There are thirteen official Disney Princess movies in release order, starting with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and ending with Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). While characters like Elsa and Anna are hugely popular, Disney does not consistently brand them as part of the official Disney Princess lineup.
If you’re like me and grew up watching Disney animated films, you might find yourself wondering how the Disney princess movies evolved over the years. Whether you’re doing a movie marathon, planning a themed party, or just satisfying your curiosity, knowing the Disney princess movies in order (from the earliest classic to the newest release) can be surprisingly helpful.
While there’s an official Disney Princess lineup, not every leading lady from a Disney film qualifies. (Sorry, Elsa and Anna, you’re technically not in the core princess franchise.)
Not all female leads are official Disney Princesses. Stick with the recognized list if you’re doing something themed or research-based.
Disney Princess Movies in Order: A Complete List
The following is a chronological list of all movies that feature the official Disney Princesses. I’m including the release year and a little context to help you appreciate each film’s place in Disney history.
1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Disney’s first animated feature film and the beginning of the princess legacy. Snow White is the original Disney Princess, and her story set the tone for decades.
The animation style is slower-paced and more theatrical compared to modern films, but it’s worth watching to understand where it all began. It also helps younger viewers appreciate how far animation has come.
2. Cinderella (1950)
After a long post-war animation drought, Cinderella brought Disney back to prominence. Her story still resonates as the quintessential fairy tale.
The themes of resilience and transformation are central to Cinderella’s journey. Plus, her gown transformation scene is iconic and still referenced in modern Disney design.
3. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Aurora’s film is visually striking but was a financial flop when it came out. Over time, it’s gained a cult appreciation for its artistic design, especially the stylized backgrounds by Eyvind Earle.
Aurora herself has limited screen time, but the aesthetic and musical elements make this a visually rich addition to any Disney marathon.
4. The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ariel launched the Disney Renaissance, and this film brought Broadway-style music into Disney animation in a big way.
This movie represents a major tonal shift – more humor, quicker pacing, and stronger musical numbers. It set the tone for Disney films of the 1990s.
5. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Belle’s story was the first animated film ever nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. It’s a major milestone in the Disney canon.
Belle stands out as a more intellectual and independent character. She reads, questions norms, and doesn’t fall in love at first sight, all progressive for the time.
6. Aladdin (1992)
Jasmine is a princess by birth but shares the spotlight with Aladdin. Her independence and refusal to marry for politics made her stand out.
This film also introduces a different cultural setting, expanding the scope of Disney stories and offering more diverse representation.
7. Pocahontas (1995)
Loosely based on history, Pocahontas is a unique entry that aimed for realism and emotional depth.
The animation is fluid, the music is emotional, and the themes of understanding and environmental respect are strong. It has its critics, but it’s an ambitious entry.
8. Mulan (1998)
Though not royal by blood or marriage, Mulan earned her princess status through courage and cultural impact.
Her story of honor and family devotion stands apart. She disguises herself to protect her father, and the film centers on her development as a warrior rather than a romantic partner.
9. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Tiana was the first African-American Disney Princess, and the film returned to traditional 2D animation after years of CGI dominance.
Tiana’s focus on work ethic and goals makes her relatable. The New Orleans setting and jazz-influenced soundtrack give it a fresh, modern twist while still honoring classic fairy tale roots.
10. Tangled (2010)
Rapunzel brought a more modern, comedic tone to the franchise, paired with rich visuals and a catchy soundtrack.
She’s also the first princess in the new CGI style that now defines most Disney animation. Her curiosity and creativity make her especially fun to watch.
11. Brave (2012)
Merida is Pixar’s only princess to date. Her Scottish roots and bow-wielding defiance added a fresh dynamic to the lineup.
Unlike many of the others, Brave focuses entirely on the mother-daughter relationship. There’s no prince or romance subplot – just growth, responsibility, and repairing bonds.
12. Moana (2016)
With no love interest and a focus on self-discovery and cultural legacy, Moana’s story pushed boundaries for what a princess film could be.
Her character is driven by curiosity and purpose. The visuals are stunning, the soundtrack is powerful, and the oceanic setting offers a whole new world of mythology and culture.
13. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
Raya brings a more recent, action-heavy energy to the Disney Princess lineup. Her story leans into trust, leadership, and rebuilding a fractured world rather than romance, which helps the movie feel distinct from many earlier princess films.
Visually, it also feels more modern than the older entries on this list. If you’re watching all the Disney princess movies in order, Raya and the Last Dragon works well as the current endpoint because it shows how far the franchise has shifted toward adventurous, self-directed heroines.
What’s Not on the List (and Why)
Characters like Elsa and Anna are often assumed to be official Disney Princesses, but they haven’t been inducted into the formal franchise.
This confuses a lot of people – especially kids who love Frozen. But Disney uses a specific set of criteria to determine who makes the official cut. These include factors like merchandising potential, storyline fit, and sometimes even corporate strategy.
If you’re curious about the full criteria, I break it down in this article on how many Disney princesses there are.
Why Knowing the Timeline Matters
When I first started planning a “princess week” for my niece, I realized how useful this order was. Starting with Snow White helped her see the evolution of female characters. It also helped me understand how the pacing and plot depth has shifted dramatically.
Older films are shorter and more straightforward. Newer films are richer in backstory and more complex emotionally. Knowing this ahead of time makes it easier to set expectations, especially if you’re watching with kids.
It’s also helpful if you’re writing an essay, prepping a cosplay series, or just trying to win a trivia night. The chronological timeline gives you structure and insight.
Plus, if you’re someone who’s curious about portraying a princess professionally, whether at Disney parks or events, knowing where your character falls in the timeline gives you helpful historical context. You can see how costumes, dialogue style, and even singing approach may change depending on whether you’re playing someone from the 1930s or the 2010s.
For deeper insight into roles and pay, you can explore how much Disney princesses make.
Learn More About the Princess Universe
If you want a broader look at how the characters are connected and how they differ, start with this deep dive into the official Disney princesses. It covers the backgrounds, personality traits, and evolution of each character in detail.
If you’re a fan or planning to visit the parks, the official Disney Princess website is a great place to explore current content and characters.
And if you ever wondered about their ages (which is more relevant than you think when you’re doing costume accuracy or writing fan fiction), this guide on how old the Disney princesses are is worth checking out.
If you’re reading this because you’re planning a trip and want the “real life” version of princess order (as in, where you can actually see them), here are a few helpful next stops: the best overview of Disney princess attractions, a practical guide to Disney princess dining, and where you can typically find the biggest concentration of characters in which Disney park has most princesses. If you’re specifically trying to meet a bunch of them in one go, meet Disney princesses at Royal Hall is a good place to start.
And if you like the behind-the-scenes side of Disney (instead of just the movie order), you might also enjoy my round-up of Disney princess facts and the very real, curiosity-driven question of how much do Disney princesses make. If you’re keeping an eye on who might join the lineup in the future, I keep a running update on new Disney princesses.
