Top Disney Princess Movies: Highest Grossing Films Ranked
The world of Disney Princesses is a realm of dreams, catchy songs, and, of course, box office gold! These animated and live-action films have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, not just with their enchanting stories but also with their impressive financial success. Let's dive into the top-grossing Disney Princess movies, celebrating the magic and the millions they've earned.
1. Frozen (2013) & Frozen II (2019)
When we talk about top-grossing Disney Princess movies, we absolutely have to start with Frozen and Frozen II. These movies aren't just princess stories; they're cultural phenomena! Frozen, released in 2013, immediately captivated audiences with its themes of sisterhood, self-acceptance, and the ever-catchy "Let It Go." Earning over $1.28 billion worldwide, it became the highest-grossing animated film at the time, and it's easy to see why. The story of Elsa, the queen with ice powers, and her adventurous sister Anna resonated with viewers of all ages. The stunning animation, memorable characters like Olaf and Kristoff, and the powerful message made it a must-see. Frozen didn't just break box office records; it also won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Then came Frozen II in 2019, which managed to surpass even its predecessor's success! Grossing over $1.45 billion globally, it became the highest-grossing animated film of all time (a title it holds to this day) and further solidified the franchise's place in cinematic history. This sequel delved deeper into Elsa's powers and the history of Arendelle, offering a more complex and mature storyline. The animation was even more breathtaking, with stunning visuals of the enchanted forest and the dark sea. The songs were just as captivating, with "Into the Unknown" becoming another instant classic. What's so amazing about the Frozen movies is their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, exploring themes of family, identity, and environmentalism. They've set a new standard for animated films and proven that Disney Princess stories can continue to evolve and resonate with modern audiences. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, the magic of Frozen is undeniable, and its box office success is a testament to its enduring appeal. So, grab your Olaf plushie, sing along to your favorite songs, and let's celebrate the Frozen phenomenon!
2. Beauty and the Beast (2017)
The live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast (2017) truly demonstrated the enduring appeal of classic Disney stories. Starring Emma Watson as Belle, this film brought the beloved animated tale to life with stunning visuals and a star-studded cast. Earning over $1.26 billion worldwide, it quickly became one of the highest-grossing live-action musicals of all time, proving that audiences were eager to see this timeless story reimagined for a new generation. The film followed the familiar plot of Belle, a bright and independent young woman, who is imprisoned in the castle of a cursed prince, the Beast. As Belle gets to know the Beast and looks past his frightening exterior, she begins to fall in love with his kind heart. The film kept all the iconic songs from the original, such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Be Our Guest," and "Something There," while also adding some new tunes to enhance the emotional depth of the story. The visual effects were absolutely incredible, bringing the enchanted objects and the Beast himself to life in a way that was both realistic and magical. Emma Watson delivered a wonderful performance as Belle, capturing her intelligence, compassion, and adventurous spirit. The supporting cast, including Dan Stevens as the Beast, Luke Evans as Gaston, and Josh Gad as LeFou, were also fantastic, adding humor and heart to the story. Beauty and the Beast (2017) resonated with audiences because it stayed true to the spirit of the original while also adding its own unique flair. It reminded us of the importance of inner beauty, kindness, and looking beyond appearances. The film's success is a testament to the power of Disney's storytelling and its ability to create movies that appeal to audiences of all ages.
3. Aladdin (2019)
Stepping into a whole new world of box office success is the 2019 live-action Aladdin! This vibrant and visually stunning adaptation of the classic animated film charmed its way into the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning over $1.05 billion globally. With its dazzling special effects, catchy musical numbers, and a charismatic cast, Aladdin proved that some stories truly are timeless. The film stars Mena Massoud as Aladdin, a street urchin who discovers a magic lamp and unleashes the Genie, played by the ever-entertaining Will Smith. With the Genie's help, Aladdin disguises himself as a prince to win the heart of Princess Jasmine, played by Naomi Scott. But he soon finds that true love and happiness can't be bought with riches or power. Aladdin stayed true to the beloved songs from the original animated film, including "A Whole New World," "Friend Like Me," and "Prince Ali," while also adding new musical numbers that showcased Jasmine's strength and independence. The visual effects were truly breathtaking, bringing the magical world of Agrabah to life with vibrant colors, intricate costumes, and stunning set designs. Will Smith's portrayal of the Genie was a highlight, bringing his signature humor and charm to the role while also paying homage to Robin Williams' iconic performance. Naomi Scott shone as Jasmine, portraying her as a strong, intelligent, and independent princess who is determined to make her own choices. Aladdin's success can be attributed to its ability to capture the magic and adventure of the original while also adding its own unique flair. It's a feel-good movie that reminds us of the importance of honesty, courage, and staying true to ourselves. So, grab your magic carpet and get ready for a ride filled with laughter, romance, and unforgettable musical moments!
