Between from Disney vast catalog of characters, some of the most popular are Disney princesses, but not every princess receives the attention or treatment she deserves. Generally, the Disney princesses who are most easily recognized are those from the company’s most popular films, i.e. Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen to name a few. There are other princesses who may not be as memorable, but have many fans who adore them, like Tiana or Rapunzel. However, There’s another level of Disney princesses that are often completely forgottenbut it has a lot to offer.
What’s most surprising about these forgotten princesses is that they are real princesses. Although many Disney characters receive honorary princess status despite not being actual princesses, such as Hercules’ Megara or The Hunchback of Notre Dame Esmeralda, these underrated characters are true royalty. These characters are not just swept under the rug, but for all intents and purposes, They are some of the real Disney princesses. In general, the following ten princess characters should receive much more attention.
10
Atta and point
Bug’s Life
A couple of characters who are tested and truly underrated princesses are Atta and Dot de Bug’s Life. Although this 1998 film focuses primarily on Flik and his scheme to assemble a troop of warrior insects, Atta and Dot are integral supporting characters. Firstly, Atta (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is Flik’s love interest and a rising member of ant royalty. In many ways, this is what Flik is fighting for. Additionally, Dot (Hayden Panettiere) bravely helps Flik and his team despite her young age.
Atta and Dot may not be the first characters we think of when we imagine a Disney princess, but that doesn’t make them any less important or likable. In fact, they follow many of the traditional Disney princess tropes. The sisters are bold, curious and caring. They use their powers for good, to help the oppressed. However, Atta and Dot (and Bug’s Life overall) could use some more compliments.
9
Star
Star vs. The forces of evil
A Disney princess that not everyone has heard of is Star from Star against the forces of evil. This 2015 animated series aired on Disney XD and Disney Channel for four seasons and tells the story of Star Butterfly, a magical princess who is sent to Earth to become more mature before assuming your magical responsibilities. In the meantime, she starts living with the Diaz family and takes their son, Marco, on all their adventures.
Star against the forces of evil It’s not as popular as Disney’s feature films, but the show is definitely an underrated gem.
Star against the forces of evil It’s not as popular as Disney’s feature films, but the show is definitely an underrated gem. A big reason for the show’s goodness is Star herself. Despite having a sweet name and cheerful personality, Star is not just butterflies and rainbows. She is a fierce fighter and someone who deeply believes in doing good. Her morals and quirkiness make her a really enjoyable character to follow for audiences of all ages.
8
Tiger Lily
Pedro Pan
One Disney princess who is often overlooked due to the film’s other important female characters is Tiger Lily from Peter Pan. Tiger Lily is the daughter of Neverland’s Native American chief and one of Peter’s many loyal friends. Although Wendy and Tinkerbell often stand out as Peter Pan most important female characters, Tiger Lily is just as interesting, if not more so. Tiger Lily is strong-willed and courageouswilling to protect Peter at all costs. In this way, she challenges the feminine stereotypes of the 1950s, when Pedro Pan was done.
Of course, Pedro Pan is not praised for its positive representation of native peoplesbut arguably that’s an even bigger reason why Tiger Lily deserves more credit. She is a very interesting character and deserves more prominence and exploration in the story. This isn’t to say that Wendy and Tinkerbell deserve less screen time, but rather that all three women in the story should shine equally.
7
Maid Mariana
Robin Hood
Another princess of the natural world, alongside Atta and Dot, is Maid Marian of Robin Hood. Although Disney’s representation Robin Hood is far from being the first version of the story, the animated characters have managed to remain in popular culture. When certain audiences imagine Robin Hood, they think of a cunning red fox. However, even so, Maid Marian is not always recognized as the charming character that she is. Where Some could argue that Marian is too much of a princess in need of saving, she proves to be much more than that.
What makes Marian so wonderful is her conviction in love. Although Robin and Marian haven’t seen each other since childhood, the two are willing to put their lives on the line for each other. For example, Marian fights Prince John when he tries to kill Robin. This is not the action of a meek princess, but of a strong and courageous princess. Plus, Marian’s pink dress and head covering are adorable and memorable.
6
Eilonwy
The Black Cauldron
One Disney film that is probably on every list of underrated Disney films is The Black Cauldron. This hidden gem from 1985 tells the story of a swineherd named Taran who must stop an evil king from using the titular black cauldron to create an army of the undead. Notably, Taran is helped in his quest by his cute companion Gurgi and Princess Eilonwy. Eilonwy stands out from other Disney princesses because of his age and sensitivity.
