Interested in embarking on the captivating journeys of each individual Disney Princess? (I apologize, but we’re sticking to the “official” ones only—no Kida here, I’m afraid.) If you’re ready to dive in, you’re in luck! I’ve meticulously watched and sorted ALL the princess movies, even the not-so-great direct-to-video ones, and meticulously arranged them for your viewing pleasure. Are you prepared? Our expedition commences way back in the 1930s, a time when Disney chose to transform an age-old fairy tale into silver screen magic…
Snow White Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) There’s a multitude of things you could say about Walt Disney (seriously, a LOT), but one thing is undeniable: he knew where the gold mine of potential was. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs marked Disney’s inaugural feature-length animated film, making it the maiden Disney Princess production as well. And guess what? A live-action rendition starring Rachel Zegler is slated for 2024.
Cinderella Cinderella (1950) Cinderella is undeniably a classic, even if the somewhat passive protagonist might not wholly captivate modern audiences. Interestingly, Disney held on tightly to this classic fairy tale; during their rather questionable direct-to-video phase, not one, but two sequels graced us.
Cinderella II: Dreams Come True (2002) In this installment, Cinderella’s mouse companions spin the tale of her life post-marriage to the prince. It’s admittedly not an eventful journey, save for Cinderella mending fences with the Ugly Stepsister, Anastasia.
Cinderella III: A Twist in Time (2007) This direct-to-video sequel was a lot more enjoyable! It’s a jaunt through time that provides deeper character development for the original cast, making it one of Disney’s standout animated sequels during that era.
Cinderella (2015) Cinderella was the pioneer Disney Princess film to receive a live-action makeover. Released in 2015, it garnered significant success, partially laying the groundwork for the current wave of Disney remakes. Lily James took on the titular role, rendering a sweet and charming performance, even if it didn’t unveil many novel concepts.
Aurora Sleeping Beauty (1959) Sleeping Beauty, the final Disney Princess creation personally overseen by Walt Disney, is an exquisite production that’s genuinely female-centric. Besides Aurora, it spotlights the antagonist Maleficent and the adored Three Good Fairies.
Maleficent (2014) Before we proceed, a little clarification is due: the main character in the Maleficent movies isn’t Aurora, but well, Maleficent herself. Nevertheless, Aurora plays a substantial role, warranting her inclusion here. In these movies, Elle Fanning infuses the young princess with heightened enthusiasm compared to the animated rendition.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) Fanning reprised her role as Aurora in this sequel to the critically acclaimed Maleficent. By the story’s culmination, she isn’t solely Prince Philip’s spouse but also a potent ruler in her own right—exactly as she should be.
Ariel The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008) Surprise! Disney concocted a prequel for The Little Mermaid. Ariel’s Beginning arrived on the home video scene in 2008, narrating the tale of Ariel’s mother’s demise. So, if you’re an ardent Little Mermaid enthusiast, this prequel is a must-watch before you dive into the original animated gem. That being said, it didn’t generate the same fervor.
The Little Mermaid (1989) The quintessential Little Mermaid Disney film that captured the hearts of youngsters worldwide, thanks to the endearing Ariel. She ushered in a fresh era for Disney princesses: a courageous, resolute, and astute young woman ready to relinquish her aquatic tail to bask in the human realm.
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000) With this movie, Ariel turned into the first-ever Disney princess to embrace motherhood. Alas, she replicated her father’s mistake, isolating her daughter from a realm she yearned to explore—beneath the waves, rather than on land. As is typical with Disney, the narrative concludes on a joyful note for all.
The Little Mermaid (2023) Halle Bailey snagged the role of Ariel in this live-action reimagining, leaving countless bigots scratching their heads. Regardless, Bailey proved to be the perfect embodiment of the little mermaid, garnering widespread praise for her performance from critics.
Belle Beauty and the Beast (1991) Beauty and the Beast upheld Disney’s ’90s tradition of featuring robust and intelligent princesses. Belle, the bookish belle of the ball, favors intellect over appearance, rendering her a seamless match for the Beast—a once-spoiled human turned into a beast due to his vile conduct. Although the Beast occasionally behaves quite abrasively, true love triumphs, as is the Disney way.
Belle’s Magical World (1998) When it came to exploiting Beauty and the Beast through direct-to-video releases, Disney opted for not sequels, but rather “mid-quels.” These are tales set within the original film’s timeframe but showcasing unseen moments. Belle’s Magical World, a sequence of episodes tied together, lands chronologically first. It transpires before the Beast’s human transformation.
Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997) Oddly enough, this was the inaugural Beauty and the Beast sequel, even though the human Beast in the framing story places it post Belle’s Magical World. Following the castle’s curse being broken, Mrs. Potts recounts how Belle once “saved Christmas,” forming the core of this narrative.
Beauty and the Beast (2017) Emma Watson portrayed Belle in this retelling of the original masterpiece. It held its own allure and delved deeper into Belle’s background, though it couldn’t quite match the charm of the original. The “first gay Disney character” controversy didn’t aid matters either.
Jasmine Aladdin (1992) Jasmine stands as the only Disney princess not to headline or lend her name to her film, yet she’s the undisputed ruler of our hearts. While she’s Aladdin’s love interest, she’s also an epitome of sheer courage, ultimately securing her place as one of the most beloved Disney princesses.
