21 of the absolute best fictional princesses
Princesses have existed throughout history, and there have been some notable ones, but people love the ones created for pure entertainment. From animated royalty to the live-action ladies who’ve made hearts perk up, these are the best fictional princesses who’ve graced fans’ screens throughout the years.
Ariel, ‘The Little Mermaid’
Everyone’s favorite underwater hoarder, Ariel. She’s the princess who helped kick off the "Disney Renaissance" in the late ‘80s and ushered in a whole new era of unforgettable animated movies.
Princess Peach Toadstool, 'Super Mario Bros.'
Princess Peach has long since been a video game icon, but 2023’s Super Mario Bros. movie definitely helped take her to new levels.
Shuri, ‘Black Panther’
It’s hard to top a princess that is also a tech wiz like Shuri.
Belle, ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Can’t help but love a princess that showcases how cool it is to be well-read.
Princess Odette, 'The Swan Princess'
A favorite princess to every '90s kid who lived for a Friday night Blockbuster rental.
Buttercup, 'The Princess Bride'
Outside of Disney, Princess Buttercup may just be one of the most cosplayed members of royalty out there.
Jasmine, ‘Aladdin’
The movie was called Aladdin, but many can agree that Princess Jasmine often stole the show.
She-Ra, 'She-Ra: Princess of Power'
The '80s would not be complete without the power of this animated princess.
Princess Leia, ‘Star Wars’
Including Princess Leia in a list of the best princesses? This is the way.
Tiana, ‘The Princess and the Frog’
Whether she was human or amphibian, fans will always have a major love for the hardworking and wonderful Princess Tiana.
Anastasia, ‘Anastasia’
People will always enjoy a princess that’s a little rough around the edges.
Princess Vespa, 'Spaceballs'
Princess Vespa started as a parody and quickly became just as recognizable in pop culture.
Merida, ‘Brave’
Just a princess and her bow and arrow — we love to see it.
Fiona, ‘Shrek’
Princess Fiona made everyone yearn for more royal ogres.
Danielle de Barbarac, 'Ever After'
The story of Cinderella has been told time and time again, but there was something spectacular about how Drew Barrymore portrayed the character in Ever After.
Moana, ‘Moana’
Those both on land and in the sea can agree that stanning Moana is a must.
Aurora, ‘Sleeping Beauty’
A princess who just sleeps? Talk about a mood.
Xena, ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’
Xena forever represents the princesses who’d rather get out and battle than sit around and be saved.
Maid Marian, 'Robin Hood'
Maid Marian: the princess of falling for the bad boy with the heart of gold.
Princess Anneliese, 'Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper'
Barbie can do just about anything, from working in fast food to piloting a plane to being a princess.
Mia Thermopolis, 'The Princess Diaries'
Mia Thermopolis was the awkward queen of princesses, and fans would not have it any other way.
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