4. The Lion King (2019)
While technically The Lion King (2019) isn't solely a Disney Princess movie, it certainly features a prominent and beloved female character: Nala! This photorealistic computer-animated remake of the classic 1994 film roared its way to box office glory, earning over $1.65 billion worldwide. Its stunning visuals, star-studded voice cast, and timeless story resonated with audiences of all ages, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. The film follows the story of Simba, a young lion cub who is destined to become king of the Pride Lands. But after his father, Mufasa, is tragically killed by his uncle Scar, Simba is forced to flee and leave his home behind. Along his journey, he meets Timon and Pumbaa, who teach him their carefree philosophy of "Hakuna Matata." As Simba grows up, he eventually realizes his responsibility to return to the Pride Lands and reclaim his rightful place as king. Nala, Simba's childhood friend, plays a crucial role in encouraging him to return and confront Scar. Voiced by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Nala is portrayed as a strong, courageous, and independent lioness who is determined to save her pride from Scar's tyrannical rule. The Lion King (2019) featured many of the iconic songs from the original film, including "Circle of Life," "Hakuna Matata," and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," while also adding new musical numbers that enhanced the emotional depth of the story. The photorealistic animation was truly groundbreaking, bringing the African savanna and its inhabitants to life in a way that was both realistic and breathtaking. The Lion King's success can be attributed to its ability to capture the heart and soul of the original while also pushing the boundaries of animation technology. It's a timeless story about family, responsibility, and finding your place in the world. So, prepare to be amazed by the stunning visuals, moved by the powerful story, and inspired by the courage of Simba and Nala!
5. Tangled (2010)
Letting down her golden hair and climbing to the top of the box office charts is Tangled (2010)! This delightful animated film brought a fresh and modern twist to the classic Rapunzel story, enchanting audiences with its stunning visuals, catchy songs, and heartwarming characters. Grossing over $592 million worldwide, Tangled proved that Disney Princess stories could still be relevant and exciting for a new generation. The film follows the story of Rapunzel, a princess with magical golden hair who has been locked away in a tower her entire life by the evil Mother Gothel. When a charming thief named Flynn Rider stumbles upon her tower, Rapunzel seizes the opportunity to escape and see the world. Together, they embark on a hilarious and heartwarming adventure, discovering the truth about Rapunzel's past and finding true love along the way. Tangled broke away from the traditional Disney Princess mold by creating a protagonist who was both strong and vulnerable, adventurous and naive. Rapunzel's determination to follow her dreams and her unwavering belief in the good in others resonated with audiences of all ages. The animation in Tangled was truly groundbreaking, with its seamless blend of traditional and computer-generated techniques. The characters were expressive and endearing, and the landscapes were vibrant and breathtaking. The songs were catchy and memorable, with "I See the Light" becoming an instant classic. Tangled's success can be attributed to its ability to blend classic fairy tale elements with modern storytelling techniques. It's a film that celebrates individuality, courage, and the power of believing in yourself. So, get ready to be swept away by Rapunzel's golden hair, Flynn Rider's roguish charm, and the heartwarming message of Tangled!
These films represent just a fraction of the magic that Disney Princess movies have brought to the world. Their box office success is a testament to their enduring appeal and the power of storytelling to capture our hearts and imaginations. So, whether you're a fan of classic fairy tales or modern adventures, there's a Disney Princess movie out there for everyone to enjoy! These movies are more than just entertainment; they are cultural touchstones that continue to inspire and delight audiences around the globe.