Disney princesses have developed a big popularity for many years. They are mostly loved by young girls, although there are older kids and adults who admire them, too.

Their characterization and impact on the general public have evolved over time. For example, the princesses whose movies were made in the 20th century are quite different from those created in the 21st century.

Below are my opinions on the Disney princesses from the least intelligent to most intelligent 

Snow White

She was the first Disney princess, whose film came out in 1937. She cooks, cleans, and relies on men to help her. I, personally, find this sexist.

Sexism in the media was common in the 1930s – probably because women didn’t have a lot of rights, unlike men. But this makes Snow White the least intelligent princess.

Aurora

Although overprotected by her fairy guardians, she does what she can to find human connections. However, she is pretty passive. She has even been compared to Snow White.

Cinderella 

She might be cooking and cleaning all the time, but that is because her stepfamily forces her to. She does sound annoyed at times when serving them, which I admire.

She longs for freedom. But the example of how she fell in love with the prince right when they met isn’t exactly the best. At least it worked out. Still – don’t expect this in real life.

Anna

Although she learns who she really loves later in Frozen, she wants to marry Prince Hans right after meeting him.

This isn’t a smart move. Plus, Prince Hans turns out to be evil. 

Elsa

As the older sister of Anna, she has to tell her that she cannot marry a man she just met. 

However, aside from that, she struggles with controlling her ice powers. Rather than letting others help her, she just runs from them. Of course, this is normal for when somebody is too afraid. But it isn’t something I consider the most intelligent, although characters do need flaws.

Ariel

She is the first official Disney princess since Aurora. She does make better choices and isn’t really a damsel-in-distress. I admire how she saves Eric.

Unlike her father, Ariel doesn’t see all humans as threats. It’s not just in the live-action remake, but also the animated version. She disagrees with her father when he says that humans are barbarians. This shows that she doesn’t just jump to conclusions with different types of life.

Jasmine

She has been longing for freedom and to make her own choices. She will not let others stop her.

One thing I appreciate is when she tried to free Aladdin when he was about to get arrested by revealing herself as the princess. And she didn’t whine or get emotional.

Pocahontas 

She only makes a few bad decisions. Other than that, she respects nature and her tribe. She also points out during the song, “Just Around the Riverbend,” how things are always changing.

She teaches John Smith about how those who aren’t like him matter too during the number, “Colors of the Wing.” In addition, she states that walking the footsteps of a stranger can teach you new things.

Merida

She is forced to marry when she doesn’t want to. She is also taught to be proper as a princess by her mother.

But she rebels against that. She is even braver than the average princess.

Belle

As we all know, she loves to read. She can teach others to read as well, like she does with the beast.

She also loves her father so much that she sacrifices herself by taking his place as the beast’s prisoner.

Tiana

She works hard as a waitress and hopes to open her own restaurant. She is very independent and sometimes makes better choices than her friend, Charlotte.

She is also great at cooking.

Moana

Despite her father’s rule, Moana can’t help but go to the ocean. But she is determined to make it safe to go beyond the reef by returning the heart of Te Fiti, who had transformed into a lava monster hundreds of years prior.

She also gets a little bit impatient with Maui at times. Yet she is strong, brave, and determined.

Rapunzel 

Even though her “mom,” Mother Gothel, locks her away in a tower and forbids her to leave, she does get to learn a lot of hobbies. Some include things like:

• Painting
• Cooking
• Reading
• Candle making 

I consider that impressive. And I certainly consider it too kind for Mother Gothel.

As for decision-making, Rapunzel doesn’t listen to Mother Gothel. But I think that is a good thing since it’s not healthy to stay stuck somewhere for your whole life, not even with various hobbies,

Mulan

As we know, she pretends to be a man to join the war and keep her father safe. She is fierce, brave, and can even be tough.

Of course, she isn’t perfect. But I admire how she made a great soldier.

Raya

Due to what is happening in her kingdom, she has to lose trust in others. At the same time, though, she learns that she must trust others at times. This is how she does her mission to defeat the Druun, a gas that freezes people.

Conclusion

As time passes, so do standards for female characters. If you notice, a lot of the smarter princesses are from more recent times.

What do you think of my list? Comment if you’d like.