Leading ladies
Disney princesses have undergone a radical awakening over the decades. Here’s a ranking, from kept women to woke warriors
“Snow White & the Seven Dwarves”
Serves as nonpaid domestic help for household of tiny men; rescued from spell by a larger man.
“Cinderella”
Finds her true love only when he finds out she cleans up real nice.
“Sleeping Beauty”
Kissing the right man solves all life’s problems for her, including evil spells.
“The Little Mermaid”
Gives up her family, friends, lifestyle and home to be with a guy — who falls for her even though she doesn’t speak.
“Aladdin”
Strong ruler with a tiger as a pet, but still needs a man and his flying carpet to rescue her.
“Beauty & the Beast”
Being a bookworm helps heroine outwit her captor, albeit one she falls for anyway.
“The Princess & The Frog”
Aspiring independent restaurateur embarks on unconventional romance with frog-man, but in the end is told her ambitions aren’t as important as love.
“Mulan”
Young girl aims to subvert the patriarchy by donning male drag and becoming a warrior, but still needs to cut off her hair for equality.
“Tangled”
Imprisoned heroine matches wits with her nonroyal rescuer; they fall in love after they sacrifice for each other.
“Brave”
Bow-slinging Celtic princess makes play for independence from arranged marriage; succeeds.
“Frozen”
One sister goes it alone to live large in ice palace; the other outs Prince Charming as a jerk. In the end, it’s sisterly love — not romantic love — that saves the day.
“Moana”
Rescues herself from a volcano goddess. Holds her own with a demigod. No romantic plot at all.