I remember getting absolutely heated during a discussion on this in my 11th grade psychology class. Like yes, of course Ariel and Jasmine wore skimpy outfits because Ariel lives in the sea and Jasmine lives in the desert? And no one questions the fact that Aladdin and King Triton don’t wear shirts?!?
For me, a die-hard Disney fan, it took me a while to get into the newer movies because I love and grew up with the classics. It’s obvious to see that the newer Disney movies portray their lead female characters much differently than some of the older movies do. Even though it may not seem like it at first, there are valuable lessons to be learned from each Disney Princess film.
Even Snow White, who waits around to be rescued by her Prince? And Cinderella, the maid? And Ariel, who risks her life and her family for a boy she doesn’t know?
Yes, and here is why.
1. Snow White
Yes, Snow White is arguably the most traditional of the Disney Princesses in regards to gender roles. She enjoys cleaning, baking, singing to animals, and is envied for her beauty. Despite all of this, "Snow White" taught me that women are based on more than just their looks. While the Evil Queen was beautiful (and also vain, selfish and manipulative), Snow White was brave, pure and kind, which is what truly made her the fairest of them all.
2. Cinderella
Cinderella is a maid, but not by choice. And she was “saved” from her evil family by marrying the prince, but she (with the help of her fairy godmother) was the one who made it happen. "Cinderella" teaches young viewers that it takes more than just dreaming to make something happen for yourself. It takes determination, desire and a little bit of luck.
Even though she broke her stepmother’s rules, she got out of the house and went for what she wanted. Everyone deserves a night off, right? She was always kind and obeyed her stepmother’s wishes until she was able to be brave and stand up for herself and what she deserved.
3. Sleeping Beauty
While the main character Aurora actually has very little screen time and character development, the Three Good Fairies, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather take (and bake) the cake with this one. They were able to work together to raise and protect Aurora for the first sixteen years of her life using their maternal instincts, even without the help of their magic. This film taught me that being maternal and feminine doesn't have to be seen as a bad thing and can even be powerful.
4. The Little Mermaid
"The Little Mermaid," which was created three decades after "Sleeping Beauty," portrays its characters quite differently than the older Disney films. In the beginning, Ariel saves Prince Eric's life, which isn't really a thing that happens in the older movies. Even though she may not have made the smartest choice making a deal with Ursula, Ariel took a risk to get the man and the life she wanted.
5. Beauty and The Beast
I may be biased on this one because Belle is probably my favorite Disney Princess. She is the OG feminist princess who doesn't have time for misogynists, loves reading and learning, and just wants to escape her little town and experience new adventures. Belle, as original and unconventional as she is, gives zero care to what others think of her and instead focuses on herself and the ones she loves.
6. Aladdin
Princess Jasmine is brave, cunning and not willing to be told what to do by the men in her life. She teaches viewers that just because she is a beautiful princess and she is given certain rules doesn't mean she has to put up with anyone's bullshit.
7. Pocahontas
Even 23 years later, this movie is still culturally relevant AF. It deals with racism and prejudice, sexism and even environmental concerns. Throughout all of this, Pocahontas is the calm during the storm. Her relationship with John Smith and her loyalty to her father puts her in the middle of all the fighting (forbidden love is a really big thing in Disney movies, clearly). "Pocahontas" teaches us that love is stronger than greed and hatred.
8. Mulan
Mulan is arguably the most badass princess of them all. When she failed to impress the matchmaker and become a bride, she disguised herself as a man to save her father and ended up saving all of China. Mulan teaches young girls that just because you're nontraditional and seen as a failure by your society doesn't mean you can't turn it around and do amazing things.
9. The Princess and the Frog
Princess Tiana is super sassy, independent and determined to follow her dream of owning a restaurant. Unlike her best friend, she isn't caught up in finding a man to take care of her. Tiana teaches us that hard work and dedication can get you where you want to go, even though the path you take may be different than anticipated.
10. Rapunzel
"Tangled" is full of magic, wonder and true love. Rapunzel has been cooped up all her life and is excited about the simplest things. She escapes her tower to find her family and find out who she really is and falls in love along the way. She shows courage by sacrificing her freedom and powers to save Eugene's life. Rapunzel makes us want to be excited about life and experiencing the world in ways we never have before.
11. Brave
"Brave" is one of the few Disney Princess movies that isn't focused around a love story. Princess Merida loves archery and horse riding and is pretty much everything the traditional princess isn't. When she finds herself in a messy situation, she uses her courage and skill to save the day. Merida teaches us that it's okay to be different and it is possible to change your fate.
12. Frozen (Anna)
While Anna is rather desperate to find love in the beginning (she's been alone and locked away for years, who could blame her?), she shows true heroism throughout the film. When Elsa goes missing, Anna wants to be the one to go after her. She has faith that Elsa would never purposely hurt her, even after shutting her out for most of their lives.
Even though she does fall in love with Kristoff by the end of the movie, the act of true love that saved her wasn’t from a man, but from her sister. This just goes to show that while true romantic love is strong, there is nothing like the bond between sisters and female friends.
13. Frozen (Elsa)
Like Merida, there is no storyline of any love interest in regards to Elsa. She is born with magical ice powers that she has trouble controlling, which isolates her from others and hold the guilt over her for hurting Anna when they were younger. By the end of the film, Elsa teaches us that even in dark, lonely times, you don't have to be alone, all you have to do is let other people in and let your worries go.
14. Moana
Like many Disney Princesses before her, Moana desires to escape what she has known all her life and venture out into the unknown. Her forbidden passion for sailing the sea causes tension with her father, but if she had never left she never could have saved their island. Moana shows viewers that you shouldn't settle or forget about your dreams for any reason, and if you follow your passion, everything will be okay in the end.
