantis: The Lost Empire – Animated (2001)

 

 

Kida Nedakh played a powerful role in this Disney feature – a role one that neither be discounted nor denied.

 

Her presence on this unofficial Disney Princess list is more than warranted. Both her younger (Natalie Strom) and older (Cree Summer Francks) voiceovers were memorable.

 

This title also had other amazing voice talents like Michael J. Fox, Jim Varney, Claudia Christian, Corey Burton, Leonard Nimoy, and Jacqueline Obradors.

 

As the title hinted, this story shed light on the lost mythological city of Atlantis and felt at once educational and entertaining.

 

 

8. The Lion King – Animated (1994)

 

 

Not considering Sarabi (who was technically Mufasa's queen-consort), the unofficial non-human Princess in this extraordinary movie was Nala.

 

Simba's friend and later his guiding compass and love, Nala proved to be as important in this unforgettable tale as any other character.

 

Moira Kelly and Niketa Calame-Harris both gave her the voiceover she deserved. Other artists in this movie included Matthew Broderick, Whoopi Goldberg, Rowan Atkinson, Jim Cummings, Robert Guillaume, James Earl Jones, and Jeremy Irons.

 

 

7. Hercules – Animated (1997)

 

 

In addition to a wonderful and enormously inspiring storyline with its fair share of quirky characters, humourous sequences, and unforgettable musical and romantic elements, this Disney movie was further enriched by the presence of its own unofficial Princess.

 

Megara, voiced by Susan Egan, started out as an anti-heroine but soon bloomed into a powerful force of inspiration that fueled Hercules' legendary rise.

 

Megara struck the perfect notes when it came to modern romance and empowerment. Other voiceovers in this movie included Tate Donovan, James Woods, Roger Bart, Danny DeVito, Matt Frewer, and Bobcat Goldthwait.

 

 

6. The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Animated (1996)

 

 

Beautiful music and meaningful subtext added to the awe and wonder of this Disney movie, particularly the mystique surrounding its unofficial Princess.

 

Esmeralda proved not only to be one of the most empowered and inspiring women in Disney's lexicon but also the beating heart of this story.

 

Esmeralda (voiced by the amazing Demi Moore) thus became as important as Quasimodo. This tale was inspired by Victor Hugo's original novel "Notre Dame de Paris".

 

Notable voiceovers in this movie came from artists like Jason Alexander, Tom Hulce, Kevin Kline, and Tony Jay.

 

 

5. Tarzan – Animated (1999)

 

 

A superb take on the original story by Edgar Rice Burroughs, this movie was unforgettable for numerous reasons.

 

Great music and superb voiceovers from Tony Goldwyn, Minnie Driver, Glenn Close, Brian Blessed, Nigel Hawthorne, Lance Henriksen, Alex D. Linz, Wayne Knight, and Rosie O'Donnell lent the production deep meaning and unmatched excellence.

 

The unofficial princess in this title was Jane Porter, the classy Englishwoman with a heart of gold who changed Tarzan's life for the better.

 

 

4. The Jungle Book – Animated (1967)

 

 

Mowgli may be the soul of this outstanding Disney feature. But an unofficial princess also played a key role in this timeless tale, and her name was Shanti. She was the only reason Mowgli realized there was more to the world than just his stretch of jungle.

 

Shanti barely had any lines, just verses she rendered into song – Darleen Carr did the honors. But in the brief time, Shanti was on screen, she did not fail to captivate.

 

Excellent voiceovers from Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, Sebastian Cabot, Louis Prima, Bruce Reitherman, George Sanders, Sterling Holloway, J. Pat O'Malley, and Chad Stuart made this movie magical.

 

 

3. Peter Pan – Animated (1953)

 

 

Three unofficial Disney Princesses play key roles in this enchanting title. Tiger Lily, Tinker Bell, and Wendy Darling each deserve their own entry on this list, but for the sake of brevity, we have added them all under one banner.

 

Whether it is the real world or Neverland, Each of these young ladies lent significance to the story and made it meaningful in more ways than one.

 

This title was made even more memorable thanks to voiceovers by Bobby Driscoll, Hans Conried, Bill Thompson, Kathryn Beaumont, and Tom Conway.

 

 

2. Alice in Wonderland – Animated (1951)

 

 

One of the most recognizable names in the movie genre, not to forget pop culture, this title became a classic for all the right reasons.

 

Outstanding characters and great animation brought Lewis Carroll's original story to life. Superb voiceovers from Kathryn Beaumont, Ed Wynn, Richard Haydn, Sterling Holloway, Verna Felton, and Bill Thompson added to the perfection of this unofficial Disney Princess movie.

 

Filled with magic, meaning, and multi-generational magnificence, this story is one of the most golden titles to come from the House of Mouse.

 

 

1. Anastasia (1997)

 

 

This ahead-of-its-time movie was from 20th Century Fox, which is now part of Disney, making this title and its protagonist a full-fledged Disney Princess (though an unofficial one).

 

The story captured a historic slice of Russia's past, particularly the Czars and the youngest princess whose whereabouts are unknown to date.

 

Directed by the brilliant Don Bluth, this movie took on a life of its own and contained a wealth of emotional and familial values.

 

It pitted its princess Anya against some of the toughest tribulations and granted her an empowered and independent story arc that included romance and self-discovery.

 

Great music further shored up the essence of this beautiful script. Voiceovers from talented artists like Meg Ryan, John Cusack, Christopher Lloyd, Kelsey Grammer, Hank Azaria, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters, and Kirsten Dunst all made this one a title to remember 'once upon a December'.