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5) Jasmine from "Aladdin"

While Jasmine has always been admired for her spunk and attitude, her lack of conviction can get pretty lame. Instead of trying to push for new laws or reforms in Agrabah by talking to her father who, it seems, would listen to something besides her constant complaint about wanting to leave the palace, Jasmine just whines about how tough it is to be a princess and live in a palace. I mean, come on Jasmine- didn’t seeing Aladdin’s tough life when you snuck out that one day give you an idea of the poverty so many in your kingdom are experiencing? All you do is complain about being at the top of a social hierarchy that your entire society subsists on. If you asked anyone in Agrabah whether they would rather be an average citizen or royalty in such an extreme class system, I guarantee they would pick the latter. Get over yourself, Jasmine. The carpet’s not even yours, either- you only get it when you marry Aladdin. 

4) Belle from "Beauty and the Beast"

Not only is Belle a total bookworm (which is awesome), but the fact that she completely turns down a proposal from the "cutest" guy in the village simply because she doesn’t like him is admirable for a woman living in a society that has always imposed the idea of marriage and provincial life. She sees so much more than everyone around her that she does, in fact, fall in love with a terrifying beast because she can see beyond social norms. Yes, she just ends up getting married in the end to experience this change, but she has such a great adventure between her leaving her little town and ending up with the beast, that it doesn’t really matter in the end. 

3) Ariel from "The Little Mermaid"

Most importantly, Ariel is a mermaid. Therefore, she is just awesome. Beyond her genetic make-up, however, many judge Ariel for "falling in love" too soon and at much too young of an age, but people need to give her more credit. She wanted to leave the ocean and have a different life way before Eric ever came into the picture- he just happened to be another motivation to speed up the moving out process for Ariel. Beyond that, Ariel took her desire for this other life (now with the man of her dreams and, let’s get real, Eric is pretty dreamy) into her own hands. She went to Ursula to become a human, and she risked everything- family, home, and future- to try and experience something new that she knew she would never forgive herself for letting pass her by. Ariel has quite the spirit for a young mermaid who has been given everything, yet yearns for so much more out of life. 

SEE ALSO: How 'Frozen' Defies The Traditional Princess Narrative

2) Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog"

First of all, Tiana can cook food for anyone, and not just any food, but food from New Orleans…meaning she can stuff you full of beignets. That skill alone will serve her infinitely well in any profession she goes for. Everyone loves beignets. More importantly, however, is Tiana’s work ethic, which shows every little girl that no one needs a man to stand on one’s own feet, and that you alone can make your dreams happen. Her constant struggle to make something of her life and fulfill her dreams of owning her own restaurant is empowering and revolutionary for the Disney princesses.

1) Pocahontas from "Pocahontas"

Beyond her constant fight for social justice and racial equality, she also paints with the colors of the wind, which sounds pretty difficult if you ask me. Pocahontas’ determination and perseverance while torn between two xenophobic cultures that are each trying to destroy each other is quite commendable not only for someone living in a culture where racial differences have never been a problem, but also for a woman during her time period. Not only does Pocahontas stand up for what she believes in, but she also breaks all social barriers when she introduces interracial love to these two cultures by falling for the extremely attractive John Smith. Pocahontas is definitely the winner for best Disney princess.

Reach Staff Reporter Chelsea Hernandez here.