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- Disney's live-action remakes of their classic animated movies have been a large part of the studio's releases in recent years, and there are two new iterations of Disney princess tales coming out soon. The Little Mermaid is scheduled for release in May 2023, while a new Snow White will follow in 2024. But before they make their live-action debuts, there are plenty of Disney Princesses left to brighten everyone's day.
For years, Disney princesses have been inspiring and entertaining people. From their gorgeous outfits and love lives to their stunning castles and motivational attitudes, Disney's leading ladies are true heroes and icons.
The princesses are also very quote-able, with their spirited speeches and memorable songs; while each princess is unique, some themes are present in a lot of their stories, with quotes about dreams, hard work, goals, and determination proving popular. Each princess' quote reveals something about her character and can act as a great motivation.
Updated on November 14th, 2022 by Stacie Rook:
Disney's live-action remakes of their classic animated movies have been a large part of the studio's releases in recent years, and there are two new iterations of Disney princess tales coming out soon. The Little Mermaid is scheduled for release in May 2023, while a new Snow White will follow in 2024. But before they make their live-action debuts, there are plenty of Disney Princesses left to brighten everyone's day.
"Remember...
You're The One Who Can Fill The World With Sunshine."
Snow White - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Snow White from Disney's first princess movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, had a happy and pleasant personality which made her near-impossible not to love, as evidenced by the many animals who met and loved her.
Snow White always brought her optimistic attitude to any situation she was put in, despite her hardships, and this quote exemplifies her typical demeanor, as she believes that having a positive approach to life will bring sunshine and happiness to everyone.
"You Can't Marry A Man You Just Met."
Elsa - Frozen (2013)
Elsa from Frozen is notable for starring in one of the best Disney movies without a Prince Charming, but that doesn't mean that there aren't characters who pretend to be one in the story. In fact, near the start of the movie, Elsa's sister Anna quickly falls for Prince Hans and the two decide that they should get married immediately.
Elsa is rightly skeptical about this, and this quote serves not only to prove that Elsa has good intuition, but also as a meta-commentary on past Disney princesses where this has been the case. This quote shows that Disney has come a long way over the years in their depiction of princesses, and that their new royal characters continue to get more varied.
“Where There Is Kindness, There Is Goodness.
And Where There Is Goodness, There Is Magic.”
Cinderella - Cinderella (1950)
The titular character of Cinderella has had a difficult life, living with an evil step-family and being forced to do all the housework, all while being treated poorly and not having a life of her own outside the house.
Even though her circumstance at home is awful, Cinderella still has a bright outlook on life, and is as kind as she can be to everyone she meets. Cinderella believes that such kindness brings goodness and magic in life, and the timely arrival of her Fairy Godmother proves her right.
"Step Outside Of Your Comfort Zone...
For That's Where Life Truly Begins."
Rapunzel - Tangled (2010)
In Tangled, Rapunzel has spent almost her entire life, for as long as she can remember, locked away in a tower by Mother Gothel, and although she believes that she's been isolated out of protection, she yearns to escape and see the world for herself instead of just hearing about it.
Rapunzel's afraid to leave everything she's ever known, particularly given the frightening tales of the outside world that Mother Gothel has told her, but she's also determined to challenge herself and take chances in life, with this quote illustrating that once she takes that step, she's far happier for it.
"If You Dream A Thing More Than Once, It's Sure To Come True."
Aurora - Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Aurora, otherwise known by her movie's title as Sleeping Beauty, is a young woman who believes in the power of dreams. Raised by three fairies in the woods, Aurora has a strong imagination, and this quote summarizes her attitude.
In the movie, Aurora had to have faith that she would be saved one day, and get her happily ever after. Although she unfortunately had to depend on someone else to save her, she was able to envision a brighter future for herself, which kept her going even when she was unable to change her circumstances.
"If I Do Marry, I Want It To Be For Love."
Jasmine - Aladdin (1992)
Aladdin has one of the best opening scenes of a Disney movie, and the story's princess is equally beloved. In the film, Jasmine is caught in a difficult situation. As the Sultan's daughter, there's pressure for her to get married in a way that will benefit her kingdom, but her budding romance with Aladdin is what she wants to pursue.
Jasmine is a strong and independent character who doesn't stand for injustice, and as this quote references, she frequently tells her father that if she ever does get married—because it's not a guarantee—she'll marry who she chooses, and be married for love.
“If You Keep On Believing...
The Dream That You Wish Will Come True.”
