Disney Princesses have become a symbol of femininity, bravery, and kindness for generations of children around the world. These fictional characters have captured the hearts of audiences of all ages and continue to inspire people to this day. With so many Disney Princesses in the world, it can be difficult to keep track of who is officially considered a Disney Princess. In this article, we will explore the official list of Disney Princesses and delve into the history of these beloved characters.
Disney Princesses are some of the most iconic and recognizable characters in the world. These characters have been a part of popular culture for decades and have become synonymous with the Disney brand. However, not all Disney heroines are considered official Disney Princesses. In this article, we will explore what it means to be a Disney Princess and provide a list of the official Disney Princesses.
What is a Disney Princess?
A Disney Princess is a fictional character who appears in an animated film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, is marketed as a “Princess” and is not primarily a heroine from a sequel or a television series. To be considered a Disney Princess, a character must meet certain criteria, including being human or human-like, having a central role in her film, and exhibiting “the Princess qualities of kindness, courage, strength, and intelligence.”
The History of Disney Princesses
The first Disney Princess was Snow White, who made her debut in the 1937 film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Over the years, other Disney Princesses were introduced, including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana.
Initially, these characters were marketed as individual entities, with merchandise and marketing materials highlighting each character separately. However, in 2000, Disney introduced the “Disney Princess” franchise, which united all of the Disney Princesses under one banner. The franchise was a massive success, and the Disney Princesses continue to be a major part of Disney’s brand identity.
The Official List of Disney Princess: The Lineup
The official Disney Princess lineup consists of Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana. These characters have all been granted the official Disney Princess designation and are marketed as such. Each Princess has her own unique backstory and personality, but they all share the same core values of kindness, courage, strength, and intelligence.
1. Snow White
Snow White is the first Disney Princess and made her debut in the 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She is known for her kindness, beauty, and gentle nature, as well as her ability to communicate with animals.
2. Cinderella
Cinderella is the second Disney Princess and made her debut in the 1950 film Cinderella. She is known for her hard-working nature and kind heart, as well as her famous glass slippers.
3. Aurora
Aurora, also known as Sleeping Beauty, is the third Disney Princess and made her debut in the 1959 film Sleeping Beauty. She is known for her beauty and grace, as well as her ability to communicate with animals.
4. Ariel
Ariel is the fourth Disney Princess and made her debut in the 1989 film The Little Mermaid. She is known for her adventurous spirit, as well as her beautiful singing voice and iconic red hair.
5. Belle
Belle is the fifth Disney Princess and made her debut in the 1991 film Beauty and the Beast. She is known for her intelligence and love of books, as well as her kind heart and bravery.
6. Jasmine
Jasmine is the sixth Disney Princess and made her debut in the 1992 film Aladdin. She is known for her independent spirit and determination, as well as her love for her pet tiger, Rajah.
7. Pocahontas
Pocahontas is the seventh Disney Princess and made her debut in the 1995 film Pocahontas. She is known for her love of nature and her bravery in the face of danger.
8. Mulan
Mulan is the eighth Disney Princess and made her debut in the 1998 film Mulan. She is known for her bravery and determination, as well as her skill in martial arts.
9. Tiana
Tiana is the ninth Disney Princess and made her debut in the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog. She is known for her hard-working nature and her dream of owning her own restaurant.
10. Rapunzel
Rapunzel is the tenth Disney Princess and made her debut in the 2010 film Tangled. She is known for her adventurous spirit and her long, magical hair.
11. Merida
Merida is the eleventh Disney Princess and made her debut in the 2012 film Brave. She is known for her independent spirit and her skill in archery.
12. Moana
Moana is the twelfth Disney Princess and made her debut in the 2016 film Moana. She is known for her love of the ocean and her bravery in the face of danger.
13. Raya
Raya is the titular protagonist of Walt Disney Pictures’ feature animated film Raya and the Last Dragon.
As the Guardian of the Dragon Gem, Raya holds this title alongside her beloved father Benja, the Chief of the Heart Lands. Raya’s world is turned upside down when the Gem is broken and her father becomes stone.
14. Asha
Asha is the main character in Walt Disney Pictures’ animated feature film Wish.
Asha is a 17-year-old heroine with a strong sense of purpose, a brilliant mind and an optimistic outlook, a future leader who sees the darkness others don’t. A cosmic force, a small ball of boundless energy named Star, answers Asha’s wish in a moment of desperation.
The official list of Disney Princesses includes Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana. These characters have captured the hearts of audiences of all ages and continue to inspire people to this day. Each Princess has her own unique backstory and personality, but they all share the same core values of kindness, courage, strength, and intelligence.
FAQs
Who is the first Disney Princess?
The first Disney Princess is Snow White.
How many Disney Princesses are there?
There are twelve official Disney Princesses.
What are the qualities of a Disney Princess?
A Disney Princess must exhibit “the Princess qualities of kindness, courage, strength, and intelligence.”
Who is the newest addition to the official list of Disney Princesses?
The newest Disney Princess is Moana.
Why are the Disney Princesses so popular?
The Disney Princesses are popular because they embody positive values and inspire audiences of all ages to be kind, brave, and strong.
Are there any “unofficial” Disney Princesses so far?
As of this posting, the following is the unofficial list of Disney Princesses:
- Elsa and Anna (Frozen)
- Elena
- Sofia
- Kida (Atlantis: The Lost Empire)
- Nala (Lion King)
- Vanellope von Schweetz (Wreck It Ralph)
- Raya
- Esmeralda (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)
