Top 10 Non-Disney Movie Princesses Who Will Blow Your Mind

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When you consider Disney, what thoughts arise? Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, animation, theme parks, and princesses. The Disney Princesses have emerged as one of the studio’s most successful and profitable franchises. Although Disney was initially built upon Mickey Mouse, it was the princesses who contributed significantly to its growth. The classic Disney characters you recognize include Snow White, Cinderella, Elsa, Ariel, Tiana, and numerous others. Even Princess Leia from Star Wars is now included under Disney’s brand.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that there are several movie princesses outside the Disney realm. Some of these characters appear in live-action films, while others are animated. While some of their names might be new to you, others are as legendary as the Disney Princesses. Here are 10 remarkable non-Disney film princesses who have captured our hearts for decades:

1. Elsa from “Frozen” (2013) – not a part of the Disney Princess franchise
2. Mia Thermopolis from “The Princess Diaries” (2001 and 2004) – not a traditional fairy tale princess
3. Rapunzel from “Tangled” (2010) – produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, but not part of the official Disney Princess lineup
4. Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” (1989) – though she was a Disney character, she was not part of the original Disney Princesses and had a more rebellious persona
5. Merida from “Brave” (2012) – another non-traditional Disney princess who bucked convention and asserted her independence
6. Mulan from “Mulan” (1998 and 2020) – an empowering Chinese heroine who was not a part of the original Disney Princesses
7. Esmeralda from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996) – a strong-willed gypsy woman who was neither a traditional princess nor affiliated with Disney
8. Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) – while she is part of the Disney Princess lineup, her story was originally a French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont
9. Snow White and Cinderella from their respective films (1937 and 1950) – though these characters are iconic Disney princesses, their stories were originally Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales
10. Princess Mononoke from “Princess Mononoke” (1997) – a Japanese animated film by Studio Ghibli featuring the titular character who is not part of any traditional princess lineup but embodies strength and resilience.

10
Princess Odette

‘The Swan Princess’ (1994)

In my opinion, experiencing “The Swan Princess” truly resonates with the enchanting world of a Disney Princess. Much like these iconic characters, Odette is a cursed royalty who shares an extraordinary bond with the animal kingdom. Remarkably similar to numerous Disney tales, “The Swan Princess” is a reimagining of a timeless story – in this instance, it’s the captivating ballet, “Swan Lake.

Despite receiving favorable critiques, The Swan Princess was a commercial flop, primarily due to audiences choosing to watch Disney’s The Lion King instead. However, Princess Odette has managed to cultivate a dedicated fanbase over time. Since its initial release, there have been 11 direct-to-video sequels, with the latest one coming out in 2023. Notably, each of these sequels centers around Princess Odette, solidifying her position as the lead character within her own franchise.

9
Princess Lili

‘Legend’ (1985)

In the realm of filmmaking, I had the pleasure of being captivated by the magical journey of “Legend,” a timeless masterpiece directed by the visionary Ridley Scott. Set in an enchanting world, this 1980s cult favorite follows my own personal hero, a young man named Jack, played by the charismatic Tom Cruise, as he embarks on a quest to shield daylight from being annihilated by the malevolent Lord of Darkness. The captivating Tim Curry brings this sinister character to life with chilling precision. Adding to the spellbinding cast is Mia Sara, who enchants us with her charm as Princess Lili, a role she gracefully carried out after stealing our hearts in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Similar to many Disney princesses, Princess Lili possesses the ability to converse with animals due to Jack’s instruction. She prefers a connection with nature and a humble lifestyle over ruling a kingdom. Some might say her curiosity towards the forbidden unicorn led to the Lord of Darkness gaining control, placing her lower on our list. However, for countless 1980s boys, Princess Lili was their first cinematic crush.

8
Thumbelina

‘Thumbelina’ (1994)

If you were born in the ’90s, chances are you recall the story of Thumbelina. This tale revolves around our miniature heroine, Thumbelina, who finds herself smitten by a fairy prince. Despite her petite size, Thumbelina proves to be quite resilient, standing up against insects like beetles and amphibians such as toads.

Thumbelina is a character reminiscent of those found in Disney films. Similar to her fellow Disney Princesses, her tale originates from an enduring fairy story by Hans Christian Andersen. Notably, Thumbelina was brought to life by Don Bluth, a significant rival of Disney in the 90s animation scene (he also created popular animated masterpieces such as “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” “An American Tail,” and “The Land Before Time”). Like Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” Thumbelina doesn’t initially hold the title of princess. However, she earns this distinction upon accepting a fairy prince’s proposal and growing wings to become a fairy princess. C’est magnifique, Tinkerbell!

7
Anastasia

‘Anastasia’ (1997)

1997 saw me captivated by another masterpiece from Don Bluth titled “Anastasia”. In a world that mirrors 1926, the story unfolds around a woman I came across, who teams up with two cunning impostors in an attempt to deceive the Russian Empress. The twist? This seemingly ordinary lady is none other than the empress’s long-lost granddaughter, Anastasia Romanov, suffering from amnesia and unaware of her royal lineage.