Cinderella - Cinderella (1950)
Ultimately, Cinderella is a rags-to-riches story, and Cinderella's approach to life throughout the tale is to make the most of her current situation, but not give up on her dreams, however improbable they may seem.
Even though she is mistreated, Cinderella has faith that she will one day move beyond her wicked step-family, and as this quote expresses, it's her belief in her dream, coupled with her determined perseverance, that leads to her attending the magical ball that changes her life.
“The Only Way To Get What You Want In This World...
Is Through Hard Work.”
Tiana - The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Whether Disney princesses are cleaning houses, ruling kingdoms, fighting battles, or helping others, they are putting in great effort and showing off their skills, and things are no different for Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.
Tiana's lifelong dream is to open up her own restaurant, and at the movie's outset, she's working as a waitress and honing her wonderful skills as a cook so that she can make that a reality. Tiana dedicates her life to her restaurant dream and doesn't let setbacks stop her from achieving it.
“I Want More.”
Ariel - The Little Mermaid (1989)
While it could appear that Ariel in The Little Mermaid already had everything she could ever want as a princess living under the sea at the start of her film, she desired a different kind of life. Ariel had a fascination with the human world and its many unfamiliar objects, and after she saw Prince Eric, she knew she belonged on the land too.
It was not an easy adventure for Ariel, and her loved ones were not sure if she had made a good decision. In the end, though, her wish for a different and more fulfilling life was granted, as she lived happily ever after out of the water.
“Believe You Can, Then You Will.”
Mulan - Mulan (1998)
In her self-titled movie, one of the best classic Disney heroes, Mulan, went on a journey of self-discovery, urging viewers with this quote to keep believing in themselves.
Mulan is motivated to do what is right in her story, and her belief in her actions is strengthened once she fully realizes her own strength and potential. Mulan proves that self-confidence is the first step towards success in any situation, whether that's in taking on an army or something far smaller.
“I’m Sure I’ll Get Along Somehow.
Everything’s Going To Be Alright.”
Snow White - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Snow White paved the way for other Disney leading ladies, displaying recognizable princess traits such as beauty, kindness, and strength.
No matter what came her way, Snow White remained positive and caring, recognizing that somehow it would all be okay in the end. She was always confident that there would be a happy ending for her, even after her life had been turned upside down, and with this approach to life, she was able to see the good in those often overlooked.
“Our Fate Lives Within Us;
You Only Have To Be Brave Enough To See It.”
Merida - Brave (2012)
Fittingly enough, Merida from Brave is the source of an incredible quote about bravery, speaking of fate and looking inwards. An animated movie that deals with serious issues, Brave explores the strict gendered expectations Merida faces as a princess in her family, and the bravery she has to defy these expectations.
Merida's words show that no matter what someone's dreams and goals are, they can be pursued if approached courageously. Just as Merida proves in Brave that she is worth taking seriously, others can also show that their desires are important.
“It's Not Until You Lose Everything...
That You Can Truly Appreciate Everything.”
Belle - Beauty and the Beast (1991)
At the start of Beauty and the Beast, Belle was living a normal life, spending her days reading and talking to her father, but everything changed when he disappeared. Belle went searching for him, and was locked away by the Beast. The Beast's dark history had left him bitter, and the two individuals started things off at odds with one another.
Belle and the Beast had both experienced losses and pain, and Belle's quote shows how they can impact a person's life, suggesting that low times can make a person even more grateful for all they have, and have had.
“I Am Not A Prize To Be Won.”
Jasmine - Aladdin (1992)
Aladdin's Jasmine is an outspoken character who will not stay quiet when she hears of another's wrongdoings, particularly when they concern her own life.
She is never afraid to speak up or speak out, even when it is tough and even when it is in a conversation with someone close to her, and this confident quote proves her tenacity. Jasmine constantly asserts her own value in the movie, positioning her as a modern-day princess that people can look up to.
“Let Your Power Shine.”
Rapunzel - Tangled (2010)
Just as Rapunzel’s hair shines, so does her wisdom, which is evident in this quote. Rapunzel sings these words in order to activate her hair's magical healing properties, and it's a reminder of a lesson that she learns in Tangled, that she doesn't need to hide her powers for anyone else's benefit.
This idea goes against all that Rapunzel was taught by Mother Gothel, but it's a vital lesson for Rapunzel to learn. Only by becoming self-assured and proud of her power can Rapunzel move out of Mother Gothel's shadow, and live her life on her own terms.