Disney has some of the most inspiring and iconic music in cinema, and these songs from iconic princesses capture an empowering spirit. Disney has come a long way from the original Princesses singing about a man coming to solve all their problems, with many of the more recent films featuring strong, empowered women who chase their own dreams. Whether the dream is simply embracing who they are, leaving their insular world for something bigger, or exploring what their potential is, today, Disney Princesses are icons of empowerment.
While there isn’t anything inherently wrong with chasing a romantic relationship, when Disney Princesses of old built their entire identity around that idea, it becomes problematic. Ariel, for instance, literally gave up her voice to join the people on the surface and chase a handsome prince. Modern Disney Princesses like Rapunzel and Tiana still pursue relationships, but they have their own dreams and desires, and they aren’t afraid to wield the frying pan as a weapon when they need to.
10 “Reflection”
Mulan (1998)
Mulan is an incredible example of a princess who is committed to chasing her dreams and not taking no for an answer. When conscription goes out for one man from each family to join the military efforts of an unspecified Imperial Dynasty in China, Mulan’s elderly grandfather is the only man eligible in her family. Seeking to protect his life and bring honor to her family, she sets out to enlist in his place.
“Reflection” is a song that Mulan performs as she returns home embarrassed after a series of mishaps that ruined a matchmaking ceremony for her. Desperate for the world to see her as she is, and not cast her aside, while also hoping to bring honor to her family, “Reflection” is a song all about finding the identity that is hidden beneath the world’s expectations, and an incredible example of an empowering and emotional song. The song may also resonate with audiences struggling with being seen as they truly are, and hopeful to find a way to show their true face to the world.
9 “When Will My Life Begin (Reprise 2)”
Tangled (2010)
While Rapunzel remains trapped in a tower with no hope for escape in Tangled, the vision of a bright and happy life quickly dulls into a literal prison. As Rapunzel belts out her daily routine and ponders the question of when her life will begin, a strange man stumbles upon her tower, and as a result, she ends up escaping her tower with him. Despite the reprise being brief, it perfectly captures the excitement with the lyrics “That’s when my life begins,” which not only kicks off the rest of the story but invigorates the young princess to chase her dream of seeing the lights and exploring the world.
8 “Into The Unknown”
Frozen II (2019)
Frozen and the sequel Frozen II are arguably the most empowering Disney films centered on a Disney Princess to ever come from the mouse house. “Into the Unknown” sees Elsa answering a call from a mysterious voice that invites her to explore a world far beyond her kingdom. Elsa ignores the call for a short period, but soon, she decides she needs to follow it and satisfy her curiosity and yearning for adventure. The song is a powerful ballad full of intrigue and wonder, calling upon listeners to explore a world beyond their circles.
7 “Colors of the Wind”
Pocahontas (1995)
Pocahontas marked a transition in Disney movies away from traditions that had plagued their films for decades. “Colors of the Wind” is an incredibly powerful ballad about the value of life and nature across its endless spectrum. As Pocahontas tries to teach John Smith about the beauty of nature and creatures beyond the ones that simply resemble him, this song illustrates the point beautifully. It’s powerful, thought-provoking, and just as poignant today as when it was first released.
6 “How Far I’ll Go”
Moana (2016)
This emotional song from Moana details the desire of the title character to explore the world beyond her island. Her dreams of sailing far away are not due to a difficult relationship with her family, or any less love for her people and home, but she recognizes an innate desire to explore outside the familiar world she has spent her whole life in. It shows a great deal of self-awareness and acceptance on Moana’s part as she doesn’t accept a life that is being passively handed to her over a life that she actively chooses for herself.
5 “Almost There”
The Princess And The Frog (2009)
In The Princess and the Frog, Tiana is a strong and independent young woman who works incredibly hard to achieve her goals. Having lost her father at a young age, she carries forward their shared dream of opening a restaurant. She works tirelessly in multiple waitressing jobs to save up enough money. “Almost There” is a song full of hope and joy detailing her efforts to save, putting aside short-term pleasures in favor of her long-term goals. Tiana is an incredible example of a woman who knows what she wants and will work hard until she gets it.
4 “What Else Can I Do”
Encanto (2021)
In Encanto, Mirabel may be one of the only people in her family who doesn’t have magical powers, but her ability to bring her family together and bring out the best in others is extraordinary. In a moment when she seeks to reconcile with her sister, Isabela learns that her abilities are more versatile than she first thought. Isabela sings about the desire to learn about her expanding abilities and explore more of her personality instead of just the image that her family and community have drawn up of her.
3 “Just Around The Riverbend”
Pocahontas (1995)
Before there was Elsa singing “Into the Unknown,” Pocahontas sang “Just Around the Riverbend.” A song that invokes a sense of adventure and moving forward into an unfamiliar place. The song is clearly a call to adventure, about bravely moving toward a way of life that is unfamiliar, out of a comfort zone that has the character stuck. With such an inspirational theme, the song can’t help but be inspiring and empowering for anyone uncertain about taking the next steps.
2 “Let It Go”
Frozen (2013)
The original hit that popularized Frozen, and its leading lady, Elsa, “Let It Go” became an anthem for anyone and everyone struggling to contain their true selves to appease the people around them. Frozen’s Elsa struggled with concealing her ice powers for years, hiding away from the public and pushing her personality and powers down. The themes and lyrics resonated with people of all ages as they claimed the song for themselves as a way to “let go” of fears and anxieties in favor of being their authentic selves.
1 “Touch The Sky”
Brave (2012)
Brave may be one of Disney’s most underrated Princess movies, and it came out the year before Frozen. Merida is a princess with no interest in pursuing a romantic relationship and prefers to explore the woods and practice her archery. Merida is full of life, and she doesn’t need another person to complete her. “Touch the Sky” is about chasing adventure, having complete belief in oneself, and going after dreams no matter how impossible they might appear. With such an incredible theme and clear message, performed beautifully and full of energetic hope, “Touch the Sky” edges out the top spot for the most empowering Disney Princess songs of all time.
