Disney princess movies, a captivating tapestry woven over decades, have become cultural touchstones. From the groundbreaking animation of Snow White to the modern heroines of Moana and Raya, these films weave timeless stories of love & courage. Explore your favorite Disney Princess movies in order.
Disney’s love for princesses is just as legendary as Mickey Mouse! Over time, these princesses have become much more than damsels in distress. Now, they’re strong adventurers who sing inspiring songs and face challenges head-on.
Additionally, new Disney Princess movies are on the horizon, including a live-action adaptation. We have also covered some fun facts about your favorite princesses. So, buckle up Japan fans, let’s take a look at these leading ladies.
Disney Princess Movies in order by Year:
Many enthusiasts of Disney Princess often search for what is the chronological order of Disney princesses, which follows the release dates of their original animated movies, starting with Snow White in 1937 and continuing through to Raya in 2021. Here are all the Disney Princess movies in order from oldest to newest:
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) – Animated
- Cinderella (1950) – Animated
- Sleeping Beauty (1959) – Animated
- The Little Mermaid (1989) – Animated
- Beauty and the Beast (1981) – Animated
- Aladdin (1992) – Animated
- Pocahontas (1995) – Animated
- Cinderella (1997) – Live Action
- Mulan (1998) – Animated
- Princess And The Frog (2009) – Animated
- Tangled (2010) – Animated
- Brave (2012) – Animated
- Maleficent (2014) – Live Action
- Cinderella (2015) – Live Action
- Moana (2016) – Animated
- Beauty and The Beast (2017) – Live Action
- Aladdin (2019) – Live Action
- Mulan (2021) – Live Action
- Raya And The Last Dragon (2021) – Animated
- The Little Mermaid (2023) – Live Action
1. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
- Director: David Hand
- Writer: Ted Sears, Richard Creedon, Otto Englander
- Cast: Lucille La Verne, Moroni Olsen, Pinto Colvig
- IMDB Ratings: 7.6/10
Disney’s very first full-length movie was Snow White, a huge hit that earned Walt Disney an honorary Oscar.
A beautiful princess, Snow White escapes a jealous queen’s murder plot. Finding refuge with seven dwarfs, Doc, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, Dopey, Bashful, and Sneezy.
She’s poisoned by the queen’s apple. So what do you think Does she manage? Make sure you watch the entire movie.
2. Cinderella (1950)
- Director: Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi
- Writer: Winston Hibler, Ted Sears, Bill Peet
- Cast: Ilene Woods, Eleanor Audley, Lucille Bliss.
- IMDB Ratings: 7.3/10
Cinderella was released in 1950 and is among the old princess movies. It follows the story of Cinderella, who is forced to work as a servant girl by her evil stepmother.
When the prince holds a ball, she is given some magical help from her fairy godmother and finds love with the young royal at first sight. How does it go? Watch this fascinating story. You can watch all these movies on Disney Plus.
3. Sleeping Beauty (1959)
- Director: Clyde Geronimi, Les Clark, Eric Larson
- Writer: Erdman Penner, Joe Rinaldi, Ted Sears.
- Cast: Mary Costa, Eleanor Audley, Verna Felton.
- IMDB Ratings: 7.2/10
Many people grew up watching the original Disney Princess movies, which have become timeless classics. Sleeping Beauty is one of such movies. It was released in 1959, and it follows the story of Princess Aurora, who is cursed by an evil fairy to die on her sixteenth birthday.
The three good fairies can only save her by placing her in a deep sleep for 100 years. They give the young girl gifts to help protect herself on this journey: one of them is beauty, another strength, and the last is love. Don’t forget this masterpiece when watching the Disney Princess movies in order to watch!
4. The Little Mermaid (1989)
- Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
- Writer: Ron Clements, John Musker
- Cast: Jodi Benson, Rene Auberjonois, Samuel E. Wright
- IMDB Ratings: 7.6/10
The Little Mermaid was released in 1989, and it follows the story of Ariel, a mermaid who falls in love with a human prince called Eric.