The Return of Jafar (1994) In this direct-to-video sequel, Jasmine and Aladdin, alongside a distinctively voiced Genie (Robin Williams declined reprising the iconic role), reunite. Although it lacks the original’s dazzling animation, it’s still a pleasurable watch.
Aladdin and the King of Thieves (1996) Jasmine continues to rule as the coolest princess (yes, I’m a bit partial) in this second sequel. It also marks Aladdin’s reunion with his certifiably handsome father. Oh, and Robin Williams makes a comeback too! Truth be told, I watched this movie nearly every single day during my childhood.
Aladdin (2019) Jasmine is granted considerable justice in the 2019 Aladdin remake, embodied by Naomi Scott. Her character is aged up—a relief, considering her original age of 15 makes her interaction with Jafar feel profoundly unsettling. Moreover, she receives a fresh musical gem, “Speechless,” an absolute anthem.
Pocahontas Pocahontas (1995) Let’s address the elephant in the room: Disney clings to Pocahontas as a princess despite the historic distortion. The genuine Pocahontas was a child manipulated by colonizers, whereas Disney depicted her as an adult smitten with John Smith, a colonizer whose accounts might not be accurate. Nonetheless, the movie boasts enchanting melodies.
Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998) Disney sought to adhere to history’s threads in this direct-to-video sequel. Believing John Smith to be deceased, Pocahontas finds solace in John Rolfe, the historical Pocahontas’s eventual spouse, and charts her own path. Regrettably, it’s not among the more favored sequels, which speaks volumes.
Mulan Mulan (1998) Curiously, Mulan isn’t technically a princess, neither born into nor united with royalty. But who lets a minor detail ruin a good story? She’s undeniably among Disney’s most empowering heroines, embarking on a perilous journey to save her father and herself in the process.
Mulan II (2004) Mulan II is rather lightweight in terms of plot, mostly revolving around Mulan’s resistance against an arranged marriage that could prevent a war between two nations. (Wait, what?) Surprisingly, the film leans more on Mushu, though Eddie Murphy didn’t lend his voice this time.
Mulan (2020) Disney’s endeavor to tap into the Mulan narrative continued into the live-action era. Sadly, the live-action rendition departed from the original in less-than-ideal ways, and it was dogged by controversies from the get-go.
Tiana The Princess and the Frog (2009) Tiana stepped into the spotlight as Disney’s first Black princess in The Princess and the Frog. Notably, this film marked Disney’s final traditional animation effort, lending it an enduring appeal. And here’s some exciting news: Tiana is set to receive her own TV series and theme park attraction soon!
Rapunzel Tangled (2010) Disney’s interpretation of Rapunzel emerged in Tangled, swiftly captivating everyone’s hearts. Her narrative follows a compelling trajectory—escaping her adoptive “mother” Gothel’s abuse to unearth her true love. The scene where she confronts Gothel is a truly triumphant moment.
Tangled: Before Ever After (2017) and Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (2017-2020) After the movie Tangled, Rapunzel’s storyline takes a twist. Next in chronological order comes the TV movie Tangled: Before Ever After, which surfaced in 2017, revealing Rapunzel’s mysteriously regrown blonde locks. This subsequently led to Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, a superbly animated TV series that spanned from 2017 to 2020. It effectively served as a lengthy sequel to the original Tangled. However, fans were privy to the ultimate conclusion from the get-go, having witnessed…
Tangled Ever After (2012) Disney unveiled this six-minute short in 2012, taking place post the TV series’ events. It showcases the long-awaited nuptials of Rapunzel and Eugene, an occurrence alluded to at the end of Tangled but never shown on-screen. It’s truly heartwarming.
Merida Brave (2012) Brave introduced us to Disney’s maiden princess not beholden to a romantic connection! Indeed, Merida’s tale revolves around her bond with her mother and the realm she’s destined to rule. Here’s to hoping any sequels refrain from introducing a love interest for her.
Elsa and Anna Frozen (2013) Why didn’t someone think of having two princesses (or rather, one princess and one queen) in a Disney movie before?! Frozen became an unparalleled sensation for Disney, leading to a surplus of Frozen merchandise wherever you go.
Frozen Fever (2015) This brief short made its debut alongside the live-action Cinderella, incorporating a new song for the Arendelle sisters. While it doesn’t contribute significantly to Frozen’s overarching plot, it’s a pleasant interlude.
Frozen II (2019) In 2019 (after Moana, the next princess on our list, already made her debut), Disney finally bestowed upon us the long-awaited Frozen sequel. Here, Elsa and Anna embark on a quest to discover the origins of Elsa’s powers and unveil their kingdom’s hidden truths.
Moana Moana (2016) Moana, Disney’s inaugural Polynesian princess, is one of the few devoid of a love interest in her tale. Her portrayal by the relatively unknown Auli’i Cravalho catapulted her into the limelight. Her film enjoyed widespread success (hooray!), even though Disney has plans for a live-action remake (hmmm).
Raya Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) Regrettably, Raya and the Last Dragon faltered at the box office for Disney, despite receiving critical acclaim. Nevertheless, Kelly Marie Tran’s portrayal of Raya, Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess, was laudable, which could hopefully lead to more recognition in the future.
This comprehensive excursion offers a detailed look at each individual Disney Princess, traversing through their trials, triumphs, and unique narratives that have captured the hearts of generations.
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Perdita, Cruella de Vil, Roger Radcliffe, Dodger, Oliver