Disney's 17 Greatest Animated Heroines
by Sabina Ibarra
When it comes to heroines, Disney knows exactly what they're doing. With Walt Disney Animation's "Moana" opening this week, let's take a look back at some of Disney's greatest and most unforgettable heroines, with each one teaching us that strength comes in many different forms.
Snow White From 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'
Although Snow White is the fairest of them all, her greatness lies in her goodness and optimism. She is also the star of the first feature-length animated film ever made, and the movie's massive success led Disney to become a global household name.
Cinderella From 'Cinderella'
Putting up with terrible relatives is no easy task. Yet, Cinderella had the bravery to be kind to everyone, including her step-mother and step-sisters. Even though they tried to stop her from going to the prince's ball, Cinderella had the courage to show up and have an unforgettable night.
Tinkerbell From 'Peter Pan'
All it takes is faith, trust and a little bit of pixie dust. Tinkerbell is the embodiment of being the life of the party. This spunky pixie creates spontaneous fun wherever she goes and knows when to add the magic touch to her surroundings.
Ariel From 'The Little Mermaid'
Ariel is a curious spirit, wanting to explore a world outside of her own. Who can't relate to her rebellious teen streak? Ariel defiantly fought the norm and taught us to question everything. What's a fire and why does it ... what's the word? Buuuuuuurrnnnnn!
Belle From 'Beauty and the Beast'
Belle is an outsider in her own town, more interested in books and adventure than becoming the wife of a boorish and brainless stud. Can you blame Belle for opting to live in a castle with a beast, whom she changes with her open-mindedness, over the terrible townsfolk?
Princess Jasmine From 'Aladdin'
Not a prize to be won, Jasmine taught us about knowing your self-worth. She didn't allow her father to marry her off to just anyone, and even ran away to escape that fate. And when Aladdin came along, she made him earn her love by being himself -- not the prince he was pretending to be.
Pocahontas From 'Pocahonatas'
Connected to nature, Pocahontas taught others the importance of their surroundings. She was also a rebellious daughter who didn't want a life that ran a smooth course, aways searching for excitement just around the riverbend.
Esmeralda From 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'
For justice! In "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," this gypsy performer inspired her people to fight for respect in an unforgiving town. She dedicated her life to helping outcasts by accepting people no matter how they looked.
Megara From 'Hercules'
Not a damsel but rather one of Disney's few lady anti-heroes, Megara represented a reluctant hero. Having been burned before, her fierce independence and sass left no room for anyone. But when she meets someone who brings out the good in her, she fights for it.
Mulan From 'Mulan'
The warrior heroine, teen Mulan enlisted in the military so her aging father wouldn't have to fight the Huns. Defying gender roles and expectations, her sacrifices made her see that her actions reflected who she really was.
Jane Porter From 'Tarzan'
An explorer, artist, and animal lover, Jane Porter showed how a proper woman could adapt to her surroundings. She isn't afraid to immerse herself in her research and finds that her calling is in the wild.
Kida From 'Atlantis: The Lost Empire'
An Atlantean princess, Kida is a warrior sworn to protect her people at any cost. She's a master linguist, hunter, and gatherer. Seeking to rediscover her culture's past in order to help it into the future, Kida has the courage to team up with foreign explorers to discover the power that lies within her home.
Lilo From 'Lilo and Stitch'
In "Lilo and Stitch," Lilo is a rambunctious loner who just doesn't seem to fit in. She's overly confident in everything she does and sets out to teach her new alien pet about what it means to have a family. Even when things don't go well, she does everything in her power to make sure no one is left behind.
Tiana From 'The Princess and the Frog'
Incredibly determined and focused on making a name for herself, Tiana is one of the most empowering princesses. Before she finds her prince, she strove to cook her way out of her circumstances and, in the end, opens up the restaurant she always wanted with a love she didn't expect.
Rapunzel From 'Tangled'
Though she grew up cooped up in a tower, Rapunzel can basically do it all. She cooks, she paints, she reads, she cleans, she knits, and she plays a mean guitar. When she leaves her tower, however, she discovers just what she was meant to be and rises to her full potential.
Anna From 'Frozen'
A socially awkward princess, Anna is everyone who loves chocolate and can't talk to cuties. When her sister, Elsa, runs away, Anna embarks on a journey to help her realize she's loved. Even if it doesn't work the first time, Anna's strength lies in her refusal to give up.
Elsa From 'Frozen'
She's the first Disney Queen! And while, at first, she banishes herself because of her icy powers, she learns to accept them -- not fear them -- as a part of who she is. It's that (and her sister's love) that helps her embrace her role as the rightful ruler of Arendelle.