She decides to give up her tail and fins for legs so she can be with him forever. However, there are challenges along the way, including his new fiancée – the evil sea hag Ursula. Watch this fascinating story and see how it ends.
5. Beauty and The Beast (1991)
- Director: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise.
- Writer: Linda Woolverton, Brenda Chapman.
- Cast: Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White.
- IMDB Ratings: 8.0/10
Beauty and The Beast was released in 1991, and it follows the story of Belle, a young girl who lives with her father, Maurice, an inventor. It is one of the best Disney Plus movies.
When her father gets lost in the woods, she looks for him and stumbles upon a castle where The Beast welcomes them. She comes up with a plan that will help both of them. But first, she must break the spell that has turned him into this angry creature.
6. Aladdin (1992)
- Director: John Musker, Ron Clements.
- Writer: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Ron Clemesons
- Cast: Scott Weinger, Linda Larkin, Robin Williams
- IMDB Ratings: 8.0/10
Aladdin was released in 1992, and it follows the story of a young thief called Aladdin who falls in love with Princess Jasmine after meeting her at the palace. Don’t skip this one when watching Disney Princess movies in order!
He must find a way to prove that he is worthy enough for her because his evil uncle has taken control of Agrabah, which is the city where they live. How does it end? Watch the full movie.
7. Pocahontas (1995)
- Director: Mike Gabriel, Eric Goldberg.
- Writer: Carl Binder, Susannah Grant, Philip LaZebnik.
- Cast: Irene Bedard, Mel Gibson, David Ogden Stiers
- IMDB Ratings: 6.7/10
Pocahontas was released in 1995, and it follows the story of Pocahontas, a Native American girl. She ends up meeting an English settler called John Smith, and they fall in love, but when the immigrants arrive to build their new homes, there are challenges along the way.
These challenges include Pocahontas’ father being kidnapped by these men. How does this end? Watch the movie for more. Add this fantastic film to your watchlist and enjoy Disney Princess movies in order!
8. Mulan (1998)
- Director: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook.
- Writer: Rita Hsiao, Philip LaZebnik, Chris Sanders
- Cast: Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong
- IMDB Ratings: 7.7/10
Mulan was released in 1998, and it follows the story of Mulan, a young girl who feels like she doesn’t belong in the world. Disney Princess movies in order are incomplete without this masterpiece!
However, she ends up meeting an honorable soldier called Captain Shang, and he trains her to join him on his dangerous mission: they must go off to war against the Huns who are invading China. Watch out for the movie and see how it ends.
9. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
- Director: Ron Clements, John Musker.
- Writer: Ron Clements, John Musker, Rob Edwards, Roger Allers
- Cast: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David
- IMDB Ratings: 7.2/10
The Princess and the Frog was released in 2009, and it follows the story of Princess Tiana, a young girl living in New Orleans. She works hard to save up some money to one day open up her restaurant.
But when the man she saves from the bayou turns into a frog, they must work together. Watch the movie and see the events that unfold.
10. Tangled (2010)
- Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard.
- Writer: Dan Fogelman, John Ripley
- Cast: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy.
- IMDB Ratings: 7.7/10
Tangled was released in 2010, and it follows the story of Rapunzel, a young girl with magical hair. When an evil woman called Mother Gothel finds out about this, she locks her up in a tower and uses it to stay young forever.
Unfortunately, she is the only one that can use Rapunzel’s hair. Make sure you watch this fascinating movie.
11. Brave (2012)
- Director: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman
- Writer: Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell
- Cast: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson
- IMDB Ratings: 7.1/10
Brave was released in 2012, and it follows the story of Merida, a young Scottish girl. When she becomes a teenager, her mother wants to make sure she is married off and put in a good position. However, Merida loves archery and isn’t interested. Follow the story by watching the movie.
