Top 10 Most Heroic Things Disney Princesses Have Ever Done

At the beginning of “Tangled,” we learn Princess Rapunzel has spent most of her life locked in a tower by the wicked Mother Gothel. Her life changes when Flynn breaks in and agrees to take her on an adventure. During their travels, Rapunzel uses her magical hair to swing him to safety, prevent them from drowning and heal his wounds. But her most heroic moment comes after Mother Gothel injures Flynn. Rapunzel offers to surrender her freedom to the villainess if she’s allowed to heal Flynn. Rapunzel’s choice to give up the one thing she’s been denied her entire life to save a life is incredibly selfless. Fortunately, Mother Gothel’s defeat guarantees Rapunzel will have her freedom forever.

During the climax of “Wreck-It Ralph”, Princess Vanellope's world is overtaken by tons of vicious Cy-bugs. Unfortunately, her special glitching abilities prevent her from escaping her home. Ralph prepares to sacrifice his life to lure all the Cy-bugs into a volcano. But just as he is about to fall into lava, Vanellope uses her powers to race in and save him. What makes her save especially courageous is that she relied on her glitching abilities. After Vanellope was constantly ridiculed and shunned for her glitching abilities, she tried not to use them. But she’s able to embrace and wield her powers expertly to save Ralph. Vanellope’s courage and self-acceptance in the face of danger make her into one sweet heroine.

Merida constantly rebels against her people’s view of how a princess should behave. She prefers free-climbing mountains and archery to meetings and etiquette lessons. When Merida is told her duties as a princess include marrying one of three suitors, she comes up with a plan to defy the royal tradition. She tells the men they must compete in a public archery contest; after they’ve all taken their shots, Merida enters the contest, and effortlessly outshoots all her suitors. Although Merida’s actions are met with negative reactions, she sticks to her guns (or, bows). Her brave decision ultimately inspires her family and her society to leave tradition behind and let royals choose if — and who — they will marry.

The tale as old as time involves a big sacrifice. When Belle's father Maurice is imprisoned in the Beast’s castle, she goes into the forest to rescue him. But after she arrives, the fearsome Beast refuses to let her father leave. The only way Belle can free Maurice is by offering to take his place as a prisoner. The beast’s monstrous appearance and vicious attitude is enough to send most people running. But Belle is willing to look him straight in the face to protect her father. Her extraordinary act of courage initially only saves Maurice. However, Belle’s continued perseverance and bravery eventually helps save the Beast as well.

Despite working nonstop to earn enough money for her dream restaurant, Tiana is told it isn’t enough. At her lowest point, she meets a talking frog claiming to be Prince Naveen. He tells her the curse Dr. Facilier placed on him could be reversed with a kiss. After Naveen offers to fund her dreams, she kisses him…. and is turned into a frog, too. After a few harrowing adventures, Dr. Facilier offers to restore her humanity and fulfill her dream if she betrays the prince. But Tiana refuses and frees Naveen from Facilier’s sinister magic. She could’ve been stuck as a frog who never got her restaurant! Tiana’s willingness to give up her dream to do what’s right represents what a heroine should be.

Sometime before Elsa was born, her grandfather built a dam between the kingdom of Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest where the Northuldran people lived. Her grandfather also killed an unarmed Northuldran leader. These actions disturbed the forest spirits so much that they prevented anyone inside the Enchanted Forest from leaving. The only way to free them is to destroy the dam. When it’s broken open, a huge torrent of water is sent rushing towards Arandelle. Just before the kingdom is flooded, Elsa uses her ice magic to stop the giant wave within seconds. Her actions cemented how powerful she truly is. Although Elsa may not be able to make up for the past, she has the strength to shape the future.

Shortly after the English settlers arrived in America, they clash with members of Pocahontas's tribe. Although she is forbidden from speaking to the British colonists, she continues to meet and fall for the English John Smith. But after a settler kills a member of Pocahontas’ tribe, John is captured and set to be executed. Pocahontas prevents his death by shielding him from a fatal blow with her own body. Her bold action and strong words cause her father to call off the execution. John's death could have been the spark that started a deadly war between the settlers and the Native Americans. Pocahontas's courageous actions saves countless lives on both sides.

When Princess Elsa loses control of her ice powers, she plunges her kingdom into an endless winter. To make matters worse, she accidentally causes her sister Anna’s heart to start freezing. Only an act of true love can stop her from freezing completely. But when Anna tries to kiss her fiancée Hans, he reveals that he’ll let her die and kill her sister to take the throne. Before Hans can strike Elsa down, Anna uses her frozen hand to shield her sister. Anna’s brave sacrifice is an act of true love that thaws her heart, saves a life, and gives Elsa the confidence to end the eternal winter. The fact that Anna gets to punch Hans in the face afterwards is icing on the cake.

In ancient times, the demigod Maui stole the heart of the Ocean goddess, Te Fiti. Hundreds of years later, the evil Te-Ka starts causing the plant and fish life around Moana’s tribe to suffer. When everything looks grim, Moana is given Te-Fiti’s heart and asked to return it, to restore her island's life. During her journey, she faces pirates, narrowly escapes a giant crab and pushes Maui to become better. Upon reaching her destination, Moana is attacked by the fiery demon Te Kā. She quickly realizes that Te-Fiti turned into the demon after losing her heart. Although Te-Fiti is ready to attack her, Moana walks forward and restores the goddess’ heart. Moana’s tremendous bravery saves humans, heals godly beings and restores life itself.

Before we crown our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Jasmine Distracts Jafar From Spotting Aladdin
“Aladdin” (1992)

Ariel Saves Eric's Life
“The Little Mermaid” (1989)

Every Disney Princess Saves Ralph
“Ralph Breaks the Internet” (2018)

Cinderella Protects Anastasia
Cinderella III: A Twist in Time plot summary

After an army of Huns invades China, the emperor decrees one man from every Chinese family must enter the military. Knowing her father is too old and sick to survive a war, Mulan pretends to be a man, and goes in his place. She trains hard to become the best warrior she can be while hiding her identity. With a combination of strength, intelligence and courage, she decimates the Hun Army and defeats their villainous leader, Shan Yu. When the emperor discovers what Mulan’s done, he encourages everyone in the country to show her respect. Mulan only intended to save her father. But by the end of her story, her heroic actions have brought peace to all of China.