Wish upon a star: Watch these iconic Disney movies with the princesses
Disney still holds court as the studio that turned fairy tales into an empire, scooping up franchises and rights while keeping its crown jewels front and center. The Disney movies with princesses remain the originals that built the brand, long before the MCU or Star Wars entered the picture. These heroines have delivered decades of lessons on resilience and kindness, paired with earworm soundtracks that refuse to fade. Every generation claims a favorite, from the wide-eyed curiosity of Ariel to the lantern-lit determination of Rapunzel. When the mood calls for pure nostalgia and a family movie night, these titles deliver without fail.
Cinderella
The 1950 classic still leads with its buoyant score and the enduring message to keep wishing even when the odds look grim. A crisp 4K restoration now streams on Disney+, letting new viewers catch every detail of the pumpkin coach and glass slipper. The mice remain scene-stealers, their “Work Song” turning chores into an anthem, while Lucifer the cat keeps the stakes light but clear. Netflix has a 2026 animated reimagining titled Steps on the way that shifts focus to the stepsisters, yet the original’s charm stays untouched. The stepmother’s frost and the stepsisters’ comic cruelty continue to land exactly as intended, giving the story its lasting bite.
The Little Mermaid
Released in 1989, this undersea adventure still earns praise for its fluid animation and sweeping coral sequences that hold up decades later. Ariel’s search for belonging resonates with anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds. Sebastian’s matchmaking energy turned him into an instant fan favorite, and Ursula’s larger-than-life presence gave the film its most delicious villain. The 2023 live-action remake with Halle Bailey as Ariel brought the story to a fresh audience, yet the hand-drawn original keeps its singular glow. The songs still prompt sing-alongs, and the underwater world remains a benchmark for visual storytelling.
Beauty and the Beast
The 1991 film earned its “tale as old as time” status by showing love that grows rather than strikes at first sight. Belle and the Beast build connection through shared curiosity and mutual respect, a dynamic that feels grounded even inside an enchanted castle. Lumiere’s “Be Our Guest” number still steals every rewatch. The 2017 live-action version and the long-running Broadway musical keep expanding the story’s reach. A live-action Gaston spinoff film was announced in December 2025, signaling that the enchanted world still has more chapters ahead.
Moana
Moana arrived in 2016 as a fresh addition to the Disney princess lineup, trading glass slippers for ocean voyages and quiet inner strength. Her journey blends Polynesian mythology with a heroine who leads through courage and connection rather than rescue. Dwayne Johnson returns as Maui in the live-action adaptation slated for July 10, 2026, with Catherine Laga’aia stepping into the title role and Auli’i Cravalho serving as executive producer. The original animated film already sits among the most streamed princess titles, and the upcoming remake promises to bring its Pacific-island spirit to an even wider audience.
Recent Live-Action Adaptations
Disney’s recent slate has moved several princess-adjacent stories from animation to live-action with mixed but steady results. Snow White reached theaters in March 2025, while Lilo & Stitch followed in May 2025, each updating classic characters for new viewers. These releases sit alongside the 2023 Little Mermaid remake and keep the conversation about reimaginings alive. Fans continue to revisit the originals, yet the new versions supply fresh casting choices and updated production design that spark renewed interest in the source material.
Tangled / Rapunzel
The 2010 film Tangled introduced Rapunzel as a resourceful princess whose lantern scene became an instant visual landmark. Her blend of artistic talent, quick wit, and reluctant adventure made her stand out among earlier heroines. A live-action remake is back in active development as of October 2025 after earlier pauses, keeping the tower-bound story in the pipeline. The original’s mix of comedy, romance, and Flynn Rider’s roguish charm still draws repeat watches, and the upcoming project signals that Rapunzel’s tale continues to hold studio attention.
Upcoming Disney Princess Projects
Looking ahead, Disney has several princess-related titles on the calendar that extend the legacy beyond the classics already discussed. Frozen III is slated for November 2027, continuing Elsa and Anna’s story with new songs and stakes. Hexed, an original animated feature arriving November 25, 2026, centers on a teenage girl discovering magical powers, offering a potential new entry point for future princess storytelling. These projects sit alongside the Moana and Tangled live-action efforts, showing that the studio plans to keep both sequels and fresh faces in rotation. Whether viewers return to the 1950 Cinderella or queue up the 2026 Moana remake, the Disney movies with princesses keep evolving while their core appeal stays intact.