12. Frozen (2013)
- Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
- Writers: Jennifer Lee, Hans Christian Andersen, Chris Buck
- Stars: Kristen BellIdina Menzel, Jonathan Groff
- IMDB Ratings: 7.4/10
“Frozen” (2013) shattered the Disney mold. Elsa, the first princess crowned queen, holds the power of ice and snow. But a childhood accident isolates her, plunging the kingdom into winter.
Anna, Elsa’s fearless sister, defies a villainous prince on a quest to bring her back. “Frozen” celebrates the power of sisterhood, proving true love comes in many forms. It rewrites the princess narrative, prioritizing familial bonds over romance.
13. Moana (2016)
- Director: John Musker, Ron Clements.
- Writer: Jared Bush, Ron Clements
- Cast: Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House
- IMDB Ratings: 7.6/10
Moana was released in 2016, and it follows the story of a young girl called Moana who lives on an island with her parents. She feels like something is missing from her life, and when she goes out to sea, she discovers a legendary demigod named Maui, who helps guide them across the ocean.
So, Audience of Japan Does she succeed? Watch the movie and see it for yourself.
14. Frozen 2 (2019)
- Directors: Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee
- Writers: Jennifer Lee, Hans Christian Andersen, Chris Buck
- Stars: Kristen BellIdina Menzel, Josh Gad
- IMDB Ratings: 6.8/10
Frozen reigned supreme as the top-grossing animated film, so a sequel was inevitable. “Frozen 2” arrived in 2019, smashing box office records again. This time, the story ventured beyond the familiar themes of royalty and romance.
Instead, it delved deeper into the mysterious origins of Elsa’s icy powers. In a heartwarming conclusion, Elsa embraces her destiny as the guardian of a magical forest, while Anna takes the crown as Queen of Arendelle. The sisters forge new paths, solidifying their bond as they each answer their true calling.
15. Raya And The Last Dragon (2021)
- Directors: Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada,Paul Briggs
- Writers: Qui Nguyen, Adele Lim, Paul Briggs
- Stars: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan
- IMDB Ratings: 7.3/10
2021 saw the arrival of Raya, Disney’s newest princess and a welcome addition to their diverse lineup. Officially crowned during World Princess Week 2022, Raya from “Raya and the Last Dragon” is a fierce warrior on a mission.
To save her war-torn land of Kumandra from monstrous spirits, Raya embarks on a quest to find the mythical “last dragon,” Sisu. Raya’s bravery and determination not only make her a worthy princess but also mark a significant step for Southeast Asian representation in Disney’s magical world.
Disney’s Princesses Take the Stage: Live-Action Remakes
Once you are done watching Disney princess movies in chronological order, just know that there’s more to explore! Disney princesses aren’t just for animation! Here’s a look at their adventures on the big screen:
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997):
This beloved TV movie features Brandy as Cinderella and Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother. It’s a whimsical take on the classic tale, drawing inspiration from the musical rather than the original story.
Enchanted (2007):
Amy Adams plays Princess Giselle, who gets transported from the animated world of Andalasia to live-action New York City. This hilarious film cleverly pokes fun at Disney tropes while offering a fresh spin on the princess story.
Maleficent (2014):
Angelina Jolie brings a new perspective to Sleeping Beauty, playing the villain Maleficent with a sympathetic edge. This movie explores her backstory and motivations, revealing a surprising bond between Maleficent and Princess Aurora.
Cinderella (2015):
Disney’s first official live-action remake stays true to the 1950s animated classic. Stunning visuals make the magic come alive, with Cate Blanchett portraying the wicked stepmother.
Beauty and the Beast (2017):
Emma Watson takes on the role of Belle in this live-action remake that closely resembles the original film. It expands on the characters’ backstories and explores themes of beauty and inner strength.
Aladdin (2019):
This remake gives Princess Jasmine a bigger role, showcasing her ambition to become Sultan. Naomi Scott brings her to life, with a new song and reprise added to the classic “A Whole New World.”
Mulan (2020):
This reinterpretation takes a more dramatic approach, incorporating elements from the original Mulan legend. While it received mixed reviews, it’s an interesting take on the classic story.
The Little Mermaid (2023):
Halle Bailey shines as Ariel in this live-action adaptation. With Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, the film stays true to the original plot while adding details like Prince Eric’s backstory. It’s a visually stunning reimagining of a beloved classic. While planning to watch Disney Princess movies in order, add these live-action adaptations to your list!
Will there be any new Disney Princess movies?
Big News! for all the fans of Disney Princess movies in Japan. Yes, there will be new Disney Princess movies. One of the major upcoming releases is a live-action adaptation of “Snow White,” set to be released on March 21, 2025, with Rachel Zegler starring as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. Another anticipated film is “Moana 2,” which is set to be released on November 27, 2024.
Additionally, there is confirmation of a live-action “Moana” movie planned for the future, though specific details and dates are yet to be announced.
Who is the most popular Disney Princess?
The battle for the most beloved Disney Princess rages on! Two strong contenders have emerged:
- Cinderella: A classic favorite, especially for adults who grew up with her story. Her timeless tale and iconic image make her instantly recognizable. (Think glass slippers and fairy godmothers!)
- Elsa (Frozen): The queen of Arendelle has captured hearts, especially among younger viewers. Her journey of self-discovery and sisterly love resonates deeply. (Let it go! Let it go!)
Who wins? It depends! Cinderella might have a wider audience reach thanks to her enduring story. But Elsa’s recent success in Frozen might make her more popular with younger generations.
In the end, both princesses reign supreme in the hearts of many.
What is the order of the Disney princesses – According to Quora Users
As per Quora users, the order of Disney princesses follows the same order as their movie release dates. This sequence starts with Snow White and continues to the most recent additions, such as Raya.
This chronological Disney Princess movies list reflects the evolution of the Disney Princess franchise over the decades.
10 Fun Facts About Your Favorite Disney Princesses!
The classic Disney Princess movies animated with stunning visuals have captivated audiences for generations, showcasing beloved characters like Cinderella and Ariel in beautifully crafted worlds. Here are some fun facts about these movies:
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Forget fancy titles! Not all Disney princesses are born royal. Mulan, for example, totally earned her princess status through bravery. Talk about girl power!
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Did you know Pocahontas is the real deal? Unlike the other princesses, it is the only Disney princess movie that is based on a real-life character.
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Ariel wasn’t always the redhead we know and love! Believe it or not, she was originally supposed to be a blonde. Can you imagine?
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Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty might be a princess, but she’s definitely not the chattiest. In fact, she has the least amount of dialogue out of all the Disney princesses! Maybe she just prefers naps over chit-chat.
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Have you ever noticed Belle always sticks out in Beauty and the Beast? That’s because she’s the only one rocking blue in her whole town. Guess you could say she was the original trendsetter!
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Most Disney princesses seem pretty young. Snow White takes the cake (or maybe the apple?) as the youngest at only 14 years old.
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Cinderella shattered more than glass slippers! She was actually the very first princess who wasn’t born royalty. Talk about a rags-to-riches story!
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Jasmine might be a princess, but she doesn’t quite fit the mold. She’s the only one who isn’t the main character in her own movie, and one of the few who doesn’t wear a dress!
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Remember Merida’s awesome mane in Brave? It took a whopping three years and a whole team of artists and engineers to bring those curls to life!
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Rapunzel definitely has the prize for the longest locks! Her hair in Tangled is a staggering 70 feet long, and it took more than 30 people to animate it. That’s a lot of shampoo!
All the Japan fans read my blog and don’t forget to watch Disney Princess in order.
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Wrap Up:
Whether you’re a longtime Disney fan from Japan or just starting your journey, these princess movies offer something for everyone. From the groundbreaking animation of Snow White to the modern adventures of Moana and Raya, there’s a princess (or two!) waiting to capture your heart.
Moreover, the live-action princess movies offer a chance to experience these timeless tales in a whole new way. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, watch all your favorite Disney Princess Movies in Order, and prepare to be swept away to a world of courage, kindness, and happily ever afters.