Anastasia exhibits a lively spirit, but it’s undeniable that she can be cunning and untruthful. Yet, her determination to explore her identity and uncover the truth about her past is intense. In this portrayal, the story revolves around the myths and speculations surrounding the historical Anastasia, which have been debunked. However, for 90 minutes within this narrative, Anastasia appears alive and, surprisingly, receives a joyful conclusion.

6
Princess Moanna

‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ (2006)

Contrary to many others on our list, this particular entry is not meant for children. Instead, “Pan’s Labyrinth” can be described as an R-rated fairy tale that skillfully blends reality with fantasy, creating a stark contrast between the harshness of adult life and the innocence of childhood. Set in 1944 Spain under fascist rule, it follows a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), who embarks on a magical quest to reclaim her kingdom as the legendary Princess Moanna. In essence, she serves as our guide, leading us through this enchanting yet perilous Wonderland, much like Alice in Lewis Carroll’s tales.

In the movie directed by Guillermo del Toro, the question arises: Could Ofelia truly be a princess, and is there any truth behind the magic portrayed? The director intentionally leaves this ambiguous, allowing each viewer to form their own conclusion. Depending on your perspective, Ofelia’s ending could either be filled with great beauty or marked by deep sadness.

5
Princess Camille

‘Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland’ (1989)

The captivating animated movie “Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland” is an underrated gem that you might not have come across yet. Originally inspired by a comic strip from 1905, this classic tale was reimagined for the big screen in Netflix’s 2022 film titled “Slumberland,” featuring Jason Momoa. In this enchanting story, a young boy named Nemo embarks on a magical voyage through dreams and nightmares, eventually reaching the breathtaking realm of Slumberland.

In a dream-like realm called Slumberland resides a youthful princess named Camille, gifted with the ability to play the harp melodiously and sing enchantingly. At first glance, she appears haughty and self-indulgent, but upon meeting Nemo, she develops affection for him. Eventually, she emerges as a valiant character, assisting Nemo in his mission to save her father, King Morpheus. Although Camille is not a genuine princess, she originates from Nemo’s dreams, influenced by a young circus performer he once encountered. Despite this, the fictional princess Camille has left an indelible mark on fans who grew up cherishing this timeless cult classic.

4
Princess Buttercup

‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)

The movie “The Princess Bride” is renowned for its fantastic genre, seamlessly combining humor and action. It tells the tale of a dashing adventurer who triumphs against many obstacles to find his beloved, Princess Buttercup, once more.

In simpler terms, the character of Princess Buttercup, portrayed by Robin Wright at a younger age, may not have the most regal-sounding name, but due to her stunning looks, intense emotions, and memorable love tale, she has earned herself a place among the most renowned princesses in film history.

3
Princess Peach

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ (2023)

If you’ve dabbled with a game featuring Super Mario, then you likely know about Princess Peach. She is the regent of Mushroom Kingdom, frequently rescued from Bowser. In 2023, Princess Peach graced the big screen for the first time in her feature film debut, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with Anya Taylor-Joy lending her voice to the character.

In video games, Peach is often shown as a damsel needing rescue by Mario. However, the 2023 animated film broke this stereotype, making Luigi the captive instead. The movie showcased Peach as a competent leader and strong ruler, prepared to defend her kingdom. Regardless of the medium, Princess Peach is renowned for her iconic and influential portrayal among princess characters.

2
Princess Fiona

‘Shrek’

Shrek playfully satirizes the fairytale genre and traditional elements of a classic Disney film. It incorporates fairy-tale allusions and stereotypes, such as the damsel-in-distress princess confined within a tower, patiently awaiting her heroic knight. However, Princess Fiona deviates significantly from the conventional Disney Princess archetype.

As a devoted fan, I’d say: “I adore Cameron Diaz’s portrayal of Fiona, the feisty protagonist who seldom requires rescuing. She’s demonstrated an impressive knack for hand-to-hand combat, channeling moves from ‘The Matrix’. Yet, her humor often takes a backseat to Shrek and Donkey’s antics. Fiona learns to embrace herself when a spell transforms her into an ogre forever. However, in Shrek’s eyes, she remains breathtakingly beautiful, challenging the traditional Disney fairy tale ideal that has been prevalent since 1937. Excitedly, Cameron Diaz is returning as Fiona in ‘Shrek 5’, slated for a grand release on December 23, 2026.

1
Wonder Woman

‘Wonder Woman’

In the DC Extended Universe (now deceased), Wonder Woman starred in her own movie series, with Gal Gadot portraying her flawlessly. This ancient Amazonian fighter appears as if she’s barely 30 years old, yet has lived for countless millennia. Wonder Woman is capable of dodging bullets, confronting superhuman adversaries, and withstanding many near-death scenarios. However, it requires a meta-human of Superman’s caliber to finally vanquish her. Incidentally, she also holds the title of princess.

In her downtime from being the renowned superhero, Wonder Woman, she’s Princess Diana hailing from Themyscira, a female-populated nation. She plays a crucial role in governing this secluded land and acts as an envoy to other nations. Under her guidance, Themyscira has begun welcoming esteemed visitors from the outside world. Apart from being a globally recognized superhero, Wonder Woman is also widely known for her fictional status as a beloved princess.

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2025-05-25 20:05