There’s something inherently magical about growing up with these women.
Marrakech – Whether you fancied yourself a Belle or harbored Ariel-like dreams of living life on land, those animated royalty taught us early on to aim for “happily ever after.”
But let’s have an honest chat, shall we?
As adults rewatching these classics, one can’t help but ask: Were these princesses really living their best lives?
First, let’s talk about Snow White. The O.G. of Disney royalty.
She debuted in 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a time when it was apparently fashionable to wander into strangers’ homes, clean them, and then fall into a poisoned-apple-induced coma.
Sweetheart, why not negotiate some room and board before scrubbing the dwarf dishes? Still, she’s the epitome of optimism — singing about her prince coming to save her.
And spoiler: He does. But Snow White taught us that even when life gives you poison apples, your squad of quirky roommates has your back.
Fast forward to Cinderella (1950) — our fairy godmother’s favorite rags-to-riches story.
It’s a charming tale, but, girl, who leaves a glass slipper behind? If I’m running from the ball because the magic is fading, you best believe I’m taking my shoes with me.
But Cinderella’s resilience — enduring a toxic stepfamily with the patience of a saint — is admirable.
Her reward? A prince and a solid pair of heels.
And then there’s The Little Mermaid (1989), which I’ll always have a soft spot for.
Ariel was my dreamer — willing to trade her voice for a chance at love and legs.
But let’s call this what it is: a very bad deal. Girl, you gave up the ability to express yourself for a guy you literally couldn’t talk to.
Still, Ariel was bold, curious, and unapologetically herself (well, pre-voice deal), and she proved that sometimes you have to take risks to find where you belong.
Let’s not forget Beauty and the Beast (1991).
Belle was the first princess who made reading look chic. She wasn’t chasing a prince; she was chasing adventure and books with more words than pictures.
The Beast? A tough sell initially. But Belle’s kindness and ability to see beyond appearances turned a cursed castle into her own romantic retreat.
Is it Stockholm Syndrome? Maybe. But the ballroom dance scene? Iconic.
Next stop is Mulan (1998), the princess who isn’t technically a princess but deserves her spot.
She saves China — no glass slippers, poisoned apples, or ballroom gowns required.
Just grit, a sword, and a talking dragon. Mulan shifted the narrative: She wasn’t waiting for a prince — she was saving her family, her country, and her honor.
The takeaway? You don’t need a tiara to be a hero.
As the Disney princess franchise evolved, so did its storytelling.
Tangled (2010) gave us Rapunzel, a girl trapped in a tower who turned frying pans into weapons and followed her dream — literally.
And Frozen (2013) broke the mold entirely.
Elsa and Anna taught us that sisterhood trumps romantic love any day.
Also, how many of us secretly wished we could belt out Let It Go during a meltdown?
Disney princess movies have always mirrored their times, growing with us as we’ve grown with them.
From Snow White’s classic damsel act to Moana navigating uncharted waters without a love interest in sight, these stories keep evolving.
And honestly, I love them for it.
So, what’s the moral of this article? Maybe it’s that life isn’t about finding a prince or a happily ever after.
It’s about resilience, kindness, and occasionally breaking into song when words fail.
And perhaps, like these princesses, we’re all just figuring it out — one poisoned apple, ballgown, or frying pan at a time.
