Currently, there are 13 official Disney Princess movies. This number reflects the core canon of animated feature films recognized and actively marketed by Disney as part of the Disney Princess franchise. However, the answer isn’t quite as simple as it appears, as the criteria for “official” princess status can be debated.
Defining the Disney Princess: A Deep Dive
Understanding the number of Disney Princess movies requires first defining what constitutes a “Disney Princess” and, therefore, which films qualify. The Disney Princess franchise is a marketing behemoth, a collection of characters carefully curated and commercially leveraged. Not every female protagonist in a Disney animated film makes the cut. Certain qualifications must be met.
First and foremost, the character typically needs to be born, marry, or otherwise become a royal by the end of her movie. This qualification is subject to interpretation, as some characters, like Mulan, are honorary princesses due to their heroic deeds. Second, the character must be human (excluding Tinkerbell who was originally a Disney Princess but was removed to head up the Disney Fairies franchise). Third, the character must be the main character of her movie. Fourth, the character must perform well at the box office and in merchandise sales to stay an active member. Finally, the character must be under copyright by Disney.
The Core 13: Officially Crowned
The 13 official Disney Princesses, and their corresponding movies, are:
- Snow White (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 1937)
- Cinderella (Cinderella, 1950)
- Aurora (Sleeping Beauty, 1959)
- Ariel (The Little Mermaid, 1989)
- Belle (Beauty and the Beast, 1991)
- Jasmine (Aladdin, 1992)
- Pocahontas (Pocahontas, 1995)
- Mulan (Mulan, 1998)
- Tiana (The Princess and the Frog, 2009)
- Rapunzel (Tangled, 2010)
- Merida (Brave, 2012)
- Moana (Moana, 2016)
- Raya (Raya and the Last Dragon, 2021)
These films represent the cornerstone of the Disney Princess franchise, a collective narrative woven through decades of animation and marketing. They’re readily available across Disney’s various platforms and are central to its branding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disney Princesses
Here are some frequently asked questions that will further clarify the nuances of the Disney Princess universe:
1. Why aren’t Anna and Elsa official Disney Princesses?
While Anna and Elsa from Frozen are undoubtedly popular, they head their own extremely lucrative franchise. Disney chose to keep them separate from the official Disney Princess line to avoid diluting the Frozen brand. They are powerful enough as a duo to stand on their own, and are both queens in their own right, thus disqualifying them based on the original criteria.
2. What happens when a Disney Princess isn’t popular anymore?
Typically, Disney doesn’t remove a princess from the official roster, but they may de-emphasize her marketing and merchandising. Commercial viability is a major factor in the princess’s prominence. However, characters like Aurora, who has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years, remain part of the official lineup.
3. Is there a prince in every Disney Princess movie?
No. While romance is a common theme, not all Disney Princess movies feature a traditional prince or romantic relationship. Moana, for instance, focuses on her journey of self-discovery and her relationship with her island and its history. Brave focuses on Merida’s family dynamics and personal growth.
4. What makes a Disney Princess “official”?
The official status is determined by Disney’s marketing department. It’s a strategic business decision based on factors like royalty, popularity, merchandise sales, and the overall narrative alignment with the brand. Official inclusion also guarantees the princess’s continued appearances in group merchandise and park appearances.
5. Will there ever be a Marvel Disney Princess?
While technically possible, it’s highly unlikely. The Disney Princess franchise primarily focuses on characters from animated fairy tales and original stories. Integrating a Marvel character, even one with royal connections, would fundamentally alter the brand’s established identity.
6. Is there a Disney Princess from every culture?
While Disney has made strides towards greater diversity and representation, there are still cultures and regions that are not represented within the official Disney Princess lineup. The princess from Aladdin, Jasmine, is the first, and one of the only, princesses of Middle Eastern descent. Tiana of The Princess and the Frog is the first, and only, Black princess. Disney continues to aim to introduce new characters from various cultural backgrounds, enriching the franchise.
7. What’s the selection process for a new Disney Princess?
The selection process is multifaceted and involves various departments within Disney, including creative development, marketing, and consumer products. The character’s story, design, and potential for merchandising are all carefully considered. A successful box office performance is almost always critical to securing “official” status.
8. Can a Disney Princess be removed from the official lineup?
Technically, yes. Tinker Bell was once considered an official Disney Princess, but was later removed to spearhead the Disney Fairies franchise. However, once a princess has gained significant traction and brand recognition, it becomes less likely that Disney would remove her.
9. How do live-action remakes affect a Disney Princess’s status?
The success of live-action remakes generally reinforces a Disney Princess’s popularity and solidifies her place within the franchise. These remakes often introduce the characters to new generations of viewers, driving merchandise sales and further cementing their legacy. For example, the recent live-action The Little Mermaid reintroduced Ariel to the zeitgeist.
10. Do Disney Princesses need to have animal sidekicks?
While many Disney Princesses have beloved animal companions, it’s not a strict requirement. Mulan, for example, has Mushu, a dragon, not an animal, that is considered a sidekick. Some princesses, like Pocahontas, are closely associated with animals (such as Meeko the raccoon and Flit the hummingbird), but these animals could be considered her friends rather than sidekicks. The presence of animal friends certainly adds to the charm and appeal of the characters.
11. Are the Disney Princess sequels (like Cinderella II: Dreams Come True) considered canon?
While these sequels exist, they are often not considered part of the official Disney canon by all fans. Disney typically focuses its marketing efforts on the original theatrical releases and live-action adaptations. Sequels and spin-offs are often viewed as supplementary material rather than integral to the princess’s core narrative.
12. How does the Disney Princess brand impact young audiences?
The Disney Princess brand has a significant impact on young audiences, shaping their perceptions of beauty, royalty, and femininity. Disney has made efforts to promote positive messages of empowerment, bravery, and kindness through its princesses, although debates remain regarding the overall influence of the franchise and the need for continued inclusivity. Many critics suggest that the princesses are often too dependent on romance, while others believe their strength and individuality shine through.
The Future of the Disney Princess Franchise
The Disney Princess franchise is continuously evolving to reflect changing societal values and embrace greater diversity. As Disney creates new stories and revisits classic tales, we can anticipate the introduction of new princesses and the continued evolution of the brand to inspire and empower young audiences around the world. The focus on diverse backgrounds, strong female leads, and engaging narratives will undoubtedly shape the future of the Disney Princess legacy.