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- Two of Disney's most famous redheads are returning to the screen, with the Enchanted sequel Disenchanted set for release on Disney+ on November 18th, followed by the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid in May 2023. These heroines are an unforgettable part of Disney's history, thanks not only to their likable personalities, but also their memorable character designs.
Disney's extensive archive of characters all have unique appearances, the designs of which can be important in establishing the overall mood of their movie. Disney's heroines specifically tend to have signature outfits, not to mention luxurious flowing hair of all varieties.
Disney's leading ladies are not limited to being blondes, brunettes, and redheads, as some have more fantastical styles, but over the years, the studio's redheads have particularly stood out. Some are more well-liked than others, but all of Disney's redheaded characters make for unforgettable heroines.
Updated on November 8th, 2022 by Stacie Rook:
Two of Disney's most famous redheads are returning to the screen, with the Enchanted sequel Disenchanted set for release on Disney+ on November 18th, followed by the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid in May 2023. These heroines are an unforgettable part of Disney's history, thanks not only to their likable personalities, but also their memorable character designs.
10 Merida - Brave (2012)
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In Brave, viewers witness the independent princess Merida embark on a great quest to save her mother from a curse. The origins of this curse, though, were actually caused by Merida in the first place.
The story follows Merida as she tries to undo her wrongs, and face the realities of her responsibilities as a princess. Merida has many great qualities, as she's unafraid to stand up for herself, but even so, her impulsive behavior prevents her from being a more likable heroine.
9 Jessica Rabbit - Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
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In Who Framed Roger Rabbit, one of Disney's most experimental movies, Jessica Rabbit is Roger's wife. She is suspected of being disloyal to Roger and being part of a plot to frame him.
Jessica Rabbit has a complicated story arc. Initially depicted as an unfaithful and scheming character, her intentions remain unclear throughout much of the film. It isn't until the second half that her true loving nature is revealed, serving as a great lesson on the dangers of judging characters by their looks. By the movie's end, Jessica is a standout Disney heroine for her selflessness and bravery.
8 Thumbelina - Thumbelina (1994)
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The story of the titular small girl in Thumbelina (which wasn't originally a Disney production, but is now owned by the media giant) is a fantasy about fairies, flowers, and relationships with other small animals. It's a charming non-Disney movie that feels just like Disney, filled with wonder.
The fairytale film follows Thumbelina, who is mothered by a human and kidnapped by frogs before finally being saved by a fairy prince. Thumbelina learns to accept herself for who she is while teaching a hot-shot prince the meaning of true love and compassion. Her likability comes from her good heart, innocent nature, and romantic fantasies.
7 Anna - Frozen (2013)
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Frozen's lovable princess Anna became a household name alongside her sister Elsa. Even so, Anna didn't initially understand much of the hardship her sister endured due to her secret power.
During a time of great uncertainty, Anna decided to leave her kingdom and her people in the hands of a man she didn't know. She then embarked on a deadly journey to find her sister—the rightful queen—who didn't want to be found. If it wasn't for Anna's bravery and perseverance, Frozen wouldn't have had a happy ending. Her bubbly and energetic personality—matched with her tenacity—is what makes her so charming.
6 Ariel - The Little Mermaid (1989)
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From one of the best mermaid movies, The Little Mermaid's Ariel is a princess who will always be adored and admired by fans. She fought hard for her love to prevail, even when those around her were unsupportive. While Ariel's father thought her curiosity was a detriment, it was actually one of her strengths, and it's this headstrong nature that makes Ariel so beloved.
While some may feel that Ariel should have been happy in her life as King Triton's daughter because she had everything a sea princess could ever want, Disney's cherished redhead proved that following a heart's desire can be just as important, and she didn't stop until she reached her goals. Ariel is daring and brilliantly likable.
5 Jessie - Toy Story 2 (1999)
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The free-spirited character Jessie is introduced in Toy Story 2 as an energetic and spunky pull-string cowgirl toy. Jessie is a witty and headstrong character who—unlike many female characters in Disney's older works—never needed to be saved.
Jessie quickly became a fixture in the Toy Story franchise, as she added life and color to the story. While she had a traumatic past, being discarded by her owner, she overcame her troubles and learned to love again in a triumphant story development that made audiences root for her.
4 Jenny - Oliver & Company (1988)
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Jenny is the redheaded girl from a Disney movie with an underrated soundtrack, Oliver & Company. Although Jenny seemed like she had it all, she was also lonely. When she found a stray kitten named Oliver, she took him in and raised him as her own. Unbeknownst to Jenny, Oliver already belonged to a pack of stray dogs who were on a mission to bring him back.
Jenny is a heroine who will stop at nothing to protect her new kitten Oliver and give him the home he deserves. While she doesn't have the standing of a Disney princess, she definitely performs a lot of good deeds and has very admirable traits.
3 Roxanne - A Goofy Movie (1995)
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Though full of comedic hijinks, A Goofy Movie is actually one of Disney's deepest films. Throughout the movie, Roxanne doesn't have many scenes, but she still manages to be a heroine in the end. She is the popular girl at school, though she only has eyes for Max, a clumsy kid whom she finds charming and funny.
In the movie, Roxanne manages to help Max realize that he should be honest with himself and be who he really is rather than what he thinks others want him to be. Roxanne stands out thanks to her red hair, and she brings a lot of feeling to this comedy movie. Thanks to her constant kindness, brilliance, and confidence, it's hard not to like Roxanne.
2 Helen - The Incredibles (2004)
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Mrs. Incredible herself, Helen Parr, is a redheaded superhero who is ready to fight crime at every turn. Her role in The Incredibles proves her to be a good-hearted, witty, and loving mother to her super-kids. She's a character who can do it all and was one of the most intelligent characters in The Incredibles.
When her husband goes missing, Helen suits up and is ready to save him no matter what danger is involved. She took time off from fighting crime to raise her family, but when she's needed for the greater good, Mrs. Incredible rises to the occasion. Fortunately, her children stow away in her plane and help save their family from doom. Helen is one of the most likable Disney redhead heroines for her devotion to family and her ability to spring into action at any given time.
1 Giselle - Enchanted (2007)
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Disney's Enchanted is a blend between the real world and the animated world. This unique aspect made the movie more interesting because it gave viewers a more relatable princess story.
Giselle is a likable character because of her many charms and flaws. She learns the meaning of true love, an important lesson. She is a princess whose story really melts the hearts of viewers and remains relevant in Disney's movie timeline.