Disney princesses have long been symbols of grace, resilience, and charm, each bringing a unique personality and story to the brand. With Disney once again cranking out another live-action remake of a classic film in this week’s Snow White, now’s a good time to think about the best princess. In the 100+ years of Disney’s existence, we’ve seen princesses come from royalty, have a rags-to-riches tale, become war heroes, and possess magical powers. However, among them all, the best Disney princess comes from the 2010 film Tangled: Rapunzel. Her intelligence, bravery, kindness, and unbreakable spirit captivated audiences. Her journey from an isolated tower to self-discovery, her relatability, emotional depth, and modern approach to independence make her the most well-rounded and inspirational princess of them all.

Rapunzel’s backstory sets her apart from other Disney princesses. Unlike traditional princesses who are aware of their royal lineage from birth, Rapunzel spends most of her life in isolation, unaware of her true identity. Kidnapped as an infant by Mother Gothel, she grows up believing that she is merely an ordinary girl with extraordinarily long, magical hair. This unconventional upbringing makes her journey of self-discovery particularly compelling. Rather than being handed a title or kingdom, Rapunzel earns her place by fighting for her freedom and uncovering the truth about her past.

Rapunzel is not just a damsel waiting to be rescued; she is intelligent, resourceful, and curious about the world. Despite being confined to a tower for eighteen years, she teaches herself various skills, including painting, cooking, astronomy, and even self-defense. Her thirst for knowledge and adventure is evident when she meets Flynn Rider (later revealing his real name is Eugene Fitzherbert). One of Rapunzel’s most admirable qualities is her courage. Despite her fear of the outside world, ingrained in her by Mother Gothel, she takes a leap of faith and embarks on an adventure. Throughout Tangled, Rapunzel continuously demonstrates bravery, whether standing up to dangerous thugs, escaping Mother Gothel’s control, or confronting her fears. Her resilience shines when she faces adversity with unwavering determination. Unlike some princesses who rely heavily on others to solve their problems, Rapunzel takes control of her own destiny, making her a powerful role model for independence and self-empowerment.

Rapunzel’s kindness and empathy make her a genuinely beloved character. She sees the good in people, even in those society considers villains. In the Snuggly Duckling tavern, she wins over a group of intimidating ruffians by showing them compassion and encouraging them to embrace their dreams. Her ability to connect with others, including Maximus the horse and Flynn, showcases her emotional intelligence. She treats everyone with warmth and respect, proving that kindness is a strength rather than a weakness. Her relationship with Flynn is built on mutual respect and understanding, rather than the traditional prince-saves-princess dynamic.

Unlike some one-dimensional princesses, who often rely on external forces to dictate their futures, Rapunzel possesses significant emotional depth. She experiences joy, fear, sadness, and self-doubt, making her incredibly relatable. One of the most potent scenes in Tangled occurs when she finally leaves the tower. She oscillates between exhilaration and guilt, a realistic portrayal of what it feels like to step outside of one’s comfort zone. The moment is perfectly capitalized by a reprise of the opening number "When Will My Life Begin," which never fails to bring viewers joy. This emotional complexity makes Rapunzel’s journey deeply personal for viewers who have faced similar internal struggles.

Rapunzel’s romance with Flynn is one of the most well-developed relationships in Disney history. Their dynamic is based on equality, with both characters contributing to each other’s growth. The climactic moment when Flynn sacrifices himself for Rapunzel’s freedom—and her subsequent act of saving him with her tears—showcases their love and commitment.

Rapunzel’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment makes her an outstanding role model for audiences of all ages. She teaches valuable lessons about resilience, self-belief, and kindness. Her story encourages viewers to step outside their comfort zones, face their fears, and pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles. With her enduring popularity, heartfelt story, and meaningful character development, Rapunzel sees the light in everything while staying true to herself; making her the best Disney princess.

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