Being such a strong influence over young minds, Disney has a responsibility to provide young girls with strong role models who they can learn from, strong role models they can look up to. And overall, I think they have provided plenty of examples of fantastically brave, intelligent and complex females girls can aspire to be like, despite the flack they catch for their less than…admirable life lessons they unintentionally push.
Now don’t get me wrong Disney is not without its fault. Like, there’s absolutely no way that Jasmine has all of her ribs intact. She needs a magic carpet ride to a buffet, asap.
And marrying a man you barely know is a bit irresponsible to say the least. But to be fair, Disney has already taken the time to call themselves out on this ridiculous trope (tell ‘em Elsa).
However, Disney provides a multitude of strong, well-written female heroines. And today, we’re going to be focusing on the best around, the ones that nothing is going to ever keep them down. The ones who we’d want our own daughters, nieces, cousins and sisters to grow up to be like. Heck, the ones we, ourselves, want to grow up to be like. But today we’re going to be breaking the mold just a little. We’re going to push past the classic lineup
Now this list doesn’t just include princesses, it’s open to all female Disney characters. It seems only fair considering that Moana, Disney’s latest Polynesian heroine, is no princess at all. Besides, just because they don’t get floor sweeping ball gowns and immediate brand recognition, doesn’t make them any less complex, interesting or compelling.
This list solely includes animated heroines. So if your favorite live action leading lady is nowhere to be found, that is why.
Anyway, enough with disclaimers, let’s move on with the list:
10. Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”
“Bright young women, sick of swimmin’, “
Starting off this list we have the redheaded wonder herself, Ariel from “The Little Mermaid.” Now at surface value, Ariel may not seem like the best role model for young girls. She’s irresponsible, she’s immature and she’s impulsive. All of which are fair criticisms to her character. But what makes me think that Ariel is a good role model is her go get ‘em attitude. Ariel doesn’t wait around for people to make decisions for her. If she wants something, she’s ready to take it. This is a lesson all girls should learn. Whether it be chasing after that job opportunity or selling your soul to a demonic octopus witch, Ariel teaches girls to not be afraid to go get what they want.
9. Audrey Ramirez from “Atlantis”
“Jeez, I used to take lunch money from guys like this,”
Next up is Audrey Ramirez from “Atlantis.” A very underrated character, she’s a Hispanic 16-year-old top notch mechanic, with sarcastic streak and no nonsense attitude. She’s basically Donald Trump’s worst nightmare. She’d be up higher if her character received more development and screen time, but Audrey certainly holds her own personal place on this list and in my heart.
8. Megara from “Hercules”
“You know how men are. They think ‘No’ means ‘Yes,’ and ‘Get lost’ means ‘Take me I’m yours.'”
Megara is certainly one of the most unique characters on this list. Shoot, she’s one of the most unique female characters in Disney history. She’s mature. She’s got baggage. For once in Disney, it was the woman who was the cynical realist while her male counterpart is the naive, wide eyed optimist. Megara shows girls you don’t have to be under the control of a man and you should be free to make your own decisions. Not to mention her sass is stuff of legends.
7. Elsa from “Frozen”
“Let it go! Turn away and slam the door!”
Growing up as a nervous child, I wish I had a character like Elsa to look up to. She shows children that fear doesn’t have to control you and that when you finally, forgive me, “let it go,” you become capable of so many incredible things. Sure the character has major flaws in the beginning of the story, but it’s her development over the course of the story that makes her interesting. And it’s learned lesson that makes her a good role model. Did I also mention she’s the first muthaflippin’ Disney queen? Yeah, Elsa is quite the role model.
6. Belle from “Beauty and the Beast”
“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.”
Stockholm Syndrome my ass. Belle is a badass and we all know it. She didn’t start falling in love with the Beast until after he stopped being a total jerk. And when he let her go, she left. Now that is addressed and out of the way, let’s talk about why Belle is amazing, as if everyone hasn’t covered these topics already. She’s self-sacrificial by giving her entire life to save her father’s. She’s not afraid to stand up for herself. And standing up to say six foot, tantrum prone sentient bear rug is no small feat. She’s also a total bookworm at a time where being a bookworm wasn’t common for a woman. Belle is an A+ role model.
5. Judy Hopps from “Zootopia”
“It’s called a hustle, sweetheart.”
Yeah, it’s a little weird to include an animal on this list but she’s a compelling and relatable character regardless. This bunny’s determination, intelligence and strong work ethic alone should put her on the list alone but it’s mostly her amazing character arc that defines her status as role model for me. “Zootopia” was taking quite a leap tackling subjects like racial bias (and quite possibly the crack epidemic in the 80s). Without giving too much away, Judy Hopps was a dynamic character tackling and addressing her own biases. The thing that I liked was that Judy was still a likable character, despite having biases. Her prejudices didn’t come from a place of malice but instead through what she was taught and her own experiences. It’s important to show children that no matter how “nice” you are or a person seems, anyone can be biased and prejudicial.
4. Mulan from “Mulan”
“When will my reflection show who I am inside?”
Mulan has been a badass from day one. She, like Belle, took her father’s place. But instead of being trapped in a drafty castle, she was sent off to a literal war. She not only learned but excelled at becoming a soldier, all the while keeping her identity a secret. She was quirky. She was clever. She had those Huns f*cking shook, saving her entire nation. She also cut her own hair, and it was even on the first try. Mulan teaches girls that your gender does not define your abilities.
3. Esmeralda from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
“You speak of justice, yet you are cruel to those who need your help the most.”
Where do I even begin with Esmeralda? Esmeralda was not one to idly stand by and watch the mistreatment of anyone. She was willing to put her own life on the line for socially equality and justice. She wasn’t putting up with Frollo’s creepy sexual harassment. She’s the social justice warrior that we should all aspire to be.
2. Tiana from “the Princess and the Frog”
“The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work.”
Hard-working. Determined. No nonsense. Tiana is an inspiration to any girl with a dream. Any girl that is so close to what they want and won’t let anyone step in their way. Especially in college, finding the right balance between self-care and responsibilities can be a challenge. With internships, schoolwork, homework and projects galore, it’s far too easy to forget to make time for yourself and your needs. Tiana, by the end of the film, has found that balance. Tiana inspires us all to work harder, to make our dreams more than dreams, while at the same time learning to make time for some fun along the way.
1. Nani from “Lilo and Stitch”
“Sometimes you try your hardest but things don’t work out the way you want them to.”
Even as a child, Nani was one of my favorite characters. She was basically one of the best portrayals of a big sister I have yet to see. Nani’s situation is perhaps one of the more tragically realistic Disney backstories that’s out there. Having lost both parents at once and now being the legal guardian of siblings is a reality many have had to face in this world. Nani is the definition of a trooper. She takes every curveball thrown her way in stride, always making sure that Lilo comes first. Sure, she and Lilo get into fights sometimes. They’re sisters. Sisters fight. But she adores Lilo with her heart and soul, putting her above all others including herself. I want to grow up to be like Nani. Selfless, determined and caring.
Hopefully, with the premiere of Moana rapidly approaching, she too will find herself on this list, and by extension my heart.