Top Seven Disney Princesses of All-Time

Growing up, almost every child had a Disney movie they watched on repeat. Disney is a well-known kids’ channel that creates children’s movies and TV shows. Currently, there are 13 official Disney princesses. They are Mulan, Pocahontas, Snow White, Ariel, Aurora, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Tiana, Belle, Jasmine, Merida, Moana, and Raya. Each princess has a unique story and teaches young children they can do anything they set their minds to. These movies teach the skills of bravery, strength, and determination, and inspire children to replicate these behaviors when faced with difficult situations. These traits don’t go away, as these same children continue to live by their childhood movies’ standards through adulthood.

We asked students at Pennridge High School to complete a poll naming their favorite Disney Princess. Here are the top seven results.

1. Rapunzel
Rapunzel, star of the 2010 movie “Tangled,” received 23%, the highest number of votes. Rapunzel, known for her glowing hair, is a smart, playful, and adventurous princess who is not scared to stand up for what she wants. With the help of her confidantes Flynn Rider, Max the horse, and Pascal the chameleon, she overcame many different challenges. Repunzel’s success allowed her to travel to the floating lights which she longed to do for her entire life. This story teaches children to be persistent and stand up for what they believe in.

2. Belle
Belle, from 1991’s Beauty and The Beast came in second place with 19%. Belle showed unconditional love by sacrificing herself by living with the Beast, resulting in the freedom of her father. She found her purpose during her residence in the castle and shows children to not underestimate one’s self. College student Amy Macnair explained Belle was her favorite because “She isn’t afraid to be herself and she is super smart. She also sings some awesome songs, and who doesn’t love Emma Watson, right?”

3. Mulan
Mulan, an animated film released in 1998, received 14% of the votes. Mulan is different from many Disney princesses since she wasn’t rescued by a prince. “She didn’t need a man; she chose to have a man,” said Anna Weatherwax. This teaches children that it is okay to be independent, and Mulan taught many girls that it is possible to find strength and power on their own.

4. Moana
Moana is a teenage voyager of the sea, from the village of Motunui. Moana, released in 2016, received 12% of the votes. Moana set out on a journey to restore the Heart of Te Fiti and ultimately save the people of her village. Throughout this journey, she meets Maui, the Demigod who guided her to restore the Heart. Moana demonstrates the characteristics of how to become a leader, even at a young age, and take on stereotypically “adult-level” challenges. Through trying again and again to restore the Heart, she shows children that persistence will eventually pay off.

5. Ariel
The Little Mermaid, released in 1989, received 9% of the votes. Ariel, a curious teenager, sets out to explore the land and ends up falling for a human prince. Although through the movie Ariel made many mistakes, such as trading her voice for legs, she learned from her poor choices and eventually overcame obstacles set in her path. This movie displays teenagers’ longing for freedom but teaches them how to properly rebound and grow from mistakes.

6. Tiana & Cinderella
Both Tiana and Cinderella received 7% of the votes. This means that there is a tie for the 6th-place princess!
The 2009 movie Princess and the Frog stars Tiana, a girl who dreamed of one day opening her own restaurant. When Tiana kissed the prince, who was a frog, she too turned into a frog. They both set out to find someone that could turn them back to humans. Tiana teaches perseverance to children in the sense that they should continue to strive for their goals. Tiana also shows it is important to accept and give all a chance, as she gave to Prince Naveen.

The original Cinderella movie was released in 1950. Although Cinderella’s life as a maid wasn’t easy and supported by those such as her stepmother, she learned to find hope and happiness in the small things. She also learned how to work around difficult circumstances that she was facing and make the best out of the situation. Cinderella teaches children to forgive and treat others with kindness.