Top 10 Disney Makeovers

Tiana’s now a beloved Disney princess, but she wasn’t born into royalty. Ever the hard worker, Tiana toils away at two jobs so she can open her dream restaurant; the last things on her mind are her social life and appearance. When Tiana’s rich BFF Charlotte hosts a masquerade ball for the handsome Prince Naveen, Tiana’s busy serving beignets. She takes a tumble, ruining her costume, but Charlotte comes to the rescue! Tiana dons a beautiful blue gown, long gloves, and a tiara, looking regal as can be. Then Naveen, desperate to get a kiss from a princess, thinks she’s the real deal. This chance meeting changes their lives in ways they never imagined, and Tiana’s dress makes it all possible.

It’s nice to let your hair down once in a while, but it’s pretty difficult when you have locks like Rapunzel’s. Flynn Rider, always the quick thinker, enlists the help of some eager young girls with braided hair of their own to keep that mane under control. The result is a stunning ‘do with flowers woven throughout, and Flynn sure likes it. As it turns out, Rapunzel’s hair has magical healing powers, but only if it keeps on growing. That’s what makes her second look – a brunette bob – so poignant. By cutting Rapunzel’s hair, Flynn helps set her free from her captor, the evil Mother Gothel, risking his own life to save hers. Rapunzel’s haircut is drastic, but it’s one she desperately needed.

As a healthcare companion made of huggable and inflatable vinyl, Baymax isn’t your typical robot. He begins to care for Hiro after he tragically loses his brother Tadashi, and then he’s given a bit of an upgrade: Baymax gets a fighting chip and some Japanese-influenced carbon fiber underpants. But that proved only to be the prototype for much cooler red armor, complete with wings and thrusters. Really, though, this makeover is only skin-deep. He may be beefed up on the outside, but he’s the same robot on the inside. No matter what’s asked of him, Baymax makes sure to honor his original purpose – not to harm, but to heal.

She’s one of the best archers in Scotland, and more of a tomboy than a princess. But like many young royals, it’s time for Merida to meet her suitors. That means keeping those lush red curls in check, and changing into a skin-tight blue dress. Merida’s not digging her new look, though – and that’s putting it mildly. Still, she wears it to the Highland Games, where she breaks tradition and plays for her own hand. As her dress bursts at the seams, Merida frees herself from conventional femininity, staying true to herself and crushing the competition. Although this makeover is short-lived, it shows the importance of sticking to your guns… or arrows in this case!

This gal has always wanted to explore the world above, but legs are required for all the things she desperately desires to experience. When she finally gets her legs, Ariel is still not quite ready to explore; of course, she needs some clothes first. Scuttle doesn’t really have a grasp on human customs, but he plays the part of fashion designer, making a dress out of sails and ropes. What an outfit to meet your prince in! The gracious Eric takes her to his castle, where she gets a much fancier gown for dinner. These makeovers help bring Ariel into the human world, but show that while you can take the girl out of the ocean, you can’t take the ocean out of the girl.

It’s all come down to this. Tonight is the night Beast finally gets to dance with Belle, but he has some last minute grooming to do. What’s so special about this makeover is that we start to see Beast’s true self. Far from a hot-tempered, angry figure, he’s actually quite insecure and vulnerable. Lumière and the coat rack give him a bath and experiment with some hairdos, but despite their best efforts, Beast isn’t feeling it. Eventually, however, they manage to get him to look princely enough for a dance. After spending years as a recluse due to his frightful appearance, it’s clear that Beast just wants to be loved for who he really is – a feeling that makes him all too human.

Sometimes makeover scenes can be hilarious, especially when you throw Robin Williams’ Genie into the mix. The poor Aladdin wants to impress Princess Jasmine, so he uses his first wish to have Genie turn him into a prince. At his comedic best, Genie delivers some hilarious one-liners as he fashions a muy macho new beige outfit, complete with turban and golden shoes, for our favorite street rat. With his new ensemble, and persona Prince Ali, Aladdin gains the confidence to follow his heart. Due to its timeless humor and its impact on the rags-to-riches protagonist, Aladdin’s makeover is one of the most memorable and beloved transformations in Disney history.

Ever since she accidentally hurt her sister Anna, Elsa has had to hide her magical powers and who she really is. On the day of her coronation as Queen of Arendelle, things come to an icy head, and Elsa runs away from the kingdom she thinks won’t accept her. Finally able to relinquish the mantra of “conceal, don’t feel” and be herself, Elsa lets her hair down – literally. Using her powers freely and in a brand new way, Elsa turns her coronation dress into a sparkly blue gown as she performs her signature song. Elsa’s makeover not only allows her to let it go; it also helps her learn to embrace what was once her secret curse.

Some makeovers take tough decisions and lots of courage. As a woman, Mulan is supposed to bring honor to her family with her beauty and poise, but she was never one for convention. So, when the Chinese army comes to call, and Mulan’s veteran father is enlisted to serve, Mulan secretly takes matters into her own hands. Cutting her hair and donning her dad’s old uniform, she makes herself look like a man in order to replace him. By the time her parents and grandmother wake up, she’s long gone, and only her comb remains. Mulan’s makeover reflects her strength and heroism, and poignantly proves her devotion to those she loves the most.


Before we get to our #1 Disney makeover, here are some honorable mentions:

- Pocahontas
“Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World” (1998)

- Tarzan
“Tarzan” (1999)

There have been many Disney makeovers since, but none has stood the test of time like Cinderella’s. A hardworking girl mistreated by her cruel stepfamily, we can’t help but root for Cinders when she wants to go to the royal ball. Cinderella’s hopes are dashed when her stepsisters ruin her original outfit: a pretty pink dress that once belonged to her mother. This is what makes her magical makeover so satisfying. With her fairy godmother and animal pals to help, Cinderella’s dreams start coming true. Her tattered dress becomes a stunning gown, complete with an up-do and iconic glass slippers, showing Cinderella for the true princess she is.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite Disney makeover? For more stylish Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.