Eilonwy is not a poised, prim princess, but a talkative, sassy young woman who has the courage to save herself and others, but is definitely affected by the world around her.
While most Disney princesses are teenagers, Eilonwy is particularly young at 12 years old. However, this fact is part of what makes her such a lovable character. Eilonwy is not a poised, prim princess, but a talkative, sassy young woman who has the courage to save herself and others, but is definitely affected by the world around her. In this way, Eilonwy might be one of the most relatable princesses out theredoing what Frozen Anna did many decades earlier.
5
Melody
The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea
Some Disney princesses that are almost always forgotten are those who appear in Disney’s direct-to-video sequels. One of the best is Melody by The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea. In this film, Melody is the daughter of Ariel and Eric who wants to understand more about her mermaid heritage. Thus, Melody finds herself submerged and becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy, causing Ariel to have to return to her roots.
While The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea is very far from the original The Little Mermaid, Melody is still a really fun character. It’s interesting to see how Melody’s curiosity gets her into trouble with Arielwho had the same struggles with his own father. Plus, Melody might be the most princessy of them all, as she’s royalty on land and at sea. Regardless, Melody is proof that the princesses in the Disney sequel (including Kiara and Mulan II three princesses) deserve more love.
4
Gisele
Enchanted
A great Disney princess who was lost in time is Giselle from Delighted. Although Giselle is not introduced in the usual Disney princess wayshe definitely deserves the title. In her 2007 film, Giselle jumps from her animated fairytale world to the 3-D world of New York City. There, audiences will see a Disney princess interact with the real world and learn to embrace a true love that might not come out of a storybook.
Ultimately, it’s hard not to love Giselle. She is full of joy and kindness and has an incredibly open heart. Furthermore, Giselle is able to roll with the punches and at the same time maintain her kindness. This way, Giselle doesn’t have to choose between being strong and being nice; she is unabashedly both. Enchanted has probably been forgotten by new generations of Disney loversbut that doesn’t mean Giselle should be looked down on, because she really is one of the best.
3
Raya
Raya and the last dragon
A more recent Disney princess that many may not realize is a real princess is Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon. This 2021 animated film follows Raya, the warrior princess of the Heart chiefdom, who is tasked with finding a way to defeat evil spirits called Druun, reuniting her kingdom once and for all. Although Raya is the daughter of the chief and not a king, this does not diminish Raya’s princess heritage. at the very least, and in fact, it makes it a little more interesting.
Raya and the Last Dragon is a perfect example of how old Disney and new Disney can transform to create something magical and relevant. As a character, Raya evokes some of the same feelings as Disney’s older princesses while offering a different kind of story that does not depend so much on Western ideals or culture. Overall, Raya has long been passed over in favor of more popular Disney entries like Frozen or Charm, but Raya can keep up with the best of them.
2
Vanellope Von Schweetz
Destroy Ralph
Maybe one of The least Disney princess of all time is Vanellope von Schweetz from Destroy it Ralph. Vanellope is a somewhat complex character with a layered backstory. At the beginning of the film, the audience meets the sassy and quick-witted Vanellope and discovers that she is a runner and a failure at her video game. However, it is later revealed that Vanellope was actually a princess who was forgotten because of her failure.
Ultimately, Vanellope is one of Disney’s most interesting underrated princesses. Not only does she present as a normal person, but her royal lineage is hidden throughout the film, making her identity as a princess not fully part of who she is. Vanellope is able to develop her own personality in racing. This is a truly exciting storyline to watch, as Vanellope shows that even princesses have bigger dreams than their own royal responsibilities.
1
Child
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
Of course, the most forgotten Disney princess is Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire. In this classic Disney film, Kida is the princess of the lost city of Atlantis, which linguist Milo is determined to find. Together, Milo and Kida work together to save Atlantis and, more than that, preserve their dying culture. Ultimately, this plot is what makes Atlantis so incredibly cool. The film is not just about saving the world, but the process of saving culture and meaning.
Movie aside, Kida is a particularly amazing Disney princess. Unlike other Disney princesses who may not be too concerned about their kingdom Kida is desperate to understand her world and the one beyond it. This curiosity isn’t necessarily new for Disney princesses, but it’s still admirable. Additionally, Kida’s magical roots make her very different from more traditional characters. In short, from design to personality, Kida stands out Disney